If the power light is blinking green, the computer is in standby mode. Press a key on the keyboard, move the mouse, or press the power button to resume normal operation.
If the power light is off, the computer is either turned off or is not receiving power.
Reseat the power cable in the power connector on the back of the computer and the electrical outlet.
If the computer is plugged into a power strip, ensure that the power strip is plugged into an electrical outlet and that the power strip is turned on. Also, bypass power protection devices, power strips, and power extension cables to verify that the computer turns on properly.
Ensure that the electrical outlet is working by testing it with another device, such as a lamp.
Ensure that the main power cable and front panel cable are securely connected to the system board (see System Board Components).
If the power light is blinking amber, the computer is receiving electrical power, but an internal power problem might exist.
Ensure that the voltage selection switch is set to match the AC power at your location (if applicable).
If the power light is steady amber, a device might be malfunctioning or incorrectly installed.
Remove and then reinstall the memory modules (see Memory).
Remove and then reinstall the graphics card, if applicable (see Cards).
Ensure that all power cables are securely connected to the system board (see System Board Components).
Diagnostic Lights
CAUTION: Before you perform any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.
To help you troubleshoot a problem, your computer has four lights labeled 1, 2, 3, and 4 on the front panel (see Front View of the Computer). When the computer starts normally, the lights flash before turning off. If the computer malfunctions, the sequence of the lights helps to identify the problem.
.
Light Pattern
Problem Description
Suggested Resolution
The computer is in a normal "off" condition or a possible pre-BIOS failure has occurred.
All four diagnostic lights display solid green and then turn off after the system successfully boots to the operating system.
Plug the computer into a working electrical outlet (see Power Lights).
If the problem persists, contact Dell (see "Contacting Dell" in your Owner's Manual).
If the problem persists, contact Dell (see "Contacting Dell" in your Owner's Manual).
Memory modules are detected, but a memory failure has occurred.
If two or more memory modules are installed, remove the modules (see Removing Memory), then reinstall one module (see Installing Memory) and restart the computer. If the computer starts normally, continue to install additional memory modules (one at a time) until you have identified a faulty module or reinstalled all modules without error.
If available, install properly working memory of the same type into your computer (see Installing Memory).
If the problem persists, contact Dell (see "Contacting Dell" in your Owner's Manual).
If available, install a working graphics card into your computer.
If the problem persists, contact Dell (see "Contacting Dell" in your Owner's Manual).
A possible floppy drive or hard drive failure has occurred.
Reseat all power and data cables.
A possible USB failure has occurred.
Reinstall all USB devices and check all cable connections.
No memory modules are detected.
If two or more memory modules are installed, remove the modules (see Removing Memory), then reinstall one module (see Installing Memory) and restart the computer. If the computer starts normally, continue to install additional memory modules (one at a time) until you have identified a faulty module or reinstalled all modules without error.
If available, install properly working memory of the same type into your computer (see Installing Memory).
If the problem persists, contact Dell (see "Contacting Dell" in your Owner's Manual).
Memory modules are detected, but a memory configuration or compatibility error has occurred.
Ensure that no special requirements for memory module/connector placement exist (see Memory).
Ensure that the memory you are using is supported by your computer (see Memory).
If the problem persists, contact Dell (see "Contacting Dell" in your Owner's Manual).
A possible expansion card failure has occurred.
Determine if a conflict exists by removing an expansion card (not a graphics card) and restarting the computer (see Cards).
If the problem persists, reinstall the card you removed, then remove a different card and restart the computer.
Repeat this process for each card installed. If the computer starts normally, troubleshoot the last card removed from the computer for resource conflicts (see Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities).
If the problem persists, contact Dell (see "Contacting Dell" in your Owner's Manual).
The system is operating in quick resume mode.
Press the power button
Move the mouse
Press any key on the keyboard
Press any key on the optional MCE remote control
Another failure has occurred.
Ensure that all hard drive and CD/DVD drive cables are properly connected to the system board (see Drives).
If there is an error message on your screen identifying a problem with a device (such as the floppy drive or hard drive), check the device to make sure it is functioning properly.
If the operating system is attempting to boot from a device (such as the floppy drive or hard drive), check system setup (see System Setup) to make sure the boot sequence is correct for the devices installed on your computer.
If the problem persists, contact Dell (see "Contacting Dell" in your Owner's Manual).
Beep Codes
Your computer might emit a series of beeps during start-up if the monitor cannot display errors or problems. This series of beeps, called a beep code, identifies a problem. For example, beep code 1-3-1 (one possible beep code) consists of one beep, a burst of three beeps, and then one beep. This beep code tells you that the computer encountered a memory problem.
Reseating the memory modules (see Installing Memory) may correct the following beep code errors. If the problem persists, see "Contacting Dell" in your Owner's Manual for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.
Code
Cause
1-3-1 through 2-4-4
Memory not being properly identified or used
4-3-1
Memory failure above address 0FFFFh
If you experience any of the following non-memory related beep code errors, see "Contacting Dell" in your Owner's Manual for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.
Code
Cause
1-1-2
Microprocessor register failure
1-1-3
NVRAM
1-1-4
ROM BIOS checksum failure
1-2-1
Programmable interval timer
1-2-2
DMA initialization failure
1-2-3
DMA page register read/write failure
3-1-1
Slave DMA register failure
3-1-2
Master DMA register failure
3-1-3
Master interrupt mask register failure
3-1-4
Slave interrupt mask register failure
3-2-2
Interrupt vector loading failure
3-2-4
Keyboard Controller Test failure
3-3-1
NVRAM power loss
3-3-2
NVRAM configuration
3-3-4
Video Memory Test failure
3-4-1
Screen initialization failure
3-4-2
Screen retrace failure
3-4-3
Search for video ROM failure
4-2-1
No time tick
4-2-2
Shutdown failure
4-2-3
Gate A20 failure
4-2-4
Unexpected interrupt in protected mode
4-3-3
Timer-chip counter 2 failure
4-3-4
Time-of-day clock stopped
4-4-1
Serial or parallel port test failure
4-4-4
Cache test failure
System Messages
NOTE: If the message you received is not listed in the table, see the documentation for either the operating system or the program that was running when the message appeared.
Message
Possible Cause
Corrective Action
8042 Gate-A20 error
The keyboard controller failed its test.
If you receive this message after you make changes in the system setup program, enter the system setup program (see Entering System Setup) and restore the original value(s).
Address Line Short!
An error in the address decoding circuitry in the memory has occurred.
The hard drive is not working or is not configured correctly.
Ensure that the drive is installed correctly in the computer and defined correctly in the system setup program (see Entering System Setup).
Cache Memory Bad, Do Not Enable Cache
The cache memory is not operating.
See "Contacting Dell" in your Owner's Manual for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.
CH-2 Timer Error
An error is occurring on the timer on the system board.
See "Contacting Dell" in your Owner's Manual for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.
CMOS Battery State Low
CMOS Checksum Failure
CMOS System Options Not Set
CMOS Display Type Mismatch
CMOS Memory Size Mismatch
CMOS Time and Date Not Set
The system configuration information in the system setup program is incorrect or the battery charge may be low.
Enter the system setup program (see Entering System Setup), verify the system configuration, and then restart the computer.
Diskette Boot Failure
Drive A or B is present but has failed the BIOS POST.
Ensure that the drive is installed correctly in the computer and defined correctly in the system setup program (see Entering System Setup). Check the interface cable at both ends.
DMA Error
DMA 1 Error
DMA 2 Error
Error in the DMA controller on the system board.
The keyboard or system board may need to be replaced.
FDD Controller Failure
HDD Controller Failure
The BIOS cannot communicate with the floppy drive or hard drive controller.
Ensure that the floppy drive or the hard drive is installed correctly in the computer (see Drives) and defined correctly in the system setup program (see Entering System Setup). Check the interface cable at both ends.
INTR1 Error
INTR2 Error
An interrupt channel on the system board failed to POST.
The keyboard or system board may need to be replaced.
Invalid Boot Diskette
The operating system cannot be located on drive A or drive C.
Enter the system setup program (see Entering System Setup)and confirm that drive A or drive C is properly identified.
Keyboard Error
The BIOS has detected a stuck key.
Ensure that nothing is resting on the keyboard; if a key appears to be stuck, carefully pry it up. If the problem persists, you may need to replace the keyboard.
KB/Interface Error
An error occurred with the keyboard connector.
Ensure that nothing is resting on the keyboard; if a key appears to be stuck, carefully pry it up. If the problem persists, you may need to replace the keyboard.
No ROM Basic
The operating system cannot be located on drive A or drive C.
Enter the system setup program (see Entering System Setup) and confirm that drive A or drive C is properly identified.
Dell Diagnostics
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.
NOTE: The Dell Diagnostics only operate on Dell computers.
Starting the Dell Diagnostics
Turn on (or restart) your computer.
When the DELL logo appears, press <F12> immediately.
NOTE: Keyboard failure may result when a key is held down for extended periods of time. To avoid possible keyboard failure, press and release <F12> in even intervals to open the Boot Device Menu.
If you wait too long and the operating system logo appears, continue to wait until you see the Microsoft® Windows® desktop, then shut down your computer and try again.
At the Boot Device Menu, use the up- and down-arrow keys or press the appropriate number
on the keyboard to highlight Boot to Utility Partition, and then press <Enter>.
NOTE: The Quickboot feature changes the boot sequence for the current boot only. Upon restart, the computer boots according to the boot sequence specified in system setup.
At the Dell Diagnostics Main Menu, left-click with the mouse, or press <Tab> and then
<Enter>, to select the test you want to run (see Dell Diagnostics Main Menu).
NOTE: Write down any error codes and problem descriptions exactly as they appear and follow the instructions on the screen.
After all tests have completed, close the test window to return to the Dell Diagnostics
MainMenu.
Close the Main Menu windowto exit the Dell Diagnostics and restart the computer.
Dell Diagnostics Main Menu
The following tests can be run from the Dell Diagnostics Main Menu:
Option
Function
Express Test
Performs a quick test of system devices. The 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 system devices. The test typically takes an hour or more and peridocially requires your input to answer specific questions.
Custom Test
Tests a specific device in the system and can be used to customize the tests you want to run.
Symptom Tree
Lists a number of common symptoms and allows you to select a test based on the symptom of the problem you are having.
For any problem encountered during a test, a message appears with an error code and a description of the problem. Write down the error code and problem description exactly as it appears and follow the instructions on the screen. If you cannot resolve the problem, see "Contacting Dell" in your Owner's Manual for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.
NOTE: The Service Tag for your computer is located at the top of each test screen. When contacting Dell support, have your Service Tag ready.
The following tabs provide additional information for tests run from the Custom Test or Symptom Tree option:
Tab
Function
Results
Displays the results of the test and any error conditions encountered.
Errors
Displays error conditions encountered, error codes, and the problem description.
Help
Describes the test and any requirements for running the test.
Configuration
(Custom Test only)
Displays the hardware configuration for the selected device.
The Dell Diagnostics obtains configuration information for all devices from system setup, memory, and various internal tests, and it displays the information in the device list in the left pane of the screen.
NOTE: The device list may not display the names of all the components installed on your computer or all devices attached to your computer.
Parameters
(Custom Test only)
Allows you to customize the test, if applicable, by changing the test settings.
Drivers
What Is a Driver?
A driver is a program that controls a device such as a printer, mouse, or keyboard. All devices require a driver program.
A driver acts as a translator between the device and any other programs that use the device. Each device has its own set of specialized commands that only the driver for that device recognizes.
Required drivers are already installed on your computer—no further installation or configuration is needed.
Many drivers, such as the keyboard driver, come with your Microsoft® Windows® operating system. You may need to install drivers if you:
Upgrade your operating system.
Reinstall your operating system.
Connect or install a new device.
Identifying Drivers
If you experience a problem with any device, identify whether the driver is the source of your problem and, if necessary, update the driver.
Windows XP
Click the Start button, then click Control Panel.
Under Pick a Category, click Performance and Maintenance.
Click System.
In the System Properties window, click the Hardware tab.
Click Device Manager.
Scroll down the list of devices and check for an exclamation point (a circle with a [!]) next to
the device name.
If an exclamation point appears next to the device name, you may need to reinstall the driver or install a new driver.
Reinstalling Drivers
NOTICE: The Dell Support website at support.dell.com provides approved drivers for your Dell™ computer. If you install drivers obtained from other sources, your computer may not function properly.
Using Windows XP Device Driver Rollback
If a problem occurs on your computer after you install or update a driver, use Windows XP Device Driver Rollback to replace the driver with the previously installed version.
Click Start, then click Control Panel.
Under Pick a Category, click Performance and Maintenance.
Click System.
In the System Properties window, click the Hardware tab.
Click Device Manager.
Right-click the device for which the new driver was installed, then click Properties.
Click the Driver tab.
Click Roll Back Driver.
Manually Reinstalling Drivers
After copying driver files to your hard drive, you may be required to update the driver manually.
NOTE: Drivers can be manually updated for any hardware device installed in your computer.
Click Start, then click Control Panel.
Under Pick a Category, click Performance and Maintenance.
Click System.
In the System Properties window, click the Hardware tab.
Click Device Manager.
Double-click the type of device for which you are installing the driver.
Right-click the device for which the driver is being reinstalled, then click Properties.
Click the Driver tab.
Click Update Driver.
Click Install from a list or specific location (Advanced), then click Next.
Click to check Include this location in the search, then click Browse and navigate to where
the driver files are located on your hard drive.
When the name of the appropriate driver appears, click Next.
Click Finish and restart your computer.
Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities
If a device is not detected during the operating system setup or is detected but incorrectly configured, you can use the Hardware Troubleshooter to resolve the incompatibility.
To resolve incompatibilities using the Hardware Troubleshooter:
Click Start, then click Help and Support.
Type hardware troubleshooter in the Search field, then click the arrow to start the
search.
Click Hardware Troubleshooter in the Search Results list.
In the Hardware Troubleshooter list, click I need to resolve a hardware conflict on my
computer, and then click Next.
