Back to Contents Page
Advanced Troubleshooting
Dell Dimension 9200 Service Manual
Power Lights
Diagnostic Lights
Beep Codes
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 into both 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 Installing 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).
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 help 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.
| - Plug the computer into a working electrical outlet (see Power Lights)
|
| A possible processor failure has occurred.
| Reinstall the processor (see Installing the Processor) and restart the computer.
|
| 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 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).
|
| A possible graphics card failure has occurred.
| |
| 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 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).
|
| 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).
|
| A possible expansion card failure has occurred.
|
- Determine if a conflict exists by removing a card (not a graphics card) and restarting the computer (see Cards).
- If the problem persists, reinstall the card that you removed, then remove a different card and restart the computer.
- 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).
|
| The system is operating in quick resume mode.
| - Press the power button
- Move the mouse
- Press any key on the keyboard
- Press any key on the optional MCE remote control
|
| Another failure has occurred.
| - Ensure that all hard drive and CD/DVD cables are properly connected to the system board (see System Board Components).
- 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 ensure that 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 Program) to ensure the boot sequence is correct for the devices installed on your computer.
|
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 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) may fix the beep code errors in the following table. If the problem persists, 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
|
The following table lists beep codes for non memory related errors.
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
|
1-2-2
| DMA initialization failure
|
1-2-3
| DMA page register read/write failure
|
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
|
Message
|
Possible Cause
|
Corrective Action
|
8042 Gate-A20 error
|
The keyboard controller failed its test.
|
If you receive this message after you make changes in the system setup program, enter system setup (see Entering System Setup) program and restore the original value(s).
|
Address Line Short!
|
An error in the address decoding circuitry in the memory has occurred.
|
Reseat the memory modules (see Removing Memory.
|
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 computer and defined correctly in the system setup program (see Entering System Setup).
|
Cache Memory Bad, Do Not Enable Cache
|
The cache memory is not operating.
|
See "Contacting Dell" in your Owner's Manual for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.
|
CH-2 Timer Error
|
An error is occurring on the timer on the system board.
|
See "Contacting Dell" in your Owner's Manual for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.
|
CMOS Battery State Low
CMOS Checksum Failure
CMOS System Options Not Set
CMOS Display Type Mismatch
CMOS Memory Size Mismatch
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 (see Entering System Setup), verify the system configuration, and 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 and defined correctly in the system setup program (see Entering System Setup). 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 (see Removing the System Board) may need to be replaced.
|
FDD Controller Failure
HDD Controller Failure
|
The BIOS cannot communicate with the floppy drive or hard drive controller.
|
Ensure that the floppy drive or the hard drive (Installing a Hard Drive) is installed correctly in the computer and defined correctly in the system setup program (see Entering System Setup). Check the interface cable at both ends.
|
INTR1 Error
INTR2 Error
|
An interrupt channel on the system board failed to POST.
|
The keyboard or system board (see Removing the System Board) may need to be replaced.
|
Invalid Boot Diskette
|
The operating system cannot be located on drive A or drive C.
|
Enter the system setup program (see Entering System Setup)and confirm that drive A or drive C is properly identified.
|
Keyboard Error
|
The BIOS has detected a stuck key.
|
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.
|
KB/Interface Error
|
An error occurred with the keyboard connector.
|
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.
|
No ROM Basic
|
The operating system cannot be located on drive A or drive C.
|
Enter the system setup program (see Entering System Setup) and confirm that drive A or drive C is properly identified.
|
Dell Diagnostics
|
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide. |
|
NOTICE: The Dell Diagnostics works only on Dell computers. |
- Turn on (or restart) your computer.
- When the DELL logo appears, press <F12> immediately.
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 (see "Turning Off Your Computer" on page 7) and try again.
- When the boot device list appears, highlight Boot to Utility Partition and press <Enter>.
- When the Dell Diagnostics Main Menu appears, select the test you want to run.
Dell Diagnostics Main Menu
- After the Dell Diagnostics loads and the Main Menu screen appears, click the button for the
option you want.
Option
|
Function
|
Express Test
| 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.
|
Extended Test
| Performs a thorough check of devices. This test typically takes an hour or more and requires you to answer questions periodically.
|
Custom Test
| Tests a specific device. You can customize the tests you want to run.
|
Symptom Tree
| Lists the most common symptoms encountered and allows you to select a test based on the symptom of the problem you are having.
|
- 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.
- 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.
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.
|
- 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.
Drivers
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 the Start button and 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 to see if any device has an exclamation point (a yellow circle with a [!]) on
the device icon.
If an exclamation point is next to the device name, you may need to reinstall the driver or install a new driver.
Reinstalling Drivers
|
NOTICE: Refer to the Dell Support website at support.dell.com for approved drivers for Dell computers. If you install drivers obtained from other sources, your computer might not work correctly. |
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 the Start button and 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 and click Properties.
- Click the Drivers tab.
- Click Roll Back Driver.
If Device Driver Rollback does not resolve the problem, then use System Restore to return your computer to the operating state that existed before you installed the new driver.
Manually Reinstalling Drivers
- After copying the required driver files to your hard drive, click the Start button and right-click
My Computer.
- Click Properties.
- Click the Hardware tab and click Device Manager.
- Double-click the type of device for which you are installing the driver.
- Double-click the name of the device for which you are installing the driver.
- Click the Driver tab and click Update Driver.
- Click Install from a list or specific location (Advanced) and click Next.
- Click Browse and browse to the location to which you previously extracted the driver files.
- When the name of the appropriate driver appears, click Next.
- Click Finish and restart your computer.
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.
To resolve incompatibilities using the Hardware Troubleshooter:
- Click Start, then click Help and Support.
- Type hardware troubleshooter in the Search field, then 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 then click Next.
Back to Contents Page