Dell Precision M40 User Manual page 30

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Understanding Error Messages: Dell Precision™ Mobile Workstation M40 User's Guide
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 "System Error
NOTE: If the message is not listed in
the time the message appeared and/or the operating system documentation for an explanation of the message and a recommended
action.
System Error Messages
Message
Auxiliary device failure The touch pad, track stick, or external PS/2
Bad command or file name The command you entered does not exist or
Cache disabled due to
failure
CD drive controller
failure 1
Data error
Decreasing available
memory
Disk C: failed
initialization
floppy drive 0 seek
failure
Diskette read failure
Diskette subsystem reset
failed
Diskette write-protected Because the floppy disk is write-protected,
Drive not ready
Error reading PCMCIA
card
Extended memory size has
changed
Gate A20 failure
General failure
Hard-disk drive
configuration error
Messages." The messages are listed alphabetically.
"System Error Messages," see the documentation for the application program that was running at
Cause
mouse may be faulty.
is not in the pathname you specified.
The primary cache internal to the
microprocessor has failed.
The CD drive does not respond to
commands from the computer.
The floppy or hard drive cannot read the
data.
One or more memory modules may be faulty
or improperly seated.
The hard 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 floppy disk may
be faulty.
The floppy drive controller may be faulty.
the operation cannot be completed.
No floppy disk is in the floppy drive, or no
hard drive is in the drive bay. The operation
requires a floppy disk in the drive or a hard
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.
Turn off the computer, remove the drive, and boot the
computer from a bootable floppy disk. Then turn off the
computer again, reinstall the drive, and reboot the
computer. If the problem persists, try another drive. Then run
the CD drive tests in the Dell Diagnostics.
Run the appropriate utility to check the file structure of the
floppy drive or hard drive. See the documentation that came
with your operating system.
Reseat the memory modules and, if necessary, replace
them.
Run the hard drive tests in the
Run the floppy drive tests in the
not corrected, have the cables checked by an authorized
service technician.
If the access light lights up, try a different floppy disk.
Run the floppy drive tests in the
Slide the write-protect notch up.
Put a floppy disk in the drive, or push the floppy disk all the
way into the drive until the eject button pops out. Or, install a
hard 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
computer from a bootable floppy disk. Then turn off the
Dell Diagnostics.
Dell Diagnostics. If error is
Dell Diagnostics.