Error messages Description
TIME-OF-DAY CLOCK LOST POWER 
System conguration settings are corrupted. Connect your 
computer to an electrical outlet to charge the battery. If the 
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 conguration 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 6. 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 
S.M.A.R.T error, possible hard disk drive failure.
Troubleshooting 69