Manuals

Diagnostic Codes: Dell^™ Dimension^™ Vxxx and Vxxxc Systems

The system is equipped with four diagnostic code indicators, which are labeled "A," "B," "C," and "D" on the back of the computer. Each of the four indicators can be yellow or green. When the computer is turned on or restarted and the system is functioning normally, the indicators flash during POST. After the system boots, the indicators remain green to signify normal system operation.

If a malfunction is detected and the computer fails to boot, the indicators display a code that identifies the problem. In this situation, write down the diagnostic code displayed and look it up in the table below.

Location of Diagnostic Code Indicators

Indicator Code	Definition	Corrective Action
	The system board is receiving power, but the BIOS is not executing.	Check for correct processor speed setting in Maintenance mode. Reseat microprocessor. Remove expansion cards and reboot. Replace system board.
	Recovery mode from BIOS failure.	Check the configuration jumper setting.
	The microprocessor has failed a BIOS test.	Reseat microprocessor. Replace the microprocessor.
	Memory failed to be sized or enabled.	Reseat DIMMs individually. Replace faulty DIMMs.
	A PCI bus failure has occurred.	Reseat the PCI cards. If the problem persists, remove all but one card, and then reboot. If the system boots, add another card and reboot. Repeat this step until the malfunctioning card is identified.
	The video controller failed to initialize or respond.	Remove expansion cards and reboot. If the problem persists, remove all but one card, and then reboot. If the system boots, add another card and reboot. Repeat this step until the malfunctioning card is identified. Replace system board.
	An IDE bus failure has occurred.	Reseat the EIDE cables. Remove hard-disk drive cables and boot to a bootable diskette. Replace hard-disk drive if system boots.
	The USB port or a device connected to it has failed initialization.	Disconnect the device from the USB port. Remove PCI cards and reboot. Reseat the PCI cards. If the problem persists, remove all but one card, and then reboot. If the system boots, add another card and reboot. Repeat this step until the malfunctioning card is identified.
	Other failure.	Use the No POST/No Video Online Troubleshooting Tool (OTT) on the Dell Web site to troubleshoot no POST/no video problems.
	System has booted and turned over control to the operating system.	No action is necessary.