Dell Inspiron Lm Service Guide

Beep Codes and Error Messages 3-1
Chapter 3
Beep Codes and Error Messages
T
his chapter describes beep codes and system error messages that can occur 
during system start-up or, in the case of some failures, during normal computer 
operation. The tables in this chapter list faults that can cause a beep code or sys-
tem 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 messages 
to indicate a failure, you should...

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Table 3-1.  POST Beep Codes 
Beep Code Error Probable Causes
1-2 Memory module not being 
properly identified or usedFault
y memory module or 
fault
y main board
1-2-2-3 ROM BIOS checksum failure Fault
y main board
1-3-1-1 DRAM refresh failure Fault
y main board
1-3-1-3 Ke
yboard controller test fail-
ureFaulty keyboard or faulty 
main board
1-3-4-1 RAM failure on address line 
nnnnFault
y memory module or 
fault
y main board
1-3-4-3 RAM failure on data...

Beep Codes and Error Messages 3-3
System Error Messages
The following table lists (in alphabetical order) system error messages that may 
appear on the display during the boot routine or during normal computer 
operation.
 
Table 3-2.  System Error Messages
Message Definition Probable Causes
Diskette drive A 
errorConnector loose or  dis-
kette faulty.Faulty or incorrectly 
inserted diskette in 
drive. Faulty diskette 
drive. Faulty main 
board.
Extended RAM 
failed at off-
set: 
nnnn
Extended memory not...

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Keyboard errorKeyboard not respond-
ing correctly.Built-in keyboard: 
Faulty keyboard or key 
pressed while com-
puter booting. 
External keyboard: 
Cable or connector 
loose. Faulty keyboard 
or key pressed while 
computer booting.
Operating system 
not foundOperating system can-
not be found on hard-
disk drive or on diskette 
in diskette drive.Incorrect drive 
configuration. Operat-
ing system not installed 
on hard-disk drive or 
diskette drive not...

Beep Codes and Error Messages 3-5
System CMOS 
checksum bad—run 
SetupCMOS has been cor-
rupted or modified, pos-
sibly by an application 
program that changes 
data stored in CMOS.BIOS has been updated.
System RAM 
failed at off-
set: 
nnnn
Memory not operating 
correctly. System RAM 
failed at address nnnn 
in the 64-KB block at 
which error was 
detected.Faulty or improperly 
seated memory mod-
ule. Faulty main board.
System timer 
errorTimer circuit on main 
board malfunctioning.Faulty main board....

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Running the Dell Diagnostics        
The Dell diagnostics contains tests that aid in troubleshooting the computer.  
The diagnostics diskette contains the following test groups:
•RAM — Tests the main memory
•System Set — Tests the primary functions of the main board
•Video — Tests the video subsystem
•Keyboard — Tests the keyboard subsystem
•Mouse — Tests the mouse/touch pad subsystem
•Diskette Drives — Tests the diskette drive subsystem
•Hard-Disk Drives...

Removing and Replacing Parts 4-1
Chapter 4
Removing and Replacing Parts
T
his chapter provides procedures for removing and replacing components, 
assemblies, and subassemblies.  
Unless otherwise noted, each of the procedures in this chapter assumes the 
following:
•The computer and any attached peripherals are turned off and the peripher-
als 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...

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•Small scribe (or Delrin [plastic] screwdriver)
•Nut drivers
•Chip removal tool
Screw Identification and Tightening
.
Figure 4-2.  Screw Identification     
Where applicable, information about screw lengths is provided in illustrations. 
Before installing a screw, match the screw to the screw length graphics provided 
to check for correct length.CAUTION:  It is essential that the correct length screw be used when
reinstalling a screw. Otherwise, hardware damage...

Removing and Replacing Parts 4-3
Precautionary Measures     
Before performing any of the procedures in this chapter, read the following 
warning.
1. Determine the power state of the computer.
If the display is on, go to step 2.
If the display is off, press any key on the keyboard to verify that the com-
puter is not in suspend or standby mode. Then proceed to step 2.
2. Turn off the computer and any attached peripherals.
3. Disconnect the computer and any attached peripherals from AC power 
sources to...

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5. Remove the hard-disk drive assembly.
Turn the computer over and remove screws HD1 and HD2. Turn the com-
puter right side up. With the computer facing you, slide the hard-disk drive 
cover to the left and away from the computer. Using the handle on the front 
of the hard-disk drive, pull the drive straight out of the computer.
Figure 4-4.  Hard-Disk Drive Removal
6. Remove the diskette drive, secondary battery, or CD-ROM from the 
options drive bay.
NOTE:...