Dell DCTA manual Diagnostic Lights, Error Messages, Light Pattern Problem Description

Code	Cause
3-4-2	Screen retrace failure
3-4-3	Search for video ROM failure
4-2-1	No timer tick
4-2-2	Shutdown failure
4-2-3	Gate A20 failure
4-2-4	Unexpected interrupt in protected mode
4-3-1	Memory failure above address 0FFFFh
4-3-3	Timer-chip counter 2 failure
4-3-4	Time-of-day clock stopped
4-4-1	Serial or parallel port test failure
4-4-2	Failure to decompress code to shadowed memory
4-4-3	Math-coprocessor test failure
4-4-4	Cache test failure

Error Messages

NOTE: If the message is not listed, see the documentation for either the operating system or the program that was running when the message appeared.

If an error occurs during start-up, a message may be displayed on the monitor identifying the problem. See "Error Messages" in the User’s Guide for suggestions on resolving any problems.

Diagnostic Lights

CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions located 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. The lights can be off or green. When the computer starts normally, the lights flash. After the computer starts, all four lights display solid green briefly and then turn off to indicate normal operation. If the computer malfunctions, the pattern 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.

NOTE: The diagnostic lights turn off after a short time if the computer is in a normal operating condition after POST.

Plug the computer into a working electrical outlet and press the power button.

Quick Reference Guide

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