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VinnyBoombatz

3 Posts

478960

October 19th, 2010 21:00

Dell Precision 670 won't boot, beeps 1-3-2, lights A-green, B,C,D are yellow

I looked it up on the error chart, and it says that the system is not recognizing the memory. Memory is 4 512 modules. Computer was working yesterday. I unplugged all the memory, and installed each stick separately one at a time. From the instructions, if one stick was ok, I'd at least get a message on screen about missing memory, but get nothing. 

I can't believe that all 4 memory modules went bad at the same time. Could this be a motherboard problem? Suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Vinny

VinnyBoombatz

3 Posts

October 20th, 2010 09:00

True, the memory must be installed in pairs, but if you happen to have only one good stick of ram, at least you can find out which one is the good one. You'll get a message saying that the ram can only be installed in pairs.

speedstep

8 Wizard

 • 

47K Posts

October 20th, 2010 09:00

http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/ws670/

Solving Problems

If you experience other memory problems —

  1. Reseat the memory modules to ensure that your computer is successfully communicating with the memory.
  2. Restart the computer.
  3. If the problem still exists, remove all the memory modules and install one memory module in memory module connector DIMM_1.
  4. Restart the computer.
    The following message appears: Alert! Operating in Debug Mode. Please Populate Memory in Pairs for Normal Operation.
  5. Press to boot to the operating system.
  6. Run the Dell Diagnostics.

    <ADMIN NOTE: Broken link has been removed / replaced from this post by Dell>

  7. If the memory module passes, shut down the computer, remove the memory module, and then repeat the process with the remaining memory modules until a memory error occurs during start-up or diagnostic testing.
  8. If the first memory module tested is defective, repeat the process with the remaining modules to ensure that the remaining modules are not defective.
  9. When the defective memory module is identified, see "Contacting Dell" for a replacement.

NOTE: If necessary, the computer can operate in debug mode until new memory modules are installed.

Removing and Replacing Parts <ADMIN NOTE: Broken link has been removed / replaced from this post by Dell>

Memory modules should be installed in pairs of matched size, speed, and rank (1R is single rank and 2R is dual rank). See the label on the memory module to determine its size, speed rank, and organization. Be sure that your memory module labels match.

Example: 256MB 1Rx8 PC2-5400R-544-10:

  •  
    •  
      • Size = 256 MB
      • Speed = 5400
      • Rank = 1R
      • Organization = x8

 

 

  • Memory modules can be single rank (1R) or dual rank (2R) and should be installed in the following order:

    • The highest rank memory module in DIMM_1 and DIMM_2
    • Equal or lower rank memory modules in DIMM_3 and DIMM_4
    • Single rank (1R) memory modules in DIMM_5 and DIMM_6
  • If only two memory modules are installed, they must be installed in DIMM_1 and DIMM_2. These connectors are located on the outside edge of the board (for your Dell Precision 670, see "System Board Components" and for your Dell Precision 470 computer, see "System Board Components.")
  • Memory modules should be installed in the following order: connectors DIMM_1 and DIMM_2, DIMM_3 and DIMM_4, and then DIMM_5 and DIMM_6.
  • If dual-rank modules are installed in DIMM_3 and DIMM_4, then DIMM_5 and DIMM_6 cannot be used.
  • Dual-rank memory modules are not supported in DIMM_5 and DIMM_6.

 

 

NOTE: Memory purchased from Dell is covered under your computer warranty.
NOTICE: If you remove your original memory modules from the computer during a memory upgrade, keep them separate from any new modules that you may have, even if you purchased the new modules from Dell. If possible, do not pair an original memory module with a new memory module. Otherwise, your computer may not start properly. You should install your original memory modules in pairs in connectors DIMM_1 and DIMM_2, connectors DIMM_3 and DIMM_4, and then DIMM_5 and DIMM6 (see "Memory Overview"). 
NOTICE: If you install more than 4 GB of memory, you must also install a fan to cool the computer. If you do not install a fan, you will get an error message stating that you must install a fan or remove so

Use the lights to help you troubleshoot a computer problem based on the diagnostic code. For more information, see "Diagnostic Lights." 

<ADMIN NOTE: Broken link has been removed / replaced from this post by Dell>

System Lights

Your power button light and hard-drive light may indicate a computer problem.

Power Light

Hard-Drive Light

Problem Description

Suggested Resolution

Solid green

N/A

Power is on, and the computer is operating normally.

No corrective action is required.

Blinking green

Blank

The computer is in the suspended state (Microsoft® Windows® XP).

Press the power button, move the mouse, or press a key on the keyboard to wake the computer. See "Power Management." <ADMIN NOTE: Broken link has been removed from this post by Dell>

Blinks green several times and then turns off

N/A

A configuration error exists.

Check the diagnostic lights to see if the specific problem is identified.

Solid yellow

N/A

The Dell Diagnostics is running a test, or a device on the system board may be faulty or incorrectly installed.

If the Dell Diagnostics is running, allow the testing to complete.

Check the diagnostic lights to see if the specific problem is identified.

If the computer does not boot, contact Dell <ADMIN NOTE: Broken link has been removed from this post by Dell> for technical assistance.

Blinking yellow

Blank

A power supply or system board failure has occurred.

Check the diagnostic lights to see if the specific problem is identified. See "Power Problems." 

<ADMIN NOTE: Broken link has been removed / replaced from this post by Dell>

Blinking yellow

Solid green

A system board or VRM failure has occurred.

Check the diagnostic lights to see if the specific problem is identified.

Solid green and a beep code during POST

N/A

A problem was detected while the BIOS was executing.

See "Beep Codes"

<ADMIN NOTE: Broken link has been removed from this post by Dell>

 for instructions on diagnosing the beep code. Also, check the diagnostic lights to see if the specific problem is identified.

Solid green power light and no beep code and no video during POST

N/A

The monitor or the graphics card may be faulty or incorrectly installed.

Check the diagnostic lights to see if the specific problem is identified. See "Video and Monitor Problems."

<ADMIN NOTE: Broken link has been removed from this post by Dell>

Solid green power light and no beep code but the computer locks up during POST

N/A

An integrated system board device may be faulty.

Check the diagnostic lights to see if the specific problem is identified. If the problem is not identified, contact Dell <ADMIN NOTE: Broken link has been removed from this post by Dell> for technical assistance.

Diagnostic Lights

CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions located in the Product Information Guide.

To help you troubleshoot a problem, your computer has four lights labeled "A," "B," "C," and "D" on the front panel. The lights can be yellow, green, or off. When the computer starts normally, the lights flash. After the computer starts, all four lights display solid green. If the computer malfunctions, the color and sequence of the lights identify the problem.

Diagnostic Light Codes Before POST

Light Pattern

 

Problem Description

Suggested Resolution

 

 

off

off

off

off

No electrical power is supplied to the computer.

Connect the computer to an electrical outlet. Ensure that the front-panel power light is on. If the power light is off, ensure that the computer is connected to a working electrical outlet and then press the power button.

If the problem is still not resolved, contact Dell <ADMIN NOTE: Broken link has been removed from this post by Dell> for technical assistance.

 

 

yellow

off

off

off

The computer is in a normal off condition; the computer is connected to an electrical outlet.

Press the power button to turn the computer on.

If the computer does not turn on, ensure that the front-panel power light is on. If the power light is off, ensure that the computer is connected to a working electrical outlet and then press the power button.

If the problem is still not resolved, contact Dell <ADMIN NOTE: Broken link has been removed from this post by Dell>for technical assistance.

 

 

yellow

yellow

off

off

The computer is in a reduced power or "sleep" state.

Use one of the appropriate methods to "wake up" the computer. See "Advanced Features." <ADMIN NOTE: Broken link has been removed from this post by Dell>

If the problem is not resolved and you are trying to wake the computer with a USB mouse or keyboard, substitute the mouse or keyboard with a working PS/2 mouse or keyboard and then try to wake the computer.

 

 

yellow

yellow

yellow

off

The BIOS is not executing.

Ensure that the processor is seated correctly and restart the computer.

If the problem is still not resolved, contact Dell <ADMIN NOTE: Broken link has been removed from this post by Dell> for technical assistance.

 

 

off

yellow

off

off

A possible power supply or power cable failure has occurred.

Perform the procedure in "Power Problems." 

<ADMIN NOTE: Broken link has been removed / replaced from this post by Dell>

If the problem is still not resolved, contact Dell <ADMIN NOTE: Broken link has been removed from this post by Dell> for technical assistance.

 

 

off

off

yellow

off

A possible system board failure has occurred.

Contact Dell <ADMIN NOTE: Broken link has been removed from this post by Dell> for technical assistance.

 

 

yellow

off

yellow

off

A processor and/or VRM mismatch exists.

Perform the procedure in "Processor Problems."

<ADMIN NOTE: Broken link has been removed from this post by Dell>

 

 

green

yellow

yellow

off

A possible VRM 0 failure has occurred.

Contact Dell <ADMIN NOTE: Broken link has been removed from this post by Dell> for technical assistance.

 

 

yellow

green

yellow

green

A possible VRM 1 failure has occurred.

Perform the procedure in "Processor Problems."

<ADMIN NOTE: Broken link has been removed from this post by Dell>

 

 

green

green

yellow

off

A possible VRM 0 and VRM 1 failure has occurred.

Contact Dell <ADMIN NOTE: Broken link has been removed from this post by Dell> for technical assistance.

 

 

Diagnostic Light Codes During POST

Light Pattern

 

Problem Description

Suggested Resolution

 

 

 

yellow

yellow

green

yellow

A possible processor failure has occurred.

Reinstall the processor and restart the computer.

 

 

yellow

yellow

green

green

 

Memory modules are detected, but a memory failure has occurred.
  1. Reseat the memory modules to ensure that your computer is successfully communicating with the memory.
  2. Restart the computer.
  3. If the problem still exists, remove all the memory modules and install one memory module in memory module connector 1 (DIMM_1).
  4. Restart the computer.

The following message appears: Alert! Operating in Debug Mode. Please Populate Memory in Pairs for Normal Operation.

  1. Press to boot to the operating system.
  2. Run the Dell Diagnostics. 

    <ADMIN NOTE: Broken link has been removed / replaced from this post by Dell>

  3. If the memory module passes, shut down the computer, remove the memory module, and then repeat the process with the remaining memory modules until a memory error occurs during start-up or diagnostic testing.

If the first memory module tested is defective, repeat the process with the remaining modules to ensure that the remaining modules are not defective.

  1. When the defective memory module is identified, contact Dell <ADMIN NOTE: Broken link has been removed from this post by Dell> for a replacement.

NOTE: If necessary, the computer can operate in debug mode until new memory modules are installed.

 

 

yellow

green

yellow

yellow

A possible expansion card failure has occurred.
  1. Determine if a conflict exists by removing a card (not the graphics card) and then restarting the computer.
  2. If the problem persists, reinstall the card that you removed, remove a different card, and then restart the computer.
  3. Repeat this process for each card. If the computer starts normally, troubleshoot the last card removed from the computer for resource conflicts (see "Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities").

    <ADMIN NOTE: Broken link has been removed from this post by Dell>

  4. If the problem persists, contact Dell. <ADMIN NOTE: Broken link has been removed from this post by Dell>

 

 

yellow

green

yellow

green

A possible graphics card failure has occurred.
  • If the computer has a graphics card, remove the card, reinstall it, and then restart the computer.
  • If the problem still exists, install a graphics card that you know works and restart the computer.
  • If the problem persists or the computer has integrated graphics, contact Dell. <ADMIN NOTE: Broken link has been removed from this post by Dell>

yellow

green

green

yellow

A possible floppy or hard drive failure has occurred.

Reseat all power and data cables and restart the computer.

yellow

green

green

green

A possible USB failure has occurred.

Reinstall all USB devices, check cable connections, and then restart the computer.

 

 

green

yellow

yellow

yellow

 

No memory modules are detected.
  1. Reseat the memory modules to ensure that your computer is successfully communicating with the memory.
  2. Restart the computer.
  3. If the problem still exists, remove all the memory modules and install one memory module in memory module connector 1.
  4. Restart the computer.

The following message appears: Alert! Operating in Debug Mode. Please Populate Memory in Pairs for Normal Operation.

  1. Press to boot to the operating system.
  2. Run the Dell Diagnostics. 

    <ADMIN NOTE: Broken link has been removed / replaced from this post by Dell>

  3. If the memory module passes, shut down the computer, remove the memory module, and then repeat the process with the remaining memory modules until a memory error occurs during start-up or diagnostic testing.

If the first memory module tested is defective, repeat the process with the remaining modules to ensure that the remaining modules are not defective.

  1. When the defective memory module is identified, contact Dell <ADMIN NOTE: Broken link has been removed from this post by Dell> for a replacement.

NOTE: If necessary, the computer can operate in debug mode until new memory modules are installed.

 

 

green

yellow

yellow

green

System board failure has occurred.

Contact Dell <ADMIN NOTE: Broken link has been removed from this post by Dell> for technical assistance.

 

 

green

yellow

green

yellow

Memory modules are detected, but a memory configuration or compatibility error exists.
  • Ensure that no special memory module requirements exist.
  • Verify that the memory modules that you are installing are compatible with your computer.
  • Reinstall the memory modules and restart the computer.
  • If the problem persists, contact Dell. <ADMIN NOTE: Broken link has been removed from this post by Dell>

 

 

green

yellow

green

green

A possible expansion card failure has occurred.
  1. Determine if a conflict exists by removing a card (not a graphics card) and restarting the computer.
  2. If the problem persists, reinstall the card that you removed, remove a different card, and then restart the computer.
  3. Repeat this process for each card. If the computer starts normally, troubleshoot the last card removed from the computer for resource conflicts (see "Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities").

    <ADMIN NOTE: Broken link has been removed from this post by Dell>

If the problem persists, contact Dell. <ADMIN NOTE: Broken link has been removed from this post by Dell>

 

 

green

green

yellow

yellow

A possible system board resource and/or hardware failure has occurred.

 

Perform the procedures in "Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities."

<ADMIN NOTE: Broken link has been removed from this post by Dell>

If the problem persists, contact Dell. <ADMIN NOTE: Broken link has been removed from this post by Dell>

 

 

green

green

green

yellow

Other failure has occurred.
  • Ensure that the cables are properly connected to the system board from the hard drive, CD drive, and DVD drive.
  • If the problem persists, contact Dell. <ADMIN NOTE: Broken link has been removed from this post by Dell>

green

green

green

green

The computer is in a normal operating condition after POST.

None.

Beep Codes

Your computer might emit a series of beeps during start-up if the monitor cannot display errors or problems. This series of beeps, called a beep code, identifies a problem. One possible beep code (code 1-3-1) consists of one beep, a burst of three beeps, and then one beep. This beep code tells you that the computer encountered a memory problem.

If your computer beeps during start-up:

  1. Write down the beep code on the Diagnostics Checklist.  <ADMIN NOTE: Broken link has been removed from this post by Dell>

  2. Run the Dell Diagnostics 

    <ADMIN NOTE: Broken link has been removed / replaced from this post by Dell>

    to identify a more serious cause.

  3. Contact Dell <ADMIN NOTE: Broken link has been removed from this post by Dell> for technical assistance.

Code

Cause

1-1-2

Microprocessor register failure

1-1-3

NVRAM read/write failure

1-1-4

ROM BIOS checksum failure

1-2-1

Programmable interval timer failure

1-2-2

DMA initialization failure

1-2-3

DMA page register read/write failure

1-3

Video Memory Test failure

1-3-1 through 2-4-4

Memory not being properly identified or used

3-1-1

Slave DMA register failure

3-1-2

Master DMA register failure

3-1-3

Master interrupt mask register failure

3-1-4

Slave interrupt mask register failure

3-2-2

Interrupt vector loading failure

3-2-4

Keyboard Controller Test failure

3-3-1

NVRAM power loss

3-3-2

Invalid NVRAM configuration

3-3-4

Video Memory Test failure

3-4-1

Screen initialization failure

3-4-2

Screen retrace failure

3-4-3

Search for video ROM failure

4-2-1

No timer tick

4-2-2

Shutdown failure

4-2-3

Gate A20 failure

4-2-4

Unexpected interrupt in protected mode

4-3-1

Memory failure above address 0FFFFh

4-3-3

Timer-chip counter 2 failure

4-3-4

Time-of-day clock stopped

4-4-1

Serial or parallel port test failure

4-4-2

Failure to decompress code to shadowed memory

4-4-3

Math-coprocessor test failure

4-4-4

Cache test failure

Error Messages

Fill out the Diagnostics Checklist <ADMIN NOTE: Broken link has been removed from this post by Dell> as you complete these checks.

CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions located in the Product Information Guide.

If the message is not listed, see the documentation for the operating system or the program that was running when the message appeared.

A filename cannot contain any of the following characters: \ / : * ? " < > |  —   Do not use these characters in filenames.

A required .DLL file was not found  —  The program that you are trying to open is missing an essential file. To remove and then reinstall the program:

  1. Click the Start button, click Control Panel, and then click Add or Remove Programs.
  2. Select the program you want to remove.
  3. Click the Change or Remove Program icon.
  4. See the program documentation for installation instructions.

Alert! Card-cage fan failure

Alert! chipset heatsink not detected — The chip set heat sink is not properly installed.

Alert! CPU 0 Fan Failure —

 

Alert! CPU 1 Fan Failure  —  

Ensure that the cooling fan and airflow shroud

<ADMIN NOTE: Broken link has been removed from this post by Dell>

are properly installed and working.

Alert! Error initializing PCI Express slot n (or bridge) — The computer encountered a problem while trying to configure a PCI Express card.

Alert! Memory configured incorrectly. Please enter setup for memory info details — See "Memory Problems."

Alert! Memory fan has failed or is not present. A memory fan is required for the current memory configuration. please see the documentation that came with your computer for more information. System halted! —

See "Memory."

Alert! OS Install Mode enabled —

Amount of available memory is limited to 256 MB.

Alert! Previous attempts at booting this system have failed at checkpoint [nnnn ]. For help in resolving this problem, please note this checkpoint and contact Dell Technical Support  —  Contact Dell <ADMIN NOTE: Broken link has been removed from this post by Dell> and report the checkpoint code (nnnn) to the support technician.

Alert! Previous Fan Failures  —

 

Alert! Previous Processor Thermal Failure  —

 

Alert! Previous Shutdown Due to Thermal Event  —

 

Ensure that nothing is blocking the airflow vents and that all the fans are properly installed and operating correctly. Also, ensure that the processor heat sink is properly installed.

Alert! Previous Voltage Failure  —  See "Power Problems." 

<ADMIN NOTE: Broken link has been removed / replaced from this post by Dell>

Alert! System Battery Voltage is Low  —  Replace the battery.

Alert! Uncorrectable Memory Error Previously Detected... Address xxxxxxxxh, Device DIMM_Y  —  See "Memory Problems."

Attachment failed to respond  —  See "Drive Problems." 

<ADMIN NOTE: Broken link has been removed / replaced from this post by Dell>

Bad command or file name  —  Ensure that you spelled the command correctly, put spaces in the proper place, and used the correct path name.

Bad error-correction code (ECC) on disk read  —  See "Drive Problems." 

<ADMIN NOTE: Broken link has been removed / replaced from this post by Dell>

bb/dd/f: Error allocating IRQ for PCI Device —

bb/dd/f: Error allocating I/O Bar for PCI Device —

bb/dd/f: Error allocating Mem BAR for PCI Device —

bb/dd/f: Error allocating PMem BAR for PCI Device —

bb/dd/f: Error allocating Upper Memory Block for PCI Device —

where bb is the bus number,dd is the device number, and f is the function number. All numbers are in hexadecimal —

 

The computer encountered a problem while trying to configure an expansion card or integrated LegacySelect device. If the device number points to an expansion card, the card can be removed. If the device number points to an integrated device, disable the device in system setup. <ADMIN NOTE: Broken link has been removed from this post by Dell>

Controller has failed  —  See "Drive Problems" 

<ADMIN NOTE: Broken link has been removed / replaced from this post by Dell>

Data error  —  See "Drive Problems." 

<ADMIN NOTE: Broken link has been removed / replaced from this post by Dell>

Decreasing available memory  —  See "Memory Problems."

Diskette drive 0 seek failure  —  See "Drive Problems." 

<ADMIN NOTE: Broken link has been removed / replaced from this post by Dell>

Diskette read failure  —  See "Drive Problems." 

<ADMIN NOTE: Broken link has been removed / replaced from this post by Dell>

Diskette subsystem reset failed  —  Run the Dell Diagnostics. 

<ADMIN NOTE: Broken link has been removed / replaced from this post by Dell>

Diskette write protected  —  Slide the write-protect notch to the open position.

Drive not ready  —  Put a floppy disk in the drive.

Error: Memory configured incorrectly — See "Memory Overview"  for memory installation guidelines.

Gate A20 failure  —  See "Lockups and Software Problems."

Hard-disk configuration error  —

 
Hard-disk controller failure  —

 
Hard-disk drive failure  —

 
Hard-disk drive failure  —

 

See "Drive Problems." 

<ADMIN NOTE: Broken link has been removed / replaced from this post by Dell>

Insert bootable media  —  Insert a bootable floppy disk or CD.

Invalid configuration information - please run SETUP program  —  Enter system setup <ADMIN NOTE: Broken link has been removed from this post by Dell>and correct the computer configuration information.

Keyboard failure  — See "Keyboard Problems."

Memory address line failure at address, read value expecting value  —  See "Lockups and Software Problems."

Memory allocation error  —

 

  1. Turn off the computer, wait 30 seconds, and then restart the computer.
  2. Try to run the program again.
  3. If the error message appears again, see the software documentation for additional troubleshooting suggestions.

Memory data line failure at address, read value expecting value  —

Memory double word logic failure at address, read value expecting value  —

Memory odd/even logic failure at address, read value expecting value  —

Memory write/read failure at address, read value expecting value  —

Memory size in CMOS invalid  —  

See "Memory Problems."

No boot device available  —  

  • If the floppy drive is your boot device, ensure that a bootable floppy disk is in the drive.
  • If the hard drive is your boot device, ensure that the cables are connected and that the drive is installed properly and partitioned as a boot device.
  • Enter system setup <ADMIN NOTE: Broken link has been removed from this post by Dell> and ensure that the boot sequence information is correct.

No boot sector on hard-disk drive  —  Enter system setup <ADMIN NOTE: Broken link has been removed from this post by Dell> and ensure that the computer configuration information for the hard drive is correct.

If the message continues to appear after you ensure that the information in system setup is correct, see your operating system documentation for reinstallation information.

No timer tick interrupt  —   Run the Dell Diagnostics. 

<ADMIN NOTE: Broken link has been removed / replaced from this post by Dell>

Non-system disk or disk error  —  Replace the floppy disk with one that has a bootable operating system or remove the floppy disk from drive A and restart the computer.

Not a boot diskette  —  Insert a bootable floppy disk and restart your computer.

Not enough memory or resources. Close some programs and try again  —  Close all windows and open the program that you want to use. In some cases, you might have to restart your computer to restore computer resources. If so, run the program that you want to use first.

Operating system not found  —  Contact Dell. <ADMIN NOTE: Broken link has been removed from this post by Dell>

Power Supply fan failure —

Read fault  —  

Requested sector not found  —  

Reset failed  —

 

See "Drive Problems." 

<ADMIN NOTE: Broken link has been removed / replaced from this post by Dell>

Sector not found  —  

  • Run the Windows error-checking utility to check the file structure on the floppy disk or hard drive. See the "Windows Help and Support Center" for instructions.
  • If a large number of sectors are defective, back up the data (if possible), and then reformat the floppy disk or hard drive.

Seek error  —  See "Drive Problems." 

<ADMIN NOTE: Broken link has been removed / replaced from this post by Dell>

Shutdown failure  —  Run the Dell Diagnostics. 

<ADMIN NOTE: Broken link has been removed / replaced from this post by Dell>

Time-of-day clock stopped  —  

Time-of-day not set —  

Enter system setup <ADMIN NOTE: Broken link has been removed from this post by Dell> and correct the date or time. If the problem persists, replace the battery.

Timer chip counter 2 failed  —  Run the Dell Diagnostics. 

<ADMIN NOTE: Broken link has been removed / replaced from this post by Dell>

Unexpected interrupt in protected mode  —  Run the Dell Diagnostics. 

<ADMIN NOTE: Broken link has been removed / replaced from this post by Dell>

NOTICE: The [primary/secondary/primary serial] IDE [master/slave] hard drive SELF MONITORING SYSTEM has reported that a parameter has exceeded its normal operating range. Dell recommends that you back up your data regularly. A parameter out of range may or may not indicate a potential hard drive problem  —

 If no replacement drive is immediately available and the drive is not the only bootable drive, enter system setup <ADMIN NOTE: Broken link has been removed from this post by Dell> and change the appropriate drive setting to None. Then remove the drive from the computer.

Write fault  —  

Write fault on selected drive  —

 

See "Drive Problems." 

<ADMIN NOTE: Broken link has been removed / replaced from this post by Dell>

x:\ is not accessible. The device is not ready  —  The floppy drive cannot read the disk. Insert a floppy disk into the drive and try again.

Dell Diagnostics

CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions located in the Product Information Guide.

When to Use the Dell Diagnostics

If you experience a problem with your computer, perform the checks in "Solving Problems" <ADMIN NOTE: Broken link has been removed from this post by Dell> and run the Dell Diagnostics before you contact Dell for technical assistance.

It is recommended that you print these procedures before you begin.

NOTICE: The Dell Diagnostics works only on Dell™ computers.

Enter system setup, <ADMIN NOTE: Broken link has been removed from this post by Dell> review your computer's configuration information, and then ensure that the device you want to test displays in system setup and is active.

Start the Dell Diagnostics from either your hard drive or from the Drivers and Utilities CD (also known as the ResourceCD).

Starting the Dell Diagnostics From Your Hard Drive

  1. Turn on (or restart) your computer.

  2. When the DELL™ logo appears, press immediately.
NOTE: If you see a message stating that no diagnostics utility partition has been found, run the Dell Diagnostics 

<ADMIN NOTE: Broken link has been removed / replaced from this post by Dell>

from your Drivers and Utilities CD.

If you wait too long and the operating system logo appears, continue to wait until you see the Microsoft® Windows® desktop. Then shut down your computer and try again.

  1. When the boot device list appears, highlight Boot to Utility Partition and press .

  2. When the Dell Diagnostics Main Menu appears, select the test you want to run.

Starting the Dell Diagnostics From the Drivers and Utilities CD

  1. Insert the Drivers and Utilities CD.

  2. Shut down and restart the computer.

When the DELL logo appears, press immediately.

If you wait too long and the Windows logo appears, continue to wait until you see the Windows desktop. Then shut down your computer and try again.

NOTE: The next steps change the boot sequence for one time only. On the next start-up, the computer boots according to the devices specified in system setup.

  1. When the boot device list appears, highlight IDE CD-ROM Device and press .

  2. Select the IDE CD-ROM Device option from the CD boot menu.

  3. Select the Boot from CD-ROM option from the menu that appears.

  4. Type 1 to start the ResourceCD menu.

  5. Type 2 to start the Dell Diagnostics.

  6. Select Run the 32 Bit Dell Diagnostics from the numbered list. If multiple versions are listed, select the version appropriate for your computer.

  7. When the Dell Diagnostics Main Menu appears, select the test you want to run.

Dell Diagnostics Main Menu

  1. After the Dell Diagnostics loads and the Main Menu screen appears, click the button for the option you want.

Option

Function 

Express Test

Performs a quick test of devices. This test typically takes 10 to 20 minutes and requires no interaction on your part. Run Express Test first to increase the possibility of tracing the problem quickly.

Extended Test

Performs a thorough check of devices. This test typically takes an hour or more and requires you to answer questions periodically.

Custom Test

Tests a specific device. You can customize the tests you want to run.

Symptom Tree

Lists the most common symptoms encountered and allows you to select a test based on the symptom of the problem you are having.

  1. If a problem is encountered during a test, a message appears with an error code and a description of the problem. Write down the error code and problem description and follow the instructions on the screen.

If you cannot resolve the error condition, contact Dell. <ADMIN NOTE: Broken link has been removed from this post by Dell>

NOTE: The Service Tag for your computer is located at the top of each test screen. If you contact Dell, technical support will ask for your Service Tag.

  1. If you run a test from the Custom Test or Symptom Tree option, click the applicable tab described in the following table for more information.

Tab

Function 

Results

Displays the results of the test and any error conditions encountered.

Errors

Displays error conditions encountered, error codes, and the problem description.

Help

Describes the test and may indicate requirements for running the test.

Configuration

Displays your hardware configuration for the selected device.

The Dell Diagnostics obtains configuration information for all devices from system setup, memory, and various internal tests, and it displays the information in the device list in the left pane of the screen. The device list may not display the names of all the components installed on your computer or all devices attached to your computer.

Parameters

Allows you to customize the test by changing the test settings.

  1. When the tests are completed, if you are running the Dell Diagnostics from the Drivers and Utilities CD, remove the CD.

  2. Close the test screen to return to the Main Menu screen. To exit the Dell Diagnostics and restart the computer, close the Main Menu screen.

Drivers

What Is a Driver?

A driver is a program that controls a device such as a printer, mouse, or keyboard. All devices require a driver program.

A driver acts like a translator between the device and any other programs that use the device. Each device has its own set of specialized commands that only its driver recognizes.

Dell ships your computer to you with required drivers already installed—no further installation or configuration is needed.

NOTICE: The Drivers and Utilities CD may contain drivers for operating systems that are not on your computer. Ensure that you are installing software appropriate for your operating system.

Many drivers, such as the keyboard driver, come with your Microsoft® Windows® operating system. You may need to install drivers if you:

  • Upgrade your operating system.
  • Reinstall your operating system.
  • Connect or install a new device.

Identifying Drivers

If you experience a problem with any device, identify whether the driver is the source of your problem and, if necessary, update the driver.

Windows XP

  1. Click the Start button and click Control Panel.

  2. Under Pick a Category, click Performance and Maintenance.

  3. Click System.

  4. In the System Properties window, click the Hardware tab.

  5. Click Device Manager.

  6. Scroll down the list to see if any device has an exclamation point (a yellow circle with a [!]) on the device icon.

If an exclamation point is next to the device name, you may need to reinstall the driver or install a new driver.

Reinstalling Drivers and Utilities

NOTICE: The Dell Support website at support.dell.com and your Drivers and Utilities CD provide approved drivers for Dell™ computers. If you install drivers obtained from other sources, your computer might not work correctly.

Using Windows XP Device Driver Rollback

If a problem occurs on your computer after you install or update a driver, use Windows XP Device Driver Rollback to replace the driver with the previously installed version.

  1. Click the Start button and click Control Panel.

  2. Under Pick a Category, click Performance and Maintenance.

  3. Click System.

  4. In the System Properties window, click the Hardware tab.

  5. Click Device Manager.

  6. Right-click the device for which the new driver was installed and click Properties.

  7. Click the Drivers tab.

  8. Click Roll Back Driver.

If Device Driver Rollback does not resolve the problem, then use System Restore to return your computer to the operating state that existed before you installed the new driver.

Using the Drivers and Utilities CD

If using Device Driver Rollback or System Restore does not resolve the problem, then reinstall the driver from the Drivers and Utilities CD (also known as the ResourceCD).

Manually Reinstalling Drivers

  1. After extracting the driver files to your hard drive as described in the previous section, click the Start button and right-click My Computer.

  2. Click Properties.

  3. Click the Hardware tab and click Device Manager.

  4. Double-click the type of device for which you are installing the driver.

  5. Double-click the name of the device for which you are installing the driver.

  6. Click the Driver tab and click Update Driver.

  7. Click Install from a list or specific location (Advanced) and click Next.

  8. Click Browse and browse to the location to which you previously extracted the driver files.

  9. When the name of the appropriate driver appears, click Next.

  10. Click Finish and restart your computer.

 

 

 

 

http://en.community.dell.com/support-forums/desktop/f/3514/t/19350599

speedstep

8 Wizard

 • 

47K Posts

October 20th, 2010 09:00

1-3-1 through 2-4-4

Memory not being properly identified or used

speedstep

8 Wizard

 • 

47K Posts

October 20th, 2010 09:00

Memory MUST be installed in Pairs.

VinnyBoombatz

3 Posts

October 20th, 2010 09:00

 Problem Solved, I think.

Don't know why I didn't try this before, but I unplugged the computer and waited a few minutes. Then replugged it, and it booted fine. I thought powering off was enough, but apparently not, unplugging was the solution. We'll see how long this lasts.

Thanks,

Vinny

SuperDave42

1 Message

May 26th, 2012 08:00

Although this thread is a couple of years old, this might help others that encounter this problem. I have a Precision 670 with 12GB of RAM and had the same problem when it was plugged into a power distribution/surge protector with a master switch that I turned off to conserve energy. The Precision 670 doesn't like to boot from "cold" and you get the 1-3-2 memory error beeps. Plug it directly into a wall outlet or extension cord and leave it connected and the problem will disappear.

--dave--

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