Troubleshooting Your System 105
Troubleshooting Your System
Safety First—For You and Your System
To perform certain procedures in this document, you must remove the system 
cover and work inside the system. While working inside the system, do not 
attempt to service the system except as explained in this guide and elsewhere 
in your system documentation. 
  CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You 
should only perform troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your 
product documentation, or as directed by the online or telephone service and 
support team. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered 
by your warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions that came with the 
product.
Start-Up Routine 
Look and listen during the system's start-up routine for the indications 
described in Table 4-1.
Table 4-1. Start-Up Routine Indications
Look/listen for: Action
A code displayed on the system 
diagnostic indicators.
See "Diagnostic Lights" on page 16.
An error message displayed on the 
monitor.
See "System Messages" on page 18.
The monitor's power indicator. See "Troubleshooting the Video Subsystem" 
on page 106.
The keyboard indicators. See "Troubleshooting the Keyboard or 
Mouse" on page 107.
The USB diskette drive activity 
indicator.
See "Troubleshooting a Diskette Drive" on 
page 120.
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