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System Messages
The first column in Table 3 lists (in alphabetical order) system messages that may appear on the screen during the boot routine or during normal
computer operation. The second column in the table lists probable causes of the messages, and the third column either provides a corrective
action or refers you to a source for resolving the problem.
Table 3. System Messages
obtaining technical assistance.
7
Processor exception error
See"ContactingDell"intheSolutions Guide for instructions on
obtaining technical assistance.
8
Video display memory error
See"ContactingDell"intheSolutions Guide for instructions on
obtaining technical assistance.
9
Optional ROM checksum error
See"ContactingDell"intheSolutions Guide for instructions on
obtaining technical assistance.
10
CMOS memory error
See"ContactingDell"intheSolutions Guide for instructions on
obtaining technical assistance.
11
BIOS checksum error
See"ContactingDell"intheSolutions Guide for instructions on
obtaining technical assistance.
Message
Possible Cause
Corrective Action
8042 Gate-A20 Error
The keyboard controller failed its test.
If you receive this message after making changes in the system
setup program, enter the program and restore the original value
(s).
Address Line Short!
Error in the address decoding circuitry in the
memory.
Reseat the memory modules.
C: Drive Error
C: Drive Failure
The hard drive is not working or is not
configured correctly.
Ensure that the drive is installed correctly in the chassis and
defined correctly in the system setup program.
Cache Memory Bad, Do
Not Enable Cache
Cache memory is not operating.
See"ContactingDell"intheSolutions Guide for instructions
on obtaining technical assistance.
Ch-2 Timer Error
System board timer error occurred.
See"ContactingDell"intheSolutions Guide for instructions
on obtaining technical assistance.
CMOS Battery State
Low
CMOS Checksum
Failure
CMOS Display Type
Mismatch
CMOS Memory Size
Mismatch
CMOS System Options
Not Set
CMOS Time and Date
Not Set
The system configuration information in the
system setup program is incorrect, or the
battery charge may be low.
Enter the system setup program and verify the system
configuration; then restart the computer.
Diskette Boot
Failure
Drive A or B is present but has failed the BIOS
POST.
Ensure that the drive is installed correctly in the computer frame
and defined correctly in the system setup program. Check the
interface cable at both ends.
DMA Error
DMA 1 Error
DMA 2 Error
Error in the DMA controller on the system
board.
The keyboard or system board may need to be replaced.
FDD Controller
Failure
HDD Controller
Failure
BIOS cannot communicate with the floppy drive
or hard drive controller.
Ensure that the drive is installed correctly in the computer frame
and defined correctly in the system setup program. Check the
interface cable at both ends.
INTR1 Error
INTR2 Error
Interrupt channel on the system board failed the
POST.
The keyboard or system board may need to be replaced.