Back to Contents Page

Advanced Troubleshooting

Dell™ Dimension™ 2350 Series

  Diagnostic Codes

  Beep Codes

  System Messages

  Dell Diagnostics

  Drivers

  Using System Restore

  Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities

  Reinstalling Microsoft® Windows® XP

Diagnostic Codes

To help you troubleshoot a problem, your computer is equipped with four lights on the back panel labeled "A," "B," "C," and "D." These lights can be yellow, green, or off. When the computer starts normally, the lights flash. After the computer starts, the lights remain green. If the computer malfunctions, the color and sequence of the lights identify the problem.

CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in your Owner's Manual.


Diagnostic Code


Definition


Corrective Action

The computer is in its normal off condition or a possible pre-BIOS failure has occurred.

Ensure that the computer is connected to a known working electrical outlet, and then check whether the front-panel power light on the power button is on or off. If the power light is off, check the power supply. If the problem persists, see "Contacting Dell" in your Owner's Manual for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

See the safety instructions in your Owner's Manual, and then remove all cards. If the computer still does not start, see "Contacting Dell" in your Owner's Manual for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

The computer is in a BIOS failure recovery mode.

See "Contacting Dell" in your Owner's Manual for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

The microprocessor has failed a BIOS test.

See "Contacting Dell" in your Owner's Manual for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

Memory modules are detected, but a memory failure has occurred.

  • If you have one memory module installed, reinstall it and restart the computer.
  • 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 connector or reinstalled all modules without error.
  • If available, install properly working memory of the same type into your computer.
  • If the problem persists, see "Contacting Dell" in your Owner's Manual for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

PCI bus failure has occurred.

  1. Determine if a conflict exists by removing a card and then restarting the computer.
  2. If the problem persists, reinstall the card that you removed, remove a different card, and then restart the computer.
  3. Repeat this process for each card. 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, see "Contacting Dell" in your Owner's Manual for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

The video controller failed to initialize or respond.

See "Contacting Dell" in your Owner's Manual for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

No memory modules are detected.

  • Reseat all memory modules, and then restart the computer.
  • To eliminate the possibility of a faulty memory connector, remove all memory modules, reinstall one memory module (if the computer supports a single module), and then restart the computer. If the computer starts normally, move the memory module to a different connector and restart the computer. Continue until you have identified a faulty connector or reinstalled all modules without error.
  • If the problem persists, see "Contacting Dell" in your Owner's Manual for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

System board failure has occurred.

See "Contacting Dell" in your Owner's Manual for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

Memory modules are detected, but a memory configuration or compatibility error exists.

  • Be sure that there are no special memory module/memory connector placement requirements.
  • Verify that the memory modules that you are installing are compatible with the computer.
  • If the problem persists, see "Contacting Dell" in your Owner's Manual for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

Initialization of a third-party PCI card failed.

Reseat all cards, and then restart the computer.

  1. The processor cache failed.
  2. The real-time clock failed.
  1. Remove and replace the microprocessor.
  2. If the problem persists, see "Contacting Dell" in your Owner's Manual for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

A USB port or a device connected to it has failed initialization.

Disconnect the device from the USB connector. If the problem persists, see "Contacting Dell" in your Owner's Manual for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

Another type of failure has occurred.

Check the computer message that appears on your monitor screen.

The computer has started and is now controlled by the operating system.

No action is necessary.

Beep Codes

If the monitor cannot display errors or problems during POST, the computer might emit a series of beeps (a beep code) that identifies the problem.

Reseating the memory modules may fix the POST beep code errors listed below. If the problem persists, see "Contacting Dell" in your Owner's Manual for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

Code

Cause

1 long beep;
1 short beep

Memory is not installed or is not detected.

1 long beep;
2 short beeps

Memory is detected, but a memory failure has occurred.

1 long beep;
3 short beeps

Memory is detected, but is incompatible with the computer.

If you hear one of the following POST beep codes, see "Contacting Dell" in your Owner's Manual for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

Code

Cause

2 long beeps;
1 short beep

CMOS checksum error

2 long beeps;
2 short beeps

Video subsystem failure

2 long beeps;
3 short beeps

IDE subsystem failure

3 long beeps;
1 short beep

USB over-current condition detected

System Messages

Message

Possible Cause

Corrective Action

CMOS Checksum Error

A defective device or power surge can cause checksum errors.

See "Contacting Dell" in your Owner's Manual for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

CPU fan not detected

The microprocessor fan cable is not plugged in or is defective.

Ensure that the microprocessor fan is connected to the fan connector on the system board.

Floppy Not Detected

The floppy drive cable may be disconnected or damaged.

Ensure that the cable properly connects the floppy drive to the system board.

Keyboard not detected

The keyboard is not detected.

Ensure that the keyboard is connected correctly and is not damaged.

Memory Size has changed

A memory size change occurred.

Reseat the memory modules.

Memory Test failed

The memory does not pass the memory test.

Reseat the memory modules.

No Boot Device Detected

The BIOS does not detect a bootable device.

Verify the boot sequence in the system setup program.

S.M.A.R.T Advisory Error

A S.M.A.R.T.-capable device may be defective.

See "Contacting Dell" in your Owner's Manual for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

Dell Diagnostics

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. Running the Dell Diagnostics may help you resolve the problem without contacting Dell. If you do contact Dell, the test results can provide important information for Dell's service and support personnel.

The Dell Diagnostics allows you to:

Starting the Dell Diagnostics

NOTICE: Only use the Dell Diagnostics to test your Dell™ computer. Using this program with other computers can result in error messages.

Start the Dell Diagnostics from either your hard drive or from the Dell Dimension ResourceCD.

Starting the Dell Diagnostics From Your Hard Drive

  1. Shut down and restart the computer.

  2. When the DELL™ logo appears, press <F12> immediately.

HINT: If you receive a message stating that no Diagnostics utility partition has been found, follow the instructions to run the Dell Diagnostics from your ResourceCD.

If you wait too long and the Microsoft® Windows® logo appears, continue to wait until you see the Windows desktop. Then shut down your computer through the Start menu and try again.

  1. When the boot device list appears, highlight Boot to Utility Partition and press <Enter>.

  2. When the Dell Diagnostics Main Menu appears, select the test you want to run.

Starting the Dell Diagnostics From the ResourceCD

  1. Insert the ResourceCD into the CD drive.

  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 through the Start menu and try again.

HINT: This feature changes the boot sequence for one time only. On the next start-up, the computer boots according to the devices specified in the system setup program.
  1. When the boot device list appears, highlight IDE CD-ROM Device and press <Enter>.

  2. Select the IDE CD-ROM Device option from the CD boot menu.

  3. Select the Boot from CD-ROM option from the menu that appears.

  4. Type 1 to start the ResourceCD menu.

  5. Type 2 to start the Dell Diagnostics.

  6. Select Run the 32 Bit Dell Diagnostics from the numbered list. If multiple versions are listed, select the version appropriate for your platform.

  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.

HINT: The Service Tag number for your computer is located at the top of each test screen.

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.

  1. If a problem is encountered during a test, a message displaying the error code and a description of the problem appear. Write down the error code and problem description and follow the instructions on the screen.

If you cannot resolve the error condition, contact Dell. See "Contacting Dell" in your Owner's Manual for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

  1. 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 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 your configuration information for all devices from the system setup program, memory, and various internal tests and displays it 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.

  1. When the tests are completed, if you are running the Dell Diagnostics from the ResourceCD, remove the CD.

  2. 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

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 like a translator between the device and the programs that use the device. Each device has its own set of specialized commands that only its driver recognizes.

Many drivers such as the keyboard driver come with your Microsoft® Windows® operating system. You may need to install drivers if:

If you experience a problem with any device, perform the steps in the following sections to identify whether the driver is the source of your problem and if necessary, to update the driver.

Identifying Drivers

  1. Click the Start button and click Control Panel.

  2. In the Control Panel window, under Pick a Category, click Performance and Maintenance.

  3. In the Performance and Maintenance window, click System.

  4. In the System Properties screen, click the Hardware tab.

  5. Click Device Manager.

  6. In the Device Manager window, 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: The Dell Support website and your Dell Dimension ResourceCD provide 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 or to replace the driver with the previously installed version.

To use Device Driver Rollback:

  1. Click the Start button and click Control Panel.

  2. In the Control Panel window, under Pick a Category, click Performance and Maintenance.

  3. In the Performance and Maintenance window, click System.

  4. In the System Properties screen, click the Hardware tab.

  5. Click Device Manager.

  6. In the Device Manager window, right-click the device for which the new driver was installed, and then click Properties.

  7. Click the Drivers tab.

  8. Click Roll Back Driver.

If Device Driver Rollback does not resolve the problem, then use System Restore to return your operating system to the operating state it was in before you installed the new driver.

Using the Dell Dimension ResourceCD

If using Device Driver Rollback or System Restore does not resolve the problem, then reinstall the driver from the Dell Dimension ResourceCD:

  1. With the Windows desktop displayed, insert the ResourceCD into the CD or DVD drive.

If this is your first time to use the ResourceCD, go to step 2. If not, go to step 5.

  1. When the ResourceCD installation program starts, follow the prompts on the screen.

  2. When the InstallShield Wizard Complete window appears, remove the ResourceCD and click Finish to restart the computer.

  3. When you see the Windows desktop, reinsert the ResourceCD into the CD or DVD drive.

  4. At the Welcome Dell System Owner screen, click Next.

HINT: The ResourceCD displays drivers only for hardware that came on your computer. If you installed additional hardware, the drivers for the new hardware might not be displayed by the ResourceCD. If those drivers are not displayed, exit the ResourceCD program. For drivers information, see the documentation that came with the device.

A message stating that the ResourceCD is detecting hardware in your computer appears.

The drivers that are used by your computer are automatically displayed in the My Drivers—The ResourceCD has identified these components in your system window.

  1. Click the driver that you want to reinstall and follow the instructions on the screen.

If a particular driver is not listed, then that driver is not required by your operating system.

Using System Restore

The Microsoft® Windows® XP operating system provides System Restore to allow you to return your computer to an earlier operating state (without affecting data files) if changes to the hardware, software, or other system settings have left the computer in an undesirable operating state. See Windows Help for information on using System Restore.

NOTICE: Make regular backups of your data files. System Restore does not monitor your data files or recover them.

Creating a Restore Point

  1. Click the Start button and click Help and Support.

  2. Click System Restore.

  3. Follow the instructions on the screen.

Restoring the Computer to an Earlier Operating State

If problems occur after you install a device driver, use Device Driver Rollback to resolve the problem. If that is unsuccessful, then use System Restore.

NOTICE: Before you restore the computer to an earlier operating state, save and close all open files and close all open programs. Do not alter, open, or delete any files or programs until the system restoration is complete.
  1. Click the Start button, point to All Programs® Accessories® System Tools, and then click System Restore.

  2. Ensure that Restore my computer to an earlier time is selected and click Next.

  3. Click a calendar date to which you want to restore your computer.

The Select a Restore Point screen provides a calendar that allows you to see and select restore points. All calendar dates with available restore points appear in bold.

  1. Select a restore point and click Next.

If a calendar date has only one restore point, then that restore point is automatically selected. If two or more restore points are available, click the restore point that you prefer.

  1. Click Next.

The Restoration Complete screen appears after System Restore finishes collecting data and then the computer restarts.

  1. After the computer restarts, click OK.

To change the restore point, you can either repeat the steps using a different restore point, or you can undo the restoration.

Undoing the Last System Restore

NOTICE: Before you undo the last system restore, save and close all open files and close all open programs. Do not alter, open, or delete any files or programs until the system restoration is complete.
  1. Click the Start button, point to All Programs® Accessories® System Tools, and then click System Restore.

  2. Click Undo my last restoration and click Next.

  3. Click Next.

The System Restore screen appears and the computer restarts.

  1. After the computer restarts, click OK.

Enabling System Restore

If you reinstall Windows XP with less than 200 MB of free hard-disk space available, System Restore is automatically disabled. To see if System Restore is enabled:

  1. Click the Start button and click Control Panel.

  2. Click Performance and Maintenance.

  3. Click System.

  4. Click the System Restore tab.

  5. Ensure that Turn off System Restore is unchecked.

Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities

Windows XP IRQ conflicts occur if a device either is not detected during the operating system setup or is detected but incorrectly configured.

To check for conflicts on a computer running Windows XP:

  1. Click the Start button and click Control Panel.

  2. Click Performance and Maintenance and click System.

  3. Click the Hardware tab and click Device Manager.

  4. In the Device Manager list, check for conflicts with the other devices.

Conflicts are indicated by a yellow exclamation point (!) beside the conflicting device or a red X if the device has been disabled.

  1. Double-click any conflict to display the Properties window.

If an IRQ conflict exists, the Device status area in the Properties window reports the cards or devices that share the device's IRQ.

  1. Resolve conflicts by reconfiguring the devices or removing the devices from the Device Manager.

To use the Windows XP Hardware Troubleshooter:

  1. Click the Start button and click Help and Support.

  2. Type hardware troubleshooter in the Search field and click the arrow to start the search.

  3. Click Hardware Troubleshooter in the Search Results list.

  4. In the Hardware Troubleshooter list, click I need to resolve a hardware conflict on my computer, and click Next.

Reinstalling Microsoft® Windows® XP

Before You Reinstall

If you are reinstalling the Windows XP operating system to correct a problem with a newly installed driver, use Windows XP Device Driver Rollback to replace the device driver with the previously installed version.

If Device Driver Rollback does not resolve the problem, then use System Restore to return your operating system to the operating state it was in before you installed the new device driver.

Reinstalling Windows XP

To reinstall Windows XP, perform 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 the reinstallation is complete, you need to 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 instructed to do so by a Dell technical support representative.
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.

Preparing to Boot From the Operating System CD

  1. Insert the Operating System CD into the CD or DVD drive.

  2. Exit any program or utility that might run after you insert the CD.

  3. Shut down and restart the computer.

  4. Press <F12> immediately after the DELL™ logo appears.

If the operating system logo appears, wait until you see the Windows desktop, and then shut down the computer and try again.

  1. Use the arrow keys to select CD-ROM and press <Enter>.

  2. When the Press any key to boot from CD message appears on the screen, press any key.

Starting Windows XP Setup

  1. When the Windows XP Setup screen appears, press <Enter> to select To set up Windows now.

  2. Read the information in the Microsoft Windows Licensing Agreement screen, and then press <F8> to accept the license agreement.

  3. 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 then remove the CD from the drive.

  4. If you want to install a new copy of Windows XP, press <Esc> to select the fresh copy option.

  5. Press <Enter> to select the highlighted partition (recommended), and then follow the instructions on the screen.

HINT: The time required to complete the setup depends on the size of the hard drive and the speed of your computer.

The Windows XP Setup screen appears, and the operating system begins to copy files and install the devices. The computer restarts multiple times.

Completing the GUI Setup

NOTICE: When the computer restarts, the following message appears: Press any key to boot from the CD. Do not press any key when this message appears.
  1. When the Regional and Language Options screen appears, select the settings for your location and click Next.

  2. Enter your name and organization (optional) in the Personalize Your Software screen and click Next.

  3. If you are reinstalling Windows XP Home Edition, at the What's your computer's name window, 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 then click Next.

  1. If you have a modem installed, enter the requested information and click Next when the Modem Dialing Information screen appears.

  2. Enter the date, time, and time zone in the Date and Time Settings window and click Next.

  3. Click Typical in the Networking Settings screen and click Next.

  4. If you are reinstalling Windows XP Professional, you may be prompted to provide further network information regarding your network configuration, such as the domain name or workgroup name. If you are unsure of your settings, accept the default selections.

Windows XP installs the operating system components, configures the computer, and then restarts the computer.

Completing the Operating System Setup

NOTICE: When the computer restarts, the following message appears: Press any key to boot from the CD. Do not press any key when this message appears.
  1. When the Welcome to Microsoft screen appears, click Next.

  2. When the How will this computer connect to the Internet? message appears, click Skip.

  3. When the Ready to register with Microsoft? screen appears, click No, not at this time and click Next.

When the Who will use this computer? screen appears, you can enter up to five users.

  1. Click Next.

  2. Click Finish to complete the setup and remove the CD from the drive.

Reinstalling Drivers and Software

  1. Reinstall the appropriate drivers.

  2. Reinstall your virus protection software. See the documentation that came with the software for instructions.

  3. Reinstall your other software programs. See the documentation that came with the software for instructions.

Back to Contents Page