Dell Dimension 5100 - Manual (Page 110)

Beep Codes
Your computer might emit a series of beeps during start-up if the monitor cannot display errors or problems. This series of beeps, called a beep code, identifies
a problem. One possible beep code (code 1-3-1) consists of one beep, a burst of three beeps, and then one beep. This beep code tells you that the computer
encountered a memory problem.
If your computer beeps during start-up:
1. Write down the beep code.
2. Run the Dell Diagnostics to identify a more serious cause.
3. Contact Dell for technical assistance (see your computer Owner's Manual for information about how to contact Dell).
A possible expansion card failure has
occurred. 1. Determine if a conflict exists by removing a card (not a graphics card) (see " Cards ")
and restarting the computer.
2. If the problem persists, reinstall the card that you removed, remove a different card,
and then restart the computer.
3. Repeat this process for each card. If the computer starts normally, troubleshoot the
last card removed from the computer for resource conflicts (see "Resolving Software
and Hardware Compatibilities" in your computer Owner's Manual).
4. If the problem persists, contact Dell (see your computer Owner's Manual for
information about how to contact Dell).
Another failure has occurred. l Ensure that the cables are properly connected to the system board from the hard
drive, CD drive, and DVD drive (see " System Board Components ").
l If there is an error message on your screen identifying a problem with a device
(such as the floppy drive or hard drive), check the device to ensure that it is
functioning properly.
l The operating system is attempting to boot from a device (such as the floppy drive
or hard drive); check system setup to ensure that the boot sequence is correct for
the devices installed on your computer.
l Check the computer message that appears on your monitor screen.
l If the problem persists, contact Dell (see your computer Owner's Manual for
information about how to contact Dell).
The computer is in a normal operating
condition after POST.
NOTE: The diagnostic lights are not lit after
the system successfully boots to the
operating system.
None.
Code Cause
1-1-2 Microprocessor register failure
1-1-3 NVRAM read/write failure
1-1-4 ROM BIOS checksum failure
1-2-1 Programmable interval timer failure
1-2-2 DMA initialization failure
1-2-3 DMA page register read/write failure
1-3 Video Memory Test failure
1-3-1 through 2-4-4 Memory not being properly identified or used
3-1-1 Slave DMA register failure
3-1-2 Master DMA register failure
3-1-3 Master interrupt mask register failure
3-1-4 Slave interrupt mask register failure
3-2-2 Interrupt vector loading failure
3-2-4 Keyboard Controller Test failure
3-3-1 NVRAM power loss
3-3-2 Invalid NVRAM configuration
3-3-4 Video Memory Test failure
3-4-1 Screen initialization failure
3-4-2 Screen retrace failure
3-4-3 Search for video ROM failure
4-2-1 No timer tick
4-2-2 Shutdown failure
4-2-3 Gate A20 failure