Quick Reference Guide

3-10 Dell PowerEdge 2450 Systems Installation and Troubleshooting Guide
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When an error that cannot be reported on the monitor occurs during a boot routine,
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 random-access memory (NVRAM). This information is valuable to
the Dell technical support representative if you need to call for technical assistance.
NOTE: If the system boots without a keyboard, mouse, or monitor attached, the com-
puter will not issue beep codes related to these peripherals.
When a beep code is emitted, record it on a copy of the Diagnostics Checklist in
Chapter 11, “Getting Help,” and then look it up in Table 3-2. If you are unable to
resolve the problem by looking up the meaning of the beep code, use the Dell Diag-
nostics to identify a more serious cause. If you are still unable to resolve the problem,
see Chapter 11, “Getting Help,” for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.
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1-1-3 CMOS write/read failure Replace the system board. See
Chapter 11, “Getting Help,” for
instructions on obtaining technical
assistance.
1-1-4 BIOS checksum failure This fatal error usually requires that
you replace the BIOS firmware. See
Chapter 11, “Getting Help,” for
instructions on obtaining technical
assistance.
1-2-1 Programmable interval-timer
failure
Replace the system board. See
Chapter 11, “Getting Help,” for
instructions on obtaining technical
assistance.
1-2-2 DMA initialization failure
1-2-3 DMA page register write/read
failure
1-3-1 Main-memory refresh verifica-
tion failure
Remove and reseat the DIMMs. If
the problem persists, replace the
DIMMs. If the problem still persists,
replace the system board. See
Chapter 11, “Getting Help,” for
instructions on obtaining technical
assistance.
NOTE: For the full name of an abbreviation or acronym used in this table, see “Abbreviations and
Acronyms."