Dell Dimension L c Series, Reference And Troubleshooting Manual

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Diagnostic Codes, Beep Codes, and System Messages C-1
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Your application programs, the operating system, and the computer itself can provide
you with diagnostic, error, and status information in the form of indicators that display
diagnostic codes, beep codes that sound through the computer’s speaker, or mes-
sages that appear on the monitor screen. This appendix documents the diagnostic
and beep codes and system messages generated by the system basic input/output
system (BIOS). For other messages, refer to the documentation for your application
program or operating system.
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Your system is equipped with four diagnostic code indicators, which are labeled “A,”
“B,” “C,” and “D” on the back of the computer. Each of the four indicators can be
yellow or green. When the computer is turned on or restarted and the system is func-
tioning normally, the indicators flash during POST. After the system boots, all four of
the indicators become green to signify normal system operation.
If a malfunction is detected and the computer fails to boot, the indicators display a
code that identifies the problem. In this situation, write down the diagnostic code dis-
played and look it up in Table C-1.