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Troubleshooting
Dell™ Vostro™ 420/220/220s Service Manual
Tools
Power Lights
The power button light located on the front of the computer illuminates and blinks or remains solid to indicate different states:
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If the power light is blue and the computer is not responding, see
.
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If the power light is blinking blue, the computer is in standby mode. Press a key on the keyboard, move the mouse, or press the power button to
resume normal operation.
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If the power light is off, the computer is either turned off or is not receiving power.
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Reseat the power cable into both the power connector on the back of the computer and the electrical outlet.
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If the computer is plugged into a power strip, ensure that the power strip is plugged into an electrical outlet and that the power strip is turned
on.
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Bypass power protection devices, power strips, and power extension cables to verify that the computer turns on properly.
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Ensure that the electrical outlet is working by testing it with another device, such as a lamp.
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Ensure that the main power cable and front panel cable are securely connected to the system board (see
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If the power light is blinking amber, the computer is receiving electrical power, but an internal power problem may exist.
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Ensure that the voltage selection switch is set to match the AC power at your location, if applicable.
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Ensure that the processor power cable is securely connected to the system board (see
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If the power light is steady amber, a device may be malfunctioning or incorrectly installed.
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Remove and then reinstall the memory modules (see
Replacing or Adding a Memory Module
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Remove and then reinstall any cards (see
).
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Eliminate interference. Some possible causes of interference are:
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Power, keyboard, and mouse extension cables
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Too many devices on a power strip
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Multiple power strips connected to the same electrical outlet
Beep Codes
Your computer may emit a series of beeps during start-up if the monitor cannot display errors or problems. For example, one possible beep code may consist
of three short, repeated beeps indicating that the computer has encountered a possible system board failure.
If your computer emits a series of beeps during start-up:
1.
Write down the beep code.
2.
Run the Dell Diagnostics to further identify the problem. (see
CAUTION:
Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer. For additional safety best
practices information, see the Regulatory Compliance Homepage at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
Code
(repetitive
short beeps)
Description
Suggested Resolution
1
BIOS checksum failure.
Possible system board
failure.
Contact Dell (see