CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.
To help troubleshoot a problem, your computer has four lights labeled 1, 2, 3, and 4 on the front panel (see Front View). 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
Problem Description
Suggested Resolution
The computer is in a normal off condition or a possible pre-BIOS failure has occurred.
The diagnostic lights are not lit after the system successfully boots to the operating system.
Plug the computer into a working electrical outlet (see Power Problems).
If the problem persists, contact Dell (see Contacting Dell).
If the problem persists, contact Dell (see Contacting Dell).
Memory modules are detected, but a memory failure has occurred.
If two or more memory modules are installed, remove the modules (see Removing Memory), then reinstall one module (see Installing Memory) and restart the computer. If the computer starts normally, continue to install additional memory modules (one at a time) until you have identified a faulty module or reinstalled all modules without error.
If available, install working memory of the same type into your computer (see Installing Memory).
If the problem persists, contact Dell (see Contacting Dell).
If available, install a working graphics card into your computer.
If the problem persists, contact Dell (see Contacting Dell).
A possible floppy drive or hard drive failure has occurred.
Reseat all power and data cables.
A possible USB failure has occurred.
Reinstall all USB devices and check all cable connections.
No memory modules are detected.
If two or more memory modules are installed, remove the modules (see Removing Memory), then reinstall one module (see Installing Memory) and restart the computer. If the computer starts normally, continue to install additional memory modules (one at a time) until you have identified a faulty module or reinstalled all modules without error.
If available, install working memory of the same type into your computer (see Installing Memory).
If the problem persists, contact Dell (see Contacting Dell).
Memory modules are detected, but a memory configuration or compatibility error has occurred.
Ensure that no special requirements for memory module/connector placement exist (see Memory).
Ensure that the memory you are using is supported by your computer (see Memory).
If the problem persists, contact Dell (see Contacting Dell).
A possible expansion card failure has occurred.
Determine if a conflict exists by removing an expansion card (not a graphics card) and restarting the computer (see Removing PCI and PCI Express Cards).
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 (see Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities).
If the problem persists, contact Dell (see Contacting Dell).
Another failure has occurred.
Ensure that all hard drive and CD/DVD drive cables are properly connected to the system board (see System Board Components).
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 CD/DVD drive); check system setup (see System Setup) to ensure the boot sequence is correct for the devices installed on your computer.
If the problem persists, contact Dell (see Contacting Dell).
Dell Diagnostics
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.
When to Use the Dell Diagnostics
If you experience a problem with your computer, perform the checks in Solving Problems and run the Dell Diagnostics before you contact Dell for technical assistance.
NOTE: The Dell Diagnostics only operate on Dell computers.
Run Dell Diagnostics from your hard drive or from the Drivers and Utilities CD (ResourceCD).
Starting the Dell Diagnostics From Your Hard Drive
Turn on (or restart) your computer.
When the DELL logo appears, press <F12> immediately.
NOTE: Keyboard failure may result when a key is held down for extended periods of time. To avoid possible keyboard failure, press and release <F12> in even intervals to open the Boot Device Menu.
If you wait too long and the operating system logo appears, continue to wait until you see the Microsoft® Windows® desktop, then shut down your computer and try again.
At the Boot Device Menu, use the up- and down-arrow keys or press the appropriate number on the
keyboard to highlight Boot to Utility Partition, and then press <Enter>.
NOTE: The Quickboot feature changes the boot sequence for the current boot only. Upon restart, the computer boots according to the boot sequence specified in system setup.
At the Dell Diagnostics Main Menu, left-click with the mouse, or press <Tab> and then <Enter>, to
select the test you want to run (see Dell Diagnostics Main Menu).
NOTE: Write down any error codes and problem descriptions exactly as they appear and follow the instructions on the screen.
After all tests have completed, close the test window to return to the Dell Diagnostics MainMenu.
Close the Main Menu windowto exit the Dell Diagnostics and restart the computer.
Starting the Dell Diagnostics From the Drivers and Utilities CD
Turn on your computer.
Press the eject button on the front of the optical drive to open the drive tray.
Place the Drivers and Utilities CD in the center of the drive tray, then press the eject button or gently
push on the tray to close it.
Restart the computer.
When the DELL logo appears, press <F12> immediately.
NOTE: Keyboard failure may result when a key on the keyboard is held down for extended periods of time. To avoid possible keyboard failure, press and release <F12> in even intervals until the Boot Device Menu appears.
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.
At the Boot Device Menu, use the up- and down-arrow keys or press the appropriate number on the
keyboard to highlight Onboard or USB CD-ROM, and then press <Enter>.
NOTE: The Quickboot feature changes the boot sequence for the current boot only. Upon restart, the computer boots according to the boot sequence specified in system setup.
At the CD-ROM Startup Menu, use the up- and down-arrow keys or press the appropriate number on
the keyboard to highlight Boot from CD-ROM, and then press <Enter>.
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.
Press <1> to select the Dell Diagnostics.
At the Dell Diagnostics Menu press <1> to select the Dell Diagnostics for ResourceCD (graphical
user interface).
At the Dell Diagnostics Main Menu, left-click with the mouse, or press <Tab> and then <Enter>, to
select the test you want to run (see Dell Diagnostics Main Menu).
NOTE: Write down any error codes and problem descriptions exactly as they appear and follow the instructions on the screen.
After all tests have completed, close the test window to return to the Dell Diagnostics MainMenu.
Remove the Drivers and Utilities CD, then close the Main Menu windowto exit the Dell
Diagnostics and restart the computer.
Dell Diagnostics Main Menu
The following tests can be run from the Dell Diagnostics Main Menu:
Option
Function
Express Test
Performs a quick test of system devices. The test typically takes 10 to 20 minutes and requires no interaction on your part. Run Express Test first to increase the possibility of tracing the problem quickly.
Extended Test
Performs a thorough check of system devices. The test typically takes an hour or more and peridocially requires your input to answer specific questions.
Custom Test
Tests a specific device in the system and can be used to customize the tests you want to run.
Symptom Tree
Lists a number of common symptoms and allows you to select a test based on the symptom of the problem you are having.
For any problem encountered during a test, a message appears with an error code and a description of the problem. Write down the error code and problem description exactly as it appears and follow the instructions on the screen. If you cannot resolve the problem, contact Dell (see Contacting Dell).
NOTE: The Service Tag for your computer is located at the top of each test screen. When contacting Dell support, have your Service Tag ready.
The following tabs provide additional information for tests run from the Custom Test or Symptom Tree option:
Tab
Function
Results
Displays the results of the test and any error conditions encountered.
Errors
Displays error conditions encountered, error codes, and the problem description.
Help
Describes the test and any requirements for running the test.
Configuration
(Custom Test only)
Displays the hardware configuration for the selected device.
The Dell Diagnostics obtains configuration information for all devices from system setup, memory, and various internal tests, and it displays the information in the device list in the left pane of the screen.
NOTE: The device list may not display the names of all the components installed on your computer or all devices attached to your computer.
Parameters
(Custom Test only)
Allows you to customize the test, if applicable, by changing the test settings.
Drivers
What Is a Driver?
A driver is a program that controls a device such as a printer, mouse, or keyboard. All devices require a driver program.
A driver acts as a translator between the device and any programs that use the device. Each device has a set of specialized commands that only driver for that device recognizes.
Required drivers are already installed on your computer—no further installation or configuration is needed.
NOTICE: The Drivers and Utilities CD may contain drivers for operating systems that are not on your computer. Ensure that you are installing software appropriate for your operating system.
Many drivers, such as the keyboard driver, come with your Microsoft® Windows® operating system. You may need to install drivers if you:
Upgrade your operating system.
Reinstall your operating system.
Connect or install a new device.
Identifying Drivers
If you experience a problem with any device, identify whether the driver is the source of your problem and, if necessary, update the driver.
Windows XP
Click Start, then click Control Panel.
Under Pick a Category, click Performance and Maintenance.
Click System.
In the System Properties window, click the Hardware tab.
Click Device Manager.
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 (see Drivers).
Reinstalling Drivers
NOTICE: The Dell Support website at support.dell.com and your Drivers and Utilities CD provide approved drivers for your Dell computer. If you install drivers obtained from other sources, your computer may not function properly.
Using Windows XP Device Driver Rollback
If a problem occurs on your computer after you install or update a driver, use Windows XP Device Driver Rollback to replace the driver with the previously installed version.
Click Start, then click Control Panel.
Under Pick a Category, click Performance and Maintenance.
Click System.
In the System Properties window, click the Hardware tab.
Click Device Manager.
Right-click the device for which the new driver was installed, then click Properties.
Click the Driver tab.
Click Roll Back Driver.
If Device Driver Rollback does not resolve the problem, reinstall the driver from the Drivers and Utilities CD.
Using the Drivers and Utilities CD
If a problem occurs on your computer after you install or update a driver and Windows XP Device Driver Rollback does not resolve the problem, reinstall the driver from the Drivers and Utilities CD.
With the Windows desktop displayed, insert the Drivers and Utilities CD.
If this is your first time to use the Drivers and Utilities CD, proceed to step 2. If not, go to step 4.
When the ResourceCD Installation window appears, click OK, and then follow the instructions on
the screen.
When the InstallShield Wizard Completed window appears, click Finish.
The ResourceCD window appears.
Under Welcome Dell System Owner, click Next.
Click Drivers.
The drivers that are used by your computer are automatically displayed in the Drivers window.
NOTE: The ResourceCD displays drivers only for the hardware that came installed in your computer. If you installed additional hardware, and applicable drivers are not displayed, exit the ResourceCD program and see the documentation that came with the hardware.
Click the driver that you want to reinstall.
NOTE: If a driver for a particular device is not listed, then a driver for that device is already included with the operating system.
Click Extract, and then follow the instructions on the screen.
If reinstalling the driver from the Drivers and Utilities CD does not resolve the problem, use System Restore to return the computer to the operating state before the problem occurred (see Using Microsoft® Windows® XP System Restore).
Manually Reinstalling Drivers
After extracting driver files from the Drivers and Utilities CD to your hard drive you may be required to update the driver manually.
Drivers can be manually updated for any hardware device installed in your computer.
Click Start, then click Control Panel.
Under Pick a Category, click Performance and Maintenance.
Click System.
In the System Properties window, click the Hardware tab.
Click Device Manager.
Double-click the type of device for which you are installing the driver.
Right-click the device for which the driver is being reinstalled, then click Properties.
Click the Driver tab.
Click Update Driver.
Click Install from a list or specific location (Advanced), then click Next.
Click to check Include this location in the search, then click Browse and navigate to where the driver
files are located on your hard drive.
When the name of the appropriate driver appears, click Next.
Click Finish and restart your computer.
Using Microsoft® Windows® XP System Restore
Microsoft Windows XP System Restore allows you to return your computer to an earlier operating state (without affecting data files). Using System Restore can be helpful if changes to the system hardware, software, or settings have left the computer in an undesirable operating state. For information on using System Restore, see the Windows Help and Support Center (click Start, then click Help and Support).
NOTICE: System Restore does not monitor your data files or recover them. Make regular backups of your data files.
Creating a Restore Point
Click Start, point to All Programs®Accessories®System Tools, and then click System Restore.
Ensure that Create a restore point is selected, then click Next.
In the Restore point description field, enter a name for the restore point, then click Create.
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 exit any open programs. Do not alter, open, or delete any files or programs until the system restoration process is complete.
Click Start, point to All Programs®Accessories®System Tools, and then click System Restore.
Ensure that Restore my computer to an earlier time is selected, then click Next.
Under Select a Restore Point, click the calendar date and restore point to which you want to restore
your computer, and then click Next.
NOTE: Calendar dates with available restore points appear in bold. If a calendar date has only one restore point available, that restore point is automatically selected.
Under Conform Restore Point Selection, click Next.
The System Restore process collects necessary data, then restarts the computer.
Under Restoration Complete (after the computer has restarted), click OK.
NOTE: After your computer has been restored to an earlier operating state, you can repeat the restoration process and use a different restore point, or you can undo the restoration and return the computer to its original operating state.
Undoing the Last System Restore
NOTICE: Before you undo the most recent system restore, save and close all open files and exit any open programs. Do not alter, open, or delete any files or programs until the system restoration process is complete.
Click Start, point to All Programs® Accessories® System Tools, and then click System Restore.
Ensure that Undo my last restoration is selected, thenclick Next.
Under Confirm Restoration Undo, click Next.
The System Restore process collects necessary data, then restarts the computer.
Under Undo Complete (after the computer has restarted), click OK.
Enabling or Disabling System Restore
If you reinstall Windows XP with less than 200 MB of free hard-disk space available, System Restore is automatically disabled. To determine if System Restore is enabled:
Click Start, then click ControlPanel.
Under Pick a Category, click Performance and Maintenance.
Click System.
In the System Properties window, click the System Restore tab.
Ensure that Turn off System Restore is unchecked.
NOTE: To disable System Restore, check Turn off System Restore.
Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities
If a device is not detected during the operating system setup or is detected, but incorrectly configured, you can use the Hardware Troubleshooter to resolve the incompatibility.
Click Start, then click Help and Support.
Type hardware troubleshooter in the Search field and click the arrow to start the search.
Click Hardware Troubleshooter in the Search Results list.
In the Hardware Troubleshooter list, click I need to resolve a hardware conflict on my computer, and
click Next.
Reinstalling Microsoft® Windows® XP
NOTICE: You must use Windows XP Service Pack 1 (SP1) or later when you reinstall Windows XP.
NOTICE: In order to use the migrating option to convert a RAID configuration without losing data, your hard drive must initially be set up as a single drive RAID 0 array before the operating system is loaded onto the drive (see Using the Nvidia MediaShield ROM Utility for instructions).
Before You Begin
If you are considering reinstalling the Windows XP operating system to correct a problem with a newly installed driver, first try using Windows XP Device Driver Rollback (see Using Windows XP Device Driver Rollback). If Device Driver Rollback does not resolve the problem, then use System Restore (see Using Microsoft® Windows® XP System Restore) to return your operating system to the operating state it was in before you installed the new device driver.
NOTICE: Before performing the installation, back up all data files on your primary hard drive. For conventional hard drive configurations, the primary hard drive is the first drive detected by the computer.
To reinstall Windows XP, you need the following items:
Dell Operating System CD
Dell Drivers and Utilities CD
NOTE: The Drivers and Utilities CD contains drivers that were installed during assembly of the computer. Use the CD to load any required drivers.
Reinstalling Windows XP
To reinstall Windows XP, perform all the steps in the following sections in the order in which they are listed.
The reinstallation process can take 1 to 2 hours to complete. After you reinstall the operating system, you must also reinstall the device drivers, virus protection program, and other software.
NOTICE: The Operating System CD provides options for reinstalling Windows XP. The options can overwrite files and possibly affect programs installed on your hard drive. Therefore, do not reinstall Windows XP unless a Dell technical support representative instructs you to do so.
NOTICE: To prevent conflicts with Windows XP, disable any virus protection software installed on your computer before you reinstall Windows XP. See the documentation that came with the software for instructions.
Booting From the Operating System CD
Save and close any open files and exit any open programs.
Insert the Operating System CD. Click Exit if Install Windows XP message appears.
Restart the computer.
When the DELL logo appears, press <F12> immediately.
NOTE: Keyboard failure may result when a key on the keyboard is held down for extended periods of time. To avoid possible keyboard failure, press and release <F12> in even intervals until the Boot Device Menu appears.
If the operating system logo appears, wait until you see the Windows desktop, and then shut down the computer and try again.
At the Boot Device Menu, use the up- and down-arrow keys or press the appropriate number on the
keyboard to highlight Onboard or USB CD-ROM, and then press <Enter>.
When the Press any key to boot from CD message appears, press any key.
Windows XP Setup
When the Windows XP Setup screen appears, press <Enter> to select To set up Windows now.
Read the information on the Microsoft Windows Licensing Agreement screen, and press <F8> to
accept the license agreement.
If your computer already has Windows XP installed and you want to recover your current Windows XP
data, type r to select the repair option, and remove the CD.
If you want to install a new copy of Windows XP, press <Esc> to select that option.
Press <Enter> to select the highlighted partition (recommended), and follow the instructions on the
screen.
The Windows XP Setup screen appears, and the operating system begins to copy files and install the devices. The computer automatically restarts multiple times.
NOTE: The time required to complete the setup depends on the size of the hard drive and the speed of your computer.
NOTICE: Do not press any key when the following message appears: Press any key to boot from the CD.
When the Regional and Language Options screen appears, select the settings for your location and
click Next.
Enter your name and organization (optional) in the Personalize Your Software screen, and click Next.
If you are reinstalling Windows XP Home Edition, at the What's your computer's namewindow, enter a
name for your computer (or accept the name provided) and click Next.
If you are reinstalling Windows XP Professional, at the Computer Name and Administrator Password window, enter a name for your computer (or accept the one provided) and a password, and click Next.
If the Modem Dialing Information screen appears, enter the requested information and click Next.
Enter the date, time, and time zone in the Date and Time Settings window, and click Next.
If the Networking Settings screen appears, click Typical and click Next.
If you are reinstalling Windows XP Professional and you are prompted to provide further information
regarding your network configuration, enter your selections. If you are unsure of your settings, accept
the default selections.
Windows XP installs the operating system components and configures the computer. The computer automatically restarts.
NOTICE: Do not press any key when the following message appears: Press any key to boot from the CD.
When the Welcome to Microsoft screen appears, click Next.
When the How will this computer connect to the Internet? message appears, click Skip.
When the Ready to register with Microsoft? screen appears, select No, not at this time and click Next.
When the Who will use this computer? screen appears, you can enter up to five users.
Click Next.
Click Finish to complete the setup, and remove the CD.
Reinstall the appropriate drivers with the Drivers and Utilities CD (see Reinstalling Drivers).
Reinstall your virus protection software.
Reinstall your programs.
NOTE: To reinstall and activate your Microsoft Office or Microsoft Works Suite programs, you need the Product Key number located on the back of the Microsoft Office or Microsoft Works Suite CD sleeve.
