Dell Understanding Beep Codes and Troubleshooting for BIOS Issues

Beep Codes

Your computer may emit a series of beeps during start up. The series of beeps is called a beep code and can be used to help identify a problem with your computer.

If your computer emits a series of beeps during start-up:

1Write down the beep code.

2Run the Dell Diagnostics to identify the cause (see "Dell Diagnostics" on page 36).

Code	Cause
2 short, 1 long	BIOS checksum error
1 long, 3 short, 2 short	Memory error
1 short	F12 key pressed

Code	Description	Suggested Remedy
(repetitive
short beeps)
1	BIOS checksum	Contact Dell (see "Contacting Dell" in
	failure. Possible	your User’s Guide).
	motherboard failure.
2	No memory modules	• If two or more memory modules are
	are detected.	installed, remove the modules
		(see "Memory" in your User’s Guide),
		reinstall one module, and then 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.
		• If available, install working memory of
		the same type into your computer
		(see "Memory" in your User’s Guide).
		• If the problem persists, contact Dell (see
		"Contacting Dell" in your User’s Guide).
3	Possible motherboard	Contact Dell (see "Contacting Dell" in
	failure.	your User’s Guide).

Quick Reference Guide

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