Troubleshooting Tools 43
Troubleshooting Tools

Diagnostic Lights

CAUTION: Before you begin 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 page 57). When the computer starts normally, the lights flash. After the

computer starts, all four lights display solid green. If the computer malfunctions, the color and

sequence of the lights 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.
The diagnostic lights are not lit
after the computer successfully
boots to the operating system.
Plug the computer into a working electrical
outlet and press the power button. Also see
"Power Problems" on page36.
A possible processor failure has
occurred.
Contact Dell (see page118).
Memory modules are detected,
but a memory failure has
occurred.
• If you have two or more memory modules
installed, remove the modules, reinstall
one module (see page65), 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.
• If available, install properly working
memory of the same type into your
computer (see page65).
• If the problem persists, contact Dell (see
page118
).