Dell Inspiron 3500 Service Manual

Beep Codes and Error Messages 3-1
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This chapter describes beep codes and system error messages that can occur 
during system start-up or, in the case of some failures, during normal com-
puter operation. The tables in this chapter list faults that can cause a beep 
code or system error message to occur and the probable causes of the fault in 
each case.
If a faulty computer does not emit beep codes or display system error mes-
sages to indicate a failure, you should...

3-2Dell Inspiron 3500 Portable Computer Service Manual
    
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Table 3-2 lists (in alphabetical order) system error messages that may appear 
on the display during the boot routine or during normal computer operation.
 
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1-2-2-3 ROM BIOS checksum failure Faulty system board
1-3-1-1 DRAM refresh failure Faulty system board
1-3-1-3 Keyboard controller test 
failureFaulty keyboard or faulty sys-
tem board
1-3-4-1 RAM failure on...

Beep Codes and Error Messages 3-3
Fixed disk 0 
failureThe hard-disk drive 
failed to initialize.Corrupted hard-disk 
drive boot sector or 
configuration file. 
Faulty hard-disk drive. 
Faulty system board.
Fixed disk con-
troller failureThe hard-disk drive con-
troller may be faulty.Faulty hard-disk drive. 
Faulty system board.
Incorrect drive A 
type—run SetupThe diskette drive is not 
identified properly in 
the Setup program. Incorrect drive 
configuration. Faulty 
connections. Faulty dis-
kette...

3-4Dell Inspiron 3500 Portable Computer Service Manual
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The Dell Diagnostics contains tests that aid in troubleshooting the computer. 
The diagnostics diskette contains the following test groups:
‡RAM — Tests the main memory...

Beep Codes and Error Messages 3-5
‡Serial/Infrared Ports — Tests the serial communications port
‡Parallel Ports — Tests the parallel communications port
‡Audio — Tests the operation of the audio chip set
Before starting the Dell Diagnostics, you must configure the computer cor-
rectly. For more information, see “Before You Start Testing” in Chapter 4, 
“Running the Dell Diagnostics,” of the
 Reference and Troubleshooting Guide.
Follow these steps to start the diagnostics: 
1. Install a CD-ROM drive in...

3-6Dell Inspiron 3500 Portable Computer Service Manual 

Removing and Replacing Parts 4-1
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This chapter provides procedures for removing and replacing parts and assem-
blies. Unless other wise noted, each of the procedures in this chapter makes 
the following assumptions:
‡The computer and any attached peripherals are turned off and the peripher-
als are disconnected from the computer’s I/O panel.
‡A part can be replaced or installed by performing the removal procedure in 
reverse order.
When performing the procedures in...

4-2Dell Inspiron 3500 Portable Computer Service Manual
‡Small scribe or nylon flat blade
‡Nut driver (5.5 mm)
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Before performing any of the procedures in this chapter, read the following 
warning.
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Removing and Replacing Parts 4-3
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While removing and replacing parts, use a tackle or pill box as a storage device 
to keep track of the screws. The location template in Table 4-1 can be used to 
identify the screws during disassembly.
Be careful not to scratch the computer case by allowing the screws to get 
between the work surface and the case. Dell suggests a soft, padded work 
surface.
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Hard-disk drive: 
3 x 4 (1) (removing)...

4-4Dell Inspiron 3500 Portable Computer Service Manual
NOTE: Each removal and replacement procedure in this chapter lists the type, 
size, and torque value of screws removed during the procedure. Screw types 
include flat head (FLH), flat pan-head (FPH), pan head (PNH), and jack screws.
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To disconnect the computer from the AC adapter and port replicator and to 
remove the main battery, PC Cards, hard-disk drive, RAM door, memory mod-
ules, and device in the options bay,...