Reproduction of this material in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of Dell Inc. is strictly forbidden.
Trademarks used in this text: Dell, the DELL logo, and OptiPlex are trademarks of Dell Inc.; Intel, Pentium , and Core are either trademarks or registered
trademarks of Intel Corporation; Microsoft, Windows, Windows Vista , and the Windows Vista start button are either trademarks or registered trademarks of
Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.
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.
May 2010 Rev. A00
Back to Contents Page
Working on Your Computer
Dell™ OptiPlex™ 980 Service Manual—Mini-Tower
Before Working Inside Your ComputerRecommended ToolsTurning Off Your ComputerAfter Working Inside Your Computer
Before Working Inside Your Computer
Use the following safety guidelines to help protect your computer from potential damage and to help to ensure your personal
safety. Unless otherwise noted, each procedure included in this document assumes that the following conditions exist:
You have read the safety information that shipped with your computer.
A component can be replaced or—purchased separately—installed by performing the removal procedure in reverse
order.
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your
computer. For additional safety best practices information, see the Regulatory Compliance Homepage at
www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only perform
troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as directed by the
online or telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is
not covered by your warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions that came with the product.
CAUTION: To avoid electrostatic discharge, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or by
periodically touching an unpainted metal surface, such as a connector on the back of the computer.
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.
CAUTION: When you disconnect a cable, pull on its connector or on its pull-tab, not on the cable itself.
Some cables have connectors 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.
NOTE: The color of your computer and certain components may appear differently than shown in this document.
To avoid damaging your computer, perform the following steps before you begin working inside the computer.
1. Ensure that your work surface is flat and clean to prevent the cover from being scratched.
2. Turn off your computer (see Turning Off Your Computer
CAUTION: To disconnect a network cable, first unplug the cable from your computer and then unplug the
cable from the network device.
3. Disconnect all network cables from the computer.
4. Disconnect your computer and all attached devices from their electrical outlets.
5. Press and hold the power button while the computer is unplugged to ground the system board.
6. Remove the cover
.
).
CAUTION: 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 static electricity, which could harm internal components.
Recommended Tools
The procedures in this document may require the following tools:
Small flat-blade screwdriver
Phillips screwdriver
Small plastic scribe
Flash BIOS update program media
Turning Off Your Computer
CAUTION: To avoid losing data, save and close all open files and exit all open programs before you turn off
your computer.
1. Shut down the operating system:
In Windows® 7:
Click Start , then click Shut Down.
In Windows Vista®:
Click Start , then click the arrow in the lower-right corner of the Start menu as shown below, and then click
Shut Down.
In Windows® XP:
Click Start®Turn Off Computer®Turn Off.
The computer turns off after the operating system shutdown process is complete.
2. Ensure that the computer and all 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 about 6
seconds to turn them off.
After Working Inside Your Computer
After you complete any replacement procedure, ensure you connect any external devices, cards, and cables before turning on
your computer.
1. Replace the cover
CAUTION: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network device and then plug it into the
computer.
2. Connect any telephone or network cables to your computer.
3. Connect your computer and all attached devices to their electrical outlets.
4. Turn on your computer.
5. Verify that the computer works correctly by running the Dell Diagnostics
.
.
Back to Contents Page
Back to Contents Page
Express card
Technical Specifications
ProcessorMemory Expansion Bus VideoSystem Information CardsDrives External Connectors
NOTE: Offerings may vary by region. For more information regarding the configuration of your computer, click Start®
Help and Support and select the option to view information about your computer.
NOTE: Unless otherwise stated, the specifications are identical for mini-tower, desktop, and small form factor
computers.
Processor
Type
Quad-Core
Dual-CoreIntel Core i5 series
Controls and Lights NetworkAudioPower System Board Connectors Physical Environmental
®
Core™ i7 series
Intel
Intel Core i5 series
Intel Core i3 series
Intel Pentium
®
Level 2 (L2) cache
Intel Core i7 series
Intel Core i5 series
Intel Core i5 series
Intel Core i3 series
Intel Pentium3 MB
Memory
TypeDDR3 SDRAM (non-ECC memory only)
Speed1066 MHz or 1333 MHz
Connectorsfour
Capacity1 GB, 2 GB, or 4 GB
Minimum memory1 GB
Maximum memory16 GB
Video
IntegratedIntel graphics media accelerator HD
8 MB
4 MB
NOTE: Not supported by computers
shipped with
Intel i7 and Intel i5 quad-core processors.
DiscretePCI Express x16 slot supports a PCI
Memory - IntegratedUp to 1759 MB shared video memory
(total system memory greater than 512
MB)
Audio
IntegratedIntel high definition audio
Network
IntegratedIntegrated Intel 82578DM Gigabit
Ethernet capable of 10/100/1000 Mb/s
communication
Processor information: Displays the Processor Type, Processor Speed, Processor Bus Speed, Processor L2 cache, Processor ID,
System Setup
Dell™ OptiPlex™ 980 Service Manual—Desktop
Boot MenuNavigation KeystrokesEntering System SetupSystem Setup Menu Options
Boot Menu
Press <F12> or <Ctrl><Alt><F8> when the Dell™ logo appears to initiate a one-time boot menu with a list of the valid boot devices for the system.
The options listed are:
Onboard SATA Hard Drive
Onboard or USB CD-ROM Drive
System Setup
Diagnostics
This menu is useful when you are attempting to boot to a particular device or to bring up the diagnostics for the system. Using the boot menu does not make any
changes to the boot order stored in the BIOS.
Navigation Keystrokes
Use the following keystrokes to navigate the System Setup screens.
Navigation Keystrokes
ActionKeystroke
Expand and collapse field<Enter>, left- or right-arrow key, or +/–
Expand or collapse all fields< >
Exit BIOS<Esc>—Remain in Setup, Save/Exit, Discard/Exit
Change a settingLeft or right-arrow key
Select field to change<Enter>
Cancel modification<Esc>
Reset defaults<Alt><F> or Load Defaults menu option
Entering System Setup
Your computer offers the following BIOS and System Setup options:
Bring up a one-time boot menu by pressing <F12>
Access System Setup by pressing <F2>
<F12> Menu
Press <F12> when the Dell™ logo appears to initiate a one-time boot menu with a list of the valid boot devices for the computer. Diagnostics and Enter Setup
options are also included in this menu. The devices listed on the boot menu depend on the bootable devices installed in the computer. This menu is useful when you
are attempting to boot to a particular device or to bring up the diagnostics for the computer. Making changes in the boot menu does not make any changes to the
boot order stored in the BIOS.
<F2>
Press <F2> to enter System Setup and make changes to user-definable settings. If you have trouble entering System Setup using this key, press <F2> when the
keyboard lights first flash.
System Setup Menu Options
NOTE: System Setup options may vary depending on your computer and may not appear in the exact same order.
General
System
Board
Displays the following information:
System information: Displays BIOS Version, Service Tag,Express Service Code,Asset Tag, Manufacture Date, and the Ownership
Date.
Memory information: Displays Installed Memory, Memory Speed, Number of Active Channels, Memory Technology, DIMM_1 Size,
DIMM_2 Size.
Microcode Version, Multi Core Capable and HT Capable 64-bit Technology.
PCI information: Displays available slots on the system board.
Date/Time Displays the system date and time. Changes to the system date and time take effect immediately.
Boot
Sequence
Drives
Diskette drive This field determines how the BIOS configures floppy drives, operating systems with USB support will recognize USB Floppy drives regardless of this
SATA
Operation
S.M.A.R.T.
Reporting
DrivesEnables or disables the SATA or ATA drives connected to the system board.
System Configuration
Integrated NIC
USB ControllerEnables or disables the integrated USB controller. You can set the USB controller to:
Parallel PortIdentifies and defines the parallel port settings. You can set the parallel port to:
Specifies the order in which the computer attempts to find an operating system from the devices specified in this list.
Onboard or USB Floppy
Onboard SATA Hard Drive
Onboard or USB CD-Rom Drive
setting:
Disable - All Floppy drive are disable
Enable - All floppy drive are enable.
The "USB Controller" Setup option will affect floppy operation.
configures the operating mode of the integrated hard drive controller.
RAID Autodetect / AHCI = RAID if signed drives, otherwise AHCI
RAID Autodetect / ATA= RAID if signed drives, otherwise ATA
RAID On / ATA= SATA is configured for RAID on every boot
Legacy = The hard drive controller is configured for legacy mode
Legacy mode provides for compatibility with some older operating systems that do not support native resources assigned to the drive controller.
RAID Mode is incompatible with ImageServer. Please disable RAID mode if enabling Image Server.
This field controls whether hard drive errors for integrated drives are reported during system startup. This technology is part of the SMART(Self
Monitoring Analysis and Reporting Technology) specification.
This option is disabled by default.
Enables or disables the integrated network card. You can set the integrated NIC to:
Disable
Enable (default)
Enable with PXE>
Enable with ImageSever
ImageServe is incompatible with RAID mode. Please disable RAID if enabling ImageServer.
PXE is needed only if intending to boost to an operating system located on a server, not if you are booting on an OS located on a hard drive in
this system.
Enable (default)
Disable
No boot
operating systems with USB support will recognize USB Storage
Disable
AT
PS/2 (default)
EPP
ECP No DMA
ECP DMA 1
ECP DMA 3
Parallel Port
Address
Serial Port #1
Miscellaneous
Devices
Sets the base I/O address of the integrated parallel port.
Identifies and defines the serial port settings. You can set the serial port to:
Disable
Auto (default)
COM1
COM3
The operating system may allocate resources even though the setting is disabled.
Enables or disables the following onboard devices:
Front USB
PCI slots
Audio
OptiPlex ON Reader
Rear Quad USB
WiFi NIC Slot
Video
Primary
Video
Performance
Multi Core
Support
HyperThreading
Technology
Intel®
Turbo Boost
Technology
Intel®
SpeedStep™
C States
Control
Limit CPUID
Value
This field determines which video controller will become the primary video controller when 2 controllers are available in the system. This selection
matters only if there are 2 video controller present.
Auto(default) - Use the add-in video controller.
Onboard/Card - Use the integrated video controller unless a Graphic care is installed. A PCI Express Graphic(PEG) card will overide and disable
the integrated video controller.
This field specifies whether the processor will have one or all cores enable. The performance of some application will improve with the additional
cores.
This option enables or disables the Hyper-Threading Technology. When disabled, only one thread per enabled core is enabled
This option is enabled by default.
This option enables or disables the Intel® Turbo Boost Technology. When disabled, Intel® Turbo Boost Technology allows processor(s) to run at
frequencies higher than the advertised frequency
This option is enabled by default.
This Option enables or disables the Intel® SpeedStep™ mode of the processor. When disabled, the system is placed into the highest performance
state and the Intel® SpeedStep™ applet or native operating system driver are prevented from adjusting the processor's performance. When enable.
the Intel® SpeedStep™, enabled CPU is allowed to operate in multiple performance states.
This option is disabled by default.
This option enables or disables additional processor sleep states. The operating system may optionally use these for additional power saving when
idle.
This option is disabled by default.
This field limits the maximum value the processor Standard CPUID Function will support. Some operating systems will not complete installation when
the maximum CPUID Function supported is greater than 3.
This option is disabled by default.
Virtualization Support
This Option specifies whether a Virtual Machine Monitor (VMM) can utilize the additional hardware capabilities provided by Intel® Virtualization
Virtualization
VT for Direct
I/O
Trusted
Execution
Security
Administrative
Password
System
Password
Password
Changes
Admin Setup
Lockout
Password
Configuration
Technology.
Enable Intel® Virtualization Technology - This option is disabled by default.
Enables or disables the Virtual Machine Monitor (VMM) from utilizing the additional hardware capabilities provided by Intel® Virtualization technology
for direct I/O.
Enable Intel® Virtualization Technology for Direct I/O - This option is disabled by default.
Field specifies whether a Measured Virtual Machine(MVMM) can utilize the additional hardware capabilities provided by Intel® Trusted Execution
Technology. The TPM Virtualization Technology and Virtualization Technology for Direct I/O must be enable to use this feature.
Enable Intel® Trusted Execution Technology - This option is disabled by default.
Provides restricted access to the computer's system setup program in the same way that access to the system can be restricted with the System
Password option.
This option is not set by default.
Displays the current status of the system's password security feature and allows a new system password to be assigned and verified.
This option is not set by default.
Enables or disables the user from changing the system password without the administrative password.
This option is enabled by default.
Enables or disables the user from entering Setup when an Admin password is set.
This option is disabled by default.
These fields control the minimum and maximum number of characters allowed for Admin and System passwords. Changes to these fields are not
active until they are committed via the apply button or saving changes before exiting setup.
Admin Password Min
Admin Password Max
System Password Min
System Password Max
Strong
Password
TPM SecurityEnables or disables the trusted platform module (TPM) security.
This field enforces strong passwords. If enabled, all passwords must contain at least one uppercase character, one lowercase character, and be at
least 8 characters long. Enabling this feature automatically changes the default minimum password length to 8 characters.
Enforce strong password - This option is disabled by default.
You can set the TPM security to:
Deactivate (default)
Activate
Clear
When TPM Security is set to Clear, the system setup program clears the owner information stored in the TPM. Use this setting to restore the TPM
to its default state if you lose or forget the owner authentication data.
CPU XD
Support
Computrace(R) Enables or disables the optional Computrace® service designed for asset management.
Enables or disables the execute disable mode of the processor.
This option is enabled by default.
You can set this option to:
Deactivate (default)
Disable
Activate
Chassis
Intrusion
SATA-0
Password
SATA-1
Password
Power Management
AC RecoveryDetermines how the system responds when AC power is re-applied after a power loss. You can set the AC Recovery to:
Auto On Time Sets time to automatically turn on the computer.
Low Power
Mode
Remote
Wakeup
This field controls the chassis intrusion feature.
You can set this option to:
Clear Intrusion Warning (Enabled by default if detected the chassis intrusion)
Disable
Enabled
On-Silent (Enabled by default if detected the chassis intrusion)
Displays the current status of the password set for the hard drive connected to the SATA-0 connector on the system board.
You can also set a new password. This option is not set by default.
The system setup program displays a password for each of the hard drives connected to your system board.
Displays the current status of the password set for the hard drive connected to the SATA-1 connector on the system board.
You can also set a new password. This option is not set by default.
The system setup program displays a password for each of the hard drives connected to your system board.
Power Off (default)
Power On
Last State
Time is kept in the standard 12-hour format (hours:minutes:seconds).
Change the startup time by typing the values in the time and AM/PM fields.
NOTE: This feature does not work if you turn off your computer using the switch on a power strip or surge protector or if Auto Power On is set
to disabled.
Enables or disables low power mode.
This option is disabled by default.
When low power mode is enabled, the integrated network card is disabled when the system is shutdown or in Hibernate mode. Only Add-in NIC
cards will be able to remotely wake the system.
Allows the system to power up when a network interface controller receives a wake up signal. You can set Remote Wakeup to:
Disable (default)
Enable
Enable with Boot NIC
Suspend Mode Sets the power management suspend mode to:
S1
S3 (default)
Fan Control
Override
Maintenance
Service TagDisplays the Service Tag of your computer.
Asset TagAllows you to create a system asset tag if an asset tag is not already set.
SERR MessagesControls the SERR Message mechanism.
Controls the speed of the system fan. This option is disabled by default.
NOTE: When enabled, the fan runs at full speed.
This option is not set by default.
This option is enabled by default.
Some graphics cards require the SERR Message mechanism be disabled.
Image Server
Lookup Method Specifies how the ImageServer looks up the server address.
Static IP
DNS
NOTE: You must set the Integrated NIC to Enable with ImageServer to set the Lookup Method.
ImageServer IP Specifies the primary static IP address of the ImageServer with which the client software communicates.
The default IP address is 255.255.255.255
NOTE: You must set the “Integrated NIC” control in the “System Configuration” group to “Enabled with ImageServer” and when “Lookup Method”
is set to “Static IP”.
ImageServer
Port
Specifies the primary IP port of the image server with which the client software communicates.
The default IP port is 06910
NOTE: You must set the “Integrated NIC” control in the “System Configuration” group to “Enabled with ImageServer”.
Client DHCPSpecifies how the client obtains the IP address.
Static IP
DHCP (default)
NOTE: You must set the “Integrated NIC” control in the “System Configuration” group to “Enabled with ImageServer”.
Client IPSpecifies the static IP address of the client.
The default IP address is 255.255.255.255
NOTE: To set Client IP you must set Client DHCP to Static IP
Client
SubnetMask
Specifies the subnet mask for the client.
The default setting is 255.255.255.255
NOTE: To set Client SubnetMask you must set Client DHCP to Static IP
Client Gateway Specifies the gateway IP address for the client.
The default setting is 255.255.255.255
NOTE: To set Client SubnetMask you must set Client DHCP to Static IP
License StatusDisplays the current license status.
Post Behavior
Fast BootWhen enabled (default), your computer starts more quickly because it skips certain configurations and tests.
NumLock
LED
Enables or disables the NumLock feature when your computer starts.
When enabled (default), this option activates the numeric and mathematical features shown at the top of each key. When disabled, this option activates
the cursor-control functions labeled on the bottom of each key
POST
Hotkeys
Allows you to specify the function keys to display on the screen when the computer starts.
Enable F2 = Setup (enabled by default)
Enable F12 = Boot menu (enabled by default)
Keyboard
Errors
MEBx
Hotkey
Enables or disables keyboard error reporting when the computer starts.
This option is enabled by default.
sign-on displays a message stating the keystroke sequence required to enter the Manageability Engine BIOS Extensions(MEBx) Setup program.
This option is enabled by default.
System Logs
BIOS EventsDisplays the system event log and allows you to:
It is recommended that you print these procedures before you begin.
NOTE: The Dell Diagnostics software works only on Dell computers.
NOTE: The Drivers and Utilities media is optional and may not ship with your computer.
Enter system setup (see Entering System Setup
device you want to test displays in System Setup and is active.
Start the Dell Diagnostics from either your hard drive or from the Drivers and Utilities media.
), review your computer's configuration information, and ensure that the
Starting the Dell Diagnostics From Your Hard Drive
1. Turn on (or restart) your computer.
2. When the DELL logo appears, press <F12> immediately.
NOTE: If you see a message stating that no diagnostics utility partition has been found, run the Dell Diagnostics from
your Drivers and Utilities media.
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.
3. When the boot device list appears, highlight Boot to Utility Partition and press <Enter>.
4. When the Dell Diagnostics Main Menu appears, select the test that you want to run.
Starting the Dell Diagnostics From the Drivers and Utilities Disc
1. Insert the Drivers and Utilities disc.
2. Shut down and restart the computer.
When the DELL logo appears, press <F12> immediately.
If you wait too long and the Windows logo appears, continue to wait until you see the Windows desktop. Then shut
down your computer and try again.
NOTE: The next steps change the boot sequence for one time only. On the next startup, the computer boots according
to the devices specified in the system setup program.
3. When the boot device list appears, highlight Onboard or USB CD-ROM Drive and press <Enter>.
4. Select the Boot from CD-ROM option from the menu that appears and press <Enter>.
Off
5. Type 1 to start the menu and press <Enter> to proceed.
6. Select Run the 32 Bit Dell Diagnostics from the numbered list. If multiple versions are listed, select the version
appropriate for your computer.
7. When the Dell Diagnostics Main Menu appears, select the test you want to run.
Dell Diagnostics Main Menu
1. After the Dell Diagnostics loads and the Main Menu screen appears, click the button for the option you want.
OptionFunction
Express
Test
Extended
Test
Custom
Test
Symptom
Tree
2. If a problem is encountered during a test, a message appears with an error code and a description of the problem.
3. If you run a test from the Custom Test or Symptom Tree option, click the applicable tab described in the following
TabFunction
ResultsDisplays the results of the test and any error conditions encountered.
ErrorsDisplays error conditions encountered, error codes, and the problem description.
HelpDescribes the test and may indicate requirements for running the test.
Configuration Displays your hardware configuration for the selected device.
Performs a quick test of devices. This test typically takes 10 to 20 minutes and requires no interaction on your
part. Run Express Test first to increase the possibility of tracing the problem quickly.
Performs a thorough check of devices. This test typically takes 1 hour or more and requires you to answer
questions periodically.
Tests a specific device. You can customize the tests you want to run.
Lists the most common symptoms encountered and allows you to select a test based on the symptom of the
problem you are having.
Write down the error code and problem description and follow the instructions on the screen.
table for more information.
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. The
device list may not display the names of all the components installed on your computer or all devices
attached to your computer.
ParametersAllows you to customize the test by changing the test settings.
4. When the tests are completed, if you are running the Dell Diagnostics from the Drivers and Utilities disc, remove the
disc.
5. Close the test screen to return to the MainMenu screen. To exit the Dell Diagnostics and restart the computer, close
the MainMenu screen.
Power Button Light Codes
The diagnostic lights give much more information about the system state, but legacy power light states are also supported in
your computer. The power light states are shown in following table.
Power
Light
State
Description
Power is off, light is blank.
Blinking
Amber
Solid
Amber
Blinking
Green
Solid
Green
Initial state of light at power up.
Indicates system has power, but the POWER_GOOD signal is not yet active.
If the Hard Drive light is off, it is probable that the power supply needs to be replaced.
If the Hard Drive light on, it is probable that an onboard regulator or VRM has failed. Look at the diagnostic
lights for further information.
Second state of the light at power up. Indicates the POWER_GOOD signal is active and it is probable that the
power supply is fine. Look at the diagnostic lights for further information.
System is in a low power state, either S1 or S3. Look at the diagnostic lights to determine which state the
system is in.
System is in S0 state, the normal power state of a functioning machine.
The BIOS will turn the light to this state to indicate it has started fetching op-codes.
Beep Codes
If the monitor cannot display error messages during the POST, the computer may emit a series of beeps that identifies the
problem or that can help you identify a faulty component or assembly. The following table lists the beep codes that may be
generated during the POST. Most beep codes indicate a fatal error that prevents the computer from completing the boot
routine until the indicated condition is corrected.
CodeCause
1-1-2Microprocessor register failure
1-1-3NVRAM
1-1-4ROM BIOS checksum failure
1-2-1Programmable interval timer
1-2-2DMA initialization failure
1-2-3DMA page register read/write failure
1-3-1 through 2-4-4 DIMMs not being properly identified or used
3-1-1Slave DMA register failure
3-1-2Master DMA register failure
3-1-3Master interrupt mask register failure
3-1-4Slave interrupt mask register failure
3-2-2Interrupt vector loading failure
3-2-4Keyboard Controller Test failure
3-3-1NVRAM power loss
3-3-2NVRAM configuration
3-3-4Video Memory Test failure
3-4-1Screen initialization failure
3-4-2Screen retrace failure
3-4-3Search for video ROM failure
4-2-1No time tick
4-2-2Shutdown failure
4-2-3Gate A20 failure
4-2-4Unexpected interrupt in protected mode
4-3-1Memory failure above address 0FFFFh
4-3-3Timer-chip counter 2 failure
4-3-4Time-of-day clock stopped
4-4-1Serial or parallel port test failure
4-4-2Failure to decompress code to shadowed memory
4-4-3Math coprocessor test failure
4-4-4Cache test failure
1-1-2Microprocessor register failure
1-1-3NVRAM read/write failure
1-1-4ROM BIOS checksum failure
1-2-1Programmable interval timer failure
1-2-2DMA initialization failure
1-2-3DMA page register read/write failure
1-3Video Memory Test failure
1-3-1 through 2-4-4 Memory not being properly identified or used
3-1-1Slave DMA register failure
3-1-2Master DMA register failure
3-1-3Master interrupt mask register failure
3-1-4Slave interrupt mask register failure
3-2-2Interrupt vector loading failure
3-2-4Keyboard Controller Test failure
3-3-1NVRAM power loss
3-3-2Invalid NVRAM configuration
3-3-4Video Memory Test failure
3-4-1Screen initialization failure
3-4-2Screen retrace failure
3-4-3Search for video ROM failure
4-2-1No timer tick
4-2-2Shutdown failure
4-2-3Gate A20 failure
4-2-4Unexpected interrupt in protected mode
4-3-1Memory failure above address 0FFFFh
4-3-3Timer-chip counter 2 failure
4-3-4Time-of-day clock stopped
4-4-1Serial or parallel port test failure
4-4-2Failure to decompress code to shadowed memory
4-4-3Math-coprocessor test failure
4-4-4Cache test failure
Diagnostic Lights
To help troubleshoot a problem, your computer has four lights labeled 1, 2, 3, and 4 on the bank panel. When the computer
starts normally, the lights flash before turning off. If the computer malfunctions, the sequence of the lights help to identify
the problem.
NOTE: After the computer completes POST, all four lights turn off before booting to the operating system.
Light Pattern
Diagnostic LEDs
Power
Button
LED
Problem
Description
The computer is
either turned off
or not receiving
power.
A possible
system board
failure has
occurred.
A possible
system board,
power supply, or
peripheral failure
has occurred.
Suggested Resolution
Reseat the power cable in the power connector on the back of the
computer and the electrical outlet.
Bypass power strips, power extension cables, and other power protection
devices to verify that the computer turns on properly.
Ensure that any power strips being used are plugged into an electrical
outlet and are turned on.
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.
Unplug the computer. Allow one minute for the power to drain. Plug the
computer into a working electrical outlet and press the power button.
Power off computer, leaving the computer plugged in. Press and hold the
power supply test button on the rear of the power supply unit. If the LED
next to the switch illuminates, the problem may be with your system
board.
If the LED next to the switch does not illuminate, disconnect all internal
and external peripherals, and press and hold the power supply test
button. If it illuminates, there could be a problem with a peripheral.
If the LED still does not illuminate, remove the PSU connections from the
system board, then press and hold the power supply button. If it
illuminates, there could be a problem with the system board.
If the LED still does not illuminate, the problem is probably with the power
supply.
Memory modules
are detected, but
a memory power
failure has
occurred.
A possible CPU or
system board
failure has
occurred.
BIOS may be
corrupt or
missing.
A possible
system board
If two or more memory modules are installed, remove the modules, then
reinstall one module 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 only one memory module is installed, try moving it to a different
DIMM connector and restart the computer.
If available, install verified working memory of the same type into your
computer.
Replace the CPU with a known good CPU. If the computer still fails to
boot, inspect the CPU socket for damage.
The computer hardware is operating normally but the BIOS may be
corrupt or missing.
Remove all peripheral cards from the PCI and PCI-E slots and restart the
computer. If the computer boots, add the peripheral cards back one by
failure has
occurred.
Power connector
not installed
properly.
Possible
peripheral card
or system board
failure has
occurred.
A possible
system board
failure has
occurred.
one until you find the bad one.
Reseat the 2x2 power connector from the power supply unit.
Remove all peripheral cards from the PCI and PCI-E slots and restart the
computer. If the computer boots, add the peripheral cards back one by
one until you find the bad one.
Disconnect all internal and external peripherals, and restart the computer.
If the computer boots, add the peripheral cards back one by one until you
find the bad one.
If the problem persists, the system board is probably bad.
A possible coin
cell battery
failure has
occurred.
The computer is
in a normal on
condition.
The diagnostic
lights are not lit
after the
computer
successfully
boots to the
operating
system.
A possible
processor failure
has occurred.
Memory modules
are detected, but
a memory failure
has occurred.
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.
Remove the coin cell battery for one minute, reinstall the battery, and
restart.
Ensure that the display is connected and powered on.
Reseat the processor.
If two or more memory modules are installed, remove the modules (see
your service manual), then reinstall one module (see your service manual
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 working memory of the same type into your computer.
Reseat any installed graphics cards.
If available, install a working graphics card into your computer.
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
your service manual), then reinstall one module (see your service
manual) 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 working memory of the same type into your computer.
Memory modules
are detected, but
a memory
Ensure that no special requirements for memory module/connector
placement exist.
Back to Contents Page
configuration or
compatibility
error has
occurred.
A possible
expansion card
failure has
occurred.
Another failure
has occurred.
Ensure that the memory you are using is supported by your computer.
Determine if a conflict exists by removing an expansion card (not a
graphics card) and restarting the computer.
If the problem persists, reinstall the card you removed, then remove a
different card and restart the computer.
Repeat this process for each expansion card installed. If the computer
starts normally, troubleshoot the last card removed from the computer for
resource conflicts.
Ensure that all hard drive and optical drive cables are properly connected
to the system board.
If there is an error message on the 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 optical drive), check system setup to ensure the boot
sequence is correct for the devices installed on your computer.
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