Dell Inspiron 3700 Reference Manual page 47

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Error Messages and Flash Codes: Dell™ Inspiron™ 3700 System Reference
Error Messages • System Flash Codes • Avoiding Interrupt Assignment Conflicts • Memory Allocations • I/O Memory Map
Error Messages
Your application programs, operating system, and the computer itself can identify problems and alert you to them. When this occurs, a message
may appear on the computer's display or on an external monitor (if one is attached), or a flash code may be emitted.
If an error message appears on the display or external monitor, make a note of the message. For an explanation of the message and suggestions
for correcting any errors, see Table
NOTE: If the message is not listed in Table 1, see the documentation for the application program that was running at the time the
message appeared and/or the operating system documentation for an explanation of the message and a recommended action.
Table 1. System Error Messages
Message
Auxiliary device failure The touch pad, track stick, or external
Bad command or file name The command you entered does not exist or
Cache disabled due to
failure
Data error
Decreasing available
memory
Disk C: failed
initialization
Diskette drive 0 seek
failure
Diskette read failure
Diskette subsystem reset
failed
Diskette write-protected Because the diskette is write-protected, the
Drive not ready
Error reading PCMCIA
card
Extended memory size has
changed
Gate A20 failure
General failure
Hard-disk drive
1. The messages are listed alphabetically.
Cause
Personal System/2 (PS/2) mouse may be
faulty.
is not in the pathname you specified.
The primary cache internal to the
microprocessor has failed.
The diskette or hard-disk drive cannot read
the data.
One or more memory modules may be faulty
or improperly seated.
The hard-disk drive failed initialization.
A cable may be loose, or the system
configuration information may not match the
hardware configuration.
A cable may be loose, or the diskette may be
faulty.
The diskette drive controller may be faulty.
operation cannot be completed.
No diskette is in the diskette drive, or no
hard-disk drive is in the drive bay. The
operation requires a diskette in the drive or a
hard-disk drive in the bay before it can
continue.
The computer cannot identify the PC Card.
The amount of memory recorded in NVRAM
does not match the memory installed in the
computer.
An installed memory module may be loose.
The operating system is unable to carry out
the command.
The computer cannot identify the drive type.
Action
If you are using an external mouse only, check the
connection for a loose or improperly connected cable. If the
problem persists, enable the Pointing Device option. If the
problem persists, call Dell for technical assistance.
Make sure that you have typed the command correctly,
placed spaces in the proper location, and used the correct
pathname.
Call Dell for technical assistance.
Run the appropriate utility to check the file structure of the
diskette drive or hard-disk drive. See the documentation
that came with your operating system.
Reseat the memory modules and, if necessary, replace
them.
Run the Hard-Disk Drive tests in the
Run the Diskette Drive tests in the
is not corrected, have the cables checked by an authorized
service technician.
If the diskette-drive access indicator lights up, try a different
diskette.
Run the Diskette Drive tests in the
Slide the write-protect notch up.
Put a diskette in the drive bay, or push the diskette all the
way into the drive until the eject button pops out. Or, install a
hard-disk drive in the drive bay.
Reseat the card or try another PC Card that you know
works.
Reboot the computer. If the error appears on the display
again, call Dell for technical assistance.
Reseat the memory modules and, if necessary, replace
them.
This message is usually followed by specific information—
for example, Printer out of paper. Respond by
taking the appropriate action.
Turn off the computer, remove the drive, and boot the
Dell Diagnostics.
Dell Diagnostics. If error
Dell Diagnostics.