Dell Latitude Xpi CD - Manual (Page 50)

3-10 Dell Latitude XPi CD Reference and Troubleshooting Guide
System Beep Codes
When errors that occur during the boot routine cannot be
reported on the built-in display or on an external monitor
(if attached), the computer may emit a series of beeps that
identify 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 ran-
dom-access memory (NVRAM). This information is
important to the Dell support staff 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 5, and then
look it up in Table 3-3. 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 4, “Running the Dell Diagnostics.”) If you are still
unable to resolve the problem, call Dell for technical assis-
tance. (See Chapter 5, “Getting Help,” for instructions.)
Table 3-3 lists the beep codes and possible corrective
actions.
Time-of-day
clock stopped
The reserve battery that sup-
ports the data stored in
NVRAM may be dead. Connect your computer to AC power to charge the bat-
tery. If the problem persists, call Dell for technical
assistance. (For instructions, see Chapter 5, “Getting
Help.”)
Time-of-day
not set—please
run the System
Setup program
The time or date stored in the
System Setup program does not
match the system clock. Correct the settings for the DATE and TIME options. (For
instructions, see “Using the System Setup Program” in
Chapter 2.)
Timer chip
counter 2
failed
A chip on the system board
may be malfunctioning. Run the System Set Test Group in the Dell diagnostics.
(For instructions, see Chapter 4, “Running the Dell
Diagnostics.”)
Unexpected
interrupt in
protected mode
The keyboard controller may be
malfunctioning, or an installed
memory module may be loose. Run the RAM Test Group and the Keyboard Controller
Test in the Dell diagnostics. (For instructions, see Chapter
4, “Running the Dell Diagnostics.”)
Warning! Bat-
tery is
critically low.
The battery is running out of
charge. Replace the battery, or connect the computer to AC
power. Otherwise, activate suspend-to-disk mode or
turn off the computer. (For more information, see the
topic titled “Final Low-Battery Warning” in the online
System User’s Guide.)
Table 3-2. System Error Messages (Continued)
Message Cause Action
NOTE: For the full name of an abbreviation or acronym used in this table, see the Glossary in the online System User’s Guide.