User Manual
Table Of Contents
- Contents
- About Your Computer
- Using the Keyboard and Mouse
- Using Multimedia
- Using the Display
- Using a Battery
- Setting Up Your Computer
- Using Networks (LAN or Wireless)
- Using Cards
- Securing Your Computer
- Troubleshooting
- Dell Technical Update Service
- Dell Diagnostics
- Dell Support Utility
- Drive Problems
- E-Mail, Modem, and Internet Problems
- Error Messages
- IEEE 1394 Device Problems
- Keyboard Problems
- Lockups and Software Problems
- Memory Problems
- Mouse Problems
- Network Problems
- Media Memory Card or ExpressCard Problems
- Power Problems
- Printer Problems
- Scanner Problems
- Sound and Speaker Problems
- Touch Pad or Mouse Problems
- Video and Display Problems
- System Setup Program
- Traveling With Your Computer
- Reinstalling Software
- Adding and Replacing Parts
- Dell QuickSet
- Specifications
- Obtaining Assistance
- Appendix
- Glossary
- Index
98 Troubleshooting
Error Messages
Fill out the Diagnostics Checklist as you complete these checks. See "Diagnostics Checklist" on
page 153.
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product
Information Guide.
If the message is not listed, see the documentation for the operating system or the program that was
running when the message appeared.
AUXILIARY DEVICE FAILURE — The touch pad or external mouse may be faulty. For an external mouse, see
"Using the Keyboard and Mouse" on page 29. Enable the Pointing Device option in the system setup
program. If the problem persists, contact Dell. See "Contacting Dell" on page 154.
BAD COMMAND OR FILE NAME — Ensure that you have spelled the command correctly, put spaces in the
proper place, and used the correct pathname.
CACHE DISABLED DUE TO FAILURE — The primary cache internal to the microprocessor has failed. Contact
Dell. See "Contacting Dell" on page 154.
CD DRIVE CONTROLLER FAILURE — The CD drive does not respond to commands from the computer. See
"Dell Support Utility" on page 94.
DATA ERROR — The hard drive cannot read the data. See "Dell Support Utility" on page 94.
DECREASING AVAILABLE MEMORY — One or more memory modules may be faulty or improperly seated.
Reinstall the memory modules and, if necessary, replace them. See "Memory" on page 133.
DISK C: FAILED INITIALIZATION — The hard drive failed initialization. Run the hard drive tests in the Dell
Diagnostics. See "Dell Diagnostics" on page 91.
EXTENDED MEMORY SIZE HAS CHANGED — The amount of memory recorded in NVRAM does not match
the memory installed in the computer. Restart the computer. If the error appears again, contact Dell. See
"Contacting Dell" on page 154.
THE FILE BEING COPIED IS TOO LARGE FOR THE DESTINATION DRIVE — The file that you are trying to copy is
too large to fit on the disk, or the disk is too full. Try copying the file to a different disk or use a larger
capacity disk.
A FILENAME CANNOT CONTAIN ANY OF THE FOLLOWING CHARACTERS: \ / : * ? “ < > | — Do not use these
characters in filenames.
GATE A20 FAILURE — A memory module may be loose. Reinstall the memory modules and, if necessary,
replace them. See "Memory" on page 133.
GENERAL FAILURE — The operating system is unable to carry out the command. The message is usually
followed by specific information—for example, Printer out of paper. Take the appropriate
action.
HARD-DISK DRIVE CONFIGURATION ERROR — The computer cannot identify the drive type. Run the Hard-
Disk Drive tests in the Dell Diagnostics. See "Dell Diagnostics" on page 91.
HARD-DISK DRIVE CONTROLLER FAILURE 0—The hard drive does not respond to commands from the
computer. Run the Hard-Disk Drive tests in the Dell Diagnostics. See "Dell Diagnostics" on page 91.