Error messages Description
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 23. 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 parameter 
out of range may or may not indicate a 
potential hard drive problem
S.M.A.R.T error, possible hard disk drive failure.
Recovering the operating system
When your computer is unable to boot to the operating system even after repeated attempts, it automatically starts Dell SupportAssist OS 
Recovery.
Dell SupportAssist OS Recovery is a standalone tool that is preinstalled in all Dell computers installed with Windows 10 operating system. It 
consists of tools to diagnose and troubleshoot issues that may occur before your computer boots to the operating system. It enables you 
to diagnose hardware issues, repair your computer, back up your files, or restore your computer to its factory state.
You can also download it from the Dell Support website to troubleshoot and fix your computer when it fails to boot into their primary 
operating system due to software or hardware failures.
Troubleshooting
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