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A Reference Guide to the Dell OptiPlex Diagnostic Indicators

Summary: The following article is specific to the OptiPlex desktops. It lists the diagnostic LEDs and Beeps that are built into them for diagnostic use during a No POST situation.

This article applies to This article does not apply to This article is not tied to any specific product. Not all product versions are identified in this article.

Instructions

Dell OptiPlex computers have a long history of integrated diagnostic indicators that provide important insight when a computer fails the Power On Self-Test (POST). These indicators can be audible beeps, power buttons that display different states and colors, specific diagnostic LEDs, or a combination of these.

This article is a reference guide to the codes available on each model and what those codes mean. You can use this guide as a starting point to find your own solution, or you can contact technical support for further help. If you do contact us, our technicians may ask for your diagnostic codes in order to better understand your issue.


Table of Contents:

  1. Diagnostic LEDs for the OptiPlex series (2020 to Present)
  2. Diagnostic LEDs for the OptiPlex series (2012 to 2020)
  3. Diagnostic LEDs for the OptiPlex series (2009 to 2012)
  4. Diagnostic LEDs for the OptiPlex series (2005 to 2009)
  5. Diagnostic LEDs for the OptiPlex series (Prior to 2005)
  6. OptiPlex Audible Beep Codes
  7. Glossary of Acronyms
  8. Recommended Articles

NOTE: If you do not see any LEDs, or only a Flashing Amber Power LED, your computer may be experiencing a power issue before the POST starts. If so, see the Dell Knowledge Base article: How to Troubleshoot a No Power Issue on your Dell Desktop.
NOTE: For the tables below, remember that the diagnostic LEDs only indicate how far through the POST process could be completed. They do not indicate the problem that caused the POST routine to stop. You can find out more in the Dell Knowledge Base article: Resolve No Power, No POST, No Boot or No Video issues with your Dell Computer.
NOTE: If your computer successfully completes POST and then displays a black screen, you are likely experiencing a No Boot issue and not a No POST issue. See the Dell Knowledge Base article: Resolve No Power, No POST, No Boot or No Video issues with your Dell Computer.

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Diagnostic LEDs for the OptiPlex series (2020 to Present)

With the latest series, the Power Button state now gives more accurate errors. Using a blink and color shift pattern to indicate where it has a problem.

desktop optiplex

NOTE: If you have an OptiPlex All In One (AIO) Computer, use the reference tables below.
NOTE: To see the contents of a section, click the heading to expand that section, or show all to expand all the sections.
Power Button LED State Description
Power LED Off Off Power is Off. LED is blank.
Power LED Blink Amber Blinking Amber This is the initial state of the LED at power-up. See the table below for Blinking Amber pattern diagnostic suggestions and possible failures.
Power LED Amber Solid Amber The second state of the LED at power-up indicates that the POWER_GOOD signal is active, the power supply is likely OK.
Blinking White Blinking White The computer is in a low-power state, either S1 or S3. This does not indicate a fault condition.
Power LED White Solid White The computer is in S0 state. This is the normal power state of a functioning machine. The BIOS turns the LED to this state to indicate it has started fetching op-codes.
Power Light:
Amber Blinking
Amber Blinking Pattern Problem Description Suggested Resolution
1, 1 One blink followed by a short pause, one blink then a long pause, then it repeats. MBIST: TPM
TPM Detection Failure
1, 2 One blink followed by a short pause, two blinks, then a long pause, then it repeats. MBIST: SPI Flash
Unrecoverable SPI Flash Failure
1, 5 One blink followed by a short pause, five blinks, then a long pause, then it repeats. i-Fuse Failure
EC unable to program i-Fuse
1, 6 One blink followed by a short pause, six blinks, then a long pause, then it repeats. EC internal Failure
Generic catch-all for ungrateful EC code flow errors
  • Disconnect all power sources and drain the flea power by holding down the power button.
2, 1 two blinks followed by a short pause, one blink, long pause, then repeats. CPU Failure
2, 2 two blinks followed by a short pause, two blinks, long pause, then repeats. Bad Motherboard, Power Supply, or Power Supply cabling
2, 3 two blinks followed by a short pause, three blinks, long pause, then repeats. No Memory/RAM detected
  • If you can troubleshoot, narrow down the issue by reseating the memory and swapping a known working memory module, if available.
  • If nothing works, contact Dell technical support.
2, 4 two blinks followed by a short pause, four blinks, long pause, then repeats. Memory RAM Failure
2, 5 two blinks followed by a short pause, five blinks, long pause, then repeats. Invalid Memory is installed
2, 6 two blinks followed by a short pause, six blinks, long pause, then repeats. Motherboard/Chipset Error
2, 7 two blinks followed by a short pause, seven blinks, long pause, then repeats. LCD Failure - SBIOS message
2, 8 two blinks followed by a short pause, eight blinks, long pause, then repeats. LCD Failure - EC detection of Power Rail failure
3, 1 three blinks followed by a short pause, one blink, long pause, then repeats. RTC Power Failure CMOS Battery Failure
3, 2 three blinks followed by a short pause, two blinks, long pause, then repeats. PCI of Video card/chip Failure
3, 3 three blinks followed by a short pause, three blinks, long pause, then repeats. BIOS Recovery 1: Image not found
3, 4 three blinks followed by a short pause, four blinks, long pause, then repeats. BIOS Recovery 2: Image found but invalid
3, 5 three blinks followed by a short pause, five blinks, long pause, then repeats. Power Rail Failure: EC ran into a power sequencing failure.
3, 6 three blinks followed by a short pause, six blinks, long pause, then repeats. Paid SPI Volume Error
3, 7 three blinks followed by a short pause, seven blinks, long pause, then repeats. ME error. Timeout waiting on ME to reply to HECI message
4, 1 four blinks followed by a short pause, one blink, long pause, then repeats. Memory DIMM Power Rail Failure
4, 2 four blinks followed by a short pause, two blinks, long pause, then repeats. CPU Power cable connection issue
NOTE: On any OptiPlex built since 2012 (that is, 7010/9010/9010 AIO), Dell has stopped using all beep codes except for the Memory Failure code. (1, 3, 2, or one beep, then three beeps, then two beeps.) If your computer was built after 2012 and is making any other beep code, contact technical support for further help.

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Diagnostic LEDs for the OptiPlex series (2012 to 2020)

With this series, the diagnostics indicator LEDs were removed. Instead, the Power Button state gives a blink and color shift pattern to indicate where it had a problem. You can identify these computers by the fact that there is no Diagnostics LED block on the front of the unit.

OptiPlex 2012

NOTE: If you have an OptiPlex All In One (AIO) Computer, use the reference tables below.
NOTE: To see the contents of a section, click the heading to expand that section.
Power Button LED State Description
Power LED Off Off Power is Off. LED is blank.
Power LED Blink Amber Blinking Amber This is the initial state of the LED at power-up. See the table below for Blinking Amber pattern diagnostic suggestions and possible failures.
Power LED Amber Solid Amber The second state of the LED at power-up indicates that the POWER_GOOD signal is active, the power supply is likely OK.
Blinking White Blinking White The computer is in a low-power state, either S1 or S3. This does not indicate a fault condition.
Power LED White Solid White The computer is in S0 state. This is the normal power state of a functioning machine. The BIOS turns the LED to this state to indicate it has started fetching op-codes.
State State Name Power Light:
Amber Blinking
Amber Blinking Pattern Problem Description Suggested Resolution
- - 2, 1 two blinks followed by a short pause, one blink, long pause, then repeats. Bad Motherboard
  • Replace the motherboard.
- - 2, 2 two blinks followed by a short pause, two blinks, long pause, then repeats. Bad Motherboard, Power Supply, or Power Supply cabling
  • If you can troubleshoot, narrow down the issue with PSU BIST Test, and reseat the cable.
  • If nothing works, replace the motherboard, power supply, or cabling.
- - 2, 3 two blinks followed by a short pause, three blinks, long pause, then repeats. Bad Motherboard, Memory, or Processor
  • If you can troubleshoot, narrow down the issue by reseating the memory and swapping a known working memory module, if available.
  • If nothing works, replace the motherboard, memory, or processor.
- - 2, 4 two blinks followed by a short pause, four blinks, long pause, then repeats. Bad coin-cell battery
  • If you can troubleshoot, narrow down the issue by swapping a known good coin-cell battery, if available.
  • If nothing works, replace the coin-cell battery.
S1 RCM 2, 5 two blinks followed by a short pause, five blinks, long pause, then repeats. BIOS Checksum Failure
  • The computer is in Recovery Mode.
  • Flash latest BIOS version. If the problem persists, replace the motherboard.
S2 CPU 2, 6 two blinks followed by a short pause, six blinks, long pause, then repeats. Bad Processor
  • CPU configuration activity is in progress, or a CPU failure was detected.
  • Replace the processor.
S3 MEM 2, 7 two blinks followed by a short pause, seven blinks, long pause, then repeats. Memory failures
  • The memory subsystem configuration activity is in progress. Appropriate memory modules were detected, but a memory failure has occurred.
  • If you can troubleshoot, narrow down the issue by reseating the memory modules and swapping in known good modules, if available.
  • If nothing works, replace the memory.
S4 PCI 3, 1 three blinks followed by a short pause, one blink, long pause, then repeats. PCI Device or Video subsystem failures
  • PCI device configuration activity is in progress, or PCI device failure was detected.
  • If you can troubleshoot, narrow down the issue by reseating the PCI cards, and removing them one by one to determine which card failed.
  • If you can identify the PCI card that failed, replace the PCI card.
  • If none of the PCI Cards failed, replace the motherboard.
S5 VID 3, 2 three blinks followed by a short pause, two blinks, long pause, then repeats. Video Subsystem failure
  • Video subsystem configuration activity in progress or video subsystem failure.
  • If you can troubleshoot, narrow down the issue by removing graphics cards one by one to determine which card failed.
  • If you can identify the card that failed, replace that card. If none of the cards failed, replace the motherboard.
S6 STO 3, 3 three blinks followed by a short pause, three blinks, long pause, then repeats. No Memory detected
  • If you can troubleshoot, narrow down the issue by removing the memory modules one by one to determine which module failed. Swap the failed module with a known good module, if available, to confirm.
  • If you can identify the faulty module, replace it.
  • If none of the modules have failed, replace the motherboard.
S7 USB 3, 4 three blinks followed by a short pause, four blinks, long pause, then repeats. Storage Subsystem failure
  • Possible storage device configuration in progress or storage subsystem failure.
  • If you can troubleshoot, narrow down the issue by removing all attached storage devices from the motherboard one by one to determine which device failed.
  • If you can identify which storage device failed, replace it.
  • If none of the storage devices failed, replace the motherboard.
S8 MEM 3, 5 three blinks followed by a short pause, five blinks, long pause, then repeats. Memory configuration or incompatible error
  • The memory subsystem configuration activity is in progress. No memory modules were detected.
  • If you can troubleshoot, narrow down the issue by removing the memory modules one by one on to determine which module failed. You can also combine configurations to validate the appropriate combination.
  • If you can identify the failed component, replace the component.
  • If none of the components failed, replace the motherboard.
S9 MBF 3, 6 three blinks followed by a short pause, six blinks, long pause, then repeats. System board failure
  • Fatal system board failure was detected.
  • If you can troubleshoot, narrow down the issue by removing the components on the motherboard one by one to determine which component failed.
  • If you can identify any faulty components, replace the components.
  • If none of the components failed, replace the motherboard.
S10 MEM 3, 7 three blinks followed by a short pause, seven blinks, long pause, then repeats. Possible memory failure
  • The memory subsystem configuration activity is in progress. Memory modules have been detected, but they appear to be incompatible or in an invalid configuration.
  • If you can troubleshoot, narrow down the issue by removing the memory modules one by one to determine which module failed.
  • If you can identify the faulty module, replace it.
  • Otherwise, replace the motherboard.
NOTE: On any OptiPlex built since 2012 (that is, 7010/9010/9010 AIO), Dell has stopped using all beep codes except for the Memory Failure code. (1, 3, 2, or one beep, then three beeps, then two beeps.) If your computer was built after 2012 and is making any other beep code, contact technical support for further help.

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Diagnostic LEDs for the OptiPlex series (2009 to 2012)

With this series, the diagnostic LEDs changed to include a combination of the Power button LED state and the diagnostic LED indicators. The Diagnostic LEDs remain 1, 2, 3, 4, and placed on the front of the unit. You could identify these computers by their flat black and gray front face.

OptiPlex 2009

NOTE: To see the contents of a section, click the heading to expand that section.
Light Pattern Problem
Description
Suggested Resolution
Diagnostic LEDs Power
Button LED
 
1-0000 pwr_off The computer is either turned off or not receiving power.
  • Reseat the power cable in the power connector on the back of the computer and the electrical outlet.
  • Bypass power strips, power extension cables, and other power protection devices to verify that the computer turns on properly.
  • Ensure that any power strips being used are plugged into an electrical outlet and are turned on.
  • Ensure that the electrical outlet is working by testing it with another device, such as a lamp.
  • Ensure that the main power cable and front panel cable are securely connected to the system board.
1-0030 pwr_off A possible system board failure has occurred.
  • Unplug the computer. Allow one minute for the power to drain. Plug the computer into a working electrical outlet and press the power button.
3-1030 pwr_amber
Blinking
A possible system board, power supply, or device failure has occurred.
  • Power off the computer, leaving the computer plugged in. Press and hold the power supply test button on the rear of the power supply unit. If the LED next to the switch illuminates, the problem may be with your system board.
  • If the LED next to the switch does not illuminate, disconnect all internal and external devices, and press and hold the power supply test button. If it illuminates, there could be a problem with a device.
  • If the LED still does not illuminate, remove the PSU connections from the system board, then press and hold the power supply button. If it illuminates, there could be a problem with the system board.
  • If the LED still does not illuminate, the problem is probably with the power supply.
4-1204 pwr_amber No CPU present
  • Reinstall the CPU and restart the computer. If the computer still fails to boot, inspect the CPU socket for damage.
5-0034 pwr_amber Memory modules are detected, but a memory power failure has occurred.
  • If two or more memory modules are installed, remove the modules, then reinstall one module and restart the computer. If the computer starts normally, continue to install additional memory modules. Install them (one at a time) until you have identified a faulty module or reinstalled all modules without error. If only one memory module is installed, try moving it to a different DIMM connector and restart the computer.
  • If available, install verified working memory of the same type into your computer.
6-0230 pwr_amber A possible CPU or system board failure has occurred.
  • Replace the CPU with a known good CPU. If the computer still fails to boot, inspect the CPU socket for damage.
7-0234 pwr_amber BIOS may be corrupt or missing.
  • The computer hardware is operating normally, but the BIOS may be corrupt or missing.
8-1000 pwr_amber A possible system board failure has occurred.
  • Remove all adapter cards from the PCI and PCI-E slots and restart the computer. If the computer boots, add the adapter cards back one by one until you find the faulty card.
9-1004 pwr_amber The power connector is not installed properly.
  • Reseat the 2x2 power connector from the power supply unit.
10-0200 pwr_amber A possible adapter card or system board failure has occurred.
  • Remove all adapters from the PCI and PCI-E slots and restart the computer. If the computer boots, add the adapter back one by one until you find the faulty card.
11-1200 pwr_amber A possible system board failure has occurred.
  • Disconnect all internal and external devices, and restart the computer. If the computer boots, add the adapter cards back one by one until you find the faulty card.
  • If the problem persists, the system board is probably bad.
12-1230 pwr_amber A possible coin-cell battery failure has occurred.
  • Remove the coin-cell battery for one minute, reinstall the battery, and restart.
13-0000 pwr_blue The computer is in a normal on condition. The diagnostic lights are not lit after the computer successfully boots to the operating system.
  • Ensure that the display is connected and turned on.
14-0030 pwr_blue A possible processor failure has occurred.
  • Reseat the processor.
15-0034 pwr_blue Memory modules are detected, but a memory failure has occurred.
  • When two or more memory modules are installed, remove all the modules. (see your service manual) Reinstall one module (see your service manual and restart the computer. If the computer starts normally, continue to install additional memory modules. (one at a time) Continue until you have identified a faulty module or reinstalled all modules without error.
  • If available, install some working memory of the same type into your computer.
16-0204 pwr_blue A possible graphics card failure has occurred.
  • Reseat any installed graphics cards.
  • If available, install a working graphics card into your computer.
17-0230 pwr_blue A possible floppy drive or hard drive failure has occurred.
  • Reseat all power and data cables.
18-0234 pwr_blue A possible USB failure has occurred.
  • Reinstall all USB devices and check all cable connections.
19-1000 pwr_blue No memory modules are detected.
  • When two or more memory modules are installed, remove all the modules. (see your service manual), Reinstall one module (see your service manual) and restart the computer. If the computer starts normally, continue to install additional memory modules. (one at a time) Continue until you have identified a faulty module or reinstalled all modules without error.
  • If available, install a working memory of the same type into your computer.
20-1030 pwr_blue Memory modules are detected, but a memory configuration or compatibility error has occurred.
  • Ensure that no special requirements for memory module/connector placement exist.
  • Ensure that your computer supports the memory that you are using.
21-1200 pwr_blue A possible expansion card failure has occurred.
  • Determine if a conflict exists by removing an expansion card (not a graphics card) and restarting the computer.
  • If the problem persists, reinstall the card that you removed, then remove a different card and restart the computer.
  • Repeat this process for each expansion card installed. If the computer normally starts, troubleshoot the last card that you removed from the computer for resource conflicts.
22-1034 pwr_blue A possible system board resource or hardware failure has occurred.
  • Clear the CMOS.
  • Disconnect all internal and external devices, and restart the computer. If the computer boots, add the adapter back one by one until you find the faulty card.
  • If the problem persists, the computer board/system board component is probably bad.
23-1230 pwr_blue Another failure has occurred.
  • Ensure that all hard drive and optical drive cables are properly connected to the system board.
  • There is an error message on the screen identifying a problem with a device. (such as the floppy drive or hard drive.) Check the device to ensure it is functioning properly.
  • The operating system is attempting to boot from a device. (such as the floppy drive or optical drive.) Check the computer setup to ensure that the boot sequence is correct for the devices that are installed on your computer.

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Diagnostic LEDs for the OptiPlex series (2005 to 2009)

This series had a combination of Power button LED states, and the A, B, C, D block was replaced with 1, 2, 3, 4 instead. The diagnostics LEDs moved from the rear of the chassis to the front under the audio ports. You could identify these models by their flat black front face and gray side panels and lids.

OptiPlex 2006

NOTE: To see the contents of a section, click the heading to expand that section.
Off Blinking Amber Solid Amber Solid Green Blinking Green
off blink amber amber green blink green
The computer does not appear to get power from the Power Source. The PSU is receiving power from the Source but is unable to distribute it. The PSU is working, but the computer does not process data. The computer processes data and has begun POST tests. (See the diagnostic LEDs) The computer is in a hibernate or sleep state.
LED Pattern
(1 2 3 4)
LED
Pattern
State
Name
State
Description
Suggested Resolution
off Off Off System POST complete—LED time-out has occurred.
  • If the LEDs light up and then turn off, troubleshoot the display and the operating system.
  • If the LEDs do not light up at all, there may be a power issue.
0004 4 RCM BIOS checksum failure—Recovery mode
  • Reset the BIOS and clear the NVRAM.
  • If this occurred after a Windows update, verify that your startup was not corrupted.
0030 3 CPU CPU configuration activity or failure; CPU Cache failure
  • Disconnect all external devices and components down to your PSU, motherboard, and CPU.
  • If the fault continues, contact technical support.
  • If the fault stops, plug disconnected parts back one at a time until fault recurs. Contact technical support for further guidance.
0034 34 MEM Memory subsystem configuration activity or failure
  • Remove all memory modules from the personal computer and determine whether the LED code changes.
  • If it does not, contact technical support.
  • If it does change, reconnect the memory modules one at a time until the fault recurs. Test the faulty module in another slot and contact technical support for further guidance.
0200 2 PCI PCI device configuration or failure
  • Remove all external devices and all internal PCI devices.
  • If the fault continues, contact technical support.
  • If the fault stops, reconnect the components one at a time until the fault recurs, then contact technical support.
0204 2 4 VID Video subsystem configuration or failure
  • Ensure that the video cable is connected to the correct port.
  • Reseat any graphics cards.
  • If the fault continues, remove any graphics cards and retest with a working monitor and video cable.
  • Contact technical support once you know which part the fault follows.
0230 23 STO Storage device configuration or failure
  • Reseat the cables from the hard drives (HDDs) to the motherboard.
  • If the fault continues, try substituting a known good hard drive into the computer and contact technical support.
0234 234 USB USB subsystem configuration activity or failure
  • Remove all external devices and any internal CRUs.
  • If LEDs change, add parts back one at a time until the fault recurs, and then contact technical support.
  • If the fault remains the same with the parts removed, contact technical support.
1000 1   No memory detected
  • Reseat all memory modules.
  • If the fault continues, try inserting the memory modules in different slots and contact technical support.
1004 1 4 MBF Fatal system board failure detected
1030 1 3   Memory is detected; configuration or compatibility error.
  • Reset the BIOS and clear the NVRAM and any previous errors.
  • Remove all memory from personal computer (including any graphics cards) and determine whether the LED code changes.
  • If it does not, contact technical support.
  • If it does change, reconnect the components one at a time until the fault recurs. Test the faulty part in another slot and contact technical support.
1034 1 34 PRV Indicates computer activity preceding video initialization
  • Remove all external devices and any internal CRUs.
  • If LEDs change, reconnect the parts one at a time until the fault recurs, and then contact technical support.
  • If the fault remains the same with the parts removed, contact technical support.
1200 12 CFG System resource configuration
  • Reset the BIOS and clear the NVRAM and any previous errors.
  • Remove all external devices.
  • If LEDs change, reconnect the parts one at a time until the fault recurs, and then contact technical support.
  • If the fault remains the same with the parts removed, contact technical support.
1204 12 4   Reserved
  • Reserved
1230 123 POV POST complete—Onscreen error message
  • Troubleshoot as per the error message on-screen.
1234 1234 STD POST complete—operating system hand-off complete
  • The Power On Self-Test has passed all checks.
  • Troubleshoot the hard drive and the Operating System.

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Diagnostic LEDs for the OptiPlex series (Prior to 2005)

This series had a block of four LEDs (A, B, C, and D) on the back of the chassis that lit up in green and amber. The table below describes what these LEDs indicated. These models were readily identifiable by their rounded fronts and clamshell assembly.

OptiPlex 2005

CPU configuration activity or failure; CPU Cache failure

LED
Pattern
State
Name
State
Description
Suggested Resolution
No Pattern Visible Off System POST complete - LED time-out has occurred.
  • If the LEDs light up and then turn off, troubleshoot the display and the operating system.
  • If the LEDs do not light up at all, there may be a power issue.
ABCD RCM BIOS checksum failure - Recovery mode
  • Reset the BIOS and clear the NVRAM
  • If this occurred after a Windows update, verify that your startup was not corrupted.
ABCD CPU  
  • Disconnect all external devices down to your power supply unit (PSU), motherboard, and CPU.
  • If the fault continues, contact technical support.
  • If the fault stops, reconnect your computer components one at a time until the fault recurs. Contact technical support for further guidance.
ABCD MEM Memory subsystem configuration activity or failure
  • Remove all memory modules from the personal computer and determine whether the LED code changes.
  • If it does not, contact technical support.
  • If it does change, reconnect the memory modules one at a time until the fault recurs. Test the faulty module in another slot and contact technical support for further guidance.
ABCD PCI PCI device configuration or failure
  • Remove all external devices and all internal PCI devices.
  • If the fault continues, contact technical support.
  • If the fault stops, reconnect the components one at a time until the fault recurs, then contact technical support.
ABCD VID Video subsystem configuration or failure
  • Ensure that the video cable is connected to the correct port.
  • Reseat your graphics card.
  • If the fault continues, remove the graphics card and retest with a working monitor and video cable.
  • Contact technical support once you know which part is faulty.
ABCD STO Storage device configuration or failure
  • Reseat the cables from the hard drives to the motherboard.
  • If the fault continues, try substituting a known working hard drive into the computer and contact technical support.
ABCD USB USB subsystem configuration activity or failure
  • Remove all external devices and any internal CRUs.
  • If LEDs change, add parts back one at a time until fault recurs and contact technical support.
  • If the fault remains the same with parts removed, contact technical support.
ABCD   No memory detected
ABCD MBF Fatal system board failure detected
ABCD   Memory is detected; configuration or compatibility error.
  • Reset the BIOS and clear the NVRAM and any previous errors.
  • Remove all memory from personal computer (including any graphics cards) and determine whether the LED code changes.
  • If it does not, contact technical support.
  • If it does, add the parts back one at a time until the fault recurs. Test the faulty part in another slot and then contact technical support.
ABCD PRV Indicates computer activity preceding video initialization
  • Remove all external devices and any internal CRUs.
  • If LEDs change, add parts back one at a time until fault recurs and contact technical support.
  • If the fault remains the same with parts removed, contact technical support.
ABCD CFG System resource configuration
  • Reset the BIOS and clear the NVRAM and any previous errors.
  • Remove all external devices.
  • If LEDs change, add parts back one at a time until fault recurs and contact technical support.
  • If the fault remains the same with parts removed, contact technical support.
ABCD   Reserved
  • Reserved
ABCD POV POST complete—Onscreen error message
  • Troubleshoot as per the error message on-screen
ABCD STD POST complete—operating system hand-off complete
  • The Power On Self-Test has passed all checks.
  • Troubleshoot the hard drive and the Operating System.

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OptiPlex audible Beep codes

In addition to the various types of diagnostics LEDs, there are several audible beep codes across all the models of these computers.

These codes are recognized across manufacturers and have remained the same for some time.

The key to these codes is displayed in the table below.

NOTE: You can also find out about error messaging in your computers manual. You can go to the Manuals section of the support site for your particular computer. (Enter your service tag or pick your computer from the product list.)
NOTE: To see the contents of a section, click the heading to expand that section.
Diagnostic Beep Codes
Code Cause Suggested Resolution
1-1-2 Microprocessor register failure Contact Technical Support.
1-1-3 NVRAM Contact Technical Support.
1-1-4 ROM BIOS checksum failure Contact Technical Support.
1-2-1 Programmable interval timer Contact Technical Support.
1-2-2 DMA initialization failure Contact Technical Support.
1-2-3 DMA page register read/write failure Contact Technical Support.
1-3-1 through 2-4-4 DIMMs not being properly identified or used See Dell Knowledge Base article How to Diagnose and Resolve Common Memory Issues on a Dell Desktop Computer.
3-1-1 Secondary DMA register failure Contact Technical Support.
3-1-2 Primary DMA register failure Contact Technical Support.
3-1-3 Primary interrupt mask register failure Contact Technical Support.
3-1-4 Secondary interrupt mask register failure Contact Technical Support.
3-2-2 Interrupt vector loading failure Contact Technical Support.
3-2-4 Keyboard Controller test failure Contact Technical Support.
3-3-1 NVRAM power loss Contact Technical Support.
3-3-2 NVRAM configuration Contact Technical Support.
3-3-4 Video Memory Test failure Contact Technical Support.
3-4-1 Screen initialization failure Contact Technical Support.
3-4-2 Screen retrace failure Contact Technical Support.
3-4-3 Search for video ROM failure Contact Technical Support.
4-2-1 No time tick Contact Technical Support.
4-2-2 Shutdown failure Contact Technical Support.
4-2-3 Gate A20 failure Contact Technical Support.
4-2-4 Unexpected interrupt in protected mode Contact Technical Support.
4-3-1 Memory failure above address 0FFFFh Contact Technical Support.
4-3-3 Timer-chip counter two failure. Contact Technical Support.
4-3-4 Time-of-day clock stopped Contact Technical Support.
4-4-1 Serial or parallel port test failure Contact Technical Support.
4-4-2 Failure to decompress code to shadowed memory Contact Technical Support.
4-4-3 Math co-processor test failure Contact Technical Support.
4-4-4 Cache test failure Contact Technical Support.
NOTE: On any OptiPlex built since 2012 (that is, 7010/9010/9010 AIO), Dell has stopped using all beep codes. Except for the Memory Failure code (1, 3, 2, or one beep, then three beeps, then two beeps). If your computer was built after 2012 and is making any other beep code, contact technical support for further help.

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Glossary of Acronyms:

See the table for definitions of the acronyms within this article.

Acronym Definition
BIOS Basic Input/Output System
CFG Resource Configuration
CPU Central Processing Unit
DIMM Dual In-line memory module
DMA Direct Memory Access
EC Embedded Controller
HECI Host Embedded Controller Interface
LCD Liquid Crystal Display
LED Light Emitting Diode
MBF Motherboard Failure
MBIST Memory-integrated Self-Test
ME Management Engine
MEM Memory
NVRAM Non-Volatile Random Access Memory
PCI Peripheral Component Interconnect
POV Post-video Activity
PRV Pre-video Activity
PSU Power Supply Unit
RAM Random Access Memory
RCM Recovery Mode
ROM Read Only Memory
RTC Real-Time Clock
S0 System Power State S0 - This is the Working State, where your Windows personal computer is awake.
S1 System Power State S1 - In this sleep state, the CPU is stopped, and your computer is in standby mode.
S2 System Power State S2 - This state is similar to S1 except that the CPU and computer cache are lost because the processor loses power.
S3 System Power State S3 - In this state, data is saved to RAM, hard drives, and other hardware are shut down.
S4 System Power State S4 - In this state, RAM, and other data are saved to the hard disk.
S5 System Power State S5 - The System is off.
SBIOS Small Board Interface Operating System
SPI Serial Peripheral Interface
STD Boot Hand Off
STO Storage Device
TPM Trusted Platform Module
USB Universal Serial Bus
VID Video

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Additional Information

Recommended Articles

Here are some recommended articles related to this topic that might be of interest to you.

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Note:
If you see a recognizable code, follow the instructions and contact technical support, if necessary. Ensure that you have the code information ready, as the support technician may need this information to help you.

If you see a code that is not listed above, contact Dell Technical Support.

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Out of Warranty support Out of warranty? No problem. Browse to the Dell.com/support website and enter your Dell Service Tag and view our offers.

NOTE: Offers are only available for US, Canada, UK, France, Germany, China, and Japan personal computer customers. Server and Storage not applicable.

Affected Products

OptiPlex All-In-One, XE Series
Article Properties
Article Number: 000126021
Article Type: How To
Last Modified: 20 Dec 2023
Version:  17
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