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Troubleshooting
Service Manual
Troubleshooting Tools
Solving Problems
Dell™ Technical Update Service
Dell Support Utility
Troubleshooting Tools
Diagnostic Lights
CAUTION:
Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions that shipped with your computer.
Your computer has three keyboard status lights located above the keyboard. During normal operation, the keyboard status lights display the current status
(on or off) of the Num Lock, Caps Lock, and Scroll Lock features. If the computer starts without error, the lights flash, and then turn off. If the computer
malfunctions, however, you can use the status of the lights to help identify the problem.
NOTE:
After the computer completes POST, the Num Lock light may remain on, depending on your BIOS settings. For more information on using the
system setup program, see the Dell™ Technology Guide on your computer or at support.dell.com.
Diagnostic Light Codes During POST
To troubleshoot a problem with your computer, read the sequence of the keyboard status lights in order from left to right (Num Lock, Caps Lock, and then
Scroll Lock). If the computer malfunctions the individual lights display a status of either On
Light
Problem Description
Pattern
No memory modules are
detected.
Memory modules are
detected, but a memory
failure has occurred.
A possible processor
failure has occurred.
A possible graphics
card/video failure has
occurred.
A possible display failure
has occurred.
A possible keyboard
failure has occurred.
A possible USB controller
failure has occurred.
Hardware Troubleshooter
If a device is either not detected during the operating system setup or is detected, but incorrectly configured, you can use the Hardware Troubleshooter to
resolve the incompatibility.
Suggested Resolution
If two or more memory modules are installed, remove the modules (see
l
reinstall one module (see
Replacing a Memory
normally, continue to install additional memory modules (one at a time) until you have identified a faulty
module or reinstalled all modules without error.
If available, install working memory of the same type into your computer (see Memory).
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If the problem persists, contact Dell Support.
l
If two or more memory modules are installed, remove the modules (see
l
reinstall one module (see
Replacing a Memory
normally, continue to install additional memory modules (one at a time) until you have identified a faulty
module or reinstalled all modules without error.
If available, install working memory of the same type into your computer (see Memory).
l
If the problem persists, contact Dell Support.
l
Reseat the processor (see
l
If the problem persists, contact Dell Support.
l
Reseat any installed graphics cards.
l
If available, install a working graphics card into your computer.
l
If the problem persists, contact Dell Support.
l
Reseat the display cable (see
l
If the problem persists, contact Dell Support.
l
Reseat the keyboard (see
Removing the
l
If available, connect an external keyboard.
l
If the problem persists, contact Dell Support.
l
Remove any USB devices.
l
If the problem persists, contact Dell Support.
l
, Off
, or Flashing
Module) and restart the computer. If the computer starts
Module) and restart the computer. If the computer starts
Removing the Processor
Module).
Removing the Display
Assembly).
Keyboard).
.
Removing a Memory
Module), then
Removing a Memory
Module), then