- Laptops
- Laptop
2000-0123
Dell 2000-0123 on laptop: ePSA detects a memory error
Risk level
Medium
Proceed carefully and stop if the check is unclear.
Urgency
Medium
Quick answer
Dell's ePSA diagnostics flag an error in the memory test (2000-0123). Note the exact text, update the BIOS if Windows starts and repeat the diagnostics; testing modules one by one is done by a technician with the service manual.
Safety first
Stop and check this first
- Do not open the laptop to test memory modules: on most current Dell laptops the battery stays connected inside and a slip can damage the board or the battery. A technician does this with the service manual.
- Do not use third party tools to push or tune the memory while this error appears; follow only the manufacturer's steps and keep a backup of your data.
Safe checks you can perform
- Full ePSA code and message
- Back up your data while Windows starts
- BIOS on the latest version
- Repeat the diagnostics and use Dell's online tool
Leave these tasks to a qualified professional
- Do not attempt this professional task: Reseat and isolate the failing module
- Do not attempt this professional task: Test module and parts order
What a technician must be able to justify
A technician is coming
These are the steps they must carry out and show you. Tick them as they work: if steps are skipped, do not accept a part swap.
These are not instructions for opening or handling the equipment yourself. They are the checks that should support a technical conclusion.
Reseat and isolate the failing module
What they doThe technician reseats the memory following the service manual and runs the diagnostics with each module on its own.
They must show youthe diagnostics with each module.
In writingthe module or slot that gives the error and the result of each run.
Test module and parts order
What they doThey try a known good module of the same type; if the error goes away, they replace the faulty one under Dell's warranty or with a quote.
They must show youthe final diagnostics without 2000-0123.
In writingthe reference of the module installed and why it was replaced.
Before accepting a part or repair
Nothing has been shown yet. Do not accept a part swap based on the code alone.
Checks and evidence, step by step
Follow the documented order. An error code identifies the affected system, but it does not prove by itself which part has failed.
- 1
Full ePSA code and message
No special tools
Procedure
- Who:
- you.
- How:
- when Dell's pre-boot diagnostics (ePSA or SupportAssist) stop with the error, photograph the screen showing 2000-0123, the full text and the Service Tag label.
- Result that matters:
- that the message matches "Memory error detected" or "integrity test discrepancy".
- If it matches:
- follow the steps on this page.
- If the number or text is different:
- look it up in Dell's table; 2000-0122 means excessive memory errors, with a more urgent need for a backup.
- Evidence to keep:
- a clear photo of the diagnostics screen and of the Service Tag.
Evidence: Reference Table of ePSA, PSA Error Codes, and Troubleshooting Steps (2000-0NNN Series)
- 2
Back up your data while Windows starts
No special tools
Procedure
- Who:
- you.
- How:
- if Windows still starts, copy documents and photos now to an external drive or the cloud, before updates or long tests.
- Result that matters:
- having a complete copy off the laptop.
- If the copy finishes:
- you can continue with the BIOS and diagnostics without risking your files.
- If the laptop freezes or restarts during the copy:
- stop, note when it happened and tell the technician.
- Evidence to keep:
- the list of folders copied and any freeze or message during the copy.
Evidence: Reference Table of ePSA, PSA Error Codes, and Troubleshooting Steps (2000-0NNN Series)
- 3
BIOS on the latest version
No special tools
Procedure
- Who:
- you, if Windows starts.
- How:
- on Dell's support page for your Service Tag, install the latest BIOS with the charger connected and without turning the laptop off during the install.
- Result that matters:
- that the installed BIOS is the latest one published for your model.
- If it installs:
- repeat the diagnostics to see whether 2000-0123 still appears.
- If the install fails or Windows does not start:
- do not keep retrying; go to Dell's online tool or support.
- Evidence to keep:
- BIOS version before and after the update.
Evidence: Reference Table of ePSA, PSA Error Codes, and Troubleshooting Steps (2000-0NNN Series)
- 4
Repeat the diagnostics and use Dell's online tool
No special tools
Procedure
- Who:
- you.
- How:
- run the pre-boot diagnostics again the same way as the first time. If 2000-0123 repeats, enter the code on Dell's SupportAssist Pre-Boot System Performance Check page (the ePSA online tool), which gives solutions and, under warranty, a parts work order.
- Result that matters:
- whether 2000-0123 appears again with the BIOS up to date.
- If it no longer appears:
- the update solved it; watch that it does not return.
- If it appears:
- follow Dell's warranty process or ask for a written professional diagnosis.
- Evidence to keep:
- the Dell case number and photos of both diagnostic runs.
Evidence: Reference Table of ePSA, PSA Error Codes, and Troubleshooting Steps (2000-0NNN Series)
Where this code applies
A code is meaningful only inside the right product and version context.
Primary scope
- System
- Laptops
- Brand
- Dell
- Product type
- Laptop
Known code variants
- 2000 0123
- 20000123
- Dell 2000-0123
- ePSA 2000-0123
- memory error detected
- memory integrity test discrepancy
- PSA 1000-0123
What it means
Dell lists two texts for 2000-0123: "Memory error detected" and, on non UEFI BIOS (PSA 1000-0123), "Memory - integrity test discrepancy", a mismatch in the memory integrity test. In both cases Dell says the system board or the memory may be involved and asks to update the BIOS, reseat the memory, test modules one at a time and with a known good module of the same type. Unlike 2000-0122, it does not mention excessive errors. The code alone does not point to a specific module, slot or board.
Warnings and stop conditions
- Higheditorial warning
Do not open the laptop to test memory modules: on most current Dell laptops the battery stays connected inside and a slip can damage the board or the battery. A technician does this with the service manual.
Evidence: Reference Table of ePSA, PSA Error Codes, and Troubleshooting Steps (2000-0NNN Series)
- Mediumeditorial warning
Do not use third party tools to push or tune the memory while this error appears; follow only the manufacturer's steps and keep a backup of your data.
Evidence: Reference Table of ePSA, PSA Error Codes, and Troubleshooting Steps (2000-0NNN Series)
Symptoms and causes
Probable causes · in order
- A module with failing cellsCommon
The error appears only when that module is fitted and disappears when the others are tested separately or with a known good module.
Evidence: Reference Table of ePSA, PSA Error Codes, and Troubleshooting Steps (2000-0NNN Series)
- Poor module contactPossible
Confirmed if the error goes away after reseating the memory, a step Dell lists before replacing parts.
Evidence: Reference Table of ePSA, PSA Error Codes, and Troubleshooting Steps (2000-0NNN Series)
- Old BIOSPossible
If the diagnostics come back clean with the latest BIOS, the firmware was the cause, not the memory.
Evidence: Reference Table of ePSA, PSA Error Codes, and Troubleshooting Steps (2000-0NNN Series)
- Slot or system boardPossible
Dell names the board as a possible origin; it fits when any module gives 2000-0123 in one particular slot.
Evidence: Reference Table of ePSA, PSA Error Codes, and Troubleshooting Steps (2000-0NNN Series)
Virtual technician
Does 2000-0123 still appear after these checks?
Answer a few questions to narrow down the likely cause and the safest next action. Guidance only - it never replaces a professional.
Sources and technical references
- 1
Reference Table of ePSA, PSA Error Codes, and Troubleshooting Steps (2000-0NNN Series)
Dell · 2026 · official_doc
Was this entry useful?