DELL 3000 User Manual

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Troubleshooting Your Computer
3-5
If, after checking the setup options, you have not 
resolved the problem, see Chapter 4, “Running the Dell 
Diagnostics.”
M
essages and Codes  
       
 
The application programs, operating system, and the 
computer itself are capable of identifying problems and 
alerting you to them. When this occurs, a message may 
appear on the computer’s display or an external monitor 
(if one is attached), or a beep code may sound.
If an error message appears on the display or external 
monitor, make a note of the message. See Table 3-2 for 
an explanation of the message and suggestions for cor-
recting any errors. The system messages are listed 
alphabetically.
NOTE: If the message is not listed in Table 3-2, check the 
documentation for the application programs that were 
running at the time the message appeared and/or the 
operating system documentation for an explanation of 
the message and a recommended action.
Table 3-2.  System Error Messages  
Message
Cause
Action
Diskette drive 
A error
A connector may be loose or 
the diskette may be faulty.
If the diskette-drive access indicator appears in the status dis-
play panel, try a different diskette. If the problem persists, 
shut down the computer, remove the diskette drive com-
pletely, and then reinsert the diskette drive. Turn the computer 
back on, and check for the error message.
If the problem is still not resolved, see “Troubleshooting the 
Diskette Drive” found later in this chapter.
Extended RAM 
failed at off-
set: 
nnnn
Extended memory is not 
configured properly or has 
failed at the memory address 
nnnn.
Call Dell for technical assistance. (For instructions, see Chap-
ter 5, “Getting Help.”)
Failing bits: 
nnnn 
Memory failed at RAM 
address nnnn.
Call Dell for technical assistance. (For instructions, see Chap-
ter 5, “Getting Help.”)
Fixed disk 0 
failure
The hard-disk drive failed to 
initialize.
See “Troubleshooting the Hard-Disk Drive” found later in this 
chapter.
Fixed disk 
controller 
failure
The hard-disk drive 
controller may be faulty.
Call Dell for technical assistance. (For instructions, see Chap-
ter 5, “Getting Help.”)
NOTE: For the full name of an abbreviation or acronym used in this table, see the Glossary in the online System User’s Guide.
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