There is not a list that one size fits all models.
From Desktop Precision 340
Computer Beep Codes
<ADMIN NOTE: Broken link has been removed from this post by Dell>
Computer Beep Codes
If an error occurs during startup that cannot be reported on the monitor, your computer may emit a beep code that identifies 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 NVRAM.
If a beep code is emitted, write it down on a copy of the Diagnostics Checklist and look it up in the following table. 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. If you are still unable to resolve the problem, contact Dell for technical assistance.
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
1-2-2
DMA initialization failure
1-2-3
DMA page register read/write failure
1-3
Video memory failure
1-3-1 through 2-4-4
Memory modules 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 failure
3-3-1
NVRAM power loss
3-3-2
NVRAM configuration
3-3-3
Real-time clock (RTC) or keyboard controller not found
Yes, for older models the information is available but what about newer models eg Latitude D430 where you can't seem to download a manual as pdf. I have tried in the past to search for beep codes but to no avail.
There is a comment in the User's Guide that you should make a note of beep codes when contacting Technical Support but there is no list of the beep codes - this appears to be the case for most desktops/laptops. This is not helpful - I have had two recent conversations with Technical Support, one where the technician had not heard of beep codes, the other where they wanted me to pay to update the BIOS as the solution, without knowing what the beep code meant. I know one of the problems with the machine - I just need to check that there is nothing else - I am not seeking help with this issue (thank you for your reply anyway) but asking if anyone knows where there are lists of beep codes for (new) desktops/laptops.
hi, when i hit the power button on my Dell Inspiron 15.6 touch screen laptop, it lights up, but has 4 beeps 3 times and the screen is still black. I have lost my manual so I don't know what the 12 beeps codes are. Please Help.
Four beeps indicates a memory error - three is a mainboard failure.
Unplug the system, remove the battery (or disconnect it ) and hold the power button for 30 sec. Remove and reinstall both memory modules and try powering up -- if you still get nothing, try one module at a time until you isolate the bad module (replace) or bad socket (replace the mainboard).
If you get a 3-beep/no start sequence, the mainboard is bad and will need to be replaced.
speedstep
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July 14th, 2011 07:00
There is not a list that one size fits all models.
From Desktop Precision 340
<ADMIN NOTE: Broken link has been removed from this post by Dell>
Computer Beep Codes
If an error occurs during startup that cannot be reported on the monitor, your computer may emit a beep code that identifies 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 NVRAM.
If a beep code is emitted, write it down on a copy of the Diagnostics Checklist and look it up in the following table. 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. If you are still unable to resolve the problem, contact Dell for technical assistance.
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
1-2-2
DMA initialization failure
1-2-3
DMA page register read/write failure
1-3
Video memory failure
1-3-1
through
2-4-4
Memory modules 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 failure
3-3-1
NVRAM power loss
3-3-2
NVRAM configuration
3-3-3
Real-time clock (RTC) or keyboard controller not found
3-3-4
Video memory failure
3-4-1
Video initialization failure
3-4-2
Video retrace failure
3-4-3
Search for video ROM failure
4-2-1
Timer tick failure
4-2-2
Shutdown failure
4-2-3
Gate A20 failure
4-2-4
Unexpected interrupt in protected mode
4-3-1
Memory failure above address 0FFFFh
4-3-3
Timer-chip channel 2 failure
4-3-4
Time-of-day clock stopped
4-4-1
Serial or parallel connector failure
5-1-2-3
Memory read/write failure
5-2-2-1
Mismatch or unsupported memory modules
5-2-2-2
Mismatch memory module pair
5-2-2-3
Unable to initialize memory modules
ejn63
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August 4th, 2016 04:00
It would help to know what model you have, but it's a memory error, most likely.
MartinMWCS
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July 14th, 2011 08:00
Yes, for older models the information is available but what about newer models eg Latitude D430 where you can't seem to download a manual as pdf. I have tried in the past to search for beep codes but to no avail.
speedstep
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July 15th, 2011 06:00
I don't see beep codes.
One common indicator is all 3 lights flashing.
This means No Ram or Bad Ram.
Dell Latitude D430 - Documentation
This list is a guess based on experience with the D Series.
Code Description Suggested Remedy
(repetitive
short beeps)
1 Bios Checksum Error Contact Dell
2 No Ram Detected If you have 2 or more ram modules insert them 1 at a time to test.
3 Motherboard Failure Contact Dell
4 Ram Read Write Failure Check Memory Module placement aka Slot 1 vs Slot 2 etc.
5 RTC Clock Failure Check Reserve and CMOS clock battery.
6 Video Bios Failure Contact Dell
7 CPU Cache Failure Contact Dell
MartinMWCS
3 Posts
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July 15th, 2011 07:00
There is a comment in the User's Guide that you should make a note of beep codes when contacting Technical Support but there is no list of the beep codes - this appears to be the case for most desktops/laptops. This is not helpful - I have had two recent conversations with Technical Support, one where the technician had not heard of beep codes, the other where they wanted me to pay to update the BIOS as the solution, without knowing what the beep code meant. I know one of the problems with the machine - I just need to check that there is nothing else - I am not seeking help with this issue (thank you for your reply anyway) but asking if anyone knows where there are lists of beep codes for (new) desktops/laptops.
speedstep
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July 15th, 2011 11:00
In the case of the D430 not that I can tell.
I do not consider the "D" series to be new.
estherrene87
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July 30th, 2016 22:00
hi, when i hit the power button on my Dell Inspiron 15.6 touch screen laptop, it lights up, but has 4 beeps 3 times and the screen is still black. I have lost my manual so I don't know what the 12 beeps codes are. Please Help.
ejn63
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July 31st, 2016 04:00
Four beeps indicates a memory error - three is a mainboard failure.
Unplug the system, remove the battery (or disconnect it ) and hold the power button for 30 sec. Remove and reinstall both memory modules and try powering up -- if you still get nothing, try one module at a time until you isolate the bad module (replace) or bad socket (replace the mainboard).
If you get a 3-beep/no start sequence, the mainboard is bad and will need to be replaced.
Bold-Black-Beau
3 Posts
0
August 3rd, 2016 21:00
Hi, I have 4-4-4-4 x 3
Bold-Black-Beau
3 Posts
0
August 5th, 2016 21:00
No, it only shows 4-4-4. My Dell beeps 4 times in sequences of 3. Thanks
Bold-Black-Beau
3 Posts
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August 5th, 2016 21:00
Hello, I have a Dell 15.6