Beep codes – Dell OptiPlex 160 (Late 2008) User Manual
Page 44

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
).
A possible BIOS failure has
occurred; the computer is in
the recovery mode.
l
Clear CMOS (see
Clearing CMOS Settings
)
l
Re-flash the BIOS or install a BIOS update (see
Flashing the BIOS
) and restart the computer.
l
If the problem persists, contact Dell (see
Contacting Dell
).
A possible processor failure
has occurred.
l
Contact Dell (see
Contacting Dell
).
Memory modules are detected,
but a memory failure has
occurred.
l
If two memory modules are installed, remove the modules (see
Removing a Memory Module
), then
reinstall one module (see
Replacing a Memory 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
Memory
).
l
If the problem persists, contact Dell (see
Contacting Dell
).
A possible PCI device failure
has occurred.
l
If a wireless card is installed, remove the card (see
Removing the Wireless Card
) an restart your
computer. If the problem disappears, install a new wireless card.
l
If the problem persists, contact Dell (see
Contacting Dell
).
A possible graphics failure has
occurred.
l
Contact Dell (see
Contacting Dell
).
A possible storage device
failure has occurred.
l
If a hard drive is installed, reseat the drive's power and data cable connectors (see
Removing the
Hard Drive Bracket Assembly
) and restart your computer.
l
If a NVRAM module is installed, reseat the module (see
NVRAM Module
) and restart your 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 memory modules are installed, remove the modules (see
Removing a Memory Module
), then
reinstall one module (see
Replacing a Memory 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
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
Memory
).
l
Ensure that the memory you are using is supported by your computer (see
Memory
).
l
If the problem persists, contact Dell (see
Contacting Dell
).
A possible system board
resource and/or hardware
failure has occurred.
l
Contact Dell (see
Contacting Dell
).
Another failure has occurred.
l
If a hard drive is installed, reseat the drive's power and data cable connectors (see
Hard Drive
Assembly (Optional)
) and restart your computer.
l
If a NVRAM module is installed, reseat the module (see
NVRAM Module
) and restart your computer.
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 a CD/DVD drive), check BIOS
settings to ensure the boot sequence is correct for the devices installed on your computer.
l
If the problem persists, contact Dell (see
Contacting Dell
).
Code
(repetitive
short beeps)
Description
Suggested Resolution
1
BIOS checksum failure.
Possible system board
failure.
l
Contact Dell (see
Contacting Dell
).
2
No memory modules are
detected.
l
If two memory modules are installed, remove the modules (see
Removing a Memory Module
), then
reinstall one module (see
Replacing a Memory Module
) and restart the computer. If the computer starts