DELL's Diagnostics error

Question

Hi there,

I noticed recently when running DELL's Diagnostics to check my system I got the following error while it was loading up: 4600:0009 Device_initialization_failure, SMBIOS structure 43 has illegal 0-length

When I select yes to continue I also find I have no mouse pointer so I can only use the keyboard, plus theres no test groups for a mouse or keyboard.

I got in touch with DELL regarding this and they said the error message was caused by me having another USB device plugged in other then the keyboard and mouse (although afterwards I tryed it with only the keyboard and mouse plugged in and the error still came up). Plus they also said that theres not meant to be a mouse nor a test group.

Can anyone give me some advise with this please?

Thanks

Ninko

Darrell WV · Answer

Hello Ninko,

When I have run the Dell Diagnostics, I see a message at the bottom of the screen that says clearly "mouse not active during test" which means that the mouse will not work during the actual testing, I think that this is standard.

At the bottom of the initial test page menu is the toggle for going to the "Test Hardware" page. This would be where you test devices.

Best,

Darrell WV

Ninko85 · Answer

Hi there, I have no mouse when the Diagnostics is loaded, not while running a test, I just have no mouse to start tests, I only have the keyboard.   Ninko

Darrell WV · Answer

Okay, which USB port are you using for the mouse? When the Diagnostics loads? When I have lost the mouse in the past it was in the rear USB port (back of case) and if I took it out and used the front USB (front of case) it would work. Try changing USB locations and see if you still have no mouse and post back.

Thank you,

Darrell WV

Ninko85 · Answer

Hi Darrell, Just tryed that and still no mouse. I can't help but wonder if the error message I posted above has something to do with it or its unrelated. Any other ideas? Thanks so far.   Ninko

Darrell WV · Answer

Well Ninko,

Another approach might be to update your system BIOS at Dell Support Center, even if it is just to reinstall the current BIOS which might correct for the error. You also might want to reinstall your mouse driver. The error code seems to be stating that it is corrupted somehow. When that happens to me, I generally blame Microsoft updates because they are a great scapegoat :emotion-4:

After that, if that does not do the trick I will have to do some more research or hope that Bev or The_Namek has some wonderful explaination up their collective sleeves,

Darrell

RoHe · Answer

Others have seen the problem too.  See if there's anything useful here.   Ron

Ninko85 · Answer

Hi all,

I have the latest BIOS and Diagnostics version already. I also tryed an older Diagnostics version that was on a disc that shipped with the PC and it has the same problem. I haven't tryed reinstalling my mouse driver yet, and as I have no problem with it anywhere else I assumed it was fine.

Strange thing is my problem seems to be EXACTLY the same as the person in the other post (taogenie), as my memory test detects only 1Gb of RAM when I actually have 2Gb. My system is also the same, just not the slim version (Inspiron 530), although they never mentioned if they had a mouse in the Diagnostics Utility or not.

Ninko

RoHe · Answer

How much RAM is Windows reporting? Press Windows-Pause/Break keys and look on the General tab in the System Properties window that opens.

Do you have a RAM problem? Power off and disconnect the PC from the wall. Press/hold power button on case for ~15 sec. Open the case and reseat the RAM modules in their slots. Close it up and try the tests again. If that doesn't do it, remove 1 GB of RAM from slots 2 and 4. Repeat tests again until you've tried all 4 modules in different combinations in slots 1 and 3.

You can also try resetting NVRAM by removing the battery from the motherboard while the case is open. Press/hold the power button for ~30 sec after removing the battery. Reinstall the battery -right side up!- and see if that clears the error. If the battery is more than ~2 yrs old, it might be time for a new one, too.

Ron

Ninko85 · Answer

Hi there, Windows reports 2Gb of RAM and no I aint having a RAM problem or any other problem with the system, other then when I'm in Diagnostics.   Ninko

RoHe · Answer

Then just ignore that error message in diagnostics. If it ain't broke, don't break it.  :emotion-4:   Ron

Ninko85 · Answer

Oh I know exactly what your saying, I'm more worried about the fact I get no mouse nor a section where the keyboard and mouse is tested.   Ninko

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DELL's Diagnostics error

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