On Jan 23, 2
7 pm, "lenny109" <le...@thetakeout.com> wrote:
> Hi,
> I have a Dell PC that has suddenly stopped working. When I try to start it I
> get nothing except a series of beeps. It sounds like 6 beeps in a 1-2-1-2
> configuration or it could be 3 beeps twice. What does that mean?
A Dell PC. Laptop, Desktop, model?
Look for manuals here:
http://support.dell.com/support/topics/global.aspx/support/my_systems_info/manuals?c=us&l=en&s=gen
Speculation based on limited information:
1 Short beep - System is operating normally.
1 Long beep - Memory refresh circuitry has failed which indicates a
problem with the motherboard. Try reseating the memory DIMM or SIMM
modules. Make sure if you have added memory that it is rated at the
correct speed for the system.
1 Long 2 Short beeps - The video adapter has failed, or the video
memory is having a read/write failure. Try reseating the video card.
If the video card is a PCI video card, try moving it to another slot.
1 Long 3 Short beeps - The system does not detect a monitor. Verify
that the monitor cable is properly attached to the video card or the
onboard video and to the monitor (if the monitor has a detachable
cable). If possible, try another monitor on the system to verify that
the video adapter is operating properly.
2 or 3 beeps - There is a problem with the system’s memory. Reseat the
memory DIMM or SIMM modules.
4 beeps - This indicates a non-functional timer. This indicates a
problem with the motherboard.
5 beeps - This indicates a CPU (Central Processing Unit or processor)
failure. Try reseating the processor.
6 beeps - This indicates a keyboard controller failure. Try reseating
the keyboard connector.
7 beeps - Another indication of a processor problem. Reseat the
processor.
8 beeps - This indicates a video memory read/write failure. Reseat the
video card (if any) and memory DIMM or SIMM
modules.
9 or 10 beeps - This indicates a ROM (Read-Only Memory) checksum error
or shutdown register failure. This indicates a defective BIOS chip(s).
Reseat the BIOS chips.
11 beeps - Indicates an error in the cache memory. If the system has a
Pentium class processor, reseat the processor. If the system has a
cache memory module, try reseating it. These beep codes will vary
depending on the system