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.
l Run the BIOS Recovery utility, wait for recovery completion, and then restart the computer.
l If the problem persists, contact Dell (see Contacting Dell).
A possible processor failure has
occurred.
l Reseat the processor (see Processors).
l If the problem persists, contact Dell (see Contacting Dell).
Memory modules are detected,
but a memory failure has
occurred.
l If two or more memory modules are installed, remove the modules (see System Memory), then
reinstall one 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.
l If available, install working memory of the same type into your computer (see System Memory).
l If the problem persists, contact Dell (see Contacting Dell).
A possible graphics card failure
has occurred.
l Reseat any installed graphics cards (see Expansion Cards).
l If available, install a working graphics card into your computer.
l If the problem persists, contact Dell (see Contacting Dell).
A possible hard drive failure has
occurred.
l Reseat all power and data cables and restart the computer.
l If the problem persists, contact Dell (see Contacting Dell).
A possible USB failure has
occurred.
l Reinstall all USB devices, check cable connections, and then restart the computer.
l If the problem persists, contact Dell (see Contacting Dell).
No memory modules are
detected.
l If two or more memory modules are installed, remove the modules (see System Memory), then
reinstall one 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.
l If available, install working memory of the same type into your computer (see System Memory).
l If the problem persists, contact Dell (see Contacting Dell).
System board failure has
occurred.
l Contact Dell (see Contacting Dell).
Memory modules are detected,
but a memory configuration or
compatibility error exists.
l Ensure that no special requirements for memory module/connector placement exist (see System
Memory).
l Ensure that the memory you are using is supported by your computer (see System Memory).
l If the problem persists, contact Dell (see Contacting Dell).
A possible system board
resource and/or hardware
failure has occurred.
l See your computer's Setup and Quick Reference Guide for instructions on restoring the operating
system.
l If the problem persists, contact Dell (see Contacting Dell).
A possible expansion card failure
has occurred.
1. Determine if a conflict exists by removing an expansion card (not a graphics card) and restarting
the computer (see Expansion Cards).
2. If the problem persists, reinstall the card you removed, then remove a different card and restart
the computer.
3. Repeat this process for each expansion card installed. If the computer starts normally,
troubleshoot the last card removed from the computer for resource conflicts (see your computer's
Setup and Quick Reference Guide for instructions on restoring the operating system).
4. If the problem persists, contact Dell (see Contacting Dell).
Another failure has occurred.
l Ensure that all hard drive and CD/DVD drive cables are properly connected to the system board
(see System Board).
l If 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.
l If the operating system is attempting to boot from a device (such as the CD/DVD drive), check
the system setup program (see the Dell Technology Guide) to ensure that the boot sequence is
correct for the devices installed on your computer.
l If the problem persists, contact Dell (see Contacting Dell).
