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Solving Problems
Dell™OptiPlex™GX400SystemUser'sGuide
Before You Begin
Dell Diagnostics
Messages and Codes
Software Problems
Before You Begin
This section describes system and software problems, offers corrective actions, describes the Dell Diagnostics utility, and provides system messages and
codes. Before you call Dell for technical assistance, complete the following tasks to help you resolve computer problems:
l Read "About Your Computer" and "Safety First—For You and Your Computer."
l Take the problem-solving action listed in the following table for the component or equipment that is not working properly.
Power Problems
The power indicator on the front panel communicates codes that can help you determine whether there is a problem with your computer. The following table
lists the codes for the power indicator. For more information, see "Diagnostic Indicators."
Basic Checks:
l Test the electrical outlet: ensure that the electrical outlet is working by testing it with a different device such as a lamp.
l Connect the computer power cable directly to an electrical outlet to ensure that the computer turns on. Do not connect it to a power protection device,
uninterruptible power supply (UPS), power strip, or extension cord.
l Ensure that all power cables are firmly connected, verifying that each power cable is adequately connected at the computer device and to the electrical
outlet.
l Check for interference: electrical appliances on the same circuit or operating in close proximity to the computer can cause interference.
Power indicator does not light
Monitor power indicator does not light
See "Sound and Speaker Problems"
Serial or other parallel devices not working
See "Serial or Parallel Device Problems"
Diskette drive or hard drive: indicators not lit, scraping or unusual noises, no noise
See "Diskette Drive Problems" or "Hard Drive Problems"
System battery not working
Expansion card errors or malfunction
See "Expansion-Card Problems"
See "Recover From a Program That Is Not Responding"
See "Restart a Computer That Is Not Responding"
See "Repairing a Wet Computer"
Computer is dropped or damaged
See "Repairing a Dropped or Damaged Computer"
Hardware devices conflict
System memory amount is not correct
See "System Memory Problems"
System board malfunctions
See "System Board Problems"
See "Resetting a Damaged System Board"
A series of beeps on system startup
Power is on, and the computer is operating normally.
The computer is in the suspended state (Microsoft®Windows®2000 only).
The Dell Diagnostics is running a test, or a device on the system board may be faulty or incorrectly installed.
There is a system board or power supply failure.
