Although Dell systems will frequently give checkpoint error codes, Dell in all their wisdom has never released a listing or KB article that explains those codes. From past experience helping others, the main reason for checkpoint errors is due to a piece of hardware connected to the system. Usually a USB device. What I would suggest doing is disconnect all unneeded devices from the system. Leave just the monitor, keyboard and mouse attached. Then press the power button for 15 seconds before turning it back on. If the system then boots normally start reconnecting items one at a time to see if the problem returns.
Another possibility is your motherboard battery which maybe failing. A bad battery can produce a variety of boot up errors. 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 like Wal-Mart. For $3 it is a very cheap item to rule out as the cause. Click here Broken link has been removed from this post by Dell> for additional information on how to remove the battery from your model's on-line Service Manual. Since you will have the battery out, it's a good time to clear the NVRAM which may also be causing your problem. To clear the NVRAM, just do this......
With the machine unplugged from the wall remove the battery from the motherboard. Then with the machine still unplugged press the On button for 30 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.
Majestic
2 Intern
•
9371 Posts
2468
0
Posted February 26th, 2008 13:00
Although Dell systems will frequently give checkpoint error codes, Dell in all their wisdom has never released a listing or KB article that explains those codes. From past experience helping others, the main reason for checkpoint errors is due to a piece of hardware connected to the system. Usually a USB device. What I would suggest doing is disconnect all unneeded devices from the system. Leave just the monitor, keyboard and mouse attached. Then press the power button for 15 seconds before turning it back on. If the system then boots normally start reconnecting items one at a time to see if the problem returns.
Another possibility is your motherboard battery which maybe failing. A bad battery can produce a variety of boot up errors. 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 like Wal-Mart. For $3 it is a very cheap item to rule out as the cause. Click here Broken link has been removed from this post by Dell> for additional information on how to remove the battery from your model's on-line Service Manual. Since you will have the battery out, it's a good time to clear the NVRAM which may also be causing your problem. To clear the NVRAM, just do this......
With the machine unplugged from the wall remove the battery from the motherboard. Then with the machine still unplugged press the On button for 30 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.