Dell E520 User Manual
Dell Dimension E520 Service Manual
Dell™ Dimension™ E520 Service Manual
Before You Begin
About Your Computer
Technical Overview
Specifications
Advanced Troubleshooting
System Setup
Removing and Installing Parts
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.
If you purchased a Dell™ n Series computer, any references in this document to Microsoft® Windows® operating systems are
not applicable.
Information in this document is subject to change without notice.
© 2006 Dell Inc. All rights reserved.
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 Dimension are trademarks of Dell Inc.; Intel, Pentium, and SpeedStep are registered
trademarks of Intel Corporation; Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft 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.
Model DCTA
July 2006 Rev. A00
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Before You Begin: Dell Dimension E520 Service Manual
Back to Contents Page
Before You Begin
Dell™ Dimension™ E520 Service Manual
Getting Started
Recommended Tools
Turning Off Your Computer
Before Working Inside Your Computer
Getting Started
This manual provides procedures for removing and replacing the components in your computer. Unless otherwise noted, each
procedure assumes that the following conditions exist:
You have performed the steps in Turning Off Your Computer and Before Working Inside Your Computer.
You have read the safety information in your Dell™ Product Information Guide.
A component can be replaced by performing the removal procedure in reverse order.
Recommended Tools
The procedures in this document may require the following tools:
Small flat-blade screwdriver
Phillips screwdriver
Flash BIOS update program (download)
Turning Off Your Computer
NOTICE: To avoid losing data, save and close any open files and exit any open programs before you turn off your
computer.
1. Shut down the operating system:
a. Save and close any open files, exit any open programs, click the Start button, and then click Shutdown.
b. In the Shut Down Windows window, select Shut down.
The computer turns off after the operating system shutdown process finishes.
2. Ensure that the computer and any attached devices are turned off. If your computer and attached devices did not
automatically turn off when you shut down your operating system, press and hold the power button for 4 seconds.
Before Working Inside Your Computer
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Before You Begin: Dell Dimension E520 Service Manual
Use the following safety guidelines to help protect your computer from potential damage and to help ensure your own
personal safety.
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the
Product Information Guide.
CAUTION: Handle components and cards with care. Do not touch the components or contacts on a card.
Hold a card by its edges or by its metal mounting bracket. Hold a component such as a processor by its
edges, not by its pins.
NOTICE: Only a certified service technician should perform repairs on your computer. Damage due to servicing that is
not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty.
NOTICE: When you disconnect a cable, pull on its connector or on its strain-relief loop, not on the cable itself. Some
cables have a connector with locking tabs; if you are disconnecting this type of cable, press in on the locking tabs
before you disconnect the cable. As you pull connectors apart, keep them evenly aligned to avoid bending any
connector pins. Also, before you connect a cable, ensure that both connectors are correctly oriented and aligned.
NOTICE: To avoid damaging the computer, perform the following steps before you begin working inside the computer.
1. Turn off your computer. See Turning Off Your Computer
NOTICE: To disconnect a network cable, first unplug the cable from your computer, and then unplug it from the
network port or device.
2. Disconnect any telephone or telecommunication lines from the computer.
3. Disconnect your computer and all attached devices from their electrical outlets, and then press the power button to
ground the system board.
.
NOTICE: Before touching anything inside your computer, ground yourself by touching an unpainted metal surface,
such as the metal at the back of the computer. While you work, periodically touch an unpainted metal surface to
dissipate any static electricity that could harm internal components.
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About Your Computer: Dell Dimension E520 Service Manual
Back to Contents Page
About Your Computer
Dell™ Dimension™ E520 Service Manual
Front View of the Computer
Back View of the Computer
Back Panel Connectors
Front View of the Computer
1 Service
Tag
2 cover
release
latch
3 CD or DVD
activity
light
4 CD or DVD
eject
button
5 FlexBay Can contain an optional floppy drive or optional Media Card Reader.
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Use the Service Tag to identify your computer when you access the Dell
Support website or contact support.
Use this latch to remove the cover.
The CD or DVD drive light is on when the computer reads data from, or writes
data to the CD or DVD drive.
Press the CD or DVD eject button to eject a disc from the CD or DVD drive.
About Your Computer: Dell Dimension E520 Service Manual
drive
6 vents For adequate cooling, do not block any of the vents.
NOTICE: Ensure that there is a minimum of two inches of space between all
vents and any objects near the vents.
NOTICE: Keep the vent area clean and dust-free to ensure that the system is
adequately ventilated. Use only a dry cloth to clean the vent area to avoid
water damage to the system.
7 USB 2.0
connectors
(2)
8 power
button
9 hard drive
activity
light
10 diagnostic
lights (4)
11 headphone
connector
12 microphone
connector
Use the front USB connectors for devices that you connect occasionally, such
as flash memory keys, cameras, or bootable USB devices. For more
information on booting to a USB device see System Setup Options
NOTE: It is recommended that you use the back USB connectors for devices
that typically remain connected, such as printers and keyboards.
Press the power button to turn on the computer.
NOTICE: To avoid losing data, do not use the power button to turn off the
computer. Instead, perform an operating system shutdown.
The hard drive light is on when the computer reads data from or writes data
to the hard drive. The light may also be on when a device such as a CD player
is operating.
Use the sequence of the diagnostic lights to help you troubleshoot a problem
with your computer (see Diagnostic Lights
Use the headphone connector to attach headphones and most kinds of
speakers.
Use the microphone connector to attach a personal computer microphone for
voice or musical input into a sound or telephony program.
).
.
Back View of the Computer
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About Your Computer: Dell Dimension E520 Service Manual
1 power
connector
2 back I/O
connectors
3 card slots (4) Access connectors for installed PCI or PCI Express cards.
Insert the power cable.
Plug USB, network, VGA monitor, and audio devices into the appropriate
connectors (see Back Panel Connectors
).
Back Panel Connectors
1 link integrity
light
Green — A good connection exists between a 10-Mbps network
and the computer.
Orange — A good connection exists between a 100-Mbps network
and the computer.
Yellow — A good connection exists between a 1000-Mbps (1Gbps) network and the computer.
Off — The computer is not detecting a physical connection to the
network.
2 network adapter
connector
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NOTICE: Do not plug a telephone cable into the network connector.
About Your Computer: Dell Dimension E520 Service Manual
Use the network adapter connector to attach your computer to a
network or broadband device. Connect one end of a network cable to
either a network jack or your network or broadband device, and then
connect the other end of the network cable to the network adapter
connector on your computer. A click indicates that the network cable
has been securely attached.
On computers with an additional network card, use the connectors on
the card and on the back of the computer when setting up multiple
network connections (such as a separate intra- and extranet).
NOTE: It is recommended that you use Category 5 wiring and
connectors for your network. If you must use Category 3 wiring, force
the network speed to 10 Mbps to ensure reliable operation.
3 network activity
light
4 USB 2.0
connectors (2)
(rear dual)
5 USB 2.0
connectors (4)
(rear quad)
6 surround sound
connector
7 line-in connector Use the (blue) line-in connector to attach a record/playback device such
Flashes a yellow light when the computer is transmitting or receiving
network data. A high volume of network traffic may make this light
appear to be in a steady "on" state.
Use the back, rear-dual USB connectors for devices that typically remain
connected, such as printers and keyboards.
NOTE: It is recommended that you use the front USB connectors for
devices that you connect occasionally, such as joysticks, cameras, or
bootable USB devices.
Use the back, rear-quad USB connectors for devices that typically
remain connected, such as printers and keyboards.
NOTE: It is recommended that you use the front USB connectors for
devices that you connect occasionally, such as joysticks, cameras, or
bootable USB devices.
Use the (black) surround sound connector to attach multichannelcapable speakers.
On computers with a sound card, use the connector on the card.
as a cassette player, CD player, or VCR.
On computers with a sound card, use the connector on the card.
8 line-
out/headphone
connector
9 microphone
connector
10 side surround
sound connector
11 center/subwoofer
LFE connector
Use the (green) line-out connector to attach headphones and most
speakers with integrated amplifiers.
On computers with a sound card, use the connector on the card.
Use the (pink) microphone connector to attach a personal computer
microphone for voice or musical input into a sound or telephony
program.
On computers with a sound card, use the connector on the card.
Use the (gray) side surround sound connector to attach multichannel-
capable speakers. The side-surround output provides enhanced
surround audio for computers with 7.1 speakers.
On computers with a sound card, use the connector on the card.
Use the (orange) center/subwoofer connector to attach a center speaker
or a single subwoofer.
On computers with a sound card, use the connector on the card.
NOTE: The LFE (Low Frequency Effects) Audio channel, found in digital
surround sound audio schemes, carries only low frequency information
of 80 Hz and below. The LFE channel drives a subwoofer to provide
extremely low bass extension. Systems not using subwoofers can shunt
the LFE information to the main speakers in the surround sound setup.
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About Your Computer: Dell Dimension E520 Service Manual
12 VGA connector Use the integrated video connector to attach your video monitor
(optional).
On computers with a video card, use the connector on the card.
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Technical Overview: Dell Dimension E520 Service Manual
Back to Contents Page
Technical Overview
Dell™ Dimension™ E520 Service Manual
Inside View of Your Computer
System Board Components
Power Supply DC Connector Pin Assignments
Inside View of Your Computer
1 power supply 2 system board 3 hard drive
4 floppy drive (optional) or media card reader (optional) 5 CD or DVD drive
System Board Components
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Technical Overview: Dell Dimension E520 Service Manual
1 CPU fan connector 2 processor and heat sink connector 3 processor power
connector
4 memory module
connectors
7 front panel I/O
connector
10 FlexBay USB
connector
13 PCI Express x16
card connector
16 floppy drive
connector (FLOPPY)
5 battery socket (BATTERY) 6 SATA Connectors
SATA0 and SATA1
8 main power connector 9 SATA connectors
SATA4 and SATA5
11 clear CMOS jumper (CLRCMOS) 12 password jumper
(CLRPSWD)
14 PCI Express x1 card connector 15 PCI card connector
17 Standby LED (near blue lever on PCI
Express x16 connector)
Power Supply DC Connector Pin Assignments
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Technical Overview: Dell Dimension E520 Service Manual
DC Power Connector P1
Pin Number Signal Name Color Wire Gauge
1 +3.3 VDC Orange 18-AWG
2 +3.3 VDC Orange 18-AWG
3 COM Black 18-AWG
4 +5 VDC Red 18-AWG
5 COM Black 18-AWG
6 +5 VDC Red 18-AWG
7 COM Black 18-AWG
8 POK Gray 18-AWG
9 +5 VFP Purple 18-AWG
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Technical Overview: Dell Dimension E520 Service Manual
10 +12 VB DC White 18-AWG
11 +12VB DC White 18-AWG
12 +3.3 VDC Orange 18-AWG
13 +3.3 VDC Orange 18-AWG
14 -12 VDC Blue 18-AWG
15 COM Black 18-AWG
16 PS-ON Green 18-AWG
17 COM Black 18-AWG
18 COM Black 18-AWG
19 COM Black 18-AWG
20 N/C N/C 18-AWG
21 +5 VDC Red 18-AWG
22 +5 VDC Red 18-AWG
23 +5 VDC Red 18-AWG
24 COM Black 18-AWG
DC Power Connector P2
Pin Number Signal Name 18-AWG Wire
1 COM Black
2 COM Black
3 +12 VA DC Yellow
4 +12 VA DC Yellow
DC Power Connect P3, P5, P8, and P9
Pin Number Signal Name 18-AWG Wire
1 +3.3 VDC Orange
2 COM Black
3 +5 VDC Red
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Technical Overview: Dell Dimension E520 Service Manual
4 COM Black
5 +12 VB DC White
DC Power Connector P7
Pin Number Signal Name 18-AWG Wire
1 +5 VDC Red
2 COM Black
3 COM Black
4 +12 A VDC Yellow
DC Power Connector P10
Pin Number Signal Name 18-AWG Wire
1 +12 VA DC Yellow
2 COM Black
3 COM Black
4 +5V DC Red
NOTE: The P10 connector is intended for use with PCI Express graphics cards that have power requirements exceeding
75 watts.
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Specifications: Dell Dimension E520 Service Manual
Back to Contents Page
Specifications
Dell™ Dimension™ E520 Service Manual
Processor
Processor type Intel® Pentium® 4
Intel® Pentium® D
Intel® Core™ 2 Duo
NOTE: Not all Pentium 4 processors
support Hyper-Threading technology.
Level 1 (L1) cache 32 KB
Level 2 (L2) cache 1 MB for Pentium 4 5XX processors (with
Hyper Threading)
2 MB for Pentium 4 6XX processors (with
Hyper Threading)
2 x 2 MB for Pentium D 9XX processors
(with dual core)
2 x 1 MB for Pentium D 8XX processors
(with dual core)
256K for Celeron® D 3XX processors
2 MB for Intel Core™ E6400 processors
and earlier
4 MB for Intel Core™ E6600 processors
and later
Memory
Type 533-MHz, 667-MHz, and 800-MHz dual
DDR2 unbuffered SDRAM
Memory connectors four
Memory capacities 256 MB, 512 MB, or 1 GB non-ECC
Maximum memory 4 GB
NOTE: See Addressing Memory With 4-
GB Configurations to verify the amount of
memory available to the operating
system.
BIOS address F0000h
Computer Information
Chipset Intel G965 Express Chipset
RAID Support RAID 1 (Mirroring)
DMA channels eight
Interrupt levels 24
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Specifications: Dell Dimension E520 Service Manual
BIOS chip (NVRAM) 4 MB
NIC integrated network interface capable of
System clock 533-MHz, 800-MHz, or 1066-MHz data
Video
Type integrated Intel® Graphics Media
Audio
Type Sigmatel 9227
Expansion Bus
Bus type PCI 2.3
10/100 communication
rate
Accelerator X3000 (Intel® GMA X3000)
PCI Express
PCI Express x1 and x16
Bus speed PCI: 33 MHz
PCI Express:
x1 slot bidirectional speed - 500
MB/s
x16 slot bidirectional speed - 8
GB/s
PCI
connectors two
connector size 120 pins
connector data width (maximum) 32 bits
PCI Express
connector one x1
connector size 36 pins
connector data width (maximum) 1 PCI Express lane
PCI Express
connector one x16
connector size 164 pins
connector data width (maximum) 16 PCI Express lanes
Drives
Externally accessible:
Bays two 5.25-inch drive bays
one 3.5-inch drive bay (FlexBay)
Available devices Serial ATA drives (4), floppy drive, USB
memory devices, CD/DVD drive, and
Media Card Reader
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Specifications: Dell Dimension E520 Service Manual
Internally accessible: two bays for 1-inch high serial ATA hard
drives
Connectors
External connectors:
Video 15-hole connector
Network adapter RJ-45 connector
USB two front-panel and six back-panel USB
2.0-compliant connectors
Audio six connectors for 7.1 support
System board connectors:
Serial ATA (SATA) four 7-pin connectors
FlexBay Drive one USB 10-pin header (with one pin
removed for keying) for optional Media
Card Reader (3.5-inch bay device)
Floppy drive one 34-pin connector
Fan one 5-pin connector
PCI 2.3 two 120-pin connectors
PCI Express x1 one 36-pin connector
PCI Express x16 one 164-pin connector
Controls and Lights
Power button push button
Power light green light — Blinking green in sleep
state; solid green for power-on state.
amber light — Blinking amber indicates a
problem with the power supply inside the
computer. If the system cannot boot and
there is a solid amber light, a problem
with the system board may exist (see
Power Lights
Hard drive access light green
Link integrity light (on integrated network
adapter)
green light — A good connection exists
between the network and the computer.
off (no light) — The computer is not
detecting a physical connection to the
network.
).
Activity light (on integrated network
adapter)
Diagnostic lights four lights on the front panel (see
Standby power light STBYLED on the system board
Power
DC power supply:
Wattage 305 W
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yellow blinking light
Diagnostic Lights
)
Specifications: Dell Dimension E520 Service Manual
Maximum heat dissipation 1040 BTU/hr
Voltage (see the safety instructions
located in the Product Information
Guide for important voltage setting
Manually selectable: 90 to 135 V and 180
to 265 V at 50/60 Hz
information)
Backup battery 3-V CR2032 lithium coin cell
Physical
Height 41.4 cm (16.3 inches)
Width 18.8 cm (7.4 inches)
Depth 45.7 cm (18.0 inches)
Weight 12.7 kg (28.0 lb)
Environmental
Temperature:
Operating 10° to 35°C (50° to 95°F)
Storage –40° to 65°C (–40° to 149°F)
Relative humidity 20% to 80% (noncondensing)
Maximum vibration:
Operating
Storage
Maximum shock:
Operating 40 G +/- 5% with pulse duration of 2
Storage 105 G +/- 5% with pulse duration of 2
Altitude:
Operating –15.2 to 3048 m (–50 to 10,000 ft)
Storage –15.2 to 10,668 m (–50 to 35,000 ft)
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2
5 to 350 Hz at 0.0002 G
5 to 500 Hz at 0.001 to 0.01 G
/Hz
2
/Hz
msec +/- 10% (equivalent to 20 in/sec
[51 cm/sec])
msec +/- 10% (equivalent to 50 in/sec
[127 cm/sec])
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Advanced Troubleshooting: Dell Dimension E520 Service Manual
Back to Contents Page
Advanced Troubleshooting
Dell™ Dimension™ E520 Service Manual
Power Lights
Diagnostic Lights
Beep Codes
System Messages
Dell Diagnostics
Drivers
Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities
Power Lights
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the
Product Information Guide.
The power button light located on the front of the computer illuminates and blinks or remains solid to indicate different states:
If the power light is green and the computer is not responding:
Ensure the display is connected and powered on.
If the display is connected and powered on see Diagnostic Lights.
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 any cards (see Cards).
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).
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Advanced Troubleshooting: Dell Dimension E520 Service Manual
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.
A possible processor
failure has occurred.
Memory modules are
detected, but a memory
failure has occurred.
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).
Reseat the processor (see Processor).
If the problem persists, contact Dell (see "Contacting Dell" in your
Owner's Manual).
If two or more memory modules are installed, remove the modules
(see Removing Memory
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).
), then reinstall one module (see Installing
).
A possible graphics card
failure has occurred.
A possible floppy drive or
hard drive failure has
occurred.
A possible USB failure
has occurred.
No memory modules are
detected.
Memory modules are
detected, but a memory
configuration or
Reseat any installed graphics cards (see Cards).
If available, install a working graphics card into your computer.
If the problem persists, contact Dell (see "Contacting Dell" in your
Owner's Manual).
Reseat all power and data cables.
Reinstall all USB devices and check all cable connections.
If two or more memory modules are installed, remove the modules
(see Removing Memory
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).
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
), then reinstall one module (see Installing
).
).
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Advanced Troubleshooting: Dell Dimension E520 Service Manual
compatibility error has
(see Memory).
occurred.
A possible expansion card
failure has occurred.
The system is operating
in quick resume mode.
Another failure has
occurred.
If the problem persists, contact Dell (see "Contacting Dell" in your
Owner's Manual).
1. Determine if a conflict exists by removing an expansion card (not a
graphics card) and restarting the computer (see Cards
2. If the problem persists, reinstall the card you removed, then remove a
different card and restart the computer.
3. 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).
4. If the problem persists, contact Dell (see "Contacting Dell" in your
Owner's Manual).
Press the power button
Move the mouse
Press any key on the keyboard
Press any key on the optional MCE remote control
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
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
) may correct the following beep code errors. If the problem persists,
1-2-2 DMA initialization failure
1-2-3 DMA page register read/write failure
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State Low
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 GateA20 error
Address Line
Short!
C: Drive
Error
C: Drive
Failure
Cache
Memory Bad,
Do Not
Enable
Cache
CH-2 Timer
Error
CMOS Battery
The keyboard controller
failed its test.
An error in the address
decoding circuitry in the
memory has occurred.
The hard drive is not
working or is not
configured correctly.
The cache memory is not
operating.
An error is occurring on
the timer on the system
board.
The system configuration Enter the system setup program (see Entering
If you receive this message after you make changes
in the system setup program, enter the system
setup program (see Entering System Setup
restore the original value(s).
Reseat the memory modules (see Memory
Ensure that the drive is installed correctly in the
computer and defined correctly in the system setup
program (see Entering System Setup
See "Contacting Dell" in your Owner's Manual for
instructions on obtaining technical assistance.
See "Contacting Dell" in your Owner's Manual for
instructions on obtaining technical assistance.
) and
).
).
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information in the system
System Setup), verify the system configuration,
CMOS
Checksum
Failure
CMOS System
Options Not
Set
CMOS Display
Type
Mismatch
CMOS Memory
Size
Mismatch
CMOS Time
and Date Not
Set
Diskette
Boot Failure
DMA Error
DMA 1 Error
DMA 2 Error
FDD
Controller
Failure
HDD
Controller
Failure
INTR1 Error
INTR2 Error
Invalid Boot
Diskette
Keyboard
Error
KB/Interface
Error
No ROM
Basic
setup program is incorrect
or the battery charge may
be low.
Drive A or B is present
but has failed the BIOS
POST.
Error in the DMA
controller on the system
board.
The BIOS cannot
communicate with the
floppy drive or hard drive
controller.
An interrupt channel on
the system board failed to
POST.
The operating system
cannot be located on drive
A or drive C.
The BIOS has detected a
stuck key.
An error occurred with the
keyboard connector.
The operating system
cannot be located on drive
A or drive C.
and then restart the computer.
Ensure that the drive is installed correctly in the
computer and defined correctly in the system setup
program (see Entering System Setup
interface cable at both ends.
The keyboard or system board may need to be
replaced.
Ensure that the floppy drive or the hard drive is
installed correctly in the computer (see Drives
defined correctly in the system setup program (see
Entering System Setup
at both ends.
The keyboard or system board may need to be
replaced.
Enter the system setup program (see Entering
System Setup)and confirm that drive A or drive C
is properly identified.
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.
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.
Enter the system setup program (see Entering
System Setup) and confirm that drive A or drive C
is properly identified.
). Check the interface cable
). Check the
) and
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
1. Turn on (or restart) your computer.
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2. When the DELL logo appears, press <F12> immediately.
3. At the Boot Device Menu, use the up- and down-arrow keys or press the appropriate number on the keyboard to
4. At the Dell Diagnostics Main Menu, left-click with the mouse, or press <Tab> and then <Enter>, to select the test you
5. After all tests have completed, close the test window to return to the Dell Diagnostics Main Menu.
6. Close the Main Menu window to exit the Dell Diagnostics and restart the computer.
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.
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.
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.
).
Dell Diagnostics Main Menu
The following tests can be run from the Dell Diagnostics Main Menu:
Option Function
Express
Test
Extended
Test
Custom
Test
Symptom
Tree
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:
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.
Performs a thorough check of system devices. The test typically takes an hour or more and peridocially requires
your input to answer specific questions.
Tests a specific device in the system and can be used to customize the tests you want to run.
Lists a number of common symptoms and allows you to select a test based on the symptom of the problem you
are having.
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 Displays the hardware configuration for the selected device.
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(Custom
Test
only)
Parameters
(Custom
Test
only)
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.
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
drivers if you:
Upgrade your operating system.
Reinstall your operating system.
Connect or install a new device.
Windows® operating system. You may need to install
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
1. Click the Start button, then click Control Panel.
2. Under Pick a Category, click Performance and Maintenance.
3. Click System.
4. In the System Properties window, click the Hardware tab.
5. Click Device Manager.
6. 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
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