Dell Inspiron 3000 Service Manual

Beep Codes and Error Messages 3-1
Chapter 3
Beep Codes and Error Messages
T
his chapter describes beep codes and system error messages that can occur 
during system start-up or, in the case of some failures, during normal computer 
operation. The tables in this chapter list faults that can cause a beep code or sys-
tem error message to occur and the probable causes of the fault in each case.
If a faulty computer does not emit beep codes or display system error messages 
to indicate a failure, you should...

3-2 Dell Inspiron 3000 Series Service Manual
     
System Error Messages
The following table lists (in alphabetical order) system error messages that may 
appear on the display during the boot routine or during normal computer 
operation.
 
Table 3-1.  POST Beep Codes     
Beep Code Error Probable Causes
1-2 Memory module not being 
properly identified or usedFault
y memory module or 
fault
y main board
1-2-2-3 ROM BIOS checksum failure Fault
y main board
1-3-1-1 DRAM refresh failure Fault
y main board...

Beep Codes and Error Messages 3-3
Failing bits: 
nnnn 
Memory failed at RAM 
address nnnn.Faulty or improperly 
seated memory mod-
ule. Faulty main board.
Fixed disk 0 
failureHard-disk drive not 
responding to 
commands from 
computer.Corrupted hard-disk 
drive boot sector or 
configuration file. 
Faulty hard-disk drive. 
Faulty main board.
Fixed disk con-
troller failureHard-disk drive or con-
troller not responding to 
commands from 
computer.Faulty hard-disk drive. 
Faulty main board.
Incorrect drive...

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Running the Dell Diagnostics       
The Dell Diagnostics contains tests that aid in troubleshooting the computer. 
The diagnostics diskette contains the following test groups:
•RAM — Tests the main memory
•System Set — Tests the primary functions of the main board
•Video — Tests the video subsystem
•Keyboard — Tests the keyboard subsystem
Real time clock 
errorCMOS battery that 
supports data stored in 
NVRAM may be dead.Faulty battery. Faulty 
main board....

Beep Codes and Error Messages 3-5
•Mouse — Tests the mouse/touch pad subsystem
•Diskette Drives — Tests the diskette drive subsystem
•Hard-Disk Drives (Non-SCSI) — Tests the IDE hard-disk drive subsystem
•IDE CD ROM Drives — Tests a CD-ROM drive subsystem 
•Serial/Infrared Ports — Tests the serial communications port
•Parallel Ports — Tests the parallel communications port
•Audio — Tests the operation of the audio chip set
•SCSI Devices — Tests a SCSI hard-disk drive subsystem 
NOTE: This test does not...

3-6 Dell Inspiron 3000 Series Service Manual 

Removing and Replacing Parts 4-1
Chapter 4
Removing and Replacing Parts
T
his chapter provides procedures for removing and replacing components, 
assemblies, and subassemblies. 
Unless otherwise noted, each of the procedures in this chapter assumes the 
following:
•The computer and any attached peripherals are turned off and the peripher-
als are disconnected from the computer’s I/O panel.
•A part can be replaced or installed by performing the removal procedure in 
reverse order.
When performing the...

4-2 Dell Inspiron 3000 Series Service Manual
•Small scribe (or Delrin [plastic] screwdriver)
•Nut drivers (4 mm and 5 mm)
Screw Identification and Tightening
.
Figure 4-2.  Screw Identification (Example)     
Where applicable, information about screw lengths is provided in illustrations. 
Before installing a screw, match the screw to the screw length graphics provided 
to check for correct length.CAUTION: It is essential that the correct length screw be used when
reinstalling a screw. Otherwise, hardware...

Removing and Replacing Parts 4-3
Precautionary Measures     
Before performing any of the procedures in this chapter, read the following 
warning.
Follow these precautionary measures before removing or replacing any parts 
that are described in this chapter:
1. Determine the power state of the computer.
If the display is on, go to step 2.
Check the status display window to determine the status of the computer. If 
the display is off, press the power key to verify that the computer is not in 
suspend or...

4-4 Dell Inspiron 3000 Series Service Manual
      
Figure 4-3.  AC Adapter Removal
4. If the computer is connected to a port replicator, remove the computer from 
the re
plicator.
Figure 4-4.  Computer Removal From Replicator
5. Remove the main battery from the battery compartment.    
Unlock the latch lock (see Fi
gure 4-5). Slide the latch toward the back of the 
com
puter (the latch does not move all the way to the lock groove). Keep 
holdin
g the latch with one hand while pulling the battery...