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Troubleshooting Your Computer
You can troubleshoot your computer using indicators like Diagnostic Lights, Beep Codes, and Error Messages during the
operation of the computer.

Diagnostic LEDs

NOTE: The diagnostic LEDs only serve as an indicator of the progress through the Power-On Self Test (POST)
process. These LEDs do not indicate the problem that caused the POST routine to stop.
The diagnostic LEDs are located on the front of the chassis next to the power button. These diagnostic LEDs are only
active and visible during the POST process. Once the operating system starts to load, they turn off and are no longer
visible.
Each LED has two possible states of OFF or ON. The most significant bit is labeled with the number 1, and the other three
are labeled 2, 3, and 4, as you go down or across the LED stack. The normal operating condition after POST is for all four
LEDs to be ON and then turn off as the BIOS hands control over to the operating system.
NOTE: The diagnostic lights will blink when the power button is amber or off, and will not blink when it is white.
Table 13. POST Diagnostic LED Patterns
Diagnostic LEDs
• The computer is either turned off
or is not receiving power
• The computer is booted and
operating normally.
• If the computer is turned off ,
connect the AC power-supply and
power-on the computer.
PCI device configuration activity is in
progress or PCI device failure was
detected.
• Remove all peripheral cards from
the PCI and PCI-E slots and reboot
the computer. If the computer
boots, add the peripheral cards
back one by one until you find the
bad one.
A possible processor failure has
occurred. • Re-seat the processor.
Memory modules are detected, but a
memory power failure has occurred. • If two or more memory modules
are installed, remove the modules,
then reinstall one module and re-
start 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 only one memory
module is installed, try moving it to
a different DIMM connector and
re-start the computer.
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