Table 6. Diagnostic error messages
Error messages
Description
Start
>
Help and Support
). If a large number of sectors are
defective, back up the data (if possible), and then format the
hard drive.
SEEK ERROR
The operating system cannot find a specific track on the hard
drive.
SHUTDOWN FAILURE
A chip on the system board may be malfunctioning. Run
the
System Set
tests in
Dell Diagnostics
. If the message
reappears,
Contact Dell
.
TIME-OF-DAY CLOCK LOST POWER
System configuration 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 configuration
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 7. System error messages (continued)
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.
Troubleshooting
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