Check the power light — When the power light is lit or blinking, the computer has power. If the power light is blinking, the computer is in standby mode—press the power button to exit standby mode. If the light is off, press the power button to turn on the computer.
Charge the battery — The battery charge may be depleted.
Reinstall the battery.
Use the AC adapter to connect the computer to an electrical outlet.
Turn on the computer.
Check the battery status light — If the battery status light flashes orange or is a steady orange the battery charge is low or depleted. Connect the computer to an electrical outlet.
Test the electrical outlet — Ensure that the electrical outlet is working by testing it with another device, such as a lamp.
Check the AC adapter — Check the AC adapter cable connections. If the AC adapter has a light, ensure that the light is on.
Connect the computer directly to an electrical outlet — Bypass power protection devices, power strips, and the extension cable to verify that the computer turns on.
Eliminate possible interference — Turn off nearby fans, fluorescent lights, halogen lamps, or other appliances.
Your computer's Intel® Pentium®4 microprocessor requires more power than the microprocessors used in Dell's previous mobile workstation computers. Your computer is designed to use the 90-W AC adapter and the 4400-mAh battery that shipped with it; for optimum system performance, you should always use these components.
The 70-W AC adapters used in some of Dell's older mobile workstation computers can be used with your computer, but they will decrease system performance. Likewise, you can use the 3800-mAh and 3600-mAh batteries from older Dell computers, but these lesser-capacity batteries will discharge faster. Using less-powerful AC adapters or batteries may cause you to receive a WARNING or a SYSTEM CONFIGURATION ERROR message similar to the following:
WARNING: 70 Watt AC adapter detected. System will not be capable of running in full performance without a 90 Watt AC adapter.
NOTICE: Do not use an AC adapter rated under 70 W or a battery rated
under 3600 mAh in this computer. To do so will cause indeterminate results,
including data loss and/or immediate system shutdown. Using one of these
lower-powered components will cause a SYSTEM CONFIGURATION ERROR
message to appear.
NOTE: If you want to
upgrade the AC adapter
for an existing Dell
docking device, you can
purchase an additional
90-W AC adapter from
Dell.
The 4400-mAh battery supplied with the computer is not designed to support both the computer and a docking device. For optimum system performance, always use the 90-W AC adapter (with or without a battery installed) when using the computer in a docking device. You can identify the 90-W adapter by the lighter-gray tip on the connector that plugs into the computer or docking device.
Using a 70-W AC adapter will cause the computer to run in reduced-performance mode and may display an AC adapter WARNING message.
To accommodate the initial power surge when connecting to a docking device with the computer running in normal (non-power conservation) mode, a 90- or 70-W AC adapter and at least one battery (a 4400- or 3800-mAh battery) must be installed in the computer. The computer will then run in either full-performance or reduced-performance mode, depending on the battery/AC adapter combination installed.
If the message is not listed, see the documentation for the operating system or the program that was running at the time the message appeared.
Auxiliary device failure — The touch pad, track stick, or external PS/2 mouse may be faulty. For an external mouse, check the cable connection. Enable the Pointing Device option in the system setup program. If the problem persists, contact Dell.
Bad command or file name — Ensure that you have spelled the command correctly, put spaces in the proper place, and used the correct pathname.
Cache disabled due to failure — The primary cache internal to the microprocessor has failed. Contact Dell.
CD drive controller failure — The CD drive does not respond to commands from the computer. See "Drive Problems."
Data error — The floppy or hard drive cannot read the data. See "Drive Problems."
Decreasing available memory — One or more memory modules may be faulty or improperly seated. Reseat the memory modules and, if necessary, replace them. See "Adding Memory."
Disk C: failed initialization — The hard drive failed initialization. Run the Hard-Disk Drive tests as described in "Dell Diagnostics."
Floppy drive 0 seek failure — The system configuration information may not match the hardware configuration. Run the Diskette tests as described in "Dell Diagnostics."
Diskette read failure — The floppy disk may be defective. If the drive access light turns on, try a different disk. See "Drive Problems."
Diskette subsystem reset failed — The floppy drive controller may be faulty. Run the Diskettetests as described in "Dell Diagnostics."
Diskette write-protected — Because the floppy disk is write-protected, the operation cannot be completed. Slide the write-protect notch.
Drive not ready — The operation requires a floppy disk in the drive or a hard drive in the bay before it can continue. Insert a floppy disk, or push the floppy disk all the way into the drive until the eject button pops out. Or, install a hard drive in the hard drive bay.
Error reading PCMCIA card — The computer cannot identify the PC Card. Reinsert the card or try another PC Card.
Extended memory size has changed — The amount of memory recorded in NVRAM does not match the memory installed in the computer. Restart the computer. If the error appears again, contact Dell.
Gate A20 failure — A memory module may be loose. Reinstall the memory modules and, if necessary, replace them.
General failure — The operating system is unable to carry out the command. This message is usually followed by specific information—for example, Printer out of paper. Take the appropriate action.
Hard-disk drive configuration error — The computer cannot identify the drive type. Turn off the computer, remove the hard drive, and boot the computer from a bootable floppy disk or CD. Then turn off the computer, reinstall the hard drive, and restart the computer. Run the Hard-Disk Drivetests as described in "Dell Diagnostics."
Hard-disk drive controller failure 0 — The hard drive does not respond to commands from the computer. Turn off the computer, remove the hard drive, and boot the computer from a bootable floppy disk or CD. Then turn off the computer, reinstall the hard drive, and restart the computer. If the problem persists, try another drive. Run the Hard-Disk Drive tests as described in "Dell Diagnostics."
Hard-disk drive failure — The hard drive does not respond to commands from the computer. Turn off the computer, remove the hard drive, and boot the computer from a bootable floppy disk or CD. Then turn off the computer, reinstall the hard drive, and restart the computer. If the problem persists, try another drive. Run the Hard-Disk Drive tests as described in "Dell Diagnostics."
Hard-disk drive read failure — The hard drive may be defective. Turn off the computer, remove the hard drive, and boot the computer from a bootable floppy disk or CD. Then turn off the computer, reinstall the hard drive, and restart the computer. If the problem persists, try another drive. Run the Hard-Disk Drive tests as described in "Dell Diagnostics."
Insert bootable media — The operating system is trying to boot to a nonbootable floppy disk or CD. Insert a bootable floppy disk or CD.
Invalid configuration information-please run System Setup Program — The system configuration information does not match the hardware configuration. This message is most likely to occur after a memory module is installed. Correct the appropriate options in the system setup program. See "Using the System Setup Program."
Keyboard clock line failure — For external keyboards, check the cable connection. Run the Keyboard Controllertest as described in "Dell Diagnostics."
Keyboard controller failure — For external keyboards, check the cable connection. Restart the computer, and avoid touching the keyboard or the mouse during the boot routine. Run the Keyboard Controller test as described in "Dell Diagnostics."
Keyboard data line failure — For external keyboards, check the cable connection. Run the Keyboard Controller test as described in "Dell Diagnostics."
Keyboard stuck key failure — For external keyboards or keypads, check the cable connection. Restart the computer, and avoid touching the keyboard or keys during the boot routine. Run the Stuck Keytest as described in "Dell Diagnostics."
Memory address line failure at address, read value expecting value — A memory module may be faulty or improperly seated. Reinstall the memory modules and, if necessary, replace them.
Memory allocation error — The software you are attempting to run is conflicting with the operating system, another program, or a utility. Turn off the computer, wait 30 seconds, and then restart it. Try to run the program again. If the error message still appears, see the software documentation.
Memory data line failure at address, read value expecting value — A memory module may be faulty or improperly seated. Reinstall the memory modules and, if necessary, replace them.
Memory double word logic failure at address, read value expecting value — A memory module may be faulty or improperly seated. Reinstall the memory modules and, if necessary, replace them.
Memory odd/even logic failure at address, read value expecting value — A memory module may be faulty or improperly seated. Reinstall the memory modules and, if necessary, replace them.
Memory write/read failure at address, read value expecting value — A memory module may be faulty or improperly seated. Reinstall the memory modules and, if necessary, replace them.
No boot device available — The computer cannot find the floppy disk or hard drive. 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 drive is installed, properly seated, and partitioned as a boot device.
No boot sector on hard drive — The operating system may be corrupted. Contact Dell.
No timer tick interrupt — A chip on the system board may be malfunctioning. Run the System Set tests as described in "Dell Diagnostics."
Non-system disk or disk error — A floppy disk is in the floppy drive. Remove the floppy disk and restart the computer.
Not a boot diskette — The operating system is trying to boot to a nonbootable floppy disk. Insert a bootable floppy disk.
Click the Start button, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel.
Double-click the Add/Remove Programs icon.
Select the program that you want to remove.
Click Change or Remove Programs and follow the prompts on the screen.
See the program documentation for installation instructions.
Sector not found — The operating system cannot locate a sector on the floppy or hard drive. You may have a defective sector or corrupted FAT on the floppy disk or hard drive. Run the Windows error-checking utility to check the file structure on the floppy disk or hard drive. See Windows® Help for instructions. If a large number of sectors are defective, back up the data (if possible), and then reformat the floppy disk or hard drive.
Seek error — The operating system cannot find a specific track on the floppy disk or hard drive. If the error is on the floppy disk, try another floppy disk.
Shutdown failure — A chip on the system board may be malfunctioning. Run the System Set tests as described in "Dell Diagnostics."
Time-of-day clock lost power — System configuration settings are corrupted. Connect your computer to an electrical outlet to charge the battery. If the problem persists, try to restore the data by entering the system setup program. Then immediately exit the program. See "Using the System Setup Program." If the message reappears, contact Dell.
Time-of-day clock stopped — The reserve battery that supports the system configuration settings may be dead. Connect your computer to an electrical outlet to charge the battery. If the problem persists, contact Dell.
Time-of-day not set-please run the System Setup program — The time or date stored in the system setup program does not match the system clock. Correct the settings for the Date and Time options. See "Using the System Setup Program."
Timer chip counter 2 failed — A chip on the system board may be malfunctioning. Run the System Set tests as described in "Dell Diagnostics."
Unexpected interrupt in protected mode — The keyboard controller may be malfunctioning, or a memory module may be loose. Run the System Memory tests and the Keyboard Controller test as described in "Dell Diagnostics."
NOTE: If you are using a
program that requires a
higher resolution than
your computer supports,
Dell recommends that you
attach an external
monitor to your computer.
Check the
light — When the
light is blinking, the computer has power.
If the
light is blinking, the computer is in standby mode—press the power button to exit standby mode.
If the
light is off, press the power button.
If the
light is on, your power management settings may have caused the display to turn off. Try pressing any key or move the cursor to exit standby mode.
Check the battery — If you are using a battery to power your computer, the battery charge may be depleted. Connect the computer to an electrical outlet using the AC adapter, and turn on the computer.
Test the electrical outlet — Ensure that the electrical outlet is working by testing it with another device, such as a lamp.
Check the AC adapter — Check the AC adapter cable connections. If the AC adapter has a light, ensure that it is on.
Connect the computer directly to an electrical outlet — Bypass power protection devices, power strips, and the extension cable to verify that the computer turns on.
Adjust the Power Properties — Search for the keyword standby in Windows Help or Windows Help and Support Center.
Switch the video image — If your computer is attached to an external monitor, press
to switch the video image to the display.
Adjust the brightness — See "Adjusting Brightness" for instructions on adjusting the brightness.
Move the subwoofer away from the computer or monitor — If your external speaker system includes a subwoofer, ensure that the subwoofer is at least 60 cm (2 ft) away from the computer or external monitor.
Eliminate possible interference — Turn off nearby fans, fluorescent lights, halogen lamps, or other appliances.
Rotate the computer to face a different direction — Eliminate sunlight glare, which can cause poor picture quality.
Click the Start button, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel.
Double-click the Display icon and then click the Settings tab.
Try different settings for Colors, Screen area, and Advanced Settings.
Run the Video diagnostics tests — If no error message appears and you still have a display problem, but the display is not completely blank, run the Video device group in the Dell Diagnostics.
See "Error Messages" — If an error message appears, see "Error Messages."
Adjust the Windows® volume control — Double-click the speaker icon in the lower-right corner of your screen. Ensure that the volume is turned up and that the sound is not muted. Adjust the volume, bass, or treble controls to eliminate distortion.
Adjust the volume using keyboard shortcuts — See "Using the Keyboard and Touch Pad." Press
to disable (mute) or reenable the integrated speakers.
NOTE: The volume
control in some MP3
players overrides the
Windows volume setting.
If you have been listening
to MP3 songs, make sure
that you did not turn the
player volume down or
off.
Check the speaker cable connections — See the setup diagram supplied with the speakers.
Test the electrical outlet — Ensure that the electrical outlet is working by testing it with another device, such as a lamp.
Ensure that the speakers are turned on — See the setup diagram supplied with the speakers.
Adjust the Windows volume control — Double-click the speaker icon in the lower-right corner of your screen. Ensure that the volume is turned up and that the sound is not muted. Adjust the volume, bass, or treble controls to eliminate distortion.
Test the speakers — Plug the speaker audio cable into the line-out connector on the computer. Ensure that the headphone volume control is turned up. Play a music CD.
Run the speaker self-test — Some speaker systems have a self-test button on the subwoofer. See the speaker documentation for self-test instructions.
Eliminate possible interference — Turn off nearby fans, fluorescent lights, or halogen lamps to check for interference.
Check the printer — Run the printer self-test. If the test does not complete successfully, the printer is probably defective. Contact the printer manufacturer.
NOTE: If you can
connect to your Internet
service provider (ISP),
your modem is
functioning properly. If
you are sure that your
modem is working
properly and you still
experience problems,
contact your ISP.
Check the telephone wall jack — Disconnect the telephone line from the modem and connect it to a telephone. Listen for a dial tone. Ensure that you have touchtone telephone service. Try connecting the modem to a different telephone wall jack.
Connect the modem directly to the telephone wall jack — If you have other telephone devices sharing the line, such as an answering machine, fax machine, surge protector, or line splitter, then bypass them and use the telephone line to connect the modem directly to the telephone wall jack.
Check the connection — Verify that the telephone line is connected to the modem.
Check the telephone line — Try using a different telephone line. If you are using a line that is 3 m (10 ft) or more in length, try a shorter one.
Irregular dial tone — If you have voice mail service, you might hear an irregular dial tone when you have messages. Contact your telephone company for instructions on restoring a dial tone.
Turn off call waiting (catch-phone) — See your telephone directory for instructions on deactivating this feature. Then adjust the dial-up networking connection properties.
Click Printers and Other Hardware, click Phone and Modem Options, click the Dialing Rules tab, and then click Edit....
In the Edit Location window, ensure that To disable call waiting, dial: is checked, and then select the proper code as listed in your telephone directory.
NOTE: If you still have
problems with a Dell-
provided modem, contact
Dell for technical
assistance. If you have
problems with a non-
Dell–provided modem,
contact the modem
manufacturer.
Click the Start button, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel.
Double-click the Mouse icon.
Try adjusting the settings.
Check the mouse cable — Shut down the computer. Disconnect the mouse cable and check it for damage. For PS/2 cables, check the cable connector for bent or broken pins. Firmly reconnect the cable.
Check the system setup program settings — Verify that the system setup program lists the correct device for the pointing device option. (The computer automatically recognizes a USB mouse without making any setting adjustments.)
Test the mouse controller — To test the mouse controller (which affects pointer movement) and the operation of the touch pad or mouse buttons, run the Mouse test in the Pointing Devices device group in the Dell Diagnostics.
NOTE: Use the
integrated keyboard when
working in MS-DOS®
mode or when running the
"Dell Diagnostics or the
system setup program.
When you attach an
external keyboard, the
integrated keyboard
remains fully functional.
Check the keyboard cable — Shut down the computer. Disconnect the keyboard cable and check it for damage. For PS/2 cables, check the cable connector for bent or broken pins. Firmly reconnect the cable.
Run the keyboard diagnostics tests — See the PC-AT Compatible Keyboards tests in the Dell Diagnostics. If the tests indicate a defective external keyboard, contact Dell.
Disable the numeric keypad — Press
to disable the numeric keypad if numbers are displayed instead of letters. Verify that the numbers lock light is not lit.
Ensure that the card is recognized by Windows® — Double-click the Unplug or Eject Hardware icon on the Windows taskbar. Ensure that the card is listed.
Run the PC Card diagnostics test — See the documentation that came with the PC Card for instructions if a diagnostics test was provided with the card.
If you have problems with a Dell-provided PC Card — Contact Dell
If you have problems with a PC Card not provided by Dell — Contact the PC Card manufacturer.
Ensure that Windows® recognizes the drive — In Windows XP, click the Start button and click My Computer. In other operating systems, double-click My Computer. If the drive is not listed, perform a full scan with your antivirus software to check for and remove viruses. Viruses can sometimes prevent Windows from recognizing the drive. Insert a bootable disk and restart the computer. Verify that the
light is blinking, indicating normal operation.
Ensure that the disk is not write-protected — You cannot save data to a write-protected disk.
Try another floppy disk — Insert another disk to eliminate the possibility that the original disk is defective.
NOTE: Because of
different worldwide file
types, not all DVD titles
work in all DVD drives.
High-speed CD drive vibration is normal and may cause noise. This noise does not indicate a defect with the drive or the CD.
Ensure that Windows® recognizes the drive — In Windows XP, click the Start button and click My Computer. In other operating systems, double-click My Computer. If the drive is not listed, perform a full scan with your antivirus software to check for and remove viruses. Viruses can sometimes prevent Windows from recognizing the drive. Insert a bootable disk and restart the computer. Verify that the
light is blinking, indicating normal operation.
Try another disc — Insert another disc to eliminate the possibility that the original disc is defective.
Adjust the Windows volume control — Double-click the speaker icon in the lower-right corner of your screen. Ensure that the volume is turned up and that the sound is not muted.
Identify the disc that is not playing — If you have one CD, CD-RW, or DVD in the fixed drive device and one in the module bay device:
In Windows XP, click the Start button and click My Computer. In other operating systems, double-click My Computer.
Double-click the drive letter of the device that you are verifying.
Disable standby mode in Windows before writing to a CD-RW — Search for the keyword standby in Windows Help. To access the help file, see "Windows Help."
Change the write speed to a slower rate — See the help files for your CD creation software.
Close all other open programs — Closing all other open programs before writing to the CD-RW may alleviate the problem.
Allow the computer to cool before turning it on — A hot hard drive may prevent the operating system from starting. Try allowing the computer to return to room temperature before turning it on.
Check the network cable connector — Ensure that the network cable connector is firmly connected to the connector on the computer and the network wall jack.
Check the network lights on the network connector — Green indicates that the network connection is active. If the status light is not green, try replacing the network cable. Amber indicates that the network adapter driver is loaded and the adapter is detecting activity.
Restart the computer — Try to log on to the network again.
Contact your network administrator — Verify that your network settings are correct and that the network is functioning.
NOTE: Software usually
includes installation
instructions in its
documentation or on a
floppy disk or CD.
See the software documentation — Many software manufacturers maintain websites with information that may help you solve the problem. Ensure that you properly installed and configured the program. Reinstall the program if necessary.
Turn the computer off — If the computer does not respond to a keystroke or a proper shutdown, press the power button until the computer turns off. Press the power button again to restart the computer. The solid blue screen appears because you were not able to perform a proper Windows® shutdown. ScanDisk automatically runs during the start-up process. Follow the instructions on the screen.
Review "Error Messages" — Look up the message and take the appropriate action. See the software documentation.
Confirm that the problem is software-related — Run the System Board Devicestests as described in "Dell Diagnostics." If all tests in the device group run successfully, the problem may be software-related. See the software documentation.
In the Microsoft® Windows® XP and Windows 2000 operating systems, IRQ conflicts occur if a device either is not detected during the operating system setup or is detected but incorrectly configured. See the following subsection that corresponds to your operating system to check for IRQ conflicts on your computer.
Click Performance and Maintenance and click System.
Click the Hardware tab and 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 so that you can 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 Devicestatus area in the Properties window reports what other devices are sharing the device's IRQ.
Resolve any IRQ conflicts.
You can also use the Windows XP Hardware Troubleshooter. To use the troubleshooter, click the Start button and 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.
Click the Start button, point to Settings, and then click Control
Panel.
Double-click the System icon.
Click the Hardware tab.
Click Device Manager.
Click View and 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 so that you can 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 what other devices are sharing the device's IRQ.
Resolve any IRQ conflicts.
You can also use the Windows 2000 Hardware Troubleshooter. To use the troubleshooter, click the Start button and 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.
CAUTION: Perform this procedure only after you are certain that it is safe to do so. If the computer is connected to an electrical outlet, Dell recommends that you turn off AC power at the circuit breaker before attempting to remove the power cables from the electrical outlet. Use the utmost caution when removing wet cables from a live power source.
CAUTION: Before working inside your computer, read "Safety and EMC Instructions: Mobile Workstation Computers" in your System InformationGuide.
Turn off the computer, disconnect the AC adapter from the computer,
and then disconnect the AC adapter from the electrical outlet.
Turn off any attached external devices, and disconnect them from
their power sources and then from the computer.
Ground yourself by touching one of the metal connectors on the back
of the computer.
Open the display and place the computer right-side up across two
books or similar props to let air circulate all around it. Let the
computer dry for at least 24 hours in a dry area at room temperature.
NOTICE: Do not use artificial means, such as a hair dryer or a fan, to speed
the drying process.
CAUTION: To help prevent electrical shock, verify that the computer is thoroughly dry before continuing with the rest of this procedure.
Ground yourself by touching one of the metal connectors on the back
of the computer.
Replace the memory module(s), the memory module cover, and the
screw(s).
Replace the hard drive.
Replace the module bay device and any PC Cards you removed.
Replace the battery.
Turn on the computer and verify that it is working properly.
NOTE: See your System
Information Guide for
information on your
warranty coverage.
If the computer does not start, or if you cannot identify the damaged components, contact Dell.
*Offers subject to change. Taxes, shipping, handling and other fees apply. U.S. Dell Small Business new purchases only. LIMIT 5 DISCOUNTED OR PROMOTIONAL ITEMS PER CUSTOMER. LIMIT 5 VOSTRO OR INSPIRON UNITS PER CUSTOMER. Dell reserves right to cancel orders arising from pricing or other errors.
light — 
light is blinking, the computer has power.
light is blinking, the computer is in standby mode—press the power button to exit standby mode. 
light is off, press the power button.
light is on, your power management settings may have caused the display to turn off. Try pressing any key or move the cursor to exit standby mode.
to switch the video image to the display.
to disable (mute) or reenable the integrated speakers.
to disable the numeric keypad if numbers are displayed instead of letters. Verify that the numbers lock light is not lit.
light is blinking, indicating normal operation.
light is blinking, indicating normal operation.
light is blinking, indicating normal operation.
.
