Solving Problems 347
Diagnostic Lights CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product
Information Guide.
To help troubleshoot a problem, your computer has four lights labeled 1, 2, 3, and 4 on the front panel.
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.
NOTE: After the computer completes POST, all four lights turn off before booting to the operating system.
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 (see "Power Problems" on page339).
• If the problem persists, contact Dell (see
"Contacting Dell
" on page370).
A possible processor failure has occurred.
• Reseat the processor (see Processor
information for your computer).
• If the problem persists, contact Dell (see
"Contacting Dell
" on page370).
Memory modules are detected, but a memory
failure has occurred.
• If two or more memory modules are
installed, remove the modules (see
"Removing Memory" on page316), then
reinstall one module (see "Installing
Memory" on page314) and restart the
computer. If the computer starts normally,
continue to install additional memory
modules (one at a time) until you have
identified a faulty module or reinstalled all
modules without error.
• If available, install working memory of the
same type into your computer (see
"Installing Memory" on page314).
• If the problem persists, contact Dell (see
"Contacting Dell
" on page370).
A possible graphics card failure has occurred.
• Reseat any installed graphics cards (see the
"Cards" section for your computer).
• If available, install a working graphics card
into your computer.
• If the problem persists, contact Dell (see
"Contacting Dell
" on page370).