To help troubleshoot a problem, your computer has four lights on the back panel labeled "A","B","C," and "D." These lights can be either yellow or green. When the computer starts normally, the patterns or codes on the lights will change as the boot process completes. If the POST portion of system boot completes successfully, all four lights will display solid green. If the computer malfunctions during the POST process, the pattern displayed on the LEDs may help identify where in the process the computer halted.
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the steps in "CAUTION: Safety Instructions."
Light pattern
Problem Description
Suggested Resolution
off off off off
Normal off condition or possible pre-BIOS failure
Verify that the computer is plugged into a working outlet and that you have pressed the power button.
green yellow yellow yellow
Possible BIOS failure; the computer is in the recovery mode
Run the BIOS Recovery Utility, wait for recovery completion, and restart the computer to retest.
yellow green yellow yellow
Possible processor failure
Reseat the processor, and restart the computer to retest.
green green yellow yellow
Possible memory failure
Reseat all memory modules and restart the computer to retest.
yellow yellow green yellow
Possible expansion card failure
Remove each expansion card individually, and restart the computer to retest.
Reinstall the expansion card(s) one at a time, and restart the computer to retest.
Move each expansion card one at a time to another PCI slot, and restart the computer to retest.
green yellow green yellow
Possible video card failure or bad on-board video
If you have a video card, reseat it and restart the computer to retest. If you have video integrated, you must replace the system board.
yellow green green yellow
Possible floppy or hard drive failure
Reseat all power and data cables, and restart the computer to retest.
green green green yellow
Possible USB failure
Reseat all USB devices and cables, and restart the computer to retest.
yellow yellow yellow green
No memory detected
Reseat all memory modules and restart the computer.
If the problem still exists, to eliminate the possibility of a faulty memory connector, install one memory module (if the computer supports a single module), and restart the computer. Then move the module to another connector and restart the computer.
yellow green yellow green
Memory is detected, but a memory configuration or compatibility error exists
Be sure that the memory modules are compatible with your computer. If necessary, replace the memory modules.
yellow green green green
Other failure
Check the computer message that appears on your monitor screen.
green green green green
Normal operating condition after POST
None.
Beep Codes
Your computer might emit a series of beeps that identify a problem. One possible series (code 1-3-1) consists of one beep, a burst of three beeps, and then one beep. This series tell you that the computer encountered a memory problem.
Try to resolve the problem — Write the beep code down on the Diagnostics Checklist, and perform the action recommended in the following table.
Run the System Board Devices tests in the Dell Diagnostics, if possible.
3-1-2
Master DMA register failure
Run the System Board Devices tests in the Dell Diagnostics, if possible.
3-1-3
Master interrupt mask register failure
Contact Dell for technical assistance.
3-1-4
Slave interrupt mask register failure
Contact Dell for technical assistance.
3-2-2
Interrupt vector loading failure
Contact Dell for technical assistance.
3-2-4
Keyboard Controller Test failure
Run the Keyboardtests in the Dell Diagnostics. Otherwise, contact Dell for technical assistance.
3-3-1
NVRAM power loss
Run the System Board Devices tests in the Dell Diagnostics, if possible.
3-3-2
NVRAM configuration
Run the System Board Devices tests in the Dell Diagnostics, if possible.
3-3-4
Video Memory Test failure
Run the VESA/VGA Interface tests in the Dell Diagnostics.
3-4-1
Screen initialization failure
Run the VESA/VGA Interface tests in the Dell Diagnostics.
3-4-2
Screen retrace failure
Run the VESA/VGA Interface tests in the Dell Diagnostics.
3-4-3
Search for video ROM failure
Run the VESA/VGA Interface tests in the Dell Diagnostics.
4-2-1
No time tick
Contact Dell for technical assistance.
4-2-2
Shutdown failure
Contact Dell for technical assistance.
4-2-3
Gate A20 failure
Contact Dell for technical assistance.
4-2-4
Unexpected interrupt in protected mode
Contact Dell for technical assistance.
4-3-1
Memory failure above address 0FFFFh
Run the System Memory tests in the Dell Diagnostics.
4-3-3
Timer-chip counter 2 failure
Contact Dell for technical assistance.
4-3-4
Time-of-day clock stopped
Contact Dell for technical assistance.
4-4-1
Serial or parallel port test failure
Run the Serial Portsand the Parallel Ports tests in the Dell Diagnostics.
4-4-2
Failure to decompress code to shadowed memory
Run the System Board Devices tests in the Dell Diagnostics, if possible.
4-4-3
Math-coprocessor test failure
Run the System Board Devices tests in the Dell Diagnostics, if possible.
4-4-4
Cache test failure
Run the System Board Devices tests in the Dell Diagnostics, if possible.
Dell Diagnostics
When to Use the Dell Diagnostics
If you experience a problem with your computer, run the Dell Diagnostics before you contact Dell for technical assistance. Running the Dell Diagnostics may help you resolve the problem without contacting Dell. If you do contact Dell, the test results can provide important information for Dell's service and support personnel.
The Dell Diagnostics allow you to:
Perform express, extended, or custom tests on one or all devices
Select tests based on a symptom of the problem you are having
Choose how many times a test is run
Display test results
Suspend testing if an error is detected
Access online help information that describes the tests and devices
Receive status messages that tell you whether tests completed successfully
Receive error messages if problems are detected
Starting the Dell Diagnostics
It is recommended that you print these procedures before you begin.
NOTICE: Only use the Dell Diagnostics to test your Dell™ computer. Using this program with
other computers can result in error messages.
Enter system setup, review your computer's configuration information, and ensure that the device you want to test displays in system setup and is active.
Start the Dell Diagnostics from either your hard drive or from the Drivers and Utilities CD (also known as the ResourceCD).
Starting the Dell Diagnostics From Your Hard Drive
Shut down and restart the computer.
When the DELL® logo appears, press <F12> immediately.
NOTE: If you receive a message stating that no Diagnostics utility partition has been found,
follow the instructions to run the Dell Diagnostics from your Drivers and Utilities CD.
If you wait too long and the Microsoft® Windows® logo appears, continue to wait until you see the Windows desktop. Then shut down your computer through the Start menu and try again.
When the boot device list appears, highlight Boot to Utility Partitionand press
<Enter>.
When the Dell Diagnostics Main Menu appears, select the test you want to run.
Starting the Dell Diagnostics From the Drivers and Utilities CD
Insert the Drivers and Utilities CDinto the CD drive.
Shut down and restart the computer.
When the DELL logo appears, press <F12> immediately.
If you wait too long and the Windows logo appears, continue to wait until you see the Windows desktop. Then shut down your computer through the Start menu and try again.
NOTE: This feature changes the boot sequence for one time only. On the next start-up, the
computer boots according to the devices specified in system setup.
When the boot device list appears, highlight IDE CD-ROM Deviceand press
<Enter>.
Select the IDE CD-ROM Device option from the CD boot menu.
Select the Boot from CD-ROM option from the menu that appears.
Type 1 to start the ResourceCD menu.
Type 2 to start the Dell Diagnostics.
Select Run the 32 Bit Dell Diagnostics from the numbered list. If multiple versions
are listed, select the version appropriate for your platform.
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.
HINT: The
Service
Tag
number
for your
compute
r is
located
in the
title bar
of each
test
screen.
Option
Function
Express Test
Performs a quick test of devices. This test typically takes 10 to 20 minutes and requires no interaction on your part. Run Express Test first to increase the possibility of tracing the problem quickly.
Extended Test
Performs a thorough check of devices. This test typically takes an hour or more and requires you to answer questions periodically.
Custom Test
Tests a specific device. You can customize the tests to be run.
Symptom Tree
Lists the most common symptoms encountered and allows you to select a test based on the symptom of the problem you are having.
If a problem is encountered during a test, a message appears displaying the error code
and a description of the problem. Write down the error code and problem description
and follow the instructions on the screen.
If you cannot resolve the error condition, contact Dell.
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 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 your configuration information for all devices from system setup, memory, and various internal tests and displays it 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 completed, if you are running the Dell Diagnostics from the
Drivers and Utilities CD, remove the CD.
Close the test screen to return to the MainMenu screen. To exit the Dell Diagnostics
and restart the computer, close the MainMenu screen.
Reinstalling Drivers
NOTE: To access device drivers and user documentation, you must use the Drivers and Utilities
CD while your computer is running Windows.
Insert the Drivers and Utilities CD into the CD drive.
If this is your first time to use the Drivers and Utilities CD, the ResourceCD Installation window opens to inform you that the CD will begin installation. Click OK, and respond to the installation program prompts to complete the installation.
Click Next at the Welcome Dell System Owner screen.
Choose the appropriate selections for System Model, Operating System, and Topic.
The Drivers and Utilities CD scans your computer's hardware and operating system and then displays a list of device drivers for your system configuration.
Click the appropriate driver and follow the instructions to download the driver for
your computer.
To view a list of all available drivers for your computer, click Drivers in the Topic pull-down menu.
To access the Dell OptiPlex ResourceCD Guide, click User's Guides in the Topic pull-down menu, and then click Dell OptiPlex ResourceCD.
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 XP, you need the following items:
Dell Operating System CD
Dell ResourceCD
NOTE: The Dell ResourceCD contains drivers that were factory-installed during assembly of the
computer. Use the ResourceCD to load any required drivers, including those drivers required if
your computer has a redundant array of independent disks (RAID) controller.
Product Key (Product ID Number) ____________________
NOTE: The Product Key is the bar code number on the sticker that is located on the external
side cover of your computer. You may be prompted for the Product Key when using the Operating
System CD under certain conditions.
To reinstall Windows XP, perform all the steps in the following sections in the order in which they are listed.
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 XP. The options
can overwrite files and possibly affect programs installed on your hard drive. Therefore, do not
reinstall Windows XP unless instructed to do so by a Dell technical support representative.
NOTICE: To prevent conflicts with Windows XP, disable any virus protection software installed
on your computer before you reinstall Windows XP. See the documentation that came with the
software for instructions.
When the Windows XP Setup screen appears, press <Enter> to select To set up
Windows now.
Read the information on the Microsoft Windows Licensing Agreement screen, and
press <F8> to accept the license agreement.
If your computer already has Windows XP installed and you want to recover your
current Windows XP data, type r to select the repair option, and then remove the CD
from the drive.
If you want to install a new copy of Windows XP, press <Esc> to select that option.
Press <Enter> to select the highlighted partition (recommended), and then follow
the instructions on the screen.
The Windows XP Setup screen appears, and the operating system begins to copy files and install the devices. The computer automatically restarts multiple times.
NOTE: The time required to complete the setup depends on the size of the hard drive and the
speed of your computer.
NOTICE: Do not press any key when the following message appears: Press any key to
boot from the CD.
When the Regional and Language Options screen appears, select the settings for your
location, and then click Next.
Enter your name and organization (optional) in the Personalize Your Software screen
and click Next.
If you are reinstalling Windows XP Home Edition, at the What's your computer's name
window, enter a name for your computer (or accept the name provided) and click
Next.
If you are reinstalling Windows XP Professional, at the Computer Name and Administrator Password window, enter a name for your computer (or accept the one provided) and a password, and then click Next.
If the Modem Dialing Information screen appears, enter the requested information
and click Next.
Enter the date, time, and time zone in the Date and Time Settings window and click
Next.
If the Networking Settings screen appears, click Typical and click Next.
If you are reinstalling Windows XP Professional and you are prompted to provide
further information regarding your network configuration, enter your selections. If you
are unsure of your settings, accept the default selections.
Windows XP installs the operating system components and configures the computer. The computer automatically restarts.
NOTICE: Do not press any key when the following message appears: Press any key to
boot from the CD.
When the Welcome to Microsoft screen appears, click Next.
When the How will this computer connect to the Internet? message
appears, click Skip.
When the Ready to register with Microsoft? screen appears, select No, not at this
time and click Next.
When the Who will use this computer? screen appears, you can enter up to five users.
Click Next.
Click Finish to complete the setup, and remove the CD from the drive.
Reinstall the appropriate drivers using the ResourceCD.
NOTICE: The Operating System CD provides options for reinstalling Windows XP. The options
can overwrite files and possibly affect programs installed on your hard drive. Therefore, do not
reinstall Windows XP unless instructed to do so by a Dell technical support representative.
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.
Save and close any open files and exit any open programs.
Insert the Operating System CD. If any program starts automatically, exit the program
before proceeding.
Shut down the computer through the Start menu and 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.
Press the arrow keys to select CD-ROM, and then press <Enter>.
When the Press any key to boot from CD message appears, press any key.
When the Windows 2000 Setup window appears, ensure that To setup
Win2000 now, press ENTER is highlighted. Then press <Enter>.
When the Windows 2000 Professional Setup window appears, press the
arrow keys to select the Windows 2000 partition option that you want. Then
press the key for the partition option you chose.
When the Windows 2000 Professional Setup window reappears, press the
arrow keys to select the type of file system that you want Windows 2000 to
use, and then press <Enter>.
Press <Enter> again to restart your computer.
Click Next when the Welcome to the Windows 2000 Setup Wizard window
appears.
When the Regional Settings window appears, select your region, and
then click Next.
Enter your name and organization in the Personalize Your Software window,
and then click Next.
Enter the Windows product key, which is printed on the Microsoft label on
your computer. Then click Next.
When the Computer Name and Administrator Password window appears,
enter a name for your computer and a password, if desired. Then click Next.
Enter the date and time in the Date and Time Settings window, and
then click Next.
Windows 2000 installs components and configures the computer.
When the Completing the Windows 2000 Setup Wizard window appears,
remove the CD from the drive, and then click Finish.
The computer automatically restarts.
Reinstall the appropriate drivers using the Drivers and Utilities CD.
Reinstall your virus protection software.
Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities
Windows XP
Microsoft Windows XP IRQ conflicts occur if a device either is not detected during the operating system setup or is detected but incorrectly configured.
To check for conflicts on a computer running Windows XP:
Click the Start button, and then click Control Panel.
Click Performance and Maintenance, and then click System.
Click the Hardware tab, and then click Device Manager.
In the Device Manager list, check for conflicts with the other devices.
Conflicts are indicated by a yellow exclamation point (!) beside the conflicting device or a red X if the device has been disabled.
Double-click any conflicting device listed to bring up the Properties window to
determine what needs to be reconfigured or removed from the Device Manager.
Resolve these conflicts before checking specific devices.
Double-click the malfunctioning device type in the Device Manager list.
Double-click the icon for the specific device in the expanded list.
The Properties window appears.
Resolve any IRQ conflicts, as described in step 5.
If an IRQ conflict exists, the Device status area in the Properties window reports the cards or devices that share the device's IRQ.
To use the Windows XP Hardware Troubleshooter:
Click the Start button, and then click Help and Support.
Type hardware troubleshooter in the Search field, and 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 2000
To check for conflicts on a computer running Windows 2000:
Click the Start button, point to Settings, and click Control Panel.
In the Control Panel window, double-click System.
Click the Hardware tab.
Click Device Manager.
Click View, and then click Resources by connection.
Double-click Interrupt request (IRQ) to view the IRQ assignments.
Conflicts are indicated by a yellow exclamation point (!) beside the conflicting device or a red X if the device has been disabled.
Double-click any conflicting device listed to bring up the Properties window to
determine what needs to be reconfigured or removed from the Device Manager.
Resolve these conflicts before checking specific devices.
Double-click the malfunctioning device type in the Device Manager list.
Double-click the icon for the specific device in the expanded list.
The Properties window appears.
If an IRQ conflict exists, the Device status area in the Properties window reports the
cards or devices that share the device's IRQ. Resolve the IRQ conflicts.
To use the Windows 2000 Hardware Troubleshooter:
Click the Start button, and then click Help.
Click Troubleshooting and Maintenance on the Contents tab, click Windows 2000
troubleshooters, and then click Hardware.
In the Hardware Troubleshooter list, click I need to resolve a hardware conflict on my
computer, and then click Next.
