Beep Codes and Error Messages 3-1Chapter 3Beep Codes and Error MessagesThis chapter describes beep codes and system error messages that can occurduring POST or, in the case of some failures, during normal system operation.The tables in this chapter list faults that can cause a beep code or system errormessage to occur and the probable causes of the fault in each case.If a faulty system does not emit beep codes or display system error messages toindicate a failure, you should use the CD-based diagnostics to run the appropri-ate tests to help isolate the source of the problem. See “Running the SystemDiagnostics” in Chapter 2.POST Beep CodesIf the monitor cannot display error messages during the POST, the system mayemit a series of beeps that identifies the problem or that can help you identify afaulty component or assembly. Table 3-1 lists the beep codes that may be gener-ated during the POST. Most beep codes indicate a fatal error that prevents thesystem from completing the boot routine until the indicated condition iscorrected.When the system emits a beep code, record the code and then find it inTable 3-1. If the table does not lead to the source of the problem, run the appro-priate tests in the diskette-based diagnostics to assist in troubleshooting theproblem. Table 3-1. POST Beep CodesBeep Code Error Probable Causes1-2 Invalid expansion-cardROM checksumImproperly seated expansioncard or the system needsrebooting.1-2-2-3 Invalid BIOS ROM check-sumCorrupted BIOS firmware ordefective system board.1-3-1-1 DRAM refresh failure Defective DIMMs orsystem board. Reseat theDIMMs or replace thesystem board.