Troubleshooting Tools 43
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 page57). 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.
The diagnostic lights are not lit
after the computer successfully
boots to the operating system.
Plug the computer into a working electrical outlet
and press the power button. Also see "Power
Problems" on page36.
A possible processor failure
hasoccurred.
Contact Dell (see page116).
Memory modules are detected,
but a memory failure
hasoccurred.
• If you have two or more memory modules
installed, remove the modules, reinstall one
module (see page64), 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 withouterror.
• If available, install properly working memory of
the same type into your computer (see page64).
• If the problem persists, contact Dell
(see
page116
).