Troubleshooting Tools 53
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 65). 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.
All four diagnostic lights display solid
green and then turn off after the system
successfully boots to the operating
system.
Plug the computer into a working
electrical outlet. Also see "Power
Problems" on page47.
A possible processor failure has occurred.
If the problem persists, contact Dell (see
page 126).
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
page 74), 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 page 74).
• If the problem persists, contact Dell
(see page 126).