Dell 670 User Manual

Dell Precision™ Workstation 470

and Workstation 670

Quick Reference Guide

Models WHM and WHL

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

Notes, Notices, and Cautions

NOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better use of your computer.

NOTICE: A NOTICE indicates either potential damage to hardware or loss of data and tells you how to avoid

the problem.

CAUTION: A CAUTION indicates a potential for property damage, personal injury, or death.

Abbreviations and Acronyms

For a complete list of abbreviations and acronyms, see the "Glossary" in the

If you purchased a Dell™ n Series computer, any references in this document to Microsoft

User’s Guide

Windows®operating

systems are not applicable.

Quick Reference Guide, Drivers and Utilities

The

CD, and operating system media are optional and may not ship

with all computers.

____________________

Reproduction in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of Dell Inc. is strictly forbidden. Trademarks used in this text: Dell, the DELL logo, and Dell Precision are trademarks of Dell Inc.; Microsoft and Windows are registered

trademarks of Microsoft Corporation; Intel and Pentium are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation. Other trademarks and trade names may be used in this document to refer to either the entities claiming the marks and names or their products.

Dell Inc. disclaims any proprietary interest in trademarks and trade names other than its own.

Models WHM and WHL

October 2004 P/N X3155 Rev. A01

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

Finding Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Setting Up Your Dell Precision 670 Computer

Setting Up Your Dell Precision 470 Computer

Opening the Computer Cover

Caring for Your Computer

Solving Problems

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities

Microsoft Windows Windows 2000 Using System Restore in Windows XP Using Last Known Good Configuration When to Use the Dell Diagnostics Before You Start Testing Running the Dell Diagnostics System Lights

Beep Codes

Error Messages

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Diagnostic Lights

Memory Overview

Frequently Asked Questions

XP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

. . . . . . . . . . 22

Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Contents 3

4 Contents

Finding Information

NOTE: Some features may not be available for your computer or in certain countries.

NOTE: Additional information may ship with your computer.

What Are You Looking For? Find It Here

• A diagnostic program for my computer

• Drivers for my computer

• My computer documentation

• My device documentation

• Desktop System Software (DSS)

• System board connectors

• Location of system board components

Drivers and Utilities CD (also known as ResourceCD)

Documentation and drivers are already installed on your computer. You can use the CD to reinstall drivers, run the Dell Diagnostics (see page 26), or access your documentation.

NOTE: Drivers and documentation updates can be found at

support.dell.com.

NOTE: The Drivers and Utilities CD is optional and may not

ship with your computer.

System Information Label

Readme files may be included on your CD to provide last-minute updates about technical changes to your computer or advanced technical-reference material for technicians or experienced users.

Located on the inside cover of your computer.

Quick Reference Guide 5

What Are You Looking For? Find It Here

• Warranty information

Dell™ Product Information Guide

• Terms and Conditions (U.S. only)

• Safety instructions

• Regulatory information

• Ergonomics information

• End User License Agreement

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• How to remove and replace parts

• Specifications

• How to configure system settings

• How to troubleshoot and solve problems

Dell Precision™ Mobile Workstation User’s Guide

Microsoft

The User’s Guide is also available on the optional Drivers

and Utilities

• Service Tag and Express Service Code

• Microsoft Windows License Label

Service Tag and Microsoft Windows License

These labels are located on your computer.

• Use the Service Tag to

• Enter the Express Service Code to direct your call when

Windows® XP Help and Support Center

Click the Click

Start

button and click

User’s and system guides

identify your computer when you

support.dell.com

use or contact technical support.

contacting technical support.

Help and Support

and click

User’s guides

6 Quick Reference Guide

What Are You Looking For? Find It Here

• Solutions — Troubleshooting hints and tips, articles from technicians, online courses, frequently asked questions

• Community — Online discussion with other Dell customers

• Upgrades — Upgrade information for components, such as memory, the hard drive, and the operating system

Dell Support Website — support.dell.com

NOTE: Select your region to view the appropriate support

site.

NOTE: Corporate, government, and education customers

can also use the customized Dell Premier Support website at premier.support.dell.com. The website may not be available in all regions.

• Customer Care — Contact information, service call and order status, warranty, and repair information

• Service and support — Service call status and support history, service contract, online discussions with technical support

• Reference — Computer documentation, details on my computer configuration, product specifications, and white papers

• Downloads — Certified drivers, patches, and software updates

• Desktop System Software (DSS) — If you reinstall the operating system for your computer, you should also reinstall the DSS utility. DSS provides critical updates for your operating system and support for Dell™

3.5-inch USB floppy drives, Intel

Pentium®M processors, optical drives, and USB devices. DSS is necessary for correct operation of your Dell computer. The software automatically detects your computer and operating system and installs the updates appropriate for your configuration.

• How to use Windows XP

• Documentation for my computer

• Documentation for devices (such as a modem)

Windows Help and Support Center

Click the

Type a word or phrase that describes your problem and click the arrow icon.

Click the topic that describes your problem.

Follow the instructions on the screen.

Start

button and click

Help and Support

Quick Reference Guide 7

What Are You Looking For? Find It Here

• How to reinstall my operating system

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Operating System CD

The operating system is already installed on your computer. To reinstall your operating system, use the

Operating System CD. See your Dell Precision User’s Guide for instructions.

NOTE: The color of your CD varies based on the operating

system you ordered.

NOTE: The Operating System CD is optional and may not

ship with your computer.

• How to use the Red Hat® Linux operating system

• E-mail discussions with other users of Dell Precision™ computers and Linux

• Additional information regarding Linux and my Dell Precision computer

Dell Supported Linux Sites

• http://linux.dell.com

• http://lists.us.dell.com/mailman/listinfo/linux-

• http://docs.us.dell.com/docs/software/oslinux/

After you reinstall your operating system, use the Drivers and Utilities CD to reinstall drivers for the devices that came with your computer.

Your operating system product key label is located on your computer.

precision

8 Quick Reference Guide

Setting Up Your Dell Precision 670 Computer

Connect the keyboard and the mouse.

PS/2

USB

PS/2

USB

CAUTION: Before you begin any of

the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions located in the Product Information Guide.

You must complete all steps to properly set up your computer.

Connect the modem or the network cable.

Network

Modem

NOTE: If your computer has a

network card installed, connect the network cable to the card.

NOTE: A modem is not included as a

standard feature with Dell Precision workstations, but you can order a modem separately.

NOTICE: Do not connect a modem

cable to the network adapter. Voltage from telephone communications can damage the network adapter.

Quick Reference Guide 9

Connect the monitor.

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Depending on your graphics card, you can connect your monitor in various ways.

NOTICE: You may need to use the

provided adapter or cable to connect your monitor to the computer.

10 Quick Reference Guide

For single- and dual-monitor capable cards with a single connector

VGA Adapter

VGA

Use the VGA adapter when you have a single monitor graphics card and you want to connect a VGA monitor.

Dual VGA Y Cable Adapter

Dual DVI Y Cable Adapter

VGA

Use the appropriate Y cable when your graphics card has a single connector and you want to connect one or two VGA monitors.

Use the appropriate Y cable when your graphics card has a single connector and you want to connect one or two DVI monitors.

DVI

The dual-monitor cable is color coded; the blue connector is for the primary monitor, and the black connector is for the secondary monitor. To enable dual-monitor support, both monitors must be attached to the computer when it starts.

Quick Reference Guide 11

For dual-monitor capable cards with one DVI and one VGA connector

Single DVI/Single VGA

DVI

VGA

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Use the appropriate connector(s) when you connect one or two monitors.

For dual-monitor capable cards with two DVI connectors

Dual DVI

Dual DVI With One VGA Adapter

Dual VGA With VGA Adapter

VGA

Use the VGA adapter when you want to connect two VGA monitors.

Dual DVI With Two VGA Adapters

DVI

Use the DVI connectors to connect your computer to one or two DVI monitors.

12 Quick Reference Guide

DVI

VGA

Use the VGA adapter to connect a VGA monitor to one of the DVI connectors on your computer.

VGA

Use two VGA adapters to connect two VGA monitors to the DVI connectors on your computer.

Connect the speakers.

LINE OUT

Connect the power cables and turn on the computer and monitor.

NOTE: If your computer

has an audio card installed, connect the speakers to the card.

Quick Reference Guide 13

Install additional software or devices.

Before you install any devices or software that did not come with your computer, read the documentation that came with the software or device or contact the vendor to verify that the software or device is compatible with your computer and operating system.

Congratulations! You have completed the setup for your Dell Precision 670 computer.

To access the User’s Guide from your hard drive:

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

Click the

To access your User’s Guide from the Dell Support website:

Start

Go to

support.dell.com.

Follow the prompts on the website that ask you for information specific to your computer.

At the Dell Support website home page, click the

Systems

click

button and click

, and then select your Dell Precision computer.

Help and Support

User Guides

link under

Product Support

14 Quick Reference Guide

Setting Up Your Dell Precision 470 Computer

CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions

located in the Product Information Guide.

You must complete all steps to properly set up your computer.

Connect the keyboard and the mouse.

PS/2

Connect the modem or the network cable.

network

USB

modem

PS/2

USB

NOTE: If your computer has a

network card installed, connect the network cable to the card.

NOTICE: Do not connect a

modem cable to the network adapter. Voltage from telephone communications can damage the network adapter.

NOTE: A modem is not

included as a standard feature with Dell Precision workstations, but you can order a modem separately.

Quick Reference Guide 15

Connect the monitor.

Depending on your graphics card, you can connect your monitor in various ways.

For information on the different options, see

page 11

and

page 12

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

NOTICE: You may need

to use the provided adapter or cable to connect your monitor to the computer.

16 Quick Reference Guide

Connect the speakers.

LINE OUT

NOTE: If your computer has an audio card installed, connect the speakers to the card.

Connect the power cables and turn on the computer and monitor.

Install additional software or devices.

Quick Reference Guide 17

Congratulations! You have completed the setup for your Dell Precision 470 computer.

To access the User’s Guide from your hard drive:

Click the

To access your User’s Guide from the Dell Support website:

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

Start

Go to

support.dell.com.

Follow the prompts on the website that ask you for information specific to your computer.

At the Dell Support website home page, click the click

Systems

Opening the Computer Cover

CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the

Product Information Guide.

Shut down the computer through the

Ensure that your computer and attached devices are turned off. If your computer and attached devices did not automatically turn off when you shut down your computer, turn them off now.

button and click

Help and Support

User Guides

, and then select your Dell Precision computer.

Start

menu.

link under

Product Support

NOTICE: To disconnect a network cable, first unplug the cable from your computer and then unplug it

from the network wall jack.

Disconnect any telephone or telecommunication lines from the computer.

Disconnect your computer and all attached devices from electrical outlets, and then press the power button to ground the system board.

If you have installed a padlock through the padlock ring on the back panel, remove the padlock.

CAUTION: To guard against electrical shock, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet

before opening the cover.

Lay the computer on its side as shown in the following illustrations.

NOTICE: Ensure that sufficient space exists to support the open cover—at least 30 cm (1 ft) of

desk top space.

18 Quick Reference Guide

Open the computer cover:

Slide the cover release latch toward the top of the computer.

Raise the cover, and pivot it toward the front of the computer.

Ground yourself by touching an unpainted metal surface on the computer, such as the metal at the back of computer, before touching anything inside your computer.

While you work, periodically touch any unpainted metal surface on the computer to dissipate any static electricity that could harm internal components.

Dell Precision 670 Computer

cover release latch

security cable slot

padlock ring

Quick Reference Guide 19

Inside the Dell Precision 670 Computer

system board

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processor airflow shroud

floppy drive (optional)

CD/DVD drive(s)

hard drive(s)

chassis intrusion switch

power supply

20 Quick Reference Guide

Dell Precision 470 Computer

cover release latch

security cable slot

padlock ring

Inside the Dell Precision 470 Computer

chassis intrusion switch

CD/DVD drive(s)

floppy drive (optional)

hard drive(s)

system board

processor airflow shroud

power supply

Quick Reference Guide 21

Caring for Your Computer

To help maintain your computer, follow these suggestions:

• To avoid losing or corrupting data, never turn off your computer when the hard drive light is on.

• Schedule regular virus scans using anti-virus software.

• Manage hard drive space by periodically deleting unnecessary files and defragmenting the drive.

• Back up files on a regular basis.

• Periodically clean your monitor screen, mouse, and keyboard (see your more information).

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Solving Problems

Follow these tips when troubleshooting your computer:

• If you added or removed a computer part before the problem started, review the installation procedures and ensure that the part is correctly installed.

• If a peripheral device does not work, ensure that the device is properly connected.

• If an error message appears on the screen, write down the exact message. This message may help technical support diagnose and fix the problem(s).

• If an error message occurs in a program, consult the program’s documentation.

• If the recommended action in the troubleshooting section is to see a section in your

User’s Guide

your

User’s Guide

, go to

support.dell.com

User’s Guide

(on another computer if necessary) to access

for

Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities

If a device is either not detected during the operating system setup or is detected but incorrectly configured, you can use the Hardware Troubleshooter to resolve the incompatibility.

Microsoft Windows® XP

To resolve incompatibilities using the Hardware Troubleshooter:

Click the

Ty p e

Click

In the

computer

22 Quick Reference Guide

Start

hardware troubleshooter

Hardware Troubleshooter

, and click

button and click

Help and Support

in the

Search Results

list, click

I need to resolve a hardware conflict on my

field and click the arrow to start the search.

list.

To resolve incompatibilities using the Hardware Troubleshooter:

Click the

Click

troubleshooters

In the

computer

Start

button and click

Help

Troubleshooting and Maintenance

, and then click

Hardware Troubleshooter

and click

Hardware

list, click

on the

Contents

tab, click

I need to resolve a hardware conflict on my

Windows 2000

To resolve incompatibilities using Device Manager:

Click the

In the

Click the

Click

Double-click

Incorrectly configured devices are indicated by a yellow exclamation point ( device has been disabled.

Double-click any device marked with an exclamation point to display the

The be reconfigured.

Start

button, point to

Control Panel

Hardware

Device Manager

View

and click

Interrupt request (IRQ)

Device

status area in the

Settings

, and then click

window, double-click

tab.

Resources by connection

Properties

window reports the cards or devices that need to

System

Control Panel

Windows XP

) or a red X if the

Properties

window.

Reconfigure the devices or remove the devices from the Device Manager. See the documentation that came with the device for information on configuring the device.

To resolve incompatibilities using the Hardware Troubleshooter:

Click the

Click

troubleshooters

In the

computer

Start

button and click

Help

Troubleshooting and Maintenance

, and then click

Hardware Troubleshooter

and click

Hardware

list, click

on the

Contents

tab, click

Windows 2000

I need to resolve a hardware conflict on my

Using System Restore in Windows XP

The Microsoft® Windows® XP operating system provides System Restore to allow you to return your computer to an earlier operating state (without affecting data files) if changes to the hardware, software, or other system settings have left the computer in an undesirable operating state.

NOTICE: Make regular backups of your data files. System Restore does not monitor your data files or

recover them.

Quick Reference Guide 23

Creating a Restore Point

Click the

Click

System Restore

Follow the instructions on the screen.

Restoring the Computer to an Earlier Operating State

NOTICE: Before you restore the computer to an earlier operating state, save and close all open files and

close all open programs. Do not alter, open, or delete any files or programs until the system restoration is complete.

Click the

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System Restore

Ensure that

Click a calendar date to which you want to restore your computer.

The

Select a Restore Point

restore points. All calendar dates with available restore points appear in bold.

Select a restore point and click

If a calendar date has only one restore point, then that restore point is automatically selected. If two or more restore points are available, click the restore point that you prefer.

Click

The

Restoration Complete

then the computer automatically restarts.

Start

button and click

Help and Support

Start

button, point to

All Programs→

Restore my computer to an earlier time

screen provides a calendar that allows you to see and select

screen appears after System Restore finishes collecting data, and

Accessories→

System Tools

is selected, and click

, and then click

After the computer restarts, click OK.

To change the restore point, you can either repeat the steps using a different restore point, or you can undo the restoration.

Using Last Known Good Configuration

Restart your computer and press <F8> when the message

operating system to start

Highlight operating system when prompted.

24 Quick Reference Guide

Last Known Good Setting,

Please select the

appears.

press <Enter>, press <l>, and then select your

Other Options to Help Resolve Additional Device or Software Conflicts

NOTICE: The following processes erase all of the information on your hard drive.

• Reinstall your operating system using the operating system CD.

NOTE: The operating system CD is optional and may not ship with every computer.

During the operating system reinstallation, you can select to delete the existing partitions and reformat your hard drive.

• Reinstall all drivers, beginning with the chipset, using the optional

Drivers and Utilities

CD.

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. The test results provide important information for Dell's service and support personnel.

NOTICE: Only use the Dell Diagnostics to test your Dell™ computer. Using this program with other

computers can cause incorrect computer responses or result in error messages.

The Dell Diagnostics allow you to:

• Perform quick checks or extensive tests on one or all devices.

• Choose how many times a test is run.

• Display or print test results or save them in a file.

• Suspend testing if an error is detected or terminate testing if a certain number of errors occur.

Help

• Access online

screens that describe the tests and how to run them.

• Read status messages that tell you whether tests completed successfully.

• Receive error messages if problems are detected.

Before You Start Testing

CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the

Product Information Guide.

• Turn on your printer if one is attached.

• Enter system setup, review your computer’s configuration information, and then enable all of your computer’s components and devices, such as connectors.

Quick Reference Guide 25

Running the Dell Diagnostics

It is recommended that you print these procedures before you begin.

Open the Dell Diagnostics on your hard drive or from the

From your hard drive

Shut down and restart the computer.

When <Ctrl><Alt><F10>.

If you wait too long and the Microsoft you see the Windows desktop. Then shut down your computer and try again. After the

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system boots to the Dell Diagnostics, go to step 2.

From the Drivers and Utilities CD

Shut down and restart the computer.

When

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 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.

The

Insert the

Change the boot sequence.

The Dell Diagnostics Menu appears.

F2 = Setup

appears in the upper-right corner of the screen, press

appears in the upper-right corner of the screen, press <F12>.

Boot Device Menu

Drivers and Utilities

Boot Sequence

Drivers and Utilities

Windows® logo appears, continue to wait until

CD.

appears.

CD.

to use the IDE CD-ROM device as the first device in the

Select listed, select the version appropriate for your computer.

When the

26 Quick Reference Guide

Dell 32-bit Diagnostics

Dell Diagnostics

main menu appears, select the type of test you want to perform.

from the numbered list. If multiple versions are

System Lights

These lights on the front of the computer can indicate a computer problem.

Power Light Hard-Drive Light Cause Corrective Action

Solid green N/A Power is on, and the computer is

operating normally.

Blinking green Blank The computer is in the suspended

state (Windows XP).

Blinks green several times and then turns off

Solid yellow N/A The Dell Diagnostics is running a

Blinking yellow Blank A power supply or system board

Blinking yellow Solid green A system board or VRM failure

Solid green and a beep code during POST

Solid green power light and no beep code and no video during POST

Solid green power light and no beep code but the computer locks up during POST

N/A A configuration error exists. Check the diagnostic lights to see if

test, or a device on the system board may be faulty or incorrectly installed.

failure has occurred.

has occurred.

N/A A problem was detected while the

BIOS was executing.

N/A The monitor or the graphics card

may be faulty or incorrectly installed.

N/A An integrated system board device

may be faulty.

No corrective action is required.

Press the power button, move the mouse, or press a key on the keyboard to wake the computer. See "Power Management" in the User’s Guide for more information.

the specific problem is identified. See the User’s Guide for more information.

If the Dell Diagnostics is running, allow the testing to complete.

Check the diagnostic lights to see if the specific problem is identified.

If the computer does not boot, contact Dell for technical assistance.

Check the diagnostic lights to see if the specific problem is identified. See "Power Problems" in the User’s Guide.

Check the diagnostic lights to see if the specific problem is identified.

See "Beep Codes" on page 28 for instructions on diagnosing the beep code. Also, check the diagnostic lights to see if the specific problem is identified.

Check the diagnostic lights to see if the specific problem is identified. Also, see "Video Problems" in the User’s Guide.

Check the diagnostic lights to see if the specific problem is identified. If the problem is not identified, contact Dell for technical assistance.

Quick Reference Guide 27

Beep Codes

Your computer might emit a series of beeps during start-up if the monitor cannot display errors or problems. This series of beeps, called a beep code, identifies a problem. One possible beep code (code 1-3-1) 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.

If your computer beeps during start-up:

Write down the beep code on the Diagnostic Checklist (see your

Run the Dell Diagnostics to identify a more serious cause.

Contact Dell for technical assistance.

User’s Guide

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

Code Cause Code Cause

1-1-2 Microprocessor register failure 3-3-4 Video Memory Test failure

1-1-3 NVRAM read/write failure 3-4-1 Screen initialization failure

1-1-4 ROM BIOS checksum failure 3-4-2 Screen retrace failure

1-2-1 Programmable interval timer failure 3-4-3 Search for video ROM failure

1-2-2 DMA initialization failure 4-2-1 No timer tick

1-2-3 DMA page register read/write failure 4-2-2 Shutdown failure

1-3 Video Memory Test failure 4-2-3 Gate A20 failure

1-3-1 through 2-4-4

3-1-1 Slave DMA register failure 4-3-1 Memory failure above address

3-1-2 Master DMA register failure 4-3-3 Timer-chip counter 2 failure

3-1-3 Master interrupt mask register failure 4-3-4 Time-of-day clock stopped

3-1-4 Slave interrupt mask register failure 4-4-1 Serial or parallel port test failure

3-2-2 Interrupt vector loading failure 4-4-2 Failure to decompress code to

3-2-4 Keyboard Controller Test failure 4-4-3 Math-coprocessor test failure

3-3-1 NVRAM power loss 4-4-4 Cache test failure

3-3-2 Invalid NVRAM configuration 4-3-4 Time-of-day clock stopped

Memory not being properly identified or used

4-2-4 Unexpected interrupt in protected

mode

0FFFFh

shadowed memory

28 Quick Reference Guide

Error Messages

NOTE: If the message is not listed, see the documentation for either the operating system or the program

that was running when the message appeared.

If an error occurs during start-up, a message may be displayed on the monitor identifying the problem. See "Error Messages" in your

User’s Guide

for suggestions on resolving any problems.

Diagnostic Lights

CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions

located in the Product Information Guide.

To help you troubleshoot a problem, your computer has four lights labeled "A," "B," "C," and "D" on the front panel. The lights can be yellow, green, or off. When the computer starts normally, the lights flash. After the computer starts, all four lights display solid green. If the computer malfunctions, the color and sequence of the lights identify the problem.

Quick Reference Guide 29

Diagnostic Light Codes Before POST

Light Pattern Problem Description Suggested Resolution

off

ABCD

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ABCD

off

yellow

off

yellow

off

yellow

off

yellow

off

yellow

off

No electrical power is supplied to the computer.

The computer is in a normal off condition; the computer is connected to an electrical outlet.

The computer is in a reduced power or "sleep" state.

The BIOS is not executing. Ensure that the processor is seated correctly and restart

A possible power supply or power cable failure has occurred.

A possible system board failure has occurred.

Connect the computer to an electrical outlet. Ensure that the front-panel power light is on. If the power light is off, ensure that the computer is connected to a working electrical outlet and then press the power button.

If the problem is still not resolved, contact Dell for technical assistance.

Press the power button to turn the computer on.

If the computer does not turn on, ensure that the frontpanel power light is on. If the power light is off, ensure that the computer is connected to a working electrical outlet and then press the power button.

If the problem is still not resolved, contact Dell for technical assistance.

Use one of the appropriate methods to "wake up" the computer. See "Advanced Features" in the User’s Guide.

If the problem is not resolved and you are trying to wake the computer with a USB mouse or keyboard, substitute the mouse or keyboard with a working PS/2 mouse or keyboard and then try to wake the computer.

the computer.

If the problem is still not resolved, contact Dell for technical assistance.

Perform the procedure in "Power Problems" in the User’s Guide.

If the problem is still not resolved, contact Dell for technical assistance.

Contact Dell for technical assistance.

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30 Quick Reference Guide

+ 180 hidden pages