Users Guide

Table 3. Diagnostic error messages (continued)
Error messages Description
problem persists, try to restore the data by entering the
System Setup program, then immediately exit the program. If
the message reappears, Contact Dell.
TIME-OF-DAY CLOCK STOPPED
The reserve battery that supports the system configuration
settings may require recharging. Connect your computer to an
electrical outlet to charge the battery. If the problem persists,
Contact Dell.
TIME-OF-DAY NOT SET-PLEASE RUN THE SYSTEM
SETUP PROGRAM
The time or date stored in the system setup program does not
match the system clock. Correct the settings for the Date
and Time options.
TIMER CHIP COUNTER 2 FAILED
A chip on the system board may be malfunctioning. Run the
System Set tests in Dell Diagnostics.
UNEXPECTED INTERRUPT IN PROTECTED MODE
The keyboard controller may be malfunctioning, or a memory
module may be loose. Run the System Memory tests and the
Keyboard Controller test in Dell Diagnostics or Contact
Dell.
X:\ IS NOT ACCESSIBLE. THE DEVICE IS NOT
READY
Insert a disk into the drive and try again.
System error messages
Table 4. System error messages
System message Description
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
The computer failed to complete the boot routine three
consecutive times for the same error.
CMOS checksum error
RTC is reset, BIOS Setup default has been loaded.
CPU fan failure
CPU fan has failed.
System fan failure
System fan has failed.
Hard-disk drive failure
Possible hard disk drive failure during POST.
Keyboard failure
Keyboard failure or loose cable. If reseating the cable does not
solve the problem, replace the keyboard.
No boot device available
No bootable partition on hard disk drive, the hard disk drive
cable is loose, or no bootable device exists.
● 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 and ensure that the boot sequence
information is correct.
No timer tick interrupt
A chip on the system board might be malfunctioning or
motherboard failure.
NOTICE - 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
S.M.A.R.T error, possible hard disk drive failure.
98 Troubleshooting