Dimension 4700 [Ithr] Checkpoint error

Question

Well, I spent a good 45 minutes and several phone calls with Dell support trying to bypass this issue.

When my computer is turned on, I get the Dell Welcome screen, then a beep and the message "Previous attempts at booting this sytem have failed at checkpoint [Ithr] contact Dell."

Then after displaying this message, the machine reboots in about 3-4 seconds and the message is displayed again, and again, and again.

Dell support had me try everything in their knowledge base, stripping the machine down to bare bones, reseating memory, resetting the CMOS, all the USB plugs are empty, unplugging the power supply, removing the battery...the list goes on. I've tried every permutation possible, to no avail.

They said I might try flashing the BIOS, but guess what? I can't even get to the point where the the machine would boot off the CD or USB (or floppy, if I had one) to flash it.

Their final conclusion was A) take the MoBo to a tech to have then flash the bios (which I have no idea how they would do this)

or

B) The Mobo is dead.

Now this computer is less than 2 years old, but unfortunately out of warranty. Dell Support did their best -- my company doesn't spend a ton of money with Dell, but having hardware that fails after less than two years and not offering a replacement is ridiculous.

I was hoping someone here could help me with any technical suggestions or how to flash the bios when I can't even get that far.

If you do a Google on 'Dell [Ithr]' this problem is rampant, and Dell must be aware of it. I hope I can get this problem resolved, either technically or with a free replacement. If not, I'm sure Dell won't miss our tiny bit of business in the future, because I for one will never purchase anything from Dell again.

Thanks for your help,

Troy

mombodog · Answer

Pull the cmos battery for at least 15 Minutes, reinsert it and try again. Minimal hardware of course.

Tech.Markie · Answer

Dont loose hope yet.. you might want to try this step.   if you are familiar with jumpers.. you might want to do that..   Near the CMOS battery (quarter looking battery on your mobo), you'd see a blue or black cap covering 2 out of 3 pins..   example.. currently it is covering pins 2 and 3.. remove the cap and then cover pins 1 & 2.. reconnect the power cable only, turn the system on for 5 secs.. and then turn it off.. then put back the cap on pins 2 and 3... see if that would make any difference..   Please be careful on doing this.. if you need more help doing this.. please call dell tech again..

Heatmizuh · Answer

Good question.  They jump all over the place.  I get Yellow A, then Yellow AB, then Yellow BC, then finally a Yellow D right before it reboots.  This all happens within about 5 seconds before it reboots again.    Lather, rinse, repeat.   I just wanna get into the BIOS so I can check to make sure everything is right in there.   Funny thing is, my machine worked fine all day yesterday, then poof -- when I came in the morning it was stuck in the everlasting loop of death.

Heatmizuh · Answer

I certainly appreciate the tip.  I had already tried that, and then tried again, but to no avail.  Dell sent me a knowledge base link that states my machine it set to boot from USB and I should change that.   1) I know for a fact it's not set to boot from USB 2) The machine never posts the BIOS, so there is no way I can even get into it in the first place.   I got a more or less 'too bad, buddy' email from Dell because my machine is out of warranty.  I would think Dell would sell stuff that didn't die in two years.   I called Sales about a new Mobo and they told me it would be $139 with a whopping 90 day warranty.  That's like putting $3000 rims on a $500 car.   Any other tips would be welcome, but I am getting frustrated.  Writing software for a living and not being able to work is killing me.    Rest assured, my colleagues, clients and friends will certainly hear about my experience with Dell.

mombodog · Answer

It is definitely a hardware error, you just have to start unplugging hardware from the mobo until the error goes away. Process of elimination all the way until there is only the processor on the mobo.   Sometimes simply unplugging and re plug hardware can fix this issue. Cables cards, memory modules ect.

mombodog · Answer

what color are the diagnostic lights on the back during this error?   A B C D   <ADMIN NOTE: Broken link has been removed from this post by Dell> Message Edited by mombodog on 06-25-2007 04:34 PM

Heatmizuh · Answer

Yeah, I have tried every permutation I can think of to no avail, but I am about to go round two and maybe something will click.  If I run across a solution I'll let everyone know, but I am not holding my breath.  If I can't get it fixed tonight I'm headed to CompUSA in the morning for a replacement MoBo.

mombodog · Answer

Better get a case also, aftermarket mobo's will not fit a Dell case without alot of work.

Heatmizuh · Answer

Yeah, I figured as much. Wish me luck.

RoHe · Answer

You removed the battery, but did you actually replace it with a new one? I got exactly same error message on my 8400, did basically what you did, and when all else failed, popped in a new battery. Problem solved !!

No promises...

Ron
Edit: remove old battery, press/hold the power button on front of tower for ~15 sec. Then install fresh battery.

Message Edited by RoHe on 06-26-2007 01:40 PM

kattmarl · Answer

Did anything ever get your system working again?

I have the exact same problem, on 2 Dell Dim 4700s. Our company has 4 of them. To have 2 go out the exact same way... within a few weeks of each other.. is VERY suspect.

I tried everything you mentioned and even took out the CPU chip - placed in the good machines and they booted up fine.. so I'm assuming the CPU chips are good.

Is the only way to truly "fix" this problem is replace the mobo?

Please assist!

Thank you,

Katt

lled23 · Answer

My machine is Precision Workstation 420 but I have the same problem. First time I saw another error: "Previous attempts at booting this system have failed at checkpoint [Poke]...".

I booted magical 2-3 times but now I can't and the failed checkpoint is [Ithr].

I'll try to change the battery, and to remove RAM and I'll say what is the result.

lled23 · Answer

The problem is not in the battery or RAM. I notice that after blackout (when computer is not soft shutted down) I can't start it before removing the battery, wait a minute and put it again. Or sometimes after 10 hours it starts without battery removing. I must get UPS.

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Dimension 4700 [Ithr] Checkpoint error

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