Beep Codes
Your computer might emit a series of beeps during start-up if the monitor cannot display errors or problems. This series of beeps, called a beep code, identifies
a problem. One possible beep code (code 1-3-1) consists of one beep, a burst of three beeps, and then one beep. This beep code tells you that the computer
encountered a memory problem.
If your computer beeps during start-up:
1. Write down the beep code on the Diagnostics Checklist.
Memory modules are detected,
but a memory failure has occurred.
1. If you have one memory module installed, reinstall it and restart the computer.
2. If you have two or more memory modules installed, remove the modules, reinstall one
module, and then restart the computer. If the computer starts normally, reinstall an additional
module.
3. If available, install properly working memory of the same type into your computer.
4. If the problem persists, contact Dell.
A possible floppy or hard drive
failure has occurred.
Reseat all power and data cables and restart the computer.
A possible USB failure has
occurred.
Reinstall all USB devices, check cable connections, and then restart the computer.
No memory modules are detected.
1. If you have one memory module installed, reinstall it and restart the computer.
2. If you have two or more memory modules installed, remove the modules, reinstall one
module, and then restart the computer. If the computer starts normally, reinstall an additional
module. Continue until you have identified a faulty module or reinstalled all modules without
error.
3. If available, install properly working memory of the same type into your computer.
4. If the problem persists, contact Dell.
CMOS RAM is not functioning.
Memory modules are detected,
but a memory configuration or
compatibility error exists.
1. Ensure that no special memory module/memory connector placement requirements exist (see
"Memory Installation Guidelines.")
2. Verify that the memory modules that you are installing are compatible with your computer.
3. If the problem persists, contact Dell.
1. Ensure that the cables are properly connected to the system board from the hard drive.
2. Check the computer message that appears on your monitor screen.
3. If the problem persists, contact Dell.
The computer is in a normal
operating condition after POST.
