PLUG AND PLAY CONFIGURATION ERROR

Question

Hi, I am having a DELL Dimension 4500S and the problem that I am having is during the bootup I am getting a message that 'PLUG AND PLAY CONFIGURATION ERROR'. I did format the system using XP PRO and reinstalled all the drivers using the device drivers CD. Still I am getting the same message during the boot up.   The other things that I tried were: Clearing NVRAM, taking the batttery out and then replugging it. Still I am getting the same message.   Please let me know what r the options left for me.   Thanks in advance.   Ram

Majestic · Answer

I am assuming that the error is occurring when Windows is starting up.   Also by your posting I am not quite sure if this problem was occurring before you did a re-install of the operating system.  If the problem started after the OS was re-installed then make sure you have installed the chipset driver.  This driver is often forgotten and needs to be installed so that the system will correctly identify the rest of the installed hardware.  You can click here for the latest cipset driver Dell has available for your model and Windows XP.

rammo · Answer

Hi,

Thanks a lot for the information. The problem existed before I reinstalled the OS and even after that. As you said I first installed the chipset drivers and then audio, video, USB drivers that exist in the devide drivers CD.

I get this message before we get to the opearting system i.e. before press F1 to continue or F2 for setup.

Please let me know if there are anyother things that I have to do.

Thanks,

Ram

Majestic · Answer

Ok, we have narrowed down the problem as occurring during the initial startup of the system when the BIOS is loading or has just loaded. I am also assuming that the diagnostic lights on the system are not indicating an error code. You can click here for an explanation of those error codes if need be.

If the error codes are of no help then first thing I would try is clearing the NVRAM. By clearing the NVRAM the system will take a fresh inventory of all the installed hardware and this is useful in resolving boot up problems. To clear the NVRAM on your model just follow the procedure I have listed below. Clearing the NVRAM is safe to do and won't harm the system or the date stored on it.

Reboot system and enter the BIOS Setup by pressing F2.
Turn on Caps Lock, Scroll Lock and Num Lock.
Press ALT + E then ALT + F (should hear beep) then ALT + B

If that doesn't resolve the problem then I would next replace the motherboard battery. Since your machine has been in use for a while it is possible that the battery is failing. A bad battery can lead to hardware detection problems at boot up. A new 3-Volt, CR2032, coin cell battery can be purchased for around $3 (US) and is available at any Radio Shack, computer stores and most discount stores. While the battery is out of the socket I would also clear the NVRAM again using this procedure.....

With the machine unplugged from the wall remove the battery from the motherboard. Then with the machine still unplugged press the On button for 15 seconds to dissipate any remaining electrical charge on the motherboard. Then re-install the battery, plug the machine back into the wall and see if it will boot normally. You can click here for additional information on how to remove the battery from the on-line User Guide for your model.

If that doesn't resolve the problem then I would do a little trial & error of disconnecting hardware. Try disconnecting or removing a piece of hardware one at a time until the machine boots normal. Possibly there is a hardware device that is failing. This device maybe a card mounted in one of the PCI slots or a USB device plugged into the rear of the system.

Message Edited by Majestic on 07-19-200602:32 PM

rammo · Answer

Hi Majestic, You are incredible. That really solved my problem. All I did was took the battery out for 1 day and then restarted the system and it solved my problem. Thanks a bunch to you. Regards, Ram

Majestic · Answer

You're more than welcome.  Glad to hear the error is gone and that the system is running without problems.

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PLUG AND PLAY CONFIGURATION ERROR

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