Users Guide

support.dell.com Checking Inside the System 7-17
Troubleshooting the Diskette Drive
Subsystem
If the monitor displays a system error message indicating a diskette drive problem
during execution of either the boot routine or the Dell Diagnostics, the problem may
be caused by any of the following conditions:
• An expansion card is interfering with proper drive operations.
• The diskette drive/CD-ROM drive cables are not firmly connected.
• The diskette drive is faulty.
• The system's power supply is not providing sufficient power for the drives.
• The system's diskette drive logic is faulty.
To troubleshoot the diskette drive subsystem, perform the following steps:
1. Enter the System Setup program, and verify that the diskette drive setting is
configured correctly.
See “Using the System Setup Program,” in the User's Guide for instructions.
2. Run the diskette drive test in the Dell Diagnostics to determine whether the
diskette drive subsystem now works correctly.
Do the tests complete successfully?
Ye s . You have fixed the problem.
No. Go to step 3.
3. Power off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the AC
power cable from its power source.
4. Open the system cover.
NOTICE: See “Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge” in the safety
instructions in your System Information document.
5. Remove all expansion cards from the system.
6. Close the system cover, reconnect the system to AC power, and power on the
system.
7. Run the diskette drive test in the Dell Diagnostics to determine whether the
diskette drive subsystem now works correctly.
Do the tests complete successfully?
Ye s . An expansion card may be conflicting with the diskette drive logic, or you
may have a faulty expansion card. Go to step 8.
No. The diskette drive subsystem is faulty. See Chapter 10, “Getting Help,” for
instructions on obtaining technical assistance.
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