CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.
The power button light (bi-color LED) located on the front of the computer illuminates and blinks or remains solid to indicate different states:
If the power light is off, the computer is either turned off or is not receiving power.
Reseat the power cable in the power connector on the back of the computer and the electrical outlet.
If the computer is plugged into a power strip, ensure that the power strip is plugged into an electrical outlet and that the power strip is turned on. Also, bypass power protection devices, power strips, and power extension cables to verify that the computer turns on properly.
Ensure that the electrical outlet is working by testing it with another device, such as a lamp.
If the power light is steady blue and the computer is not responding:
Ensure that the display is connected and powered on.
If the display is connected and powered on, see Beep Codes.
If the power light is blinking blue, the computer is in standby mode. Press a key on the keyboard, move the mouse, or press the power button to resume normal operation.If the power light is blue and the computer is not responding:
Ensure the display is connected and powered on.
If the display is connected and powered on, see Beep Codes.
If the power light is blinking amber, the computer is receiving electrical power, a device might be malfunctioning or incorrectly installed.
Remove and then reinstall the memory modules (see Memory).
Remove and then reinstall the graphics card, if applicable (see Cards).
If the power light is steady amber, there may be a power problem or an internal device malfunction.
Ensure that all power cables are securely connected to the system board (see System Board Components).
Ensure that the main power cable and front panel cable are securely connected to the system board (see System Board Components).
Beep Codes
Your computer might emit a series of beeps during start-up if the monitor cannot display errors or problems. This series of beeps, called a beep code, identifies a problem. One possible beep code consists of repetitive three short beeps. This beep code tells you that the computer encountered a possible motherboard failure.
If your computer beeps during start-up:
Write down the beep code.
Run the Dell Diagnostics to identify a more serious cause (see Dell
Diagnostics).
Code (repetitive short beeps)
Description
Suggested Remedy
3
Possible motherboard failure.
Contact Dell.
1
BIOS checksum failure. Possible motherboard failure.
Contact Dell.
5
Real time clock failure. Possible battery failure or motherboard failure.
Ensure that no special memory module/memory connector placement requirements exist (see Memory Installation Guidelines).
Verify that the memory modules that you are installing are compatible with your computer (see Memory Installation Guidelines).
If the problem persists, contact Dell.
2
No memory modules are detected.
If you have two or more memory modules installed, remove the modules, reinstall one module (see Installing Memory), and then restart the computer. If the computer starts normally, reinstall an additional module. Continue until you have identified a faulty module or reinstalled all modules without error.
If available, install good memory of the same type into your computer (see Installing Memory).
If the problem persists, contact Dell.
6
Video BIOS Test Failure.
Contact Dell.
System Messages
NOTE: If the message you received is not listed in the table, see the documentation for either the operating system or the program that was running when the message appeared.
Alert! Previous attempts at booting this system have failed at checkpoint [nnnn]. For help in resolving this problem, please note this checkpoint and contact Dell Technical Support —
The computer failed to complete the boot routine three consecutive times for the same error (see Getting Help for assistance).
CMOS checksum error —
Possible motherboard failure or RTC battery low. Replace battery (see Replacing the Battery or see Getting Help for assistance).
Diskette drive 0 seek failure —
A cable may be loose, or the computer configuration information may not match the hardware configuration. Check cable connections (see Getting Help for assistance).
Diskette read failure —
The floppy disk may be defective or a cable may be loose. Replace floppy disk/check for loose cable connection.
Hard-disk drive failure —
Possible hard disk drive failure during HDD POST. check cables /swap hard disks (see Getting Help for assistance).
Hard-disk drive read failure —
Possible HDD failure during HDD boot test (see Getting Help for assistance).
No boot device available —
No bootable partition on HDD or Not a bootable floppy in floppy driver, or HDD/Floppy cable loose, or No bootable device exists.
If the floppy drive is your boot device, ensure that a bootable floppy disk is in the drive.
If the hard drive is your boot device, ensure that the cables are connected and that the drive is installed properly and partitioned as a boot device.
Enter system setup and ensure that the boot sequence information is correct (see Entering System Setup).
No timer tick interrupt —
A chip on the system board might be malfunctioning or motherboard failure (see Getting Help for assistance).
Non-system disk or disk error —
Replace the floppy disk with one that has a bootable operating system or remove the floppy disk from drive A and restart the computer.
Not a boot diskette —
Insert a bootable floppy disk and restart your computer.
USB over current error —
Disconnect the USB device. Use external power source for the USB device.
NOTICE - Hard Drive SELF MONITORING SYSTEM has reported that a parameter has exceeded its normal operating range. Dell recommends that you back up your data regularly. A parameter out of range may or may not indicate a potential hard drive problem. —
S.M.A.R.T error, possible HDD failure. This feature can be enabled or disabled in BIOS setup.
Dell Diagnostics
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.
When to Use the Dell Diagnostics
If you experience a problem with your computer, perform the checks in Lockups and Software Problems (see Lockups and Software Problems) and run the Dell Diagnostics before you contact Dell for technical assistance.
It is recommended that you print these procedures before you begin.
NOTICE: The Dell Diagnostics works only on Dell™ computers.
NOTE: The Drivers and Utilities media is optional and may not ship with your computer.
See System Setup to review your computer's configuration information, and ensure that the device that you want to test displays in the system setup program and is active.
Start the Dell Diagnostics from your hard drive or from the Drivers and Utilities media.
Starting the Dell Diagnostics From Your Hard Drive
The Dell Diagnostics is located on a hidden diagnostic utility partition on your hard drive.
NOTE: If your computer cannot display a screen image, see Getting Help.
Ensure that the computer is connected to an electrical outlet that is
known to be working properly.
Turn on (or restart) your computer.
When the DELL™ logo appears, press <F12> immediately.
Select Utility Partition from the boot menu and press <Enter>.
NOTE: If you wait too long and the operating system logo appears, continue to wait until you see the Microsoft® Windows® desktop; then, shut down your computer and try again.
NOTE: If you see a message stating that no diagnostics utility partition has been found, run the Dell Diagnostics from the Drivers and Utilities media.
Press any key to start the Dell Diagnostics from the diagnostics utility
partition on your hard drive.
Starting the Dell Diagnostics From the Drivers and Utilities Media
Insert the Drivers and Utilities media.
Shut down and restart the computer.
When the DELL logo appears, press <F12> immediately.
NOTE: If you wait too long and the operating system logo appears, continue to wait until you see the Microsoft® Windows® desktop; then, shut down your computer and try again.
NOTE: The next steps change the boot sequence for one time only. On the next start-up, the computer boots according to the devices specified in the system setup program.
When the boot device list appears, highlight CD/DVD/CD-RW and press
<Enter>.
Select the Boot from CD-ROM option from the menu that appears and
press <Enter>.
Type 1 to start the CD menu and press <Enter> to proceed.
Select Run the 32 Bit Dell Diagnostics from the numbered list. If multiple
versions are listed, select the version appropriate for your computer.
When the Dell Diagnostics Main Menu appears, select the test you want
to run.
Dell Diagnostics Main Menu
After the Dell Diagnostics loads and the MainMenu screen appears, click
the button for the option you want.
NOTE: It is recommended that you select Test System to run a complete test on your computer.
Option
Function
Test Memory
Run the stand-alone memory test
Test System
Run System Diagnostics
Exit
Exit the Diagnostics
After you have selected the Test System option from the main menu, the
following menu appears:
NOTE: It is recommended that you select Extended Test from the menu below to run a more thorough check of devices in the computer.
Option
Function
Express Test
Performs a quick test of devices in the system. This typically can take 10 to 20 minutes.
Extended Test
Performs a thorough check of devices in the system. This typically can take an hour or more.
Custom Test
Use to test a specific device or customize the tests to be run.
Symptom Tree
This option allows you to select tests based on a symptom of the problem you are having. This option lists the most common symptoms.
If a problem is encountered during a test, a message appears with an error
code and a description of the problem. Write down the error code and
problem description and see Getting Help.
NOTE: The Service Tag for your computer is located at the top of each test screen. If you contact Dell, technical support will ask for your Service Tag.
If you run a test from the Custom Test or Symptom Tree option, click the
applicable tab described in the following table for more information.
Tab
Function
Results
Displays the results of the test and any error conditions encountered.
Errors
Displays error conditions encountered, error codes, and the problem description.
Help
Describes the test and may indicate requirements for running the test.
Configuration
Displays your hardware configuration for the selected device.
The Dell Diagnostics obtains configuration information for all devices from system setup, memory, and various internal tests, and it displays the information in the device list in the left pane of the screen. The device list may not display the names of all the components installed on your computer or all devices attached to your computer.
Parameters
Allows you to customize the test by changing the test settings.
When the tests are complete, close the test screen to return to the
MainMenu screen. To exit the Dell Diagnostics and restart the computer,
close the MainMenu screen.
Remove the Drivers and Utilities media (if applicable).
Drivers
What is a Driver?
A driver is a program that controls a device such as a printer, mouse, or keyboard. All devices require a driver program.
A driver acts like a translator between the device and any other programs that use the device. Each device has its own set of specialized commands that only its driver recognizes.
Dell ships your computer to you with required drivers already installed—no further installation or configuration is needed.
NOTICE: The Drivers and Utilities media may contain drivers for operating systems that are not on your computer. Ensure that you are installing software appropriate for your operating system.
Many drivers, such as the keyboard driver, come with your Microsoft Windows operating system. You may need to install drivers if you:
Upgrade your operating system.
Reinstall your operating system.
Connect or install a new device.
Identifying Drivers
If you experience a problem with any device, identify whether the driver is the source of your problem and, if necessary, update the driver.
NOTE: You must be logged in with Administrator privileges to perform this procedure.
Windows® XP:
Click Start, then click Control Panel.
Click System.
In the System Properties window, click the Hardware tab.
Click Device Manager.
Windows Vista®:
Click Startand right-click Computer.
Click Properties® Device Manager.
NOTE: The User Account Control (located to the left under Tasks window) may appear. If you are an administrator on the computer, click Continue; otherwise, contact your administrator to continue.
Scroll down the list to see if any device has an exclamation point (a yellow circle with a [!]) on the device icon.
If an exclamation point is next to the device name, you may need to reinstall the driver or install a new driver (see Reinstalling Drivers and Utilities).
Reinstalling Drivers and Utilities
NOTICE: The Dell Support website at support.dell.com and your Drivers and Utilities media provide approved drivers for Dell™ computers. If you install drivers obtained from other sources, your computer might not work correctly.
Using Windows Device Driver Rollback
If a problem occurs on your computer after you install or update a driver, use Windows Device Driver Rollback to replace the driver with the previously installed version.
NOTE: You must be logged in with Administrator privileges to perform this procedure.
Windows XP:
Click Start, then click Control Panel.
Click System.
In the System Properties window, click the Hardware tab.
Click Device Manager.
Right-click the device for which the new driver was installed and click Properties.
Click the Drivers tab® Roll Back Driver.
Windows Vista:
Click Startand right-click Computer.
Click Properties® Device Manager.
NOTE: The User Account Control window may appear. If you are an administrator on the computer, click Continue; otherwise, contact your administrator to enter the Device Manager.
Right-click the device for which the new driver was installed and click Properties.
Click the Drivers tab® Roll Back Driver.
If Device Driver Rollback does not resolve the problem, then use System Restore (Restoring Your Operating System) to return your computer to the operating state that existed before you installed the new driver.
Using the Drivers and Utilities media
If using Device Driver Rollback or System Restore (Restoring Your Operating System) does not resolve the problem, then reinstall the driver from the Drivers and Utilities media.
With the Windows desktop displayed, insert the Drivers and Utilities media.
If this is your first time to use the Drivers and Utilities media, go to step 2. If not, go to step 5.
When the Drivers and Utilities media installation program starts, follow
the prompts on the screen.
When the InstallShield Wizard Complete window appears, remove the
Drivers and Utilities media and click Finish to restart the computer.
When you see the Windows desktop, reinsert the Drivers and Utilities media.
At the Welcome Dell System Owner screen, click Next.
NOTE: The Drivers and Utilities media displays drivers only for hardware that came installed in your computer. If you installed additional hardware, the drivers for the new hardware might not be displayed by the Drivers and Utilities media. If those drivers are not displayed, exit the Drivers and Utilities media program. For drivers information, see the documentation that came with the device.
A message appears, stating that the Drivers and Utilities media is detecting hardware in your computer.
The drivers that are used by your computer are automatically displayed in the My Drivers—The Drivers and Utilities media has identified these components in your system window.
Click the driver that you want to reinstall and follow the instructions on
the screen.
If a particular driver is not listed, that driver is not required by your operating system.
Manually Reinstalling Drivers
NOTE: You must be logged in with Administrator privileges to perform this procedure.
After extracting the driver files to your hard drive as described in the previous section:
Windows XP:
Click Start, and then right-click My Computer®Properties.
Click the Hardware tab, then click Device Manager.
Double-click the type of device for which you are installing the driver.
Double-click the name of the device for which you are installing the driver.
Click the Driver tab, then click Update Driver.
Click Installfrom a list or specific location (Advanced), then click Next.
Click Browse and browse to the location to which you previously extracted
the driver files.
When the name of the appropriate driver appears, click Next.
Click Finish, and then restart your computer.
Windows Vista:
Click Startand right-click Computer.
Click Properties® Device Manager.
NOTE: The User Account Control window may appear. If you are an administrator on the computer, click Continue; otherwise, contact your administrator to enter the Device Manager.
Double-click the type of device for which you are installing the driver
(for example, Audio or Video).
Double-click the name of the device for which you are installing the driver.
Click the Driver tab®Update Driver® Browse my computer for driver
software.
Click Browse and browse to the location to which you previously copied
the driver files.
When the name of the appropriate driver appears, click the name of the
driver® OK® Next.
Click Finish and restart your computer.
Resolving Software and Hardware
Incompatibilities
If a device is either not detected during the operating system setup or is detected but incorrectly configured, you can use the Windows Operating systems Help And Support to assist you in resolving the incompatibility.
Windows® XP:
Click Start, then click Help and Support.
Type hardware troubleshooter in the Search field, then click the
arrow to start the search.
Click Hardware Troubleshooter in the Search Results list.
In the Hardware Troubleshooter list, click I need to resolve a hardware
conflict on my computer, and then click Next.
Windows Vista®:
Click Startand click Help and Support.
Under Find an answer, click Troubleshooting.
Select the option that best describes the problem and follow the
troubleshooting steps.
NOTE: Windows Vista is a new operating system, so many older devices may not have drivers or applications for Windows Vista. Check with your hardware manufacturer for further information on their device.
NOTE: If you do not find the answer in the items categorized in Troubleshooting, you can get Online Help - type in your question in the Search Help.
Restoring Your Operating System
You can restore your operating system in the following ways:
System Restore returns your computer to an earlier operating state without affecting data files. Use System Restore as the first solution for restoring your operating system and preserving data files.
Dell PC Restore by Symantec (available in Windows XP) and Dell Factory Image Restore (available in Windows Vista) restore your hard drive to the operating state it was in when you purchased the computer. Both permanently delete all data on the hard drive and remove any programs installed after you received the computer. Use Dell PC Restore or Dell Factory Image Restore only if System Restore did not resolve your operating system problem.
If you received an Operating System CD with your computer, you can use it to restore your operating system. Use the CD only if System Restore did not resolve your operating system problem.
Using Microsoft Windows System Restore
The Windows operating systems provide a System Restore option which allows you to return your computer to an earlier operating state (without affecting data files) if changes to the hardware, software, or other system settings have left the computer in an undesirable operating state. Any changes that System Restore makes to your computer are completely reversible. See the Windows Help and Support Center for information on using System Restore. To access the Windows Help and Support Center, see Windows Help and Support Center.
NOTICE: Make regular backups of your data files. System Restore does not monitor your data files or recover them.
NOTE: The procedures in this document were written for the Windows default view, so they may not apply if you set your Dell™ computer to the Windows Classic view.
Creating a Restore Point
NOTICE: Make regular backups of your data files. System Restore does not monitor your data files or recover them.
NOTE: You must be logged in with Administrator privileges to perform this procedure.
Click Next and follow the remaining on-screen prompts.
Windows Vista:
Click Startand click Control Panel.
Click System and Maintenance and click System.
In the Tasks list, click System Protection.
Click Create.
Follow the instructions on the screen. Windows Vista will automatically
set restore points at important events - driver and application installs.
You can also manually create a restore point from the Windows Vista Back Up and Restore Center. There are two ways to get to the Windows Vista Backup and Restore Center:
Click Show all 14 items below the Connect to the Internet icon in the
Welcome Center. Click Back Up and Restore Center icon.
Click Start® All Programs®Maintenance®Back Up and Restore
Center.
In the Back Up and Restore Center, under the tasks, click create a restore point or change settings.
For more information, use Help and Support and search for restore.
Restoring the Computer to an Earlier Operating State
If problems occur after you install a device driver, use Device Driver Rollback (see Using Windows Device Driver Rollback) to resolve the problem. If that is unsuccessful, then use System Restore.
NOTICE: Before you restore the computer to an earlier operating state, save and close any open files and exit any open programs. Do not alter, open, or delete any files or programs until the system restoration is complete.
NOTE: You must be logged in with Administrator privileges to perform this procedure.
Windows XP:
Click Start, point to All Programs®Accessories®System Tools, and then
click System Restore.
Ensure that Restore my computer to an earlier time is selected, then click
Next.
Click a calendar date to which you want to restore your computer.
The Select a Restore Point screen provides a calendar that allows you to see and select restore points. All calendar dates with available restore points appear in boldface type.
Select a restore point, then click Next.
If a calendar date has only one restore point, that restore point is automatically selected. If two or more restore points are available, click the restore point that you prefer.
Click Next.
The Restoration Complete screen appears after System Restore finishes collecting data, then the computer restarts.
After the computer restarts, click OK.
Windows Vista:
Click Start, point to All Programs® Maintenance and then click Back
Up and Restore Center.
In the Tasks list, click Repair Windows using System Restore. You will see
a UAC dialog box asking for permission to run the application — click
Continue.
Follow the prompts on the screen to complete the restore. After System
Restore finishes collecting data, the computer restarts.
After the computer restarts, click OK.
To change the restore point, you can either repeat the steps using a different restore point, or you can undo the restoration.
Using Dell PC Restore and Dell Factory Image Restore
NOTICE: Using Dell PC Restore or Dell Factory Image Restore permanently deletes all data on the hard drive and removes any programs or drivers installed after you received your computer. If possible, back up the data before using these options. Use PC Restore or Dell Factory Image Restore only if System Restore did not resolve your operating system problem.
NOTE: Dell PC Restore by Symantec and Dell Factory Image Restore may not be available in certain countries or on certain computers.
Use Dell PC Restore (Windows XP) or Dell Factory Image Restore (Windows Vista) only as the last method to restore your operating system. These options restore your hard drive to the operating state it was in when you purchased the computer. Any programs or files added since you received your computer—including data files—are permanently deleted from the hard drive. Data files include documents, spreadsheets, e-mail messages, digital photos, music files, and so on. If possible, back up all data before using PC Restore and Dell Factory Image Restore.
Windows XP: Dell PC Restore
Turn on the computer.
During the boot process, a blue bar with www.dell.com appears at the top of the screen.
Immediately upon seeing the blue bar, press <Ctrl><F11>.
If you do not press <Ctrl><F11> in time, let the computer finish starting, and then restart the computer again.
NOTICE: If you do not want to proceed with PC Restore, click Reboot in the following step.
On the next screen that appears, click Restore.
On the next screen, click Confirm.
The restore process takes approximately 6–10 minutes to complete.
When prompted, click Finish to reboot the computer.
NOTE: Do not manually shut down the computer. Click Finish and let the computer completely reboot.
When prompted, click Yes.
The computer restarts. Because the computer is restored to its original operating state, the screens that appear, such as the End User License Agreement, are the same ones that appeared the first time the computer was turned on.
Click Next.
The System Restore screen appears and the computer restarts.
After the computer restarts, click OK.
Windows Vista: Dell Factory Image Restore
Turn on the computer. When the Dell logo appears, press <F8> several
times to access the Vista Advanced Boot Options Window.
Select Repair Your Computer.
The System Recovery Options window appears.
Select a keyboard layout and click Next.
To access the recovery options, log on as a local user. To access the command
prompt, type administrator in the User name field, then click OK.
Click Dell Factory Image Restore.
NOTE: Depending upon your configuration, you may need to select Dell Factory Tools, then Dell Factory Image Restore.
The Dell Factory Image Restore welcome screen appears.
Click Next.
The Confirm Data Deletion screen appears.
NOTICE: If you do not want to proceed with Factory Image Restore, click Cancel.
Click the checkbox to confirm that you want to continue reformatting the
hard drive and restoring the system software to the factory condition, then
click Next.
The restore process begins and may take five or more minutes to complete.
A message appears when the operating system and factory-installed applications have been restored to factory condition.
Click Finish to reboot the system.
Removing Dell PC Restore
NOTICE: Removing Dell PC Restore from the hard drive permanently deletes the PC Restore utility from your computer. After you have removed Dell PC Restore, you will not be able to use it to restore your computer's operating system.
Dell PC Restore enables you to restore your hard drive to the operating state it was in when you purchased your computer. It is recommended that you do not remove PC Restore from your computer, even to gain additional hard-drive space. If you remove PC Restore from the hard drive, you cannot ever recall it, and you will never be able to use PC Restore to return your computer's operating system to its original state.
To remove PC Restore:
Log on to the computer as a local administrator.
In Windows Explorer, go to c:\dell\utilities\DSR.
Double-click the filename DSRIRRemv2.exe.
NOTE: If you do not log on as a local administrator, a message appears stating that you must log on as administrator. Click Quit, and then log on as a local administrator.
NOTE: If the partition for PC Restore does not exist on your computer's hard drive, a message appears stating that the partition was not found. Click Quit; there is no partition to delete.
Click OK to remove the PC Restore partition on the hard drive.
Click Yes when a confirmation message appears.
The PC Restore partition is deleted and the newly available disk space is added to the free space allocation on the hard drive.
Right-click Local Disk (C) in Windows Explorer, click Properties, and
verify that the additional disk space is available as indicated by the
increased value for Free Space.
Click Finish to close the PC Restore Removal window.
Restart the computer.
Using the Operating System CD
Before You Begin
If you are considering reinstalling the Windows operating system to correct a problem with a newly installed driver, first try using Windows Device Driver Rollback. (see Using Windows Device Driver Rollback). If Device Driver Rollback does not resolve the problem, then use System Restore to return your operating system to the operating state it was in before you installed the new device driver (see Using Microsoft Windows System Restore).
NOTICE: Before performing the installation, back up all data files on your primary hard drive. For conventional hard drive configurations, the primary hard drive is the first drive detected by the computer.
To reinstall Windows, you need the following items:
Dell™ Operating System CD
Drivers and Utilities media
NOTE: The Drivers and Utilities media contains drivers that were installed during assembly of the computer. Use the Drivers and Utilities media to load any required drivers. Depending on the region from where you ordered your computer, or whether you requested the CDs or DVDs, the Drivers and Utilities media and Operating System CD may not ship with your system.
Reinstalling Windows XP or Windows Vista
The reinstallation process can take 1 to 2 hours to complete. After you reinstall the operating system, you must also reinstall the device drivers, virus protection program, and other software.
NOTICE: The Operating System CD provides options for reinstalling Windows Vista. The options will overwrite files and possibly affect programs installed on your hard drive. Therefore, do not reinstall Windows Vista unless a Dell technical support representative instructs you to do so.
NOTE: It is highly recommended that you attempt to perform a Windows system restore first and then, if necessary, a Dell operating system restore (to take it back to as-shipped condition), before attempting a complete operating system reinstallation. Complete reinstallation of the operating system is a complex task.
Save and close any open files and exit any open programs.
Insert the Operating System CD. Click Exit if the Install Windows
Vista message appears.
Restart the computer. Press <F12> immediately after the DELL™ logo
appears.
If the operating system logo appears, wait until you see the Windows desktop, and then shut down the computer and try again.
NOTE: The next steps change the boot sequence for one time only. On the next start-up, the computer boots according to the devices specified in the system setup program.
When the boot device list appears, highlight CD/DVD/CD-RW Drive and
press <Enter>.
Press any key to Boot from CD-ROM.
Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the installation.
