System Messages
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
NOTE: If the message you received is not listed in the following table, see the documentation for either the operating system or the program that was
running when the message appeared.
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 the 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.
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.
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, 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. 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.
HDD Controller Failure
The BIOS cannot communicate with the hard drive
controller.
Ensure that the hard drive is installed correctly in the computer and
defined correctly in the system setup program. 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 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 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 and confirm that drive A or drive C is
properly identified.