System Codes and Messages

Dell™ Dimension™ 8200

Diagnostic Codes

Your computer is equipped with four diagnostic lights, which are labeled "A," "B," "C," and "D" on the back of the computer. Each of the four lights can be yellow, green, or off as shown in the following table. When the computer is turned on or restarted and it is functioning normally, the lights flash during POST. After the computer starts, the lights remain green to signify normal computer operation.

If a malfunction is detected and the computer fails to start, the lights display a code that identifies the problem. Write down the diagnostic code displayed and look it up in the following table.

Diagnostic Code

Definition

Corrective Action

Power up default.
Make sure that the computer is connected to a known working electrical outlet, and then check whether the front-panel power light on the power button is on or off. If the power light is off, check the power supply. If the problem persists, see "Contacting Dell" in the Solutions Guide for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.
See "Safety Instructions," and then remove all cards. If the computer still does not start, see "Contacting Dell" in the Solutions Guide for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

System board is receiving power, but the BIOS is not executing.
Set the configuration jumper to Maintenance mode, and restart the computer. Exit and save changes in the system setup program. Turn off the computer and reset the configuration jumper to Normal mode, and then restart the computer.
See "Safety Instructions," and then remove all cards and restart the computer to determine if a resource conflict exists. If conflict exists, see"Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities." If the problem persists, see "Contacting Dell" in the Solutions Guide for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

Recovery mode from BIOS failure.
Set the configuration jumper to Maintenance mode and restart the computer. Exit and save changes in the system setup program. Turn off the computer and reset the configuration jumper to Normal mode, and then restart the computer.
See "Safety Instructions," and then remove all cards and restart the computer to determine if a resource conflict exists. If conflict exists, see "Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities." If the problem persists, see "Contacting Dell" in the Solutions Guide for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

Microprocessor has failed a BIOS test.
If the problem persists, see "Contacting Dell" in the Solutions Guide for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

Memory failed to be sized or enabled.
Reseat the memory modules. If the problem persists, see "Contacting Dell" in the Solutions Guide for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

Memory modules are detected, but a memory configuration or compatibility error exists.
Be sure that there are no special memory module/memory connector placement requirements.

Verify that the memory modules that you are installing are compatible with the computer.

If the problem persists, see "Contacting Dell" in the Dell Owner's Manual for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

No memory modules are detected.
Reseat all memory modules, and then restart the computer.

To eliminate the possibility of a faulty memory connector, remove all memory modules, reinstall one memory module (if the computer supports a single module), and then restart the computer. If the computer starts normally, move the memory module to a different connector and restart the computer. Continue until you have identified a faulty connector or reinstalled all modules without error.

If the problem persists, see "Contacting Dell" in the Dell Owner's Manual for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

PCI bus failure has occurred.
See "Safety Instructions," and then remove all cards and restart the computer to determine if a resource conflict exists. If conflict exists, see "Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities." If the problem still persists, see "Contacting Dell" in the Solutions Guide for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

Video controller failed to initialize or respond.
If the computer has a video card, reseat the video card. If the problem persists or the computer has integrated video, see "Contacting Dell" in the Solutions Guide for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

IDE bus failure has occurred.
Reseat the drive cables. If the problem persists, see "Contacting Dell" in the Solutions Guide for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

USB port or a device connected to it has failed initialization.
Disconnect the device from the USB connector. If the problem persists, see "Contacting Dell" in the Solutions Guide for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

Other failure.
See "Contacting Dell" in the Solutions Guide for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

Computer has started and turned over control to the operating system.
No action is necessary.

Diagnostic Code	Definition	Corrective Action
	Power up default.	Make sure that the computer is connected to a known working electrical outlet, and then check whether the front-panel power light on the power button is on or off. If the power light is off, check the power supply. If the problem persists, see "Contacting Dell" in the Solutions Guide for instructions on obtaining technical assistance. See "Safety Instructions," and then remove all cards. If the computer still does not start, see "Contacting Dell" in the Solutions Guide for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.
	System board is receiving power, but the BIOS is not executing.	Set the configuration jumper to Maintenance mode, and restart the computer. Exit and save changes in the system setup program. Turn off the computer and reset the configuration jumper to Normal mode, and then restart the computer. See "Safety Instructions," and then remove all cards and restart the computer to determine if a resource conflict exists. If conflict exists, see"Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities." If the problem persists, see "Contacting Dell" in the Solutions Guide for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.
	Recovery mode from BIOS failure.	Set the configuration jumper to Maintenance mode and restart the computer. Exit and save changes in the system setup program. Turn off the computer and reset the configuration jumper to Normal mode, and then restart the computer. See "Safety Instructions," and then remove all cards and restart the computer to determine if a resource conflict exists. If conflict exists, see "Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities." If the problem persists, see "Contacting Dell" in the Solutions Guide for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.
	Microprocessor has failed a BIOS test.	If the problem persists, see "Contacting Dell" in the Solutions Guide for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.
	Memory failed to be sized or enabled.	Reseat the memory modules. If the problem persists, see "Contacting Dell" in the Solutions Guide for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.
	Memory modules are detected, but a memory configuration or compatibility error exists.	Be sure that there are no special memory module/memory connector placement requirements. Verify that the memory modules that you are installing are compatible with the computer. If the problem persists, see "Contacting Dell" in the Dell Owner's Manual for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.
	No memory modules are detected.	Reseat all memory modules, and then restart the computer. To eliminate the possibility of a faulty memory connector, remove all memory modules, reinstall one memory module (if the computer supports a single module), and then restart the computer. If the computer starts normally, move the memory module to a different connector and restart the computer. Continue until you have identified a faulty connector or reinstalled all modules without error. If the problem persists, see "Contacting Dell" in the Dell Owner's Manual for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

	PCI bus failure has occurred.	See "Safety Instructions," and then remove all cards and restart the computer to determine if a resource conflict exists. If conflict exists, see "Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities." If the problem still persists, see "Contacting Dell" in the Solutions Guide for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.
	Video controller failed to initialize or respond.	If the computer has a video card, reseat the video card. If the problem persists or the computer has integrated video, see "Contacting Dell" in the Solutions Guide for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.
	IDE bus failure has occurred.	Reseat the drive cables. If the problem persists, see "Contacting Dell" in the Solutions Guide for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.
	USB port or a device connected to it has failed initialization.	Disconnect the device from the USB connector. If the problem persists, see "Contacting Dell" in the Solutions Guide for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.
	Other failure.	See "Contacting Dell" in the Solutions Guide for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.
	Computer has started and turned over control to the operating system.	No action is necessary.

POST Beep Codes

If the monitor cannot display errors or problems, during POST the computer might emit a series of beeps, or beep code, that identifies the problem. The POST beep codes are listed below.

Beep Codes

Possible Cause

Corrective Action

1
A memory refresh failure occurred.
Reseat the memory modules.

2
Memory parity cannot be reset.
Reseat the memory modules.

3
A failure occurred in the first 64 KB of memory.
Reseat the memory modules.

4
The system timer is not operational.
See "Contacting Dell" in the Solutions Guide for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

6
8042 Gate A20 cannot be toggled.
See "Contacting Dell" in the Solutions Guide for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

7
An exception interrupt error occurred.
See "Contacting Dell" in the Solutions Guide for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

8
A read/write error occurred in the display memory.
See "Contacting Dell" in the Solutions Guide for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

10
A CMOS shutdown register test error occurred.
See "Contacting Dell" in the Solutions Guide for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

11
An invalid BIOS is installed.
See "Contacting Dell" in the Solutions Guide for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

Beep Codes	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
1	A memory refresh failure occurred.	Reseat the memory modules.
2	Memory parity cannot be reset.	Reseat the memory modules.
3	A failure occurred in the first 64 KB of memory.	Reseat the memory modules.
4	The system timer is not operational.	See "Contacting Dell" in the Solutions Guide for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.
6	8042 Gate A20 cannot be toggled.	See "Contacting Dell" in the Solutions Guide for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.
7	An exception interrupt error occurred.	See "Contacting Dell" in the Solutions Guide for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.
8	A read/write error occurred in the display memory.	See "Contacting Dell" in the Solutions Guide for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.
10	A CMOS shutdown register test error occurred.	See "Contacting Dell" in the Solutions Guide for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.
11	An invalid BIOS is installed.	See "Contacting Dell" in the Solutions Guide for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

System Messages

Message

Possible Cause

Corrective Action

8042 Gate-A20 error
The keyboard controller failed its test.
If you receive this message after making changes in the system setup program, enter the program and restore the original value(s).

Address Line Short!
Error in the address decoding circuitry in the memory.
Reseat the memory modules.

C: Drive Error
C: Drive Failure
The hard drive is not working or is not configured correctly.
Ensure that the drive is installed correctly in the computer and defined correctly in the system setup program.

Cache Memory Bad, Do Not Enable Cache
Cache memory is not operating.
See "Contacting Dell" in the Solutions Guide for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

CH-2 Timer Error
An error is occurring on the timer on the system board.
See "Contacting Dell" in the Solutions Guide for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

CMOS Battery State Low
CMOS Checksum Failure
CMOS System Options Not Set
CMOS Display Type Mismatch
CMOS Memory Size Mismatch
CMOS Time and Date Not Set
The system configuration information in the system setup program is incorrect, or the battery charge may be low.
Enter the system setup program and verify the system configuration; then restart the computer.

Diskette Boot Failure
Drive A or B is present but has failed the BIOS POST.
Ensure that the drive is installed correctly in the computer and defined correctly in the system setup program. Check the interface cable at both ends.

DMA Error
DMA 1 Error
DMA 2 Error
Error in the DMA controller on the system board.
The keyboard or system board may need to be replaced.

FDD Controller Failure
HDD Controller Failure
BIOS cannot communicate with the floppy drive or hard-drive controller.
Ensure that the floppy drive or the hard drive is installed correctly in the computer and defined correctly in the system setup program. Check the interface cable at both ends.

INTR1 Error
INTR2 Error
Interrupt channel on the system board failed the POST.
The keyboard or system board may need to be replaced.

Invalid Boot Diskette
The operating system cannot be located on drive A or drive C.
Enter the system setup program and confirm that drive A or drive C is properly identified.

Keyboard Error
The BIOS has detected a stuck key.
Make sure that nothing is resting on the keyboard; if a key appears to be stuck, carefully pry it up. If the problem persists, you may need to replace the keyboard.

KB/Interface Error
An error occurred with the keyboard connector.
Make sure that nothing is resting on the keyboard; if a key appears to be stuck, carefully pry it up. If the problem persists, you may need to replace the keyboard.

No ROM Basic
The operating system cannot be located on drive A or drive C.
Enter the system setup program and confirm that drive A or drive C is properly identified.

Message	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
8042 Gate-A20 error	The keyboard controller failed its test.	If you receive this message after making changes in the system setup program, enter the program and restore the original value(s).
Address Line Short!	Error in the address decoding circuitry in the memory.	Reseat the memory modules.
C: Drive Error C: Drive Failure	The hard drive is not working or is not configured correctly.	Ensure that the drive is installed correctly in the computer and defined correctly in the system setup program.
Cache Memory Bad, Do Not Enable Cache	Cache memory is not operating.	See "Contacting Dell" in the Solutions Guide for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.
CH-2 Timer Error	An error is occurring on the timer on the system board.	See "Contacting Dell" in the Solutions Guide for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.
CMOS Battery State Low CMOS Checksum Failure CMOS System Options Not Set CMOS Display Type Mismatch CMOS Memory Size Mismatch CMOS Time and Date Not Set	The system configuration information in the system setup program is incorrect, or the battery charge may be low.	Enter the system setup program and verify the system configuration; then restart the computer.
Diskette Boot Failure	Drive A or B is present but has failed the BIOS POST.	Ensure that the drive is installed correctly in the computer and defined correctly in the system setup program. Check the interface cable at both ends.
DMA Error DMA 1 Error DMA 2 Error	Error in the DMA controller on the system board.	The keyboard or system board may need to be replaced.
FDD Controller Failure HDD Controller Failure	BIOS cannot communicate with the floppy drive or hard-drive controller.	Ensure that the floppy drive or the hard drive is installed correctly in the computer and defined correctly in the system setup program. Check the interface cable at both ends.
INTR1 Error INTR2 Error	Interrupt channel on the system board failed the POST.	The keyboard or system board may need to be replaced.
Invalid Boot Diskette	The operating system cannot be located on drive A or drive C.	Enter the system setup program and confirm that drive A or drive C is properly identified.
Keyboard Error	The BIOS has detected a stuck key.	Make sure that nothing is resting on the keyboard; if a key appears to be stuck, carefully pry it up. If the problem persists, you may need to replace the keyboard.
KB/Interface Error	An error occurred with the keyboard connector.	Make sure that nothing is resting on the keyboard; if a key appears to be stuck, carefully pry it up. If the problem persists, you may need to replace the keyboard.
No ROM Basic	The operating system cannot be located on drive A or drive C.	Enter the system setup program and confirm that drive A or drive C is properly identified.

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