This section describes system and software problems, offers corrective actions,
describes the Dell Diagnostics utility, and provides system
messages and codes. Before you call Dell for technical assistance, complete the following
tasks to help you resolve computer problems:
The power indicator on the front panel communicates codes
that can help you determine whether there is a problem with your computer. The following
table lists the codes for the power indicator. For more information, see "Diagnostic Indicators."
Power is on, and the computer is operating normally.
Blinking green
The computer is in the suspended state (Microsoft®
Windows® 2000 only).
Solid yellow
The Dell Diagnostics is
running a test, or a device on the system board may be faulty or incorrectly installed.
Blinking yellow
There is a system board or power supply failure.
Basic Checks:
Test the electrical outlet: ensure that the electrical outlet is working by testing it
with a different device such as a lamp.
Connect the computer power cable directly to an electrical outlet to ensure that the
computer turns on. Do not connect it to a power protection device, uninterruptible power
supply (UPS), power strip, or extension cord.
Ensure that all power cables are firmly connected, verifying that each power cable is
adequately connected at the computer device and to the electrical outlet.
Check for interference: electrical appliances on the same circuit or operating in close
proximity to the computer can cause interference.
Swap the power cables between the computer and the monitor to see whether the problem
symptoms change.
If the problem still exists after you complete the basic checks, fill out the Diagnostics Checklist as you perform the following steps:
Turn off the computer and peripherals, and disconnect
them from their electrical outlets.
Wait approximately 30 seconds, and reconnect the
computer and peripherals to their electrical outlets.
Turn on the computer.
Does the power indicator on the front of the computer light up?
Yes. The problem is resolved.
No. The computer may be defective. Contact
Dell for technical assistance.
The power indicator on the monitor communicates codes that can help you determine
whether there is a problem. The following table lists the codes for the monitor power
indicator. For more information, see the documentation that came with your monitor.
Power is on, and the monitor is receiving video input from
the computer. The system is operating normally.
Solid yellow
Power is on, but the monitor is not receiving video input
from the computer.
Basic Checks:
Run the monitor self-test as instructed in the monitor user's guide.
Connect the monitor power cable directly to an electrical outlet to ensure that the
monitor turns on. Do not connect it to a power protection device, UPS, power strip, or
extension cord.
Ensure that the monitor power cable is firmly connected, verifying that the power cable
is adequately connected at the monitor and to the electrical outlet.
Swap the power cables between the computer and the monitor to see whether the problem
symptoms change.
If the monitor display is blank, the computer may be in suspended, or hibernate, state.
Push and release the power button, move the mouse, or press a key on the keyboard to bring
the computer out of the suspended state.
Disconnect the monitor interface cable from the computer and check the cable connector
for bent or broken pins. Check for damaged or frayed cables.
If the monitor interface cable is not damaged, ensure that it is firmly connected to the
computer.
Adjust brightness and contrast settings on the monitor.
If the problem still exists after you complete the basic checks, fill out the Diagnostics Checklist as you perform the following steps:
Turn off the computer, wait at least 30 seconds, and
then turn the computer back on.
Allow 1 minute for the computer to initialize its
components, and then adjust the monitor's brightness and contrast controls.
Turn off the computer and the monitor, wait at least 30
seconds, and disconnect the monitor. Connect a different monitor to the computer and then
turn them on.
Allow 1 minute for the computer to initialize its
components, and then adjust the monitor's brightness and contrast controls.
Is the monitor readable?
Yes. The original monitor is defective. The problem is resolved.
Connect the monitor power cable directly to an electrical outlet to verify that the
monitor turns on. Do not connect it to a power protection device, UPS, power strip, or
extension cord.
If the monitor display is blank, the computer may be in suspended, or hibernate, state.
Push and release the power button, move the mouse, or press a key on the keyboard to bring
the computer out of the suspended state.
Disconnect the monitor interface cable from the computer and check the cable connector
for bent or broken pins. Check for damaged or frayed cables.
If the monitor interface cable is not damaged, ensure that it is firmly connected to the
computer.
Adjust brightness and contrast settings on the monitor.
Check for interference:
Electrical appliances on the same circuit or operating in close proximity
to the computer can cause interference.
Audio equipment and certain types of lamps operating in immediate
proximity to the computer can cause interference.
Restart the computer.
Enter system setup and ensure that Primary Video
Controller under the Integrated Devices option is set correctly. An advanced
graphics port (AGP) or peripheral component interconnect (PCI) expansion card will operate
with Primary Video Controller set to either Auto or the default setting AGP.
NOTE: If your computer has both
an AGP and a PCI expansion card installed, set Primary Video Controller to AGP to
use the AGP expansion card. Set Primary Video Controller to Auto to use the
PCI expansion card.
If the problem still exists after you complete the basic checks, fill out the Diagnostics Checklist as you perform the following steps:
Turn off the original computer and monitor, wait at
least 30 seconds, and disconnect the monitor.
Turn off your other computer, wait at least 30 seconds,
and disconnect its monitor. Connect the monitor from the original computer, and then turn
them on.
Allow 1 minute for the computer to initialize its
components, and then adjust the monitor's brightness and contrast controls.
Is the monitor readable?
Yes. The monitor is working properly. There may be a problem with
the video card in the original computer. Go to step 5.
Turn off the computer and monitor, wait at least 30
seconds, and disconnect the monitor. Connect the monitor back to the original computer,
and then turn them on.
Turn off nearby fans, lights, lamps, or other electrical
devices.
Is the monitor readable?
Yes. One or more of those devices was causing interference. The
problem is resolved.
Ensure that external audio devices are connected to the microphone,
line-out/speaker, or line-in connectors on the system back panel.
Ensure that the speaker cable is firmly connected to the computer.
Test the electrical outlet. Verify that the speakers are connected to a
working electrical outlet.
Ensure that the speakers are turned on.
If using a sound card, ensure that external audio devices are connected to the sound
card's connectors and not to the microphone, line- out/speaker, or line-in connectors on
the system back panel (see "Back- Panel Connectors and
Indicators").
Ensure that audio is not muted in the operating system (OS) settings. See the OS
documentation for more information.
Adjust the volume control on the speakers, if it is provided.
Adjust the volume control in the audio software. For more information, see the
documentation for either your OS or your audio software.
If you are trying to listen to an audio CD, try different CDs.
Reinstall the audio driver for your operating system.
Check for interference: electrical appliances on the same circuit or operating in close
proximity to the computer can cause interference.
If the problem still exists after you complete the basic checks, fill out the Diagnostics Checklist as you perform the following steps:
Turn off nearby fans, lights, lamps, or other electrical
devices.
Are the external speakers functioning properly?
Yes. One or more of those electrical devices was causing
interference. The problem is resolved.
Enter system setup and
make sure that Sound under the Integrated Devices option is set to On.
Then exit system setup properly to save the information, and reboot the system.
No. The printer is probably defective. If you bought the printer
from Dell, contact Dell for technical assistance. If you did
not, take it to an authorized service center for repair.
NOTE: If you are having a problem
with a printer, see "Printer Problems."
If a system error message indicates a port problem or if equipment connected to a port
seems to perform incorrectly or not at all, the source of the problem can be any of the
following:
A faulty connection between the input/output (I/O) port and the device
Incorrect settings in the operating system's configuration files
A faulty cable between the I/O port and the device
A faulty device
Faulty I/O port logic on the system board
Conflicting COM port settings
Lack of drivers
Basic Checks:
Disconnect the cable from the computer and check the cable connector for bent or broken
pins. Check for damaged or frayed cables.
If the cable is not damaged, ensure that it is firmly connected to the computer.
Test the electrical outlet. Verify that the device is connected to a working electrical
outlet.
Verify that the device is turned on.
Check for interference: electrical appliances on the same circuit or operating in close
proximity to the computer can cause interference.
If the problem still exists after you complete the basic checks, fill out the Diagnostics Checklist as you perform the following steps:
Enter system setup and
check the Integrated Devices option settings. Then exit system setup properly to
save the information, and reboot the system.
For a serial device, check the Serial Port options; for a
parallel device, check the Parallel Port options. See the device's documentation
for additional information on port settings and configuration requirements.
Run the Serial Ports device group and/or the Parallel
Ports device group in the Dell Diagnostics.
These device groups check the basic functions of the system board's I/O
port logic. If a printer is connected to the parallel port, the Parallel Ports device
group tests the communication link between the system board's I/O port logic and the
printer.
If the problem is confined to a particular application
program, see the application program's documentation for specific port configuration
requirements.
Disconnect the cable from the computer and check the cable connector for bent or broken
pins. Check for damaged or frayed cables.
Ensure that the cable is firmly connected to the computer.
If you are using a USB mouse, ensure that you connect to one of the Port 1 USB
connectors on the system back panel (see "Back-Panel
Connectors and Indicators").
Reinstall the mouse driver for your operating system.
Restart the computer.
If the problem still exists after you complete the basic checks, fill out the Diagnostics Checklist as you perform the following steps:
Turn off the computer, wait at least 30 seconds, and
disconnect the mouse. Reconnect the mouse to the computer, and then turn the computer on.
If you are using a Personal System/2 (PS/2) mouse, enter
system setup and make sure that Mouse Port under the Integrated
Devices option is set to On. Then exit system setup properly to save the
information, and reboot the system.
Turn off the original computer, wait at least 30
seconds, and disconnect the mouse.
Turn off your other computer, wait at least 30 seconds,
and disconnect its mouse. Connect the mouse from the original computer, and then turn the
computer on.
Is the mouse working properly?
Yes. There is a problem with the original computer. Contact Dell for technical assistance.
No. The mouse may be defective. Contact
Dell for technical assistance.
Connect a different mouse to the computer, and then turn
the computer on.
Is the mouse working properly?
Yes. The original mouse is defective. The problem is resolved.
Disconnect the cable from the computer and check the cable connector for bent or broken
pins. Check for damaged or frayed cables.
Ensure that the cable is firmly connected to the computer.
If you are using a USB keyboard, ensure that you connect to one of the Port 1 USB
connectors on the system back panel (see "Back-Panel
Connectors and Indicators").
If you are using a PS/2 keyboard that can be configured with various switch settings,
ensure that the switch is set to PS/2, Enhanced XT/AT, or PC/AT. The switch settings are
usually on the bottom of the keyboard, sometimes behind a panel. Refer to the
documentation that came with the keyboard for more information.
Check for interference. Keyboard extension cables can cause problems.
Restart the computer.
If the problem still exists after you complete the basic checks, fill out the Diagnostics Checklist as you perform the following steps:
Turn off the computer, and then disconnect the keyboard
cable and check it for bent or broken pins.
Do you see bent pins?
Yes. If they can be straightened, straighten them and go to step 2. If they cannot be straightened or are broken, you must
replace the keyboard.
No. Go to step 2.
Reconnect the keyboard to the computer.
Make sure the keyboard cable is firmly connected to computer.
Turn on the computer.
If you are using a keyboard that can be configured with
various switch settings, make sure the switch is set to PS/2, Enhanced XT/AT, or PC/AT.
The switch settings are usually on the bottom of the keyboard, sometimes
behind a panel. Refer to the documentation that came with the keyboard for more
information.
Turn off the computer, wait 30 seconds, and turn it on
again.
During the boot routine, do the Num Lock, Caps Lock, and Scroll Lock
lights on the keyboard blink momentarily?
Turn off the original computer, wait at least 30
seconds, and disconnect the keyboard.
Turn off your other computer, wait at least 30 seconds,
and disconnect its keyboard. Connect the keyboard from the original computer, and then
turn the computer on.
Is the keyboard working properly?
Yes. The original keyboard is defective. The problem is resolved.
During the power-on self-test (POST), the computer checks the diskette drive, comparing
its characteristics with the system configuration information. The diskette-drive access
light blinks as the computer performs this check.
Basic Checks:
If you hear an unfamiliar scraping or grinding sound when a drive is accessed, there
could be a hardware malfunction. Contact Dell for technical
assistance.
When you turn on the computer, you can hear drive activity during the boot routine. If
your computer does not boot, contact Dell for technical
assistance.
If you are trying to copy data to the diskette, ensure that it is not write- protected.
Try a different diskette in the drive. If the new diskette works, the original one may
be defective.
Test the diskette drive access indicator by using one of the following methods:
Using MS-DOS®, insert a diskette into the drive, type dir a: at the prompt, and press <Enter>.
Using Microsoft Windows or Windows NT®, insert a diskette into the drive,
open My Computer from the desktop, and double-click the diskette drive icon.
If you hear an unfamiliar scraping or grinding sound when a drive is accessed, there
could be a hardware malfunction. Contact Dell for technical
assistance.
When you turn on the computer, you can hear drive activity during the boot routine. If
your computer does not boot, contact Dell for technical
assistance.
Test the hard drive by using one of the following methods:
For Windows XP and Windows 2000, run the chkdsk utility by clicking the Start
button, selecting Run, and then typing cmd in the
dialog box. At the C:prompt, type chkdsk
and press <Enter>.
This utility creates and displays a status report, and lists and corrects errors on the
disk.
For Windows NT, run the error-checking utility by double-clicking My Computer
and selecting the hard drive that you want to check. Click the right mouse button, select Properties,
then click Tools, and select Check Now in the Error
Checking section.
For Windows 98 SE and Windows 98, run the ScanDisk utility by clicking the Start
button, pointing to Run, typing scandskw in the dialog
box, selecting the type of test to run, and then clicking Start.
For MS-DOS, type scandisk x: at an MS-DOS prompt, where x is the hard drive letter, and press <Enter>.
If the problem still exists after you complete the basic checks, fill out the Diagnostic
Checklist as you perform the following steps:
Test the hard drive by using one of the following
methods:
Test the hard drive by using one of the following methods:
For Windows XP and Windows 2000, run the chkdsk utility by clicking the Start
button, selecting Run, and then typing cmd in the
dialog box. At the C:prompt, type chkdsk
and press <Enter>.
This utility creates and displays a status report, and lists and corrects errors on the
disk.
For Windows NT, run the error-checking utility by double-clicking My Computer
and selecting the hard drive that you want to check. Click the right mouse button, select Properties,
then click Tools, and select Check Now in the Error
Checking section.
For Windows 98 SE and Windows 98, run the ScanDisk utility by clicking the Start
button, pointing to Run, typing scandskw in the dialog
box, selecting the type of test to run, and then clicking Start.
For MS-DOS, type scandisk x: at an MS-DOS prompt, where x is the hard drive letter, and press <Enter>.
Turn off the computer and peripherals, disconnect them
from their electrical outlets, wait at least 5 seconds, and then remove
the computer cover.
Make sure the DC power cables from the power supply are
firmly connected to the connectors on each drive. Also verify that the interface cable for
each drive is firmly connected to the drive and to the system board.
Make sure the control panel cable is firmly connected to
the system board. The control panel contains the hard drive activity indicator. To locate
the control panel system board connector, see "System Board
Components."
Replace the computer cover, reconnect the computer and
peripherals to their electrical outlets, and turn them on.
Does the hard drive activity light blink during the boot routine?
Yes. Go to the next question.
No. The system board may be faulty. Contact
Dell for technical assistance.
Does the computer display a drive error message?
Yes. See "System Messages"
for an explanation of the message. If you cannot correct the problem by performing the
action described in the table, then contact Dell for
technical assistance.
No. Go to the next question.
Is this the primary hard drive that contains the operating system?
If an error message indicates a problem with the battery or if configuration
information is lost from system setup when the computer is
turned off, the battery may be defective.
CAUTION: There is a danger of
a new battery exploding if it is incorrectly installed. Replace the battery only with the
same or equivalent type recommended by the manufacturer. Discard used batteries according
to the manufacturer's instructions.
If an error message indicates an expansion-card problem or if an expansion card seems
to perform incorrectly or not at all, the problem could be a faulty connection, a conflict
with software or other hardware, or a faulty expansion card.
Run the diagnostics provided by the manufacturers of all
expansion cards installed in your computer.
NOTE: The manufacturers of many
expansion cards, such as video, network interface, and sound cards, provide diagnostics
programs. If you do not have any diagnostics for your cards, go to step 2.
Turn off the computer and peripherals, disconnect them
from their electrical outlets, wait at least 5 seconds, and then remove
the computer cover.
Make sure each expansion card is firmly seated in its
connector. If any expansion cards are loose, reseat them.
Make sure all cables are firmly connected to their
corresponding connectors on the expansion cards. If any cables appear loose, reconnect
them.
For instructions on which cables should be attached to specific
connectors on an expansion card, see the expansion card's documentation.
Replace the AGP card brace.
Replace the computer cover, reconnect the computer and
peripherals to their electrical outlets, and turn them on.
Is the system working properly?
Yes. The problem is resolved.
No. You may have a faulty expansion card. Go to step 8.
Turn off the computer and peripherals, disconnect them
from their electrical outlets, wait at least 5 seconds, and then remove the computer
cover.
Remove all expansion cards except the video card.
NOTE: If your primary hard drive
is connected to a drive controller card and not one of the system board enhanced
integrated drive electronics (EIDE) connectors, leave the drive controller card installed
in the computer.
Replace the computer cover, reconnect the computer and
peripherals to their electrical outlets, and turn them on.
Unplug the AC power cable from the computer, wait
approximately 30 seconds, and plug in the AC power cable.
Press the power button to turn on the computer.
NOTICE: If your computer is not
responding, turning off power or unplugging the power cord should be done only as a last
resort. Doing so can cause problems with system settings and configuration.
Spills, splashes, and excessive humidity can cause damage to the system. If an external
device, such as a printer or modem, gets wet, contact the manufacturer of the device for
instructions.
NOTE: If your primary hard drive
is connected to a drive controller card and not one of the system board EIDE connectors,
leave the drive controller card installed in the computer.
Replace the computer cover, reconnect the computer and
peripherals to their electrical outlets, and turn them on.
Hardware conflicts occur when the operating system detects multiple devices that are
attempting to operate on the same system resources when those resources cannot be shared
between the devices.
Symptoms:
System hangs or locks up, particularly while using a specific device.
Memory parity errors occur on parity-enabled systems.
Noise or other problems from sound cards.
Unintelligible characters printed on the printer.
Mouse pointer hangs and will not move or moves in a stuttering fashion.
Messages stating that the computer is not operating at maximum performance.
Errors and crashes of applications for no apparent reason.
During POST, the computer checks the computer's memory, determines the amount of
installed memory, and then writes to and reads from the number of available bytes to
ensure proper operation.
Basic Checks:
If an insufficient memory message appears, save and close any open files and exit any
open application programs not in use.
During POST, the computer checks the computer's microprocessor and determines its
operational specifications. This information is stored in system
setup.
Basic Checks:
Run the System Board Devices and Processor Cache test groups in the Dell Diagnostics.
Enter system setup and ensure that values for the
microprocessor under the CPU Information option are accurate.
Reseat the microprocessor.
Reconnect the microprocessor cooling fan.
Restart the computer.
If the problem still exists after you complete the basic checks, fill out the Diagnostics Checklist as you perform the following steps.
NOTICE: Before disconnecting a
peripheral device from the computer, wait 10 to 20 seconds after disconnecting the
computer from its electrical outlet. Before removing a component from the system board,
verify that the standby power light on the system board has turned off. To locate this
light, see "System Board Components."
Run the System Board Devices and Processor Cache test
groups in the Dell Diagnostics.
A system board problem can result from a defective system board component, a faulty
power supply, or a defective component connected to the system board. If an error message
indicates a system board problem, fill out the Diagnostics
Checklist as you perform the following steps.
If you experience a problem with your computer, run the Dell Diagnostics before you
call Dell for technical assistance. The Dell Diagnostics tests check your computer's
hardware without additional equipment and without the risk of destroying data. When the
diagnostics tests complete without indicating any problems, you can have confidence in
your computer's operation. If the tests indicate a problem you cannot solve by yourself,
the test results provide important information you will need when talking to Dell's
service and support personnel.
NOTICE: Only use the Dell
Diagnostics to test your Dell™ computer. Using this program with other computers may
cause incorrect computer responses or result in error messages.
NOTE: Dell recommends that you
print these procedures before you begin. For additional information, refer to the Dell
OptiPlex User's Guide, located on the Dell ResourceCD.
Insert the Dell ResourceCD into the CD drive.
NOTE: Some of the diagnostics
tests allow you to print the results. If you want to print test results, turn on your
printer, if one is attached, and make sure that it is online.
Change the Boot Sequence
to use the CD drive as the first device in the boot sequence.
NOTE: Write down your current
boot sequence in case you want to restore it after running the Dell Diagnostics.
Press <Alt><b> to exit system setup and save
your changes.
The computer reboots and the Dell logo screen appears followed by a list
of the available languages.
NOTE: If you are starting the
ResourceCD for the first time on this computer, the ResourceCD Installation window
opens to inform you that the ResourceCD is about to begin installation. Click OK to
continue. To complete the installation, respond to the prompts offered by the installation
program. If the Welcome Dell System Owner screen opens, click Next to
continue.
Select Start computer to run Dell Diagnostics.
Select the number for the language that you want.
A numbered list displays the following options:
Option 1– Dell Diagnostics — Loads the Dell Diagnostics
that run computer tests
Option 2– Exit — Exits the main menu and returns to an
MS-DOS prompt
Select Option 1– Dell Diagnostics.
After the diagnostics initialize, the Dell Diagnostics main menu
appears:
Dell Diagnostics Main Menu
Test All Devices: Performs quick or extensive tests on all devices.
Test One Device: Performs quick or extensive tests on a single device
after you select it from a list of device groups. After you select Test One Device,
press <F1> for more information about a test.
Advanced Testing: Allows you to modify the parameters of a test,
select a group of tests to perform, and access additional information about Advanced Testing.
Information and Results: Provides test results, test errors, version
numbers of subtests, and additional information on the Dell Diagnostics.
Program Options: Allows you to change the settings of the Dell
Diagnostics.
Exit to MS-DOS: Exits to the MS-DOS prompt.
Select the type of tests to perform:
To perform a quick check of your computer or a specific device, select Quick
Tests from the Test All Devices or Test One Device option.
Quick Tests runs only the tests that run fast and do not
require user interaction. Dell recommends that you choose Quick Tests first to
increase the odds of tracing the source of the problem quickly.
For a thorough check of your computer or to check a particular area of your
computer, select Extended Tests from the Test All Devices or Test One
Device option.
To customize your test(s), select the Advanced Testing option.
Remove the ResourceCD from the CD drive when you
finish running the Dell Diagnostics.
When you select Advanced Testing from the Diagnostics Menu, the following screen
appears:
Advanced Testing Screen
NOTE: The groups and devices
listed in your screen can vary somewhat based on the components installed in your
computer.
Information in the Advanced Testing screen is presented as follows:
Device Groups — lists the diagnostic test groups in the order they will run
if you select All from the Run tests menu option.
To select a test device group, press the up- or down-arrow key to
highlight the group.
NOTE: The diagnostics may not
list in the Device Groups area the names of all components or devices that are part
of your computer system. For example, it may not list a printer even though it is
connected to your computer. However, the parallel port to which the printer is connected
appears in the Device Groups list. You can test your printer connection in the Parallel
Ports tests.
Devices for Highlighted Group — lists the computer's current hardware.
Device groups menu bar — contains the options Run tests, Devices,
Select, Config, and Help
To select a menu option, press the left- or right-arrow key to highlight
the option and press <Enter>, or press the key that corresponds to the highlighted
letter in the category title.
NOTE: The options displayed on
your screen should reflect the hardware configuration of your computer.
Your application programs, operating system, and computer can identify problems and
alert you to them. When a problem occurs, a message may appear on your monitor screen or a
beep code may sound. The following two subsections present information about each message
or beep code.
If you receive a system message, see the following table for suggestions on resolving
problems indicated by the message. The system messages are listed alphabetically.
NOTE: If the system message you
received is not listed in the table, check the documentation for the application program
that you were running at the time the message appeared and/or the operating system
documentation for an explanation of the message and a recommended action.
No hard-drive thermal probe is installed; computer has a
defective thermal probe; thermal probe cable is not connected to the control panel.
Ensure that an operational hard-drive thermal probe is
installed and connected to the control panel.
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 system failed to complete the boot routine three
consecutive times for the same error.
Contact Dell for technical
assistance, and report the checkpoint code (nnnn) to the support technician.
Alert! Previous hard drive thermal
failure.
One of the hard drives overheated the last time you started
the computer.
Make sure that nothing is blocking the vents on the back of
the computer and that all fans inside the computer are working.
Alert! Previous shutdown due to thermal
event.
Microprocessor(s) or hard drive(s) overheated the last time
you started the computer. Computer was shut down to protect the components.
Make sure that nothing is blocking the vents on the back of
the computer and that all fans inside the computer are working.
Run the ScanDisk utility in the Microsoft Windows operating
system to check the file structure of the diskette or hard drive. See your operating
system documentation for more information.
If you are using another operating system, run the appropriate utility to check the file
structure of the diskette or hard drive. See your operating system documentation.
Decreasing available memory
One or more RIMMs may be faulty or improperly seated.
Remove the diskette from drive A and move the write-protect
tab to the unlocked position.
Drive not ready
No diskette is in the drive. The operation requires a
diskette in the drive before it can continue.
Put a diskette in the drive or close the drive latch.
Error! The previous boot failed to
complete. Last reported checkpoint was nnnn.
The system could not complete the boot routine.
Restart the system. If the error recurs, listen for a beep
code and refer to "System Beep Codes." If no beep
code is emitted, run the System Board Devices tests in the Dell Diagnostics.
The diskette in drive A or your hard drive does not have a
bootable operating system installed.
A nonbootable diskette is in drive A. Either replace the
diskette with one that has a bootable operating system, or remove the diskette from drive
A and restart the computer.
Not a boot diskette
There is no operating system on the diskette.
Boot the computer with a diskette that contains an operating
system.
Please connect USB Keyboard/Mouse to USB
port 1 on the back of the computer.
The USB keyboard and/or mouse must be connected to the port
1 USB connectors.
Turn your system off, connect the USB keyboard and/or mouse
to one of the Port 1 USB connectors, and restart your system. See "Back-Panel Connectors and Indicators."
Plug and Play Configuration Error
The system has encountered a problem in trying to configure
one or more expansion cards.
Turn your system off and unplug it. Remove all but one of
the cards. Plug in your system and reboot it. If the message persists, the expansion card
may be malfunctioning. If the message does not appear, turn off the power and reinsert one
of the other cards. Repeat this process until you identify the malfunctioning card.
Read fault
Requested sector not found
The operating system cannot read from the diskette or hard
drive.
The system could not find a particular sector on the disk, or the requested
sector is defective.
The keyboard controller may be malfunctioning, or one or
more RIMMs may be loose.
Run the System Memory and the Keyboard tests
in the Dell Diagnostics.
WARNING: Dell's Disk Monitoring System has
detected that drive [0/1] on the [primary/secondary] EIDE controller is operating outside
of normal specifications. It is advisable to immediately back up your data and replace
your hard drive by calling your support desk or Dell Computer Corporation.
POST has queried the EIDE drive for status information. The
drive has returned a parameter from the call that indicates it has detected possible error
conditions for its operating specifications.
When your computer finishes booting, immediately back up
your data and replace your hard drive. Restore the data to the replaced drive.
Back up
the data on your hard drive. If a replacement drive is not immediately available and the
drive is not the only bootable drive, enter system setup and
change the appropriate drive setting to None. Remove the drive from the system.
Write fault
Write fault on selected drive
The operating system cannot write to the diskette or hard
drive.
When errors occur during a boot routine that cannot be reported on the monitor, your
computer may emit a beep code that identifies the problem. The beep code is a pattern of
sounds: for example, one beep, followed by a second beep, and then a burst of three beeps
(code 1-1-3) means that the computer was unable to read the data in nonvolatile
random-access memory (NVRAM). This information is invaluable to the Dell support staff if
you need to call for technical assistance.
When a beep code is emitted, write it down on a copy of the Diagnostics
Checklist and look it up in the following table. If you are unable to resolve the
problem by looking up the meaning of the beep code, use the Dell
Diagnostics to identify a more serious cause. If you are still unable to resolve the
problem, contact Dell for technical assistance.
If the system loses power and beeps constantly when you turn it back on, the BIOS is
probably corrupted. See "BIOS Recovery Utility"
for information on restoring the BIOS.
Verify that both RIMM sockets contain a RIMM or Rambus
continuity module (RCM). If the problem recurs, replace the RIMM in socket B (if
any), then the RIMM in socket A. If the problem is still not resolved, contact Dell for technical assistance.
Verify that both RIMM sockets contain a RIMM or RCM. If the
problem recurs, replace the RIMM in socket B (if any), then the RIMM in socket A. If the
problem is still not resolved, contact Dell for technical
assistance.
Your application programs or operating system generate warning messages to alert you to
a possible problem and ask you to take an action before you continue. For example, before
you format a diskette, a message may warn you that you can lose all data on the diskette
as a way to protect against inadvertently erasing or writing over the data. These warning
messages usually interrupt the procedure and require you to respond by typing a y (yes) or n (no).
When you run a test group or subtest in the Dell Diagnostics,
an error message may result. These error messages are not covered in this section. Record
the message on a copy of your Diagnostics Checklist and contact Dell for technical assistance.
Indicators are located on the front panel and back panel of the chassis. These indicators communicate
diagnostic codes that can help you solve problems with your system.
When you turn on your system, it performs a POST, which is a series of self-diagnostic
checks. A successful POST ends with a single beep that signifies the start of normal
operation. If the system fails to emit the single beep or appears to stop responding
during POST, a series of indicators located at the rear of the computer can help you
understand which POST test failed or why the system stopped responding. These indicators
communicate problems encountered during POST only, not during normal operation.
The indicator patterns described in the following table can help you determine what to
do to resolve the problem. If a problem resolution requires you to remove the computer
cover, refer to "Installing Upgrades" for
procedures you must complete before performing the suggested resolution. If the problem
persists after you perform the suggested resolution, contact
Dell for technical assistance.
The following table lists the codes for the back panel diagnostic indicators, gives
probable causes, and suggests corrective actions. The indicator patterns are shown as they
appear on the back of your computer. The indicators are labeled to help you match the
pattern on your computer with one of the patterns shown in the table.
Ensure that the front-panel power
indicator is on. If the power indicator is off, ensure that the computer is connected
to a working electrical outlet.
If the problem is still not resolved, contact Dell for technical assistance.
Possible BIOS failure, and the system is in the recovery
mode
Reseat the microprocessor and restart the system to retest.
For instructions on removing and replacing the microprocessor, see "Upgrading the Microprocessor."
If the problem is still
not resolved, contact Dell for technical assistance.
Reseat the video card, and restart the system to retest. For
instructions on removing and replacing an expansion card, see "Removing an Expansion Card."
If the problem is still not
resolved, contact Dell for technical assistance.
Your system generates simple network management protocol (SNMP) platform event trap
(PET) messages that are sent to network management software to inform the network manager
that specific events have occurred on your system.
The following table lists the SNMP platform event traps your system generates.
This section provides general guidelines for analyzing software problems. For detailed
troubleshooting information on a particular program, see the documentation that
accompanied the software or consult the support service for the software.
If your system is behaving erratically, back up your files immediately. If your system
has a tape drive installed, see the documentation that came with the tape backup software
for instructions on performing a backup operation. Otherwise, see your operating system
documentation for information on backing up data files.
Basic Checks:
Ensure that the application program is compatible with the operating system installed in
your computer and that your computer meets the minimum hardware requirements needed to run
the software.
Ensure that you properly installed and configured the application program. Reinstall the
program if necessary.
Consult the software documentation or contact the software manufacturer
for detailed troubleshooting information on a particular application program.
Ensure that you have not made an error while entering data.
Make sure that problems are not caused by a virus — use a virus- scanning
application program to check the software installation diskettes or CDs before using them.
After you have checked the software installation diskettes or CDs with a virus-scanning
application program, you should disable the virus- scanning application program before
installing the software. You should also disable any other application programs that are
"hidden," or operate in the background.
Verify that the program's device drivers do not conflict with certain application
programs.
Confirm that a problem is software-related by running the System Board Devices
tests in the Dell Diagnostics. If all tests run
successfully, the error condition may be related to a software problem.
Ensure that the use of terminate-and-stay-resident (TSR) programs has not resulted in a
memory conflict.
Remove or confirm the possibility of a program conflict by rebooting your computer
system.
Make sure the computer's operating environment is set up to accommodate the application
programs you use. Whenever you change the operating environment parameters, you may also
affect the successful operation of the application programs. Sometimes, after modifying
the operating environment, you may need to reinstall a program that no longer runs
properly.
If a specific key or set of keys is pressed at the wrong time, a program may give you
unexpected results. See the documentation that came with your application program to make
sure the values or characters you are entering are valid.
Error messages are produced by the operating system, an application program, or the
computer. "Messages and Codes" discusses error
messages that are generated by the operating system. If you receive an error message that
is not listed in "Messages and Codes," check your
computer or application program documentation.
Programs that use specialized subroutines called device drivers can also cause
problems with your system. For example, a variation in the way the data is sent to the
monitor may require a special screen driver program that expects a certain kind of video
mode or monitor. In such cases, you may have to develop an alternative method of running
that particular program—the creation of a boot file made especially for that program,
for example. Call the support service for the software you are using to help you with this
problem.
Many utilities and supplementary programs load either when the computer boots or from
an operating system prompt. These programs are designed to stay resident in system memory
and thus always be available for use. Because they remain in the computer's memory, memory
conflicts and errors can result when other programs require use of all or part of the
memory already occupied by these TSR programs.
Typically, your operating system's start-up files (such as config.sys and autoexec.bat)
contain commands to start TSR programs when you boot your system. If you suspect that one
of these TSR programs is causing a memory conflict, remove the commands that start them
from the start-up file. If the problem you were experiencing does not recur, one of the
TSR programs probably created the conflict. Add the TSR commands back into the start-up
files one at a time until you identify which TSR program is creating the conflict.
Some programs may leave portions of their setup information behind, even though you
have exited from them. As a result, other programs cannot run. Rebooting your system can
confirm whether these programs are causing the problem.
Memory address conflicts occur when two or more devices try to access the same address
in the upper memory blocks (UMB). For example, if a network expansion card and an
expanded-memory page frame are assigned an overlapping block of addresses, a memory
address conflict arises. As a result, when you try to log in to the network, the operation
fails.
To resolve this type of conflict, you can change the address of one of the devices. For
example, in the case of the network expansion card and expanded-memory page-frame address
conflict, you can move the network card to an address block in the range of CC000h through
D0000h. To reassign the expansion card's address block, refer to the documentation for the
card.
Problems can arise if two devices attempt to use the same interrupt request (IRQ) line.
To avoid this type of conflict, check the documentation for the default IRQ-line setting
for each installed expansion card. Then consult the following table to configure the card
for one of the available IRQ lines.
NOTE: The following table lists default
IRQ settings. In systems with Plug and Play capabilities, you can modify the defaults. If
you install a Plug and Play card in a Plug and Play computer, the computer automatically
selects an open IRQ line if any are available. If you install a non-Plug and Play card,
you may need to run the ISA Configuration Utility to determine the current IRQ settings
and to find an available IRQ line.
If your system loses power and beeps constantly but does not boot when power is
restored, the basic input/output system (BIOS) is probably corrupted. To restore the BIOS,
perform the following steps:
Disconnect the system from its power source.
Go to another working system, and download the BIOS
flash executable utility for the system from the File Library located on the Dell
support website at http://support.dell.com.
On the working system, go to an MS-DOS prompt and type
the command xxxxx -writehdrfile (where xxxxx is the name of the BIOS flash executable utility you
downloaded).
Running this utility generates a file with an .hdr extension.
Copy the .hdr file to a diskette.
Insert the diskette into the diskette drive of the
corrupted system and turn it on.
The system automatically flashes the BIOS from the diskette.
When the system begins to restart and the Dell logo
screen appears, remove the diskette from the diskette drive so that the system does not
boot from the diskette again.
