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 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.
For more information about the Dell SupportAssist OS Recovery, see Dell SupportAssist OS Recovery User's Guide at
www.dell.com/serviceabilitytools. Click SupportAssist and then, click SupportAssist OS Recovery.
Real-Time Clock (RTC Reset)
The Real Time Clock (RTC) reset function allows you or the service technician to recover Dell systems from No POST/No
Power/No Boot situations. The legacy jumper enabled RTC reset has been retired on these models.
Start the RTC reset with the system powered off and connected to AC power. Press and hold the power button for thirty (30)
seconds. The system RTC Reset occurs after you release the power button.
Diagnostic error messages
Table 6. Diagnostic error messages
Error messages Description
AUXILIARY DEVICE FAILURE
The touchpad or external mouse may be faulty. For an
external mouse, check the cable connection. Enable the
Pointing Device option in the System Setup program.
BAD COMMAND OR FILE NAME
Ensure that you have spelled the command correctly, put
spaces in the proper place, and used the correct path name.
CACHE DISABLED DUE TO FAILURE
The primary cache internal to the microprocessor has failed.
Contact Dell
CD DRIVE CONTROLLER FAILURE
The optical drive does not respond to commands from the
computer.
DATA ERROR
The hard drive cannot read the data.
DECREASING AVAILABLE MEMORY
One or more memory modules may be faulty or improperly
seated. Reinstall the memory modules or, if necessary, replace
them.
DISK C: FAILED INITIALIZATION
The hard drive failed initialization. Run the hard drive tests in
Dell Diagnostics.
DRIVE NOT READY
The operation requires a hard drive in the bay before it can
continue. Install a hard drive in the hard drive bay.
ERROR READING PCMCIA CARD
The computer cannot identify the ExpressCard. Reinsert the
card or try another card.
EXTENDED MEMORY SIZE HAS CHANGED
The amount of memory recorded in non-volatile memory
(NVRAM) does not match the memory module installed in the
computer. Restart the computer. If the error appears again,
Contact Dell
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 full. Try copying the file to a different disk
or use a larger capacity disk.
Troubleshooting 51
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