Advanced Troubleshooting; Diagnostic Lights - Dell Dimension 2400 Series Manual

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Advanced Troubleshooting

Dell™ Dimension™ 2400 Series
Diagnostic Lights
Beep Codes
System Messages

Diagnostic Lights

To help you troubleshoot a problem, your computer has four lights labeled "A," "B," "C," and "D" on the back panel. The lights can be yellow or green. 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.
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in your Owner's Manual or Product Information
Guide.
Light Pattern Problem Description
The computer is in a normal
off condition or a possible
pre-BIOS failure has
occurred.
Memory modules are
detected, but a memory
failure has occurred.
A possible expansion card
failure has occurred.
A possible floppy or hard
drive failure has occurred.
A possible USB failure has
occurred.
No memory modules are
detected.
Memory modules are
detected, but a memory
configuration or compatibility
error exists.
Another failure has occurred.
Suggested Resolution
Verify that the computer is plugged into a working electrical outlet and that you have pressed the power
button.
If you have one memory module installed,
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If you have two or more memory modules installed, remove the modules,
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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
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If the problem persists, see "Contacting Dell" in your Owner's Manual.
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1. Determine if a conflict exists by
computer.
2. If the problem persists, reinstall the card that you removed, remove a different card, and then
restart the computer.
3. Repeat this process for each card. If the computer starts normally, troubleshoot the last card
removed from the computer for resource conflicts (see "Resolving Software and Hardware
Incompatibilities" in your Owner's Manual).
4. If the problem persists, see "Contacting Dell" in your Owner's Manual.
Reseat all power and data cables and restart the computer.
Reinstall all USB devices, check cable connections, and then restart the computer.
Reinstall all memory modules
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To eliminate the possibility of a faulty memory connector,
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memory module (if the computer supports a single module), and then restart the computer. If the
computer starts normally, move the memory module to a different connector and restart the
computer. Continue until you have identified a faulty connector or reinstalled all modules without
error.
Ensure that no special memory module/memory connector placement
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Verify that the memory modules that you are installing are
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If the problem persists, see "Contacting Dell" in your Owner's Manual.
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Ensure that the cables are properly connected to the
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and DVD drive.
reinstall it and restart the computer.
of the same type into your computer.
removing a card (not the video card) and then restarting the
and restart the computer.
remove all memory
compatible
system board
reinstall one module, and
modules, reinstall one
requirements exist.
with your computer.
from the hard drive, CD drive,