Dell Beep Codes Diagnostic Indicators Chart

Created by Roscoe Dyer on June 25, 2014

How to identify beep codes:

When a laptop or computer first powers on, it goes through an initial set of diagnostic tests to make sure vital components are preforming correctly. These tests are called POST or Power On Self Test. When a test fails, the user is notified via POST codes, Light codes, or Beep codes. For diagnosing Beep codes you need to:

  • Power on the laptop or restart it if it is already on.
  • Listen to the number of consecutive beep when the computer begins to boot. Restarting the laptop may be necessary and should not harm the laptop at this time.

Dell Beep Codes and Causes:

# of Beeps Description Possible Cause(s)
1 BIOS ROM checksum in progress or failure System board failure, covers BIOS corruption or ROM errors.
2 No Memory (RAM) detected Memory or Memory slot failure
3
  • Chipset Error (North and South bridge error, DMA/IMR/Timer error)
  • Time-Of-Day Clock test failure
  • Gate A20 failure
  • Super I/O chip failure
  • Keyboard controller test failure
System board failure
4 Memory read / write failure Memory failure
5 Real Time Clock (RTC) power fail CMOS battery failure
6 Video BIOS test failure Video subsystem failure
7 CPU Cache test failure Processor failure
8 LCD LCD failure

Possible Solutions :

  • 1 Beep: Replace the motherboard / system board.
  • 2 Beeps: Reseat the memory or replace the memory.
  • 3 Beeps: Replace the motherboard / system board.
  • 4 Beeps: Reseat the memory or replace the memory.
  • 5 Beeps: Replace the CMOS battery.
  • 6 Beeps: Reseat or replace the video card or replace the motherboard / system board.
  • 7 Beeps: Reseat or replace the CPU.
  • 8 Beeps: Reseat the LCD cable or replace the LCD screen.

Reference: https://www.dell.com/support/article/us/en/04/sln293445/understanding-beep-codes-on-a-dell-desktop-pc?lang=en

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