Beep Codes
Your computer may emit a series of beeps during start-up if the monitor cannot display errors or problems. For example, one possible beep code may consist
of three short, repeated beeps indicating that the computer has encountered a possible system board failure.
If your computer emits a series of beeps during start-up:
1. Write down the beep code.
2. Run the Dell Diagnostics to further identify the problem. (see Dell Diagnostics).
A possible BIOS failure has
occurred; the computer is in
the recovery mode.
lClear CMOS (see Clearing CMOS Settings)
lRe-flash the BIOS or install a BIOS update (see Flashing the BIOS) and restart the computer.
lIf the problem persists, contact Dell (see Contacting Dell).
A possible processor failure
has occurred.
lContact Dell (see Contacting Dell).
Memory modules are detected,
but a memory failure has
occurred.
lIf two memory modules are installed, remove the modules (see Removing a Memory Module), then
reinstall one module (see Replacing a Memory Module) and restart the computer. If the computer
starts normally, continue to install additional memory modules (one at a time) until you have
identified a faulty module or reinstalled all modules without error.
lIf available, install working memory of the same type into your computer (see Memory).
lIf the problem persists, contact Dell (see Contacting Dell).
A possible PCI device failure
has occurred.
lIf a wireless card is installed, remove the card (see Removing the Wireless Card) an restart your
computer. If the problem disappears, install a new wireless card.
lIf the problem persists, contact Dell (see Contacting Dell).
A possible graphics failure has
occurred.
lContact Dell (see Contacting Dell).
A possible storage device
failure has occurred.
lIf a hard drive is installed, reseat the drive's power and data cable connectors (see Removing the
Hard Drive Bracket Assembly) and restart your computer.
lIf a NVRAM module is installed, reseat the module (see NVRAM Module) and restart your computer.
lIf the problem persists, contact Dell (see Contacting Dell).
A possible USB failure has
occurred.
lReinstall all USB devices, check cable connections, and then restart the computer.
lIf the problem persists, contact Dell (see Contacting Dell).
No memory modules are
detected.
lIf two memory modules are installed, remove the modules (see Removing a Memory Module), then
reinstall one module (see Replacing a Memory Module) and restart the computer. If the computer
starts normally, continue to install additional memory modules (one at a time) until you have
identified a faulty module or reinstalled all modules without error.
lIf available, install working memory of the same type into your computer (see Memory).
lIf the problem persists, contact Dell (see Contacting Dell).
System board failure has
occurred.
lContact Dell (see Contacting Dell).
Memory modules are detected,
but a memory configuration or
compatibility error exists.
lEnsure that no special requirements for memory module/connector placement exist (see Memory).
lEnsure that the memory you are using is supported by your computer (see Memory).
lIf the problem persists, contact Dell (see Contacting Dell).
A possible system board
resource and/or hardware
failure has occurred.
lContact Dell (see Contacting Dell).
Another failure has occurred.
lIf a hard drive is installed, reseat the drive's power and data cable connectors (see Hard Drive
Assembly (Optional)) and restart your computer.
lIf a NVRAM module is installed, reseat the module (see NVRAM Module) and restart your computer.
lIf there is an error message on the screen identifying a problem with a device (such as the hard
drive), check the device to make sure it is functioning properly.
lIf the operating system is attempting to boot from a device (such as a CD/DVD drive), check BIOS
settings to ensure the boot sequence is correct for the devices installed on your computer.
lIf the problem persists, contact Dell (see Contacting Dell).
Code
(repetitive
short beeps)
Description
Suggested Resolution
1
BIOS checksum failure.
Possible system board
failure.
lContact Dell (see Contacting Dell).
2
No memory modules are
detected.
lIf two memory modules are installed, remove the modules (see Removing a Memory Module), then
reinstall one module (see Replacing a Memory Module) and restart the computer. If the computer starts