Using Support Tools

System Messages

If your computer has an issue or error, it may display a System Message that will help you identify the cause and action needed to resolve the issue.

NOTE: If the message you received is not listed in the following examples, see the documentation for either the operating system or the program that was running when the message appeared. Alternatively you could see the Service Manual on the Dell Support website at support.dell.com or see “Contacting Dell” on page 48 for assistance.

Alert! Previous attempts at booting this system have failed at checkpoint [nnnn]. For help

in resolving this problem, please note this checkpoint and contact Dell Technical Support — The computer failed to complete the boot routine three consecutive times for the same error (see “Contacting Dell” on page 48 for assistance).

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CMOS checksum error — Possible motherboard failure or RTC battery low. Coin-cell battery needs replacement. See the Service Manual on the Dell Support website at support.dell.com or see “Contacting Dell” on page 48 for assistance.

CPU fan failure — CPU fan has failed. CPU fan needs replacement. See the Service Manual on the Dell Support website at support.dell.com.

Hard-disk drive failure — Possible hard disk drive failure during HDD POST (see “Contacting Dell” on page 48 for assistance).

Hard-disk drive read failure — Possible hard disk drive failure during HDD boot test (see “Contacting Dell” on page 48 for assistance).

Keyboard failure — Replace keyboard or check the cable for loose connection.

No boot device available — No bootable partition on hard disk drive, the hard disk drive cable is loose, or no bootable device exists.

If the hard drive is your boot device, ensure that the cables are connected and that the

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Dell F957N, 545s, 537s, 535s, 546s setup guide System Messages