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2. If a problem is 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 and follow the instructions on the screen.
3. If you run a test from the Custom Test or Symptom Tree option, click the applicable tab described in the following table for more information.
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 Main Menu screen. To exit the Dell Diagnostics and restart the computer, close the Main Menu 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.
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.
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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 may indicate requirements for running the test.
Configuration
Displays your 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. The device list may not display the names of all the components installed on
your computer or all devices attached to your computer.
Parameters
Allows you to customize the test by changing the test settings.
Power Light
State
Description
Off
Power is off, light is blank.
Blinking Amber
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.
Solid Amber
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.
Blinking Green
System is in a low power state, either S1 or S3. Look at the diagnostic lights to determine which state the system is in.
Solid Green
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 opcodes.
Beep
Code
Description
Possible Solution
1
BIOS checksum failure.
Possible system board failure. Contact Dell.
2
No memory modules are
detected
1. If you have two or more memory modules installed, remove the modules, reinstall one module, and then
restart the computer. If the computer starts normally, reinstall an additional module. Continue until you
have identified a faulty module or reinstalled all modules without error.
2. If available, install good memory of the same type into your computer.
3. If the problem persists, contact Dell.
3
Possible system board failure
Contact Dell.
4
RAM Read/Write failure
1. Ensure that no special memory module/memory connector placement requirements exist.
2. Verify that the memory modules that you are installing are compatible with your computer.
3. If the problem persists, contact Dell.
5
Real-time clock failure. Possible
battery failure or system board
failure.
1. Replace the battery.
2. If the problem persists, contact Dell.
6
Video BIOS Test Failure
Contact Dell.
7
CPU-cache test failure
Contact Dell.