Messages and Codes 3-9
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When an error that cannot be reported on the monitor occurs during a boot routine,
the computer may emit a series of beeps that identifies the problem. The
beep code
is
a pattern of sounds; for example, one beep followed by a second beep and then a
burst of three beeps (code 1-1-3) means that the computer was unable to read the
data in nonvolatile random-access memory (NVRAM). This information is valuable to
the Dell technical support representative if you need to call for technical assistance.
When a beep code is emitted, write it down on a copy of the Diagnostics Checklist
found in Chapter 11, “Getting Help,” and then look it up in Table 3-2. If you are unable
to resolve the problem by looking up the meaning of the beep code, use the Dell
Diagnostics to identify a more serious cause (see Chapter 5, “Running the Dell Diag-
nostics”). If you are still unable to resolve the problem, see Chapter 11, “Getting
Help,” for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.
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1-1-3 NVRAM write/read failure Replace the system board. See Chapter 11,
“Getting Help,” for instructions on obtain-
ing technical assistance.
1-1-4 BIOS checksum failure This fatal error usually requires that you
replace the BIOS firmware. See Chapter 11,
“Getting Help,” for instructions on obtain-
ing technical assistance.
1-2-1
1-2-2
1-2-3
Programmable interval-
timer failure
DMA initialization failure
DMA page register write/
read failure
Replace the system board. See Chapter 11,
“Getting Help,” for instructions on obtain-
ing technical assistance.
1-3-1 Main-memory refresh
verification failure
Remove and reseat the DIMMs. If the
problem persists, replace the DIMMs. See
“Adding Memory” in Chapter 8 for instruc-
tions on installing or removing DIMMs. If
the problem still persists, replace the sys-
tem board. See Chapter 11, “Getting
Help,” for instructions on obtaining techni-
cal assistance.
NOTE: For the full name of an abbreviation or acronym used in this table, see the abbreviations and
acronyms list that precedes the Index.