System Messages 
 
 
 
Back to Contents Page 
 
NOTE: If the message you received is not listed in the table, see the documentation for either the operating system or the program that was running 
when the message appeared. 
The keyboard controller failed its test. 
If you receive this message after you make changes in the system setup 
program, enter the program and restore the original value(s). 
An error in the address decoding circuitry in the 
memory has occurred. 
Reseat the memory modules. 
C: Drive Error 
C: Drive Failure 
The hard drive is not working or is not configured 
correctly. 
Ensure that the drive is installed correctly in the computer and defined 
correctly in the system setup program. 
Cache Memory Bad, Do 
Not Enable Cache 
The cache memory is not operating. 
See "Contacting Dell" in your Owner's Manual for instructions on obtaining 
technical assistance. 
An error is occurring on the timer on the system 
board. 
See "Contacting Dell" in your Owner's Manual for instructions on obtaining 
technical assistance. 
CMOS Battery State 
Low  
CMOS Checksum Failure 
CMOS System Options 
Not Set 
CMOS Display Type 
Mismatch  
CMOS Memory Size 
Mismatch 
CMOS Time and Date 
Not Set 
The system configuration information in the system 
setup program is incorrect or the battery charge 
may be low. 
Enter the system setup program, verify the system configuration, and then 
restart the computer. 
Drive A or B is present but has failed the BIOS 
POST. 
Ensure that the drive is installed correctly in the computer and defined 
correctly in the system setup program. Check the interface cable at both 
ends. 
DMA Error 
DMA 1 Error 
DMA 2 Error 
Error in the DMA controller on the system board. 
The keyboard or system board may need to be replaced. 
FDD Controller 
Failure 
HDD Controller 
Failure 
The BIOS cannot communicate with the floppy drive 
or hard drive controller. 
Ensure that the floppy drive or the hard drive is installed correctly in the 
computer and defined correctly in the system setup program. Check the 
interface cable at both ends. 
INTR1 Error 
INTR2 Error 
An interrupt channel on the system board failed to 
POST. 
The keyboard or system board may need to be replaced. 
The operating system cannot be located on drive A 
or drive C. 
Enter the system setup program and confirm that drive A or drive C is 
properly identified. 
The BIOS has detected a stuck key. 
Ensure that nothing is resting on the keyboard; if a key appears to be 
stuck, carefully pry it up. If the problem persists, you may need to replace 
the keyboard. 
An error occurred with the keyboard connector. 
Ensure that nothing is resting on the keyboard; if a key appears to be 
stuck, carefully pry it up. If the problem persists, you may need to replace 
the keyboard. 
The operating system cannot be located on drive A 
or drive C. 
Enter the system setup program and confirm that drive A or drive C is 
properly identified.