Dell D630 Manual

							Troubleshooting111
DRIVE NOT READY—The operation requires a hard drive in the bay before it can 
continue. Install a hard drive in the hard drive bay (see Drive Problems on 
page 106).
ERROR READING PCMCIA CARD—The computer cannot identify the PC Card. 
Reinsert the card or try another PC Card (see Installing a PC Card or 
ExpressCard on page 82).
EXTENDED MEMORY SIZE HAS CHANGED—The amount of memory recorded in 
NVRAM does not match the memory installed in the computer. Restart the 
computer. If the error appears again, contact Dell (see Obtaining Assistance 
on page 193).
THE FILE BEING COPIED IS TOO LARGE FOR THE DESTINATION DRIVE—The file 
that you are trying to copy is too large to fit on the disk, or the disk is too full. 
Try copying the file to a different disk or use a larger capacity disk.
A FILENAME CANNOT CONTAIN ANY OF THE FOLLOWING CHARACTERS:  / : * ? “ < 
> | —
 Do not use these characters in filenames.
GATE A20 FAILURE—A memory module may be loose. Reinstall the memory 
modules and, if necessary, replace them (see Memory Problems on page 119).
GENERAL FAILURE—The operating system is unable to carry out the command. 
The message is usually followed by specific information—for example, 
Printer out of paper. Take the appropriate action.
HARD-DISK DRIVE CONFIGURATION ERROR—The computer cannot identify the 
drive type. Shut down the computer, remove the hard drive (see Hard drive 
problems on page 108), and boot the computer from media. Then shut down 
the computer, reinstall the hard drive, and restart the computer. Run the Hard-
Disk Drive tests in the Dell Diagnostics (see Dell Diagnostics on page 101).
HARD-DISK DRIVE CONTROLLER FAILURE 0—The hard drive does not respond to 
commands from the computer. Shut down the computer, remove the hard drive 
(see Hard drive problems on page 108), and boot the computer from media. 
Then shut down the computer, reinstall the hard drive, and restart the 
computer. If the problem persists, try another drive. Run the Hard-Disk Drive 
tests in the Dell Diagnostics (see Dell Diagnostics on page 101).
HARD-DISK DRIVE FAILURE—The hard drive does not respond to commands 
from the computer. Shut down the computer, remove the hard drive (see Hard 
drive problems on page 108), and boot the computer from media. Then shut  
						

							112Troubleshooting
down the computer, reinstall the hard drive, and restart the computer. If the 
problem persists, try another drive. Run the Hard-Disk Drive tests in the Dell 
Diagnostics (see Dell Diagnostics on page 101).
HARD-DISK DRIVE READ FAILURE—The hard drive may be defective. Shut down 
the computer, remove the hard drive (see Hard drive problems on page 108), 
and boot the computer from media. Then shut down the computer, reinstall the 
hard drive, and restart the computer. If the problem persists, try another drive. 
Run the Hard-Disk Drive tests in the Dell Diagnostics (see Dell Diagnostics 
on page 101).
INSERT BOOTABLE MEDIA—The operating system is trying to boot to 
nonbootable media. Insert bootable media.
INVALID CONFIGURATION INFORMATION-PLEASE RUN SYSTEM SETUP 
P
ROGRAM—The system configuration information does not match the 
hardware configuration. The message is most likely to occur after a memory 
module is installed. Correct the appropriate options in the system setup 
program (see System Setup Program on page 135).
KEYBOARD CLOCK LINE FAILURE—For external keyboards, check the cable 
connection. Run the Keyboard Controller
 test in the Dell Diagnostics (see Dell 
Diagnostics on page 101).
KEYBOARD CONTROLLER FAILURE—For external keyboards, check the cable 
connection. Restart the computer, and avoid touching the keyboard or the 
mouse during the boot routine. Run the Keyboard Controller test in the Dell 
Diagnostics (see Dell Diagnostics on page 101).
KEYBOARD DATA LINE FAILURE—For external keyboards, check the cable 
connection. Run the Keyboard Controller test in the Dell Diagnostics (see Dell 
Diagnostics on page 101).
KEYBOARD STUCK KEY FAILURE—For external keyboards or keypads, check the 
cable connection. Restart the computer, and avoid touching the keyboard or 
keys during the boot routine. Run the Stuck Key
 test in the Dell Diagnostics 
(see Dell Diagnostics on page 101).
MEMORY ADDRESS LINE FAILURE AT ADDRESS, READ VALUE EXPECTING VALUE—
A memory module may be faulty or improperly seated. Reinstall the memory 
modules and, if necessary, replace them (see Memory Problems on page 119. 
						

							Troubleshooting113
MEMORY ALLOCATION ERROR—The software you are attempting to run is 
conflicting with the operating system, another program, or a utility. Shut down 
the computer, wait 30 seconds, and then restart it. Try to run the program again. 
If the error message still appears, see the software documentation.
MEMORY DATA LINE FAILURE AT ADDRESS, READ VALUE EXPECTING VALUE—A 
memory module may be faulty or improperly seated. Reinstall the memory 
modules (see Memory Problems on page 119) and, if necessary, replace them.
MEMORY DOUBLE WORD LOGIC FAILURE AT ADDRESS, READ VALUE EXPECTING 
VALUE—A memory module may be faulty or improperly seated. Reinstall the 
memory modules (see Memory Problems on page 119) and, if necessary, 
replace them.
MEMORY ODD/EVEN LOGIC FAILURE AT ADDRESS, READ VALUE EXPECTING 
VALUE—A memory module may be faulty or improperly seated. Reinstall the 
memory modules (see Memory Problems on page 119) and, if necessary, 
replace them.
MEMORY WRITE/READ FAILURE AT ADDRESS, READ VALUE EXPECTING VALUE—A 
memory module may be faulty or improperly seated. Reinstall the memory 
modules (see Memory Problems on page 119) and, if necessary, replace them.
NO BOOT DEVICE AVAILABLE—The computer cannot find the hard drive. If the 
hard drive is your boot device, ensure that the drive is installed, properly seated, 
and partitioned as a boot device.
NO BOOT SECTOR ON HARD DRIVE—The operating system may be corrupted. 
Contact Dell (see Obtaining Assistance on page 193).
NO TIMER TICK INTERRUPT—A chip on the system board may be 
malfunctioning. Run the System Set tests in the Dell Diagnostics (see Dell 
Diagnostics on page 101).
NOT ENOUGH MEMORY OR RESOURCES. EXIT SOME PROGRAMS AND TRY AGAIN—
You have too many programs open. Close all windows and open the program 
that you want to use.
OPERATING SYSTEM NOT FOUND—Reinstall the hard drive (see Drive 
Problems on page 106). If the problem persists, contact Dell (see Obtaining 
Assistance on page 193).
OPTIONAL ROM BAD CHECKSUM—The optional ROM apparently failed. 
Contact Dell (see Obtaining Assistance on page 193).
A REQUIRED .DLL FILE WAS NOT FOUND—The program that you are trying to 
open is missing an essential file. Remove and then reinstall the program. 
						

							114Troubleshooting
1Click the Start button and click Control Panel.
2Click Add or Remove Programs.
3Select the program you want to remove.
4Click Remove or Change/Remove and follow the prompts on the screen.
5See the program documentation for installation instructions.
SECTOR NOT FOUND—The operating system cannot locate a sector on the hard 
drive. You may have a defective sector or corrupted FAT on the hard drive. Run 
the Windows error-checking utility to check the file structure on the hard drive. 
For instructions, access the Help and Support Center (click 
Start→ Help and 
Support
). If a large number of sectors are defective, back up the data (if 
possible), and then reformat the hard drive.
SEEK ERROR—The operating system cannot find a specific track on the hard 
drive. 
SHUTDOWN FAILURE—A chip on the system board may be malfunctioning. Run 
the System Set tests in the Dell Diagnostics (see Dell Diagnostics on 
page 101).
TIME-OF-DAY CLOCK LOST POWER—System configuration settings are 
corrupted. Connect your computer to an electrical outlet to charge the battery. 
If the problem persists, try to restore the data by entering the system setup 
program. Then immediately exit the program. If the message reappears, contact 
Dell (see Obtaining Assistance on page 193).
TIME-OF-DAY CLOCK STOPPED—The reserve battery that supports the system 
configuration settings may require replacement (see Coin-Cell Battery on 
page 156).
TIME-OF-DAY NOT SET-PLEASE RUN THE SYSTEM SETUP PROGRAM—The time 
or date stored in the system setup program does not match the system clock. 
Correct the settings for the 
Date and Time options (see System Setup 
Program on page 135).
TIMER CHIP COUNTER 2 FAILED—A chip on the system board may be 
malfunctioning. Run the System Set tests in the Dell Diagnostics (see Dell 
Diagnostics on page 101).
UNEXPECTED INTERRUPT IN PROTECTED MODE—The keyboard controller may 
be malfunctioning, or a memory module may be loose. Run the System Memory 
tests and the Keyboard Controller test in the Dell Diagnostics (see Dell 
Diagnostics on page 101). 
						

							Troubleshooting115
X:\ IS NOT ACCESSIBLE. THE DEVICE IS NOT READY—Insert a disk into the drive 
and try again.
WARNING: BATTERY IS CRITICALLY LOW—The battery is running out of charge. 
Replace the battery, or connect the computer to an electrical outlet. Otherwise, 
activate hibernate mode or shut down the computer.
IEEE 1394 Device Problems
Fill out the Diagnostics Checklist (see Diagnostics Checklist on page 198) as 
you complete these checks.
 CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the 
safety instructions in the 
Product Information Guide.
E
NSURE THAT THE IEEE 1394 DEVICE IS RECOGNIZED BY WINDOWS—
1Click the Start button and click Control Panel.
2Click Printers and Other Hardware.
If your IEEE 1394 device is listed, Windows recognizes the device.
IF YOU HAVE PROBLEMS WITH A DELL-PROVIDED IEEE 1394 DEVICE—
I
F YOU HAVE PROBLEMS WITH AN IEEE 1394 DEVICE NOT PROVIDED BY DELL—
Contact Dell (
see Obtaining Assistance on page 193) or the IEEE 1394 device 
manufacturer.
ENSURE THAT THE IEEE 1394 DEVICE IS PROPERLY INSERTED INTO THE CONNECTOR.
Keyboard Problems
Fill out the Diagnostics Checklist (see Diagnostics Checklist on page 198) as 
you complete these checks.
 CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the 
safety instructions in the 
Product Information Guide.
 
NOTE: Use the integrated keyboard when running the Dell Diagnostics or the 
system setup program. When you attach an external keyboard, the integrated 
keyboard remains fully functional.
External Keyboard problems
 NOTE: When you attach an external keyboard, the integrated keyboard remains 
fully functional. 
						

							116Troubleshooting
CHECK THE KEYBOARD CABLE—Shut down the computer. Disconnect the 
keyboard cable and check it for damage, and firmly reconnect the cable.
If you are using a keyboard extension cable, disconnect it and connect the 
keyboard directly to the computer.
CHECK THE EXTERNAL KEYBOARD—
1Shut down the computer, wait 1 minute, and turn it on again.
2Verify that the numbers, capitals, and scroll lock lights on the keyboard 
blink during the boot routine.
3From the Windows desktop, click the Start button, point to Programs, 
point to 
Accessories, and click Notepad. 
4Type some characters on the external keyboard and verify that they appear 
on the display.
If you cannot verify these steps, you may have a defective external 
keyboard. 
TO VERIFY THAT THE PROBLEM IS WITH THE EXTERNAL KEYBOARD, CHECK THE 
INTEGRATED KEYBOARD—
1Shut down the computer.
2Disconnect the external keyboard.
3Turn on the computer. 
4From the Windows desktop, click the Start button, point to Programs, 
point to 
Accessories, and click Notepad. 
5Type some characters on the internal keyboard and verify that they appear 
on the display.
If the characters appear now but did not with the external keyboard, you 
may have a defective external keyboard. Contact Dell (see Obtaining 
Assistance on page 193).
RUN THE KEYBOARD DIAGNOSTICS TESTS—Run the PC-AT Compatible 
Keyboards tests in the Dell Diagnostics (see Dell Diagnostics on page 101). If 
the tests indicate a defective external keyboard, contact Dell (see Obtaining 
Assistance on page 193). 
						

							Troubleshooting117
Unexpected characters
DISABLE THE NUMERIC KEYPAD—Press  to disable the numeric 
keypad if numbers are displayed instead of letters. Verify that the numbers lock 
light is not lit.
Lockups and Software Problems
Fill out the Diagnostics Checklist (see Diagnostics Checklist on page 198) as 
you complete these checks.
 CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the 
safety instructions in the 
Product Information Guide.
The computer does not start up
ENSURE THAT THE AC ADAPTER IS FIRMLY CONNECTED TO THE COMPUTER AND TO THE ELECTRICAL 
OUTLET.
The computer stops responding
 NOTICE: You might lose data if you are unable to perform an operating system 
shutdown.
T
URN THE COMPUTER OFF—If you are unable to get a response by pressing a key 
on your keyboard or moving your mouse, press and hold the power button for at 
least 8 to 10 seconds until the computer turns off. Then restart your computer. 
A program stops responding or crashes repeatedly
 NOTE: Software usually includes installation instructions in its documentation or 
on a floppy disk or CD.
E
ND THE PROGRAM—
1Press  simultaneously.
2Click Ta s k  M a n a g e r.
3Click the program that is no longer responding.
4Click End Task.
CHECK THE SOFTWARE DOCUMENTATION—If necessary, uninstall and then reinstall 
the program. 
						

							118Troubleshooting
A program is designed for an earlier Microsoft® Windows® operating 
system
RUN THE PROGRAM COMPATIBILITY WIZARD—The Program Compatibility 
Wizard configures a program so it runs in an environment similar to non-
Windows operating system environments.
1Click Start→ All Programs→ Accessories→ Program Compatibility 
Wizard
→ Next.
2Follow the instructions on the screen.
A solid blue screen appears
TURN THE COMPUTER OFF—If you are unable to get a response by pressing a key 
on your keyboard or moving your mouse, press and hold the power button for at 
least 8 to 10 seconds until the computer turns off. Then restart your computer.
Other software problems
CHECK THE SOFTWARE DOCUMENTATION OR CONTACT THE SOFTWARE 
MANUFACTURER FOR TROUBLESHOOTING INFORMATION—
• Ensure that the program is compatible with the operating system installed 
on your computer.
• Ensure that your computer meets the minimum hardware requirements 
needed to run the software. See the software documentation for 
information.
• Ensure that the program is installed and configured properly.
• Verify that the device drivers do not conflict with the program.
• If necessary, uninstall and then reinstall the program.
BACK UP YOUR FILES IMMEDIATELY.
U
SE A VIRUS-SCANNING PROGRAM TO CHECK THE HARD DRIVE, FLOPPY DISKS, OR CDS.
S
AVE AND CLOSE ANY OPEN FILES OR PROGRAMS AND SHUT DOWN YOUR COMPUTER THROUGH THE 
Start 
MENU.
S
CAN THE COMPUTER FOR SPYWARE —If you are experiencing slow computer 
performance, you frequently receive pop-up advertisements, or you are having 
problems connecting to the Internet, your computer might be infected with 
spyware. Use an anti-virus program that includes anti-spyware protection (your  
						

							Troubleshooting119
program may require an upgrade) to scan the computer and remove spyware. 
For more information, go to 
support.dell.com and search for the keyword 
spyware.
RUN THE DELL DIAGNOSTICS—See Dell Diagnostics on page 101. If all tests 
run successfully, the error condition is related to a software problem.
Memory Problems
Fill out the Diagnostics Checklist (see Diagnostics Checklist on page 198) as 
you complete these checks.
 CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the 
safety instructions in the 
Product Information Guide.
I
F YOU RECEIVE AN INSUFFICIENT MEMORY MESSAGE—
• Save and close any open files and exit any open programs you are not using 
to see if that resolves the problem.
• See the software documentation for minimum memory requirements. If 
necessary, install additional memory (s
ee Memory Problems on 
page 119).
• Reseat the memory modules to ensure that your computer is successfully 
communicating with the memory (see Memory Problems on page 119).
• Run the Dell Diagnostics (see Dell Diagnostics on page 101).
IF YOU EXPERIENCE OTHER MEMORY PROBLEMS—
• Reseat the memory modules (see Memory Problems on page 119) to 
ensure that your computer is successfully communicating with the 
memory.
• Ensure that you are following the memory installation guidelines (see 
Memory Problems on page 119).
• Run the Dell Diagnostics
 (see Dell Diagnostics on page 101).
Network Problems
Fill out the Diagnostics Checklist (see Diagnostics Checklist on page 198) as 
you complete these checks.
 CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the 
safety instructions in the 
Product Information Guide. 
						

							120Troubleshooting
General
CHECK THE NETWORK CABLE CONNECTOR—Ensure that the network cable is 
firmly inserted into both the network connector on the back of the computer 
and the network connector.
CHECK THE NETWORK LIGHTS ON THE NETWORK CONNECTOR—No light indicates 
that no network communication exists. Replace the network cable.
RESTART THE COMPUTER AND LOG ON TO THE NETWORK AGAIN.
C
HECK YOUR NETWORK SETTINGS—Contact your network administrator or the 
person who set up your network to verify that your network settings are correct 
and that the network is functioning. 
Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN)
For information about troubleshooting wireless local area networks, see 
Wireless Local Area Network on page 63.
Mobile Broadband (Wireless Wide Area Network)
 NOTE: The Dell Mobile Broadband Card Utility user’s guide is available through the 
Windows Help and Support Center. To access the Help and Support Center, click 
Start
→ Help and Support. You can also download the Dell Mobile Broadband Card 
Utility user’s guide from support.dell.com.
 
NOTE: Remove any network cables from the computer and disable the WLAN card. 
To disable the WLAN card, click Start
→ Connect To→ Wireless Network 
Connection
→ Disable.
 
NOTE: The  icon appears on the Windows desktop if the computer has a Dell 
Mobile Broadband card installed. Double-click the icon to launch the utility. Once 
the utility has launched, the icon appears in the notification area.
C
ANNOT CONNECT—The Dell Mobile Broadband Card must be activated on 
the network in order to connect. Once the Dell Mobile Broadband Card Utility 
has been launched, position the mouse over the   icon in the taskbar to read 
the status of the connection. If the status indicates the mobile broadband card 
is not activated, see Activate your Mobile Broadband card on page 121 for 
more information. If problems persist, contact your Mobile Broadband service 
carrier for details on your plan.
CHECK YOUR MOBILE BROADBAND NETWORK SERVICE—Contact your Mobile 
Broadband service carrier to verify coverage plan and supported services.