Table of Contents
- Working inside your computer
- Disassembly and reassembly
- Recommended tools
- Screw List
- Major components of your system
- Side cover
- Intrusion switch
- Front bezel
- Hard-drive assembly
- Hard-drive and optical-drive module
- Optical drive
- Solid-state drive
- WLAN card
- SD card reader - optional
- Expansion card
- Memory modules
- Heat sink
- Coin-cell battery
- Processor
- Power switch
- Power-supply unit
- System fan
- System board
- Drivers and downloads
- Troubleshooting
- Getting help and contacting Dell
DELL 3450 User Manual
Displayed below is the user manual for 3450 by DELL which is a product in the PCs/Workstations category. This manual has pages.
Related Manuals
Precision 3450 Small Form Factor
Service Manual
Regulatory Model: D15S
Regulatory Type: D15S104
August 2021
Rev. A02
Notes, cautions, and warnings
NOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better use of your product.
CAUTION: A CAUTION indicates either potential damage to hardware or loss of data and tells you how to avoid
the problem.
WARNING: A WARNING indicates a potential for property damage, personal injury, or death.
© 2020-2021 Dell Inc. or its subsidiaries. All rights reserved. Dell, EMC, and other trademarks are trademarks of Dell Inc. or its subsidiaries.
Other trademarks may be trademarks of their respective owners.
Working inside your computer
Topics:
•Safety instructions
Safety instructions
Prerequisites
Use the following safety guidelines to protect your computer from potential damage and to ensure your personal safety. Unless
otherwise noted, each procedure included in this document assumes that the following conditions exist:
●You have read the safety information that shipped with your computer.
●A component can be replaced or, if purchased separately, installed by performing the removal procedure in reverse order.
About this task
WARNING: 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
CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only perform
troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as directed by the online or
telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by
your warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions that came with the product.
CAUTION: To avoid electrostatic discharge, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or by periodically
touching an unpainted metal surface at the same time as touching a connector on the back of the computer.
CAUTION: Handle components and cards with care. Do not touch the components or contacts on a card. Hold a
card by its edges or by its metal mounting bracket. Hold a component such as a processor by its edges, not by
its pins.
CAUTION: When you disconnect a cable, pull on its connector or on its pull-tab, not on the cable itself. Some
cables have connectors with locking tabs; if you are disconnecting this type of cable, press in on the locking
tabs before you disconnect the cable. As you pull connectors apart, keep them evenly aligned to avoid bending
any connector pins. Also, before you connect a cable, ensure that both connectors are correctly oriented and
aligned.
NOTE: Disconnect all power sources before opening the computer cover or panels. After you finish working inside the
computer, replace all covers, panels, and screws before connecting to the power source.
NOTE: The color of your computer and certain components may appear differently than shown in this document.
CAUTION: System will shut down if side covers are removed while the system is running. The system will not
power on if the side cover is removed.
Before working inside your computer
About this task
NOTE: The images in this document may differ from your computer depending on the configuration you ordered.
1
Working inside your computer 3
Steps
1. Save and close all open files and exit all open applications.
2. Shut down your computer. Click Start > Power > Shut down.
NOTE: If you are using a different operating system, see the documentation of your operating system for shut-down
instructions.
3. Disconnect your computer and all attached devices from their electrical outlets.
4. Disconnect all attached network devices and peripherals, such as keyboard, mouse, and monitor from your computer.
CAUTION: To disconnect a network cable, first unplug the cable from your computer and then unplug the
cable from the network device.
5. Remove any media card and optical disc from your computer, if applicable.
Safety precautions
The safety precautions chapter details the primary steps to be taken before performing any disassembly instructions.
Observe the following safety precautions before you perform any installation or break/fix procedures involving disassembly or
reassembly:
●Turn off the system and all attached peripherals.
●Disconnect the system and all attached peripherals from AC power.
●Disconnect all network cables, telephone, and telecommunications lines from the system.
●Use an ESD field service kit when working inside any tabletnotebookdesktop to avoid electrostatic discharge (ESD) damage.
●After removing any system component, carefully place the removed component on an anti-static mat.
●Wear shoes with non-conductive rubber soles to reduce the chance of getting electrocuted.
Standby power
Dell products with standby power must be unplugged before you open the case. Systems that incorporate standby power are
essentially powered while turned off. The internal power enables the system to be remotely turned on (wake on LAN) and
suspended into a sleep mode and has other advanced power management features.
Unplugging, pressing and holding the power button for 20 seconds should discharge residual power in the system board.
Remove the battery from tablets.notebooks.
Bonding
Bonding is a method for connecting two or more grounding conductors to the same electrical potential. This is done through
the use of a field service electrostatic discharge (ESD) kit. When connecting a bonding wire, ensure that it is connected to bare
metal and never to a painted or non-metal surface. The wrist strap should be secure and in full contact with your skin, and
ensure that you remove all jewelry such as watches, bracelets, or rings prior to bonding yourself and the equipment.
Electrostatic discharge—ESD protection
ESD is a major concern when you handle electronic components, especially sensitive components such as expansion cards,
processors, memory DIMMs, and system boards. Very slight charges can damage circuits in ways that may not be obvious, such
as intermittent problems or a shortened product life span. As the industry pushes for lower power requirements and increased
density, ESD protection is an increasing concern.
Due to the increased density of semiconductors used in recent Dell products, the sensitivity to static damage is now higher than
in previous Dell products. For this reason, some previously approved methods of handling parts are no longer applicable.
Two recognized types of ESD damage are catastrophic and intermittent failures.
●Catastrophic – Catastrophic failures represent approximately 20 percent of ESD-related failures. The damage causes
an immediate and complete loss of device functionality. An example of catastrophic failure is a memory DIMM that has
received a static shock and immediately generates a "No POST/No Video" symptom with a beep code emitted for missing or
nonfunctional memory.
4Working inside your computer
●Intermittent – Intermittent failures represent approximately 80 percent of ESD-related failures. The high rate of
intermittent failures means that most of the time when damage occurs, it is not immediately recognizable. The DIMM
receives a static shock, but the tracing is merely weakened and does not immediately produce outward symptoms related to
the damage. The weakened trace may take weeks or months to melt, and in the meantime may cause degradation of memory
integrity, intermittent memory errors, etc.
The more difficult type of damage to recognize and troubleshoot is the intermittent (also called latent or "walking wounded")
failure.
Perform the following steps to prevent ESD damage:
●Use a wired ESD wrist strap that is properly grounded. The use of wireless anti-static straps is no longer allowed; they do not
provide adequate protection. Touching the chassis before handling parts does not ensure adequate ESD protection on parts
with increased sensitivity to ESD damage.
●Handle all static-sensitive components in a static-safe area. If possible, use anti-static floor pads and workbench pads.
●When unpacking a static-sensitive component from its shipping carton, do not remove the component from the anti-static
packing material until you are ready to install the component. Before unwrapping the anti-static packaging, ensure that you
discharge static electricity from your body.
●Before transporting a static-sensitive component, place it in an anti-static container or packaging.
ESD field service kit
The unmonitored Field Service kit is the most commonly used service kit. Each Field Service kit includes three main components:
anti-static mat, wrist strap, and bonding wire.
Components of an ESD field service kit
The components of an ESD field service kit are:
●Anti-Static Mat – The anti-static mat is dissipative and parts can be placed on it during service procedures. When using an
anti-static mat, your wrist strap should be snug and the bonding wire should be connected to the mat and to any bare metal
on the system being worked on. Once deployed properly, service parts can be removed from the ESD bag and placed directly
on the mat. ESD-sensitive items are safe in your hand, on the ESD mat, in the system, or inside a bag.
●Wrist Strap and Bonding Wire – The wrist strap and bonding wire can be either directly connected between your wrist
and bare metal on the hardware if the ESD mat is not required, or connected to the anti-static mat to protect hardware that
is temporarily placed on the mat. The physical connection of the wrist strap and bonding wire between your skin, the ESD
mat, and the hardware is known as bonding. Use only Field Service kits with a wrist strap, mat, and bonding wire. Never
use wireless wrist straps. Always be aware that the internal wires of a wrist strap are prone to damage from normal wear
and tear, and must be checked regularly with a wrist strap tester in order to avoid accidental ESD hardware damage. It is
recommended to test the wrist strap and bonding wire at least once per week.
●ESD Wrist Strap Tester – The wires inside of an ESD strap are prone to damage over time. When using an unmonitored
kit, it is a best practice to regularly test the strap prior to each service call, and at a minimum, test once per week. A
wrist strap tester is the best method for doing this test. If you do not have your own wrist strap tester, check with your
regional office to find out if they have one. To perform the test, plug the wrist-strap's bonding-wire into the tester while it is
strapped to your wrist and push the button to test. A green LED is lit if the test is successful; a red LED is lit and an alarm
sounds if the test fails.
●Insulator Elements – It is critical to keep ESD sensitive devices, such as plastic heat sink casings, away from internal parts
that are insulators and often highly charged.
●Working Environment – Before deploying the ESD Field Service kit, assess the situation at the customer location. For
example, deploying the kit for a server environment is different than for a desktop or portable environment. Servers are
typically installed in a rack within a data center; desktops or portables are typically placed on office desks or cubicles. Always
look for a large open flat work area that is free of clutter and large enough to deploy the ESD kit with additional space to
accommodate the type of system that is being repaired. The workspace should also be free of insulators that can cause an
ESD event. On the work area, insulators such as Styrofoam and other plastics should always be moved at least 12 inches or
30 centimeters away from sensitive parts before physically handling any hardware components
●ESD Packaging – All ESD-sensitive devices must be shipped and received in static-safe packaging. Metal, static-shielded
bags are preferred. However, you should always return the damaged part using the same ESD bag and packaging that the
new part arrived in. The ESD bag should be folded over and taped shut and all the same foam packing material should be
used in the original box that the new part arrived in. ESD-sensitive devices should be removed from packaging only at an
ESD-protected work surface, and parts should never be placed on top of the ESD bag because only the inside of the bag is
shielded. Always place parts in your hand, on the ESD mat, in the system, or inside an anti-static bag.
●Transporting Sensitive Components – When transporting ESD sensitive components such as replacement parts or parts
to be returned to Dell, it is critical to place these parts in anti-static bags for safe transport.
Working inside your computer 5
ESD protection summary
It is recommended that all field service technicians use the traditional wired ESD grounding wrist strap and protective anti-static
mat at all times when servicing Dell products. In addition, it is critical that technicians keep sensitive parts separate from all
insulator parts while performing service and that they use anti-static bags for transporting sensitive components.
After working inside your computer
About this task
CAUTION: Leaving stray or loose screws inside your computer may severely damage your computer.
Steps
1. Replace all screws and ensure that no stray screws remain inside your computer.
2. Connect any external devices, peripherals, or cables you removed before working on your computer.
3. Replace any media cards, discs, or any other parts that you removed before working on your computer.
4. Connect your computer and all attached devices to their electrical outlets.
5. Turn on your computer.
6 Working inside your computer
Disassembly and reassembly
Topics:
•Recommended tools
•Screw List
•Major components of your system
•Side cover
•Intrusion switch
•Front bezel
•Hard-drive assembly
•Hard-drive and optical-drive module
•Optical drive
•Solid-state drive
•WLAN card
•SD card reader - optional
•Expansion card
•Memory modules
•Heat sink
•Coin-cell battery
•Processor
•Power switch
•Power-supply unit
•System fan
•System board
Recommended tools
The procedures in this document may require the following tools:
●Phillips #0 screwdriver
●Phillips #1 screwdriver
●Philips #2 screwdriver
●Plastic scribe
●T-30 torx screwdriver
Screw List
The following table shows the screw list and the images for different components.
Table 1. Screw list
Component Screw type Quantity Image
M.2 2230/2280 Solid-state drive M2x3 1
WLAN card M2x3 1
SD card reader M6x32 2
2
Disassembly and reassembly 7
Table 1. Screw list (continued)
Component Screw type Quantity Image
Support bracket M6x32 2
Power supply unit M6x32 2
System board M2x4
6-32
1
5
Major components of your system
1. Side cover
2. Memory module
3. I/O panel
4. Fan and Heat-sink assembly
5. Processor
6. Solid-state drive
7. Power button
8. System board
9. Chassis
10. Front bezel
11. 3.5-inch Hard-drive
12. System fan
13. Graphics card
14. Optical drive (Optional)
15. Power-supply unit
Side cover
Removing the side cover
Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in before working inside your computer.
NOTE: Ensure that you remove the security cable from the security-cable slot (if applicable).
About this task
The following images indicate the location of the side cover and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure.
8Disassembly and reassembly
Steps
1. Slide the release latch to unlock the side cover.
2. Slide the side cover towards the back of the system.
3. Lift the side cover from the system.
Disassembly and reassembly 9
Installing the side cover
Prerequisites
About this task
The following image indicates the location of the side panels and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure.
10 Disassembly and reassembly
Steps
1. Place the side cover on your computer.
2. Slide the side cover towards the front of the system till you hear the release latch click.
Next steps
1. Follow the procedure in after working inside your computer.
Intrusion switch
Removing the intrusion switch
Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer.
2. Remove the Side cover
About this task
The following images indicate the location of the intrusion switch and provide a visual representation of the removal procedure.
Steps
1. Disconnect the intrusion switch cable from the connector on the system board.
2. Slide the intrusion switch from the system .
Installing the intrusion switch
Prerequisites
Disassembly and reassembly 11
About this task
The following image indicates the location of the intrusion switch and provides a visual representation of the installation
procedure.
Steps
1. Slide the intrusion switch into the slot on the chassis.
2. Connect the intrusion switch cable to the connector on the system board. .
Next steps
1. Install the Side cover
2. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer.
Front bezel
Removing the front bezel
Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in before working inside your computer.
2. Remove the side cover.
About this task
The following images indicate the location of the front bezel and provide a visual representation of the removal procedure.
12 Disassembly and reassembly
Steps
1. Pry the retention tabs to release the front bezel from the system.
2. Rotate and remove the front bezel from the system.
Installing the front bezel
Prerequisites
About this task
The following image indicates the location of the front bezel and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure.
Disassembly and reassembly 13
Steps
1. Align the bezel and insert the retention tabs on the bezel into the slots on the system.
2. Press the bezel until the retention tabs click into place.
Next steps
1. Install the side cover.
2. Follow the procedure in after working inside your computer.
Hard-drive assembly
Removing the 2.5 in. hard-disk drive assembly
Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in before working inside your computer.
2. Remove the side cover.
3. Remove the front bezel.
About this task
The following images indicate the location of the 2.5 in. hard-disk drive assembly and provide a visual representation of the
removal procedure.
14 Disassembly and reassembly
Steps
1. Disconnect the hard-disk drive data cable and power cable from the connectors on the hard-disk drive.
2. Push the release tab and slightly lift the hard-disk drive assembly.
3. Release the hard-disk drive assembly from the notch and slide the hard-disk drive assembly out.
NOTE: Note the orientation of the hard-disk drive so that you can replace it correctly.
Removing the hard-disk drive bracket
Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in before working inside your computer.
2. Remove the side cover.
3. Remove the front bezel.
4. Remove the 2.5 in. hard-disk drive.
About this task
The following images indicate the location of the hard-disk drive bracket and provide a visual representation of the removal
procedure.
Disassembly and reassembly 15
Steps
1. Pull one side of the hard-disk drive bracket to disengage the pins on the bracket from the slots on the drive.
2. Slide the hard-disk drive out of the bracket
3. Hard-disk drive bracket for the 2.5 in. hard-disk drive.
4. 2.5 in. hard-disk drive.
Installing the hard-disk drive bracket
Prerequisites
About this task
The following image indicates the location of the hard-disk drive bracket and provides a visual representation of the installation
procedure.
16 Disassembly and reassembly
Steps
1. 2.5 in. hard-disk drive.
2. Hard-disk drive bracket for the 2.5 in. hard-disk drive.
3. Align and insert the pins on the drive bracket with the slots on the hard-disk drive.
4. 2.5 in. hard-disk drive assembly.
Next steps
1. Install the 2.5 in. hard-disk drive assembly.
2. Install the front bezel.
3. Install the side cover.
4. Follow the procedure in after working inside your computer.
Installing the 2.5 in. hard-disk drive assembly
Prerequisites
About this task
The following image indicates the location of the 2.5 in. hard-disk drive and provides a visual representation of the installation
procedure.
Disassembly and reassembly 17
Steps
1. Insert the hard-disk drive assembly into the slot on the system and slide the hard-disk drive assembly down.
2. Press down the hard-disk drive assembly, until it clicks into place.
3. Connect the power cable and hard-disk drive cable to the connectors on the hard-disk drive.
Next steps
1. Install the front bezel.
2. Install the side cover.
3. Follow the procedure in after working inside your computer.
Hard-drive and optical-drive module
Removing the hard-disk drive and optical-disk drive module
Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer.
2. Remove the Side cover
3. Remove the Front bezel
About this task
The following images indicate the location of the hard-disk drive and optical-disk drive module and provide a visual
representation of the removal procedure.
18 Disassembly and reassembly
Steps
1. Remove the hard-disk drive power cable and the SATA cable through the recess in the release latch.
Disassembly and reassembly 19
2. Unroute the optical-disk drive cable and the hard-disk drive cable from the retention clip on the hard-disk drive and
optical-disk drive module.
3. Slide the release latch to unlock the hard-disk drive and optical-disk drive module.
4. Holding the release latch lift the hard-disk drive and optical-disk drive module.
5. Lift the hard-disk drive and optical-disk drive module and slide it out of the slot.
6. Flip the hard-disk drive and optical-disk drive module to disconnect the optical-disk drive data and power cables.
Installing the hard-disk drive and optical-disk drive module
Prerequisites
About this task
The following image indicates the location of the hard-disk drive and optical-disk drive module and provides a visual
representation of the installation procedure.
20 Disassembly and reassembly
Steps
1. Connect the optical-drive data and power cable to the connectors on the optical-drive and flip the hard-disk drive and
optical-disk drive module.
2. Insert the tabs on the hard-disk drive and optical-disk drive module into the slot on the system at an angle.
3. Lower the hard-disk drive and optical-disk drive module into the slot.
4. Slide the release latch to lock the hard-disk drive and optical-disk drive module.
5. Reroute the hard-disk drive power cable and SATA cable through the retention clips on the hard-disk drive and optical-disk
drive module.
6. Reroute the hard-disk drive power cable and the SATA cable through the recess on the release tab.
Next steps
1. Install the Front bezel
2. Install the Side cover
3. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer.
Optical drive
Removing the slim optical-drive
Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer.
2. Remove the Side cover
3. Remove the Front bezel
Disassembly and reassembly 21
About this task
The following images indicate the location of the slim optical-drive and provide a visual representation of the removal procedure.
Steps
1. Press the release tab on the optical-drive/ hard-drive module.
2. Slide the optical-drive out of the optical-drive/ hard-drive module.
3. Optical-drive unit.
4. Optical-drive/ hard-drive module.
Installing the slim optical-drive
Prerequisites
About this task
The following image indicates the location of the slim optical-drive and provides a visual representation of the installation
procedure.
22 Disassembly and reassembly
Steps
1. Optical drive/ hard drive module.
2. Optical drive unit.
3. Insert the optical drive into the optical drive/ hard drive module.
4. Press the Optical drive unit until it clicks in place.
Next steps
1. Install the Front bezel
2. Install the Side cover
3. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer.
Solid-state drive
Removing the M.2 2230 PCIe solid-state drive
Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in before working inside your computer.
2. Remove the side cover.
3. Remove the front bezel.
Disassembly and reassembly 23
4. Remove the 2.5 in. hard drive assembly.
About this task
The following images indicate the location of the solid-state drive and provide a visual representation of the removal procedure.
Steps
1. Remove the screw (M2x3) that secures the solid-state drive to the system board.
2. Slide and lift the solid-state drive off the system board.
Installing the M.2 2230 PCIe solid-state drive
Prerequisites
About this task
The following image indicates the location of the solid-state drive and provides a visual representation of the installation
procedure.
24 Disassembly and reassembly
Steps
1. Align the notch on the solid-state drive with the tab on the solid-state drive connector.
2. Insert the solid-state drive at a 45-degree angle into the connector on the system board.
3. Replace the screw (M2x3) that secures the M.2 2230 PCIe solid-state drive to the system board.
Next steps
1. Install the 2.5 in. hard drive assembly.
2. Install the front bezel.
3. Install the side cover.
4. Follow the procedure in after working inside your computer.
Removing the M.2 2280 PCIe solid-state drive
Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in before working inside your computer.
2. Remove the side cover.
3. Remove the front bezel.
4. Remove the 2.5 in. hard drive assembly.
About this task
The following images indicate the location of the solid-state drive and provide a visual representation of the removal procedure.
Disassembly and reassembly 25
Steps
1. Remove the screw (M2x3) that secures the solid-state drive to the system board.
2. Slide and lift the solid-state drive off the system board.
Installing the M.2 2280 PCIe solid-state drive
Prerequisites
About this task
The following image indicates the location of the solid-state drive and provides a visual representation of the installation
procedure.
26 Disassembly and reassembly
Steps
1. Align the notch on the solid-state drive with the tab on the solid-state drive connector.
2. Insert the solid-state drive at a 45-degree angle into the connector on the system board.
3. Replace the screw (M2x3) that secures the M.2 2280 PCIe solid-state drive to the system board.
Next steps
1. Install the 2.5 in. hard drive assembly.
2. Install the front bezel.
3. Install the side cover.
4. Follow the procedure in after working inside your computer.
WLAN card
Removing the WLAN card
Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in before working inside your computer.
2. Remove the side cover.
3. Remove the front bezel.
4. Remove the 2.5 in. hard drive assembly.
About this task
The following images indicate the location of the wireless card and provide a visual representation of the removal procedure.
Disassembly and reassembly 27
Steps
1. Remove the (M2x3) screw that secures the WLAN bracket and WLAN card to the system board.
2. Slide and lift the WLAN card bracket away from the WLAN card.
3. Disconnect the antenna cables from the WLAN card.
4. Slide and remove the WLAN card from the connector on the system board.
Installing the WLAN card
Prerequisites
About this task
The following image indicates the location of the wireless card and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure.
28 Disassembly and reassembly
Steps
1. Connect the antenna cables to the WLAN card.
The following table provides the antenna-cable color scheme for the WLAN card of your computer.
Table 2. Antenna-cable color scheme
Connectors on the wireless card Antenna-cable color
Main (white triangle) White
Auxiliary (black triangle) Black
2. Place the WLAN card bracket to secure the antenna cables.
3. Align the notch on the WLAN card with the tab on the WLAN-card slot and insert it into the connector on the system board.
4. Replace the (M2x3) screw to secure the WLAN card bracket and WLAN card to the system board.
Next steps
1. Install the 2.5 in. hard drive assembly.
2. Install the front bezel.
3. Install the side cover.
4. Follow the procedure in after working inside your computer.
Disassembly and reassembly 29
SD card reader - optional
Removing the SD card reader
Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer.
2. Remove the Side cover
3. Remove the Front bezel
4. Remove the Hard drive assembly
5. Remove the Optical drive assembly
About this task
The following images indicate the location of the graphics card and provide a visual representation of the removal procedure.
Steps
1. Unroute the power supply cables from the retention clip on the SD card reader.
2. Remove the two screws (M6X32) and lift the SD card reader from the chassis.
Installing the SD card reader
Prerequisites
About this task
The following image indicates the location of the SD card reader and provides a visual representation of the installation
procedure.
30 Disassembly and reassembly
Steps
1. Align the SD card reader with the screw holes on the system board and replace the two screws (M6X32).
2. Route the power supply cables through the retention clip on the SD card reader.
Next steps
1. Install the Optical drive assembly
2. Install the Hard drive assembly
3. Install the Front bezel
4. Install the Side cover
5. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer.
Expansion card
Removing the expansion card
Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer.
2. Remove the Side cover
About this task
The following images indicate the location of the expansion card and provide a visual representation of the removal procedure.
Disassembly and reassembly 31
Steps
1. Pull the metal tab to open the expansion card latch.
2. Pull the release tab at the base of the expansion card.
3. Lift the expansion card away from the connector on the system board.
Installing the expansion card
Prerequisites
About this task
The following image indicates the location of the expansion card and provides a visual representation of the installation
procedure.
32 Disassembly and reassembly
Steps
1. Align the notch on the expansion card with the connector on the system board.
2. Place the card in the connector and press down firmly. Ensure that the card is firmly seated.
3. Close the expansion card latch and press it until it clicks into place.
Next steps
1. Install the Side cover
2. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer.
Memory modules
Removing the memory modules
Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in before working inside your computer.
2. Remove the side cover.
Disassembly and reassembly 33
3. Remove the front bezel.
4. Remove the 2.5 in. hard drive assembly.
5. Remove the hard-disk drive and optical-disk drive module .
CAUTION: To prevent damage to the memory module, hold the memory module by the edges. Do not touch the
components on the memory module
About this task
The following images indicate the location of the memory modules and provide a visual representation of the removal procedure.
Steps
1. Pull the securing clips from the memory module until the memory module pops up.
2. Remove the memory module from the memory-module slot.
Installing the memory modules
Prerequisites
About this task
The following image indicates the location of the memory modules and provides a visual representation of the installation
procedure.
34 Disassembly and reassembly
Steps
1. Align the notch on the memory module with the tab on the memory-module slot.
2. Slide the memory module firmly into the slot at an angle and press the memory module down until it clicks into place.
NOTE: If you do not hear the click, remove the memory module and reinstall it.
Next steps
1. Install the hard-disk drive and optical-disk drive module
2. Install the 2.5 in. hard drive assembly.
3. Install the front bezel.
4. Install the side cover.
5. Follow the procedure in after working inside your computer.
Heat sink
Removing the heat-sink
Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in before working inside your computer.
2. Remove the side cover.
3. Remove the front bezel.
4. Remove the hard-disk drive and optical-disk drive module .
About this task
The following images indicate the location of the heat-sink and provide a visual representation of the removal procedure.
Disassembly and reassembly 35
Steps
1. Disconnect the fan cable from the connector on the system board.
2. Loosen the four captive screws that secure the heat sink to the system.
NOTE: Loosen the screws in a sequential order (1,2,3,4) as mentioned on the system board.
3. Lift the heat-sink from the system board.
Installing the heat-sink
Prerequisites
About this task
The following image indicates the location of the VR heat sink and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure.
36 Disassembly and reassembly
Steps
1. Place the heat sink on the processor.
2. Tighten the four captive screws that secure the heat-sink to the system board, as per the callout on the system board.
NOTE: Tighten the screws in a sequential order (1,2,3,4) as mentioned on the system board.
3. Connect the heat sink fan cable to the system board.
Next steps
1. Install the hard-disk drive and optical-disk drive module
2. Install the front bezel.
3. Install the side cover.
4. Follow the procedure in after working inside your computer.
Coin-cell battery
Removing the coin-cell battery
Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in before working inside your computer.
2. Remove the Side cover.
3. Remove the Front bezel.
4. Remove the Expansion card (optional if installed)
About this task
The following images indicate the location of the coin-cell battery and provide a visual representation of the removal procedure.
Disassembly and reassembly 37
Steps
1. Using a plastic scribe, gently pry the coin-cell battery out of the battery socket.
2. Remove the coin-cell battery out of the system.
Installing the coin-cell battery
Prerequisites
About this task
The following image indicates the location of the coin-cell battery and provides a visual representation of the installation
procedure.
38 Disassembly and reassembly
Steps
1. Insert the coin cell battery with the "+" sign facing up and slide it into the battery socket at an angle.
2. Press the battery into the connector until it clicks into place.
Next steps
1. Install the Expansion card.
2. Install the Front bezel.
3. Install the Side cover.
4. Follow the procedure in after working inside your computer.
Processor
Removing the processor
Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in before working inside your computer.
2. Remove the side cover.
3. Remove the front bezel.
4. Remove the 2.5 in. hard drive assembly.
5. Remove the hard-disk drive and optical-disk drive module .
6. Remove the heat-sink.
About this task
NOTE: The processor might still be hot after the computer is shut down. Allow the processor to cool down before removing
it.
The following images indicate the location of the processor and provide a visual representation of the removal procedure.
Disassembly and reassembly 39
Steps
1. Press down and push the release lever away from the processor to release it from the securing tab.
2. Lift the lever upward to lift the processor cover.
CAUTION: When removing the processor, do not touch any of the pins inside the socket or allow any objects
to fall on the pins in the socket.
3. Gently lift the processor from the processor socket.
Installing the processor
Prerequisites
About this task
The following image indicates the location of the processor and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure.
40 Disassembly and reassembly
Steps
1. Align the pin-1 corner of the processor with the pin 1 corner of the processor socket, and then place the processor in the
processor socket.
NOTE: The pin-1 corner of the processor has a triangle that aligns with the triangle on the pin-1 corner on the processor
socket. When the processor is properly seated, all four corners are aligned at the same height. If one or more corners of
the processor are higher than the others, the processor is not seated properly.
2. When the processor is fully seated in the socket, close the processor cover.
3. Press down and push the release lever under the securing tab to lock it.
Next steps
1. Install the heat-sink.
2. Install the hard-disk drive and optical-disk drive module
3. Install the 2.5 in. hard drive assembly.
4. Install the front bezel.
5. Install the side cover.
6. Follow the procedure in after working inside your computer.
Disassembly and reassembly 41
Power switch
Removing the power switch
Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in before working inside your computer.
2. Remove the side cover.
3. Remove the front bezel.
4. Remove the 2.5 in. hard drive assembly.
5. Remove the hard-disk drive and optical-disk drive module .
About this task
The following images indicate the location of the heat-sink and provide a visual representation of the removal procedure.
Steps
1. Disconnect the power switch cable from the system board.
2. Press the power switch retention tabs and pull the power switch out from the system.
Installing the power switch
Prerequisites
About this task
The following image indicates the location of the power switch and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure.
Steps
1. Slide the power switch module into the slot on the chassis until it clicks into place.
2. Connect the power switch cable to the connector on the system board.
Next steps
1. Install the hard-disk drive and optical-disk drive module
2. Install the 2.5 in. hard drive assembly.
3. Install the front bezel.
4. Install the side cover.
5. Follow the procedure in after working inside your computer.
Power-supply unit
Removing the power-supply unit
Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer.
2. Remove the Side cover
3. Remove the Front bezel
4. Remove the 2.5 in. hard drive assembly.
5. Remove the hard-disk drive and optical-disk drive module .
42 Disassembly and reassembly
About this task
The following images indicate the location of the power-supply unit and provide a visual representation of the removal
procedure.
Disassembly and reassembly 43
44 Disassembly and reassembly
Steps
1. Remove the SATA cables from the retention clip on the support bracket.
2. Remove the two screws (M6x32) and slide the support bracket out from the slot.
3. Remove the power-supply cable from the retention clip on the chassis.
4. Remove the three screws (M6x32) that secure the power-supply unit to the back of the chassis.
5. Press the power-supply unit release latch and slide the unit into the chassis.
6. Remove the power-supply unit out of the chassis.
Installing the power-supply unit
Prerequisites
About this task
The following image indicates the location of the power-supply unit and provides a visual representation of the installation
procedure.
Disassembly and reassembly 45
46 Disassembly and reassembly
Steps
1. Align and place the power-supply unit into the slot on the chassis.
2. Slide the power-supply unit into the slot until it clicks in place.
3. Replace the three screws (M6x32) to secure the power-supply unit to the chassis.
4. Insert the power-supply cables through retention clips and connect it to the connectors on the system board.
5. Place the support bracket into the slot and secure it with the two screws (M6x32).
6. Insert the SATA cables through the retention clip on the support bracket.
Disassembly and reassembly 47
Next steps
1. Install the hard-disk drive and optical-disk drive module
2. Install the 2.5 in. hard drive assembly.
3. Install the Front bezel
4. Install theSide cover
5. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer.
System fan
Removing the system fan
Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in before working inside your computer.
2. Remove the side cover.
3. Remove the front bezel.
4. Remove the 2.5 in. hard drive assembly.
5. Remove the hard-disk drive and optical-disk drive module .
About this task
The following images indicate the location of the system fan and provide a visual representation of the removal procedure.
Steps
1. Disconnect the fan cable from the connector on the system board.
2. Slide the fan grommets towards the slot on the back of the fan chassis.
3. Lift the system fan from the system.
Installing the system fan
Prerequisites
About this task
The following image indicates the location of the VR heat sink and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure.
Steps
1. Align and place the system fan in the system chassis.
2. Pass the grommets through the chassis and slide outward along the groove to secure it in place.
3. Connect the system fan cable to the system board.
Next steps
1. Install the hard-disk drive and optical-disk drive module
2. Install the 2.5 in. hard drive assembly.
3. Install the front bezel.
4. Install the side cover.
5. Follow the procedure in after working inside your computer.
48 Disassembly and reassembly
System board
Removing the system board
Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in before working inside your computer.
2. Remove the side cover.
3. Remove the front bezel.
4. Remove the 2.5 in. hard drive assembly.
5. Remove the solid-state drive.
6. Remove the WLAN card.
7. Remove the heat-sink.
8. Remove the memory modules.
9. Remove the processor.
About this task
The following images indicate the location of the system board and provide a visual representation of the removal procedure.
Disassembly and reassembly 49
50 Disassembly and reassembly
Steps
1. Remove the screw (6-32) that secures the I/O panel to the system chassis.
2. Lift the I/O panel away from the system chassis.
3. Disconnect the intrusion switch cable from the connector on the system board.
4. Disconnect the system board power supply cables.
5. Disconnect the power button switch cable from the connector on the system board.
6. Disconnect the system fan cable to the connector on the system board.
7. Disconnect the processor power supply cable from the connector on the system board.
8. Disconnect the SATA cables from the connector on the system board.
9. Disconnect the SATA power cable from the connector on the system board.
10. Disconnect the internal speaker cable from the connector on the system board.
11. Remove the four Screws (6-32) and the single standoff screw (M2X4) that secure the system board.
12. Lift the system board at an angle and slide it out of the system chassis.
Installing the system board
Prerequisites
About this task
The following image indicates the location of the system board and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure.
Disassembly and reassembly 51
52 Disassembly and reassembly
Steps
1. Align and lower the system board into the system until the connectors at the back of the system board align with the slots
on the chassis, and the screw holes on the system board align with the standoffs on the system.
2. Replace the four screws (6-32) and the single standoff screw (M2x4) screw to secure the system board to the chassis.
3. Reconnect the intrusion switch cable to the connector on the system board.
4. Reconnect the system board power supply cables to the connector on the system board.
5. Reconnect the power button switch cable to the connector on the system board.
6. Reconnect the system fan cable to the connector on the system board.
7. Reconnect the processor power supply cable to the connector on the system board.
8. Reconnect the SATA cables to the connectors on the system board.
9. Reconnect the SATA power cable to the connector on the system board.
10. Reconnect the internal speaker cables to the connector on the system board.
Disassembly and reassembly 53
11. Align and lower the I/O panel into the slot on the system chassis.
12. Replace the single screw (6-32) to secures the I/O panel to the system chassis.
Next steps
1. Install the processor.
2. Install the memory modules.
3. Install the heat-sink.
4. Install the WLAN card.
5. Install the solid-state drive.
6. Install the 2.5 in. hard drive assembly.
7. Install the front bezel.
8. Install the side cover.
9. Follow the procedure in after working inside your computer.
System board layout
1. Video connector 2. Intrusion switch connector (Intruder)
3. CPU power connector (ATX_CPU) 4. CPU fan connector
5. Memory slots (DIMM1, DIMM2, DIMM3, DIMM4) 6. M.2 Solid-state drive connector
7. Power switch connector (PWR_SW) 8. Remote PWR switch connector
9. Media card reader connector (Card_reader) 10. M.2 WLAN connector
11. System fan connector 12. SATA 1 connector
13. M.2 Soild-state drive connector 14. SATA 2 connector
15. PSU connector 16. SATA 3 connector
17. Internal speaker connector 18. SATA power connector
19. PCI-e connectors 20. Coin cell battery
21. USB Type-C connector 22. Processor socket (CPU)
54 Disassembly and reassembly
Troubleshooting
Topics:
•Dell SupportAssist Pre-boot System Performance Check diagnostics
•Diagnostic LED behavior
•Diagnostic error messages
•System error messages
•Updating the BIOS using the USB drive in Windows
•Flashing the BIOS
•Backup media and recovery options
•WiFi power cycle
Dell SupportAssist Pre-boot System Performance
Check diagnostics
About this task
SupportAssist diagnostics (also known as system diagnostics) performs a complete check of your hardware. The Dell
SupportAssist Pre-boot System Performance Check diagnostics is embedded with the BIOS and is launched by the BIOS
internally. The embedded system diagnostics provides a set of options for particular devices or device groups allowing you to:
●Run tests automatically or in an interactive mode
●Repeat tests
●Display or save test results
●Run thorough tests to introduce additional test options to provide extra information about the failed device(s)
●View status messages that inform you if tests are completed successfully
●View error messages that inform you of problems encountered during testing
NOTE: Some tests for specific devices require user interaction. Always ensure that you are present at the computer
terminal when the diagnostic tests are performed.
For more information, see Resolve Hardware Issues With Built-in and Online Diagnostics (SupportAssist ePSA, ePSA or PSA
Error Codes) .
Running the SupportAssist Pre-Boot System Performance Check
Steps
1. Turn on your computer.
2. As the computer boots, press the F12 key as the Dell logo appears.
3. On the boot menu screen, select the Diagnostics option.
4. Click the arrow at the bottom left corner.
Diagnostics front page is displayed.
5. Click the arrow in the lower-right corner to go to the page listing.
The items detected are listed.
6. To run a diagnostic test on a specific device, press Esc and click Yes to stop the diagnostic test.
7. Select the device from the left pane and click Run Tests.
8. If there are any issues, error codes are displayed.
Note the error code and validation number and contact Dell.
4
56 Troubleshooting
Diagnostic LED behavior
Table 3. Diagnostic LED behavior
Blinking pattern
Problem description Suggested resolutionAmber White
1 2 Unrecoverable SPI Flash
Failure
2 1 CPU failure ●Run the Dell Support
Assist/Dell Diagnostics
tool.
●If problem persists,
replace the system board.
2 2 System board failure (included
BIOS corruption or ROM
error)
●Flash latest BIOS version
●If problem persists,
replace the system board.
2 3 No memory/RAM detected ●Confirm that the memory
module is installed
properly.
●If problem persists,
replace the memory
module.
2 4 Memory/RAM failure ●Reset the memory module.
●If problem persists,
replace the memory
module.
2 5 Invalid memory installed ●Reset the memory module.
●If problem persists,
replace the memory
module.
2 6 System board / Chipset
Error / Clock failure / Gate
A20 failure / Super I/O
failure / Keyboard controller
failure
●Flash latest BIOS version
●If problem persists,
replace the system board.
3 1 CMOS battery failure ●Reset the CMOS battery
connection.
●If problem persists,
replace the RTS battery.
3 2 PCI or Video card/chip failure Replace the system board.
3 3 BIOS Recovery image not
found
●Flash latest BIOS version
●If problem persists,
replace the system board.
3 4 BIOS Recovery image found
but invalid
●Flash latest BIOS version
●If problem persists,
replace the system board.
3 5 Power rail failure ●EC ran into power
sequencing failure.
●If problem persists,
replace the system board.
3 6 SBIOS Flash corruption ●Flash corruption detected
by SBIOS
Troubleshooting 57
Table 3. Diagnostic LED behavior (continued)
Blinking pattern
Problem description Suggested resolutionAmber White
●If problem persists,
replace the system board.
3 7 Intel ME (Management
Engine) Error
●Timeout waiting on ME to
reply to HECI message
●If problem persists,
replace the system board.
4 2 CPU Power Cable Connection
Issue
Diagnostic error messages
Table 4. Diagnostic error messages
Error messages Description
AUXILIARY DEVICE FAILURE The touchpad or external mouse may be faulty. For an
external mouse, check the cable connection. Enable the
Pointing Device option in the System Setup program.
BAD COMMAND OR FILE NAME Ensure that you have spelled the command correctly, put
spaces in the proper place, and used the correct path name.
CACHE DISABLED DUE TO FAILURE The primary cache internal to the microprocessor has failed.
Contact Dell
CD DRIVE CONTROLLER FAILURE The optical drive does not respond to commands from the
computer.
DATA ERROR The hard drive cannot read the data.
DECREASING AVAILABLE MEMORY One or more memory modules may be faulty or improperly
seated. Reinstall the memory modules or, if necessary, replace
them.
DISK C: FAILED INITIALIZATION The hard drive failed initialization. Run the hard drive tests in
Dell Diagnostics.
DRIVE NOT READY The operation requires a hard drive in the bay before it can
continue. Install a hard drive in the hard drive bay.
ERROR READING PCMCIA CARD The computer cannot identify the ExpressCard. Reinsert the
card or try another card.
EXTENDED MEMORY SIZE HAS CHANGED The amount of memory recorded in non-volatile memory
(NVRAM) does not match the memory module installed in the
computer. Restart the computer. If the error appears again,
Contact Dell
THE FILE BEING COPIED IS TOO LARGE FOR THE
DESTINATION DRIVE
The file that you are trying to copy is too large to fit on the
disk, or the disk is full. Try copying the file to a different disk
or use a larger capacity disk.
A FILENAME CANNOT CONTAIN ANY OF THE
FOLLOWING CHARACTERS: \ / : * ? " < > | -
Do not use these characters in filenames.
GATE A20 FAILURE A memory module may be loose. Reinstall the memory module
or, if necessary, replace it.
GENERAL FAILURE The operating system is unable to carry out the command.
The message is usually followed by specific information.
58 Troubleshooting
Table 4. Diagnostic error messages (continued)
Error messages Description
For example, Printer out of paper. Take the
appropriate action.
HARD-DISK DRIVE CONFIGURATION ERROR The computer cannot identify the drive type. Shut down the
computer, remove the hard drive, and boot the computer from
an optical drive. Then, shut down the computer, reinstall the
hard drive, and restart the computer. Run the Hard Disk
Drive tests in Dell Diagnostics.
HARD-DISK DRIVE CONTROLLER FAILURE 0 The hard drive does not respond to commands from the
computer. Shut down the computer, remove the hard drive,
and boot the computer from an optical drive. Then, shut
down the computer, reinstall the hard drive, and restart the
computer. If the problem persists, try another drive. Run the
Hard Disk Drive tests in Dell Diagnostics.
HARD-DISK DRIVE FAILURE The hard drive does not respond to commands from the
computer. Shut down the computer, remove the hard drive,
and boot the computer from an optical drive. Then, shut
down the computer, reinstall the hard drive, and restart the
computer. If the problem persists, try another drive. Run the
Hard Disk Drive tests in Dell Diagnostics.
HARD-DISK DRIVE READ FAILURE The hard drive may be defective. Shut down the computer,
remove the hard drive, and boot the computer from an
optical. Then, shut down the computer, reinstall the hard
drive, and restart the computer. If the problem persists,
try another drive. Run the Hard Disk Drive tests in Dell
Diagnostics.
INSERT BOOTABLE MEDIA The operating system is trying to boot to non-bootable media,
such as an optical drive. Insert bootable media.
INVALID CONFIGURATION INFORMATION-PLEASE RUN
SYSTEM SETUP PROGRAM
The system configuration information does not match the
hardware configuration. The message is most likely to occur
after a memory module is installed. Correct the appropriate
options in the system setup program.
KEYBOARD CLOCK LINE FAILURE For external keyboards, check the cable connection. Run the
Keyboard Controller test in Dell Diagnostics.
KEYBOARD CONTROLLER FAILURE For external keyboards, check the cable connection. Restart
the computer, and avoid touching the keyboard or the mouse
during the boot routine. Run the Keyboard Controller test in
Dell Diagnostics.
KEYBOARD DATA LINE FAILURE For external keyboards, check the cable connection. Run the
Keyboard Controller test in Dell Diagnostics.
KEYBOARD STUCK KEY FAILURE For external keyboards or keypads, check the cable
connection. Restart the computer, and avoid touching the
keyboard or keys during the boot routine. Run the Stuck Key
test in Dell Diagnostics.
LICENSED CONTENT IS NOT ACCESSIBLE IN
MEDIADIRECT
Dell MediaDirect cannot verify the Digital Rights Management
(DRM) restrictions on the file, so the file cannot be played.
MEMORY ADDRESS LINE FAILURE AT ADDRESS, READ
VALUE EXPECTING VALUE
A memory module may be faulty or improperly seated.
Reinstall the memory module or, if necessary, replace it.
MEMORY ALLOCATION ERROR The software you are attempting to run is conflicting with the
operating system, another program, or a utility. Shut down
the computer, wait for 30 seconds, and then restart it. Run
the program again. If the error message still appears, see the
software documentation.
Troubleshooting 59
Table 4. Diagnostic error messages (continued)
Error messages Description
MEMORY DOUBLE WORD LOGIC FAILURE AT ADDRESS,
READ VALUE EXPECTING VALUE
A memory module may be faulty or improperly seated.
Reinstall the memory module or, if necessary, replace it.
MEMORY ODD/EVEN LOGIC FAILURE AT ADDRESS,
READ VALUE EXPECTING VALUE
A memory module may be faulty or improperly seated.
Reinstall the memory module or, if necessary, replace it.
MEMORY WRITE/READ FAILURE AT ADDRESS, READ
VALUE EXPECTING VALUE
A memory module may be faulty or improperly seated.
Reinstall the memory module or, if necessary, replace it.
NO BOOT DEVICE AVAILABLE The computer cannot find the hard drive. If the hard drive is
your boot device, ensure that the drive is installed, properly
seated, and partitioned as a boot device.
NO BOOT SECTOR ON HARD DRIVE The operating system may be corrupted, Contact Dell.
NO TIMER TICK INTERRUPT A chip on the system board may be malfunctioning. Run the
System Set tests in Dell Diagnostics.
NOT ENOUGH MEMORY OR RESOURCES. EXIT SOME
PROGRAMS AND TRY AGAIN
You have too many programs open. Close all windows and
open the program that you want to use.
OPERATING SYSTEM NOT FOUND Reinstall the operating system. If the problem persists,
Contact Dell.
OPTIONAL ROM BAD CHECKSUM The optional ROM has failed. Contact Dell.
SECTOR NOT FOUND The operating system cannot locate a sector on the hard
drive. You may have a defective sector or corrupted File
Allocation Table (FAT) on the hard drive. Run the Windows
error-checking utility to check the file structure on the hard
drive. See Windows Help and Support for instructions (click
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.
60 Troubleshooting
System error messages
Table 5. System error messages
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.
●If the hard drive is your boot device, ensure that the
cables are connected and that the drive is installed
properly and partitioned as a boot device.
●Enter system setup and ensure that the boot sequence
information is correct.
No timer tick interrupt A chip on the system board might be malfunctioning or
motherboard failure.
NOTICE - Hard Drive SELF MONITORING SYSTEM
has reported that a parameter has exceeded
its normal operating range. Dell recommends
that you back up your data regularly. A
parameter out of range may or may not
indicate a potential hard drive problem
S.M.A.R.T error, possible hard disk drive failure.
Updating the BIOS using the USB drive in Windows
Steps
1. Follow the procedure from step 1 to step 6 in Updating the BIOS in Windows to download the latest BIOS setup program file.
2. Create a bootable USB drive. For more information, see the knowledge base article 000145519 at www.dell.com/support.
3. Copy the BIOS setup program file to the bootable USB drive.
4. Connect the bootable USB drive to the computer that needs the BIOS update.
5. Restart the computer and press F12 .
6. Select the USB drive from the One Time Boot Menu.
7. Type the BIOS setup program filename and press Enter.
The BIOS Update Utility appears.
8. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the BIOS update.
Flashing the BIOS
About this task
You may need to flash (update) the BIOS when an update is available or when you replace the system board.
Troubleshooting 61
Follow these steps to flash the BIOS:
Steps
1. Turn on your computer.
2. Go to www.dell.com/support.
3. Click Product support, enter the Service Tag of your computer, and then click Submit.
NOTE: If you do not have the Service Tag, use the auto-detect feature or manually browse for your computer model.
4. Click Drivers & downloads > Find it myself.
5. Select the operating system installed on your computer.
6. Scroll down the page and expand BIOS.
7. Click Download to download the latest version of the BIOS for your computer.
8. After the download is complete, navigate to the folder where you saved the BIOS update file.
9. Double-click the BIOS update file icon and follow the instructions on the screen.
Backup media and recovery options
It is recommended to create a recovery drive to troubleshoot and fix problems that may occur with Windows. Dell proposes
multiple options for recovering Windows operating system on your Dell PC. For more information. see Dell Windows Backup
Media and Recovery Options.
WiFi power cycle
About this task
If your computer is unable to access the internet due to WiFi connectivity issues a WiFi power cycle procedure may be
performed. The following procedure provides the instructions on how to conduct a WiFi power cycle:
NOTE: Some ISPs (Internet Service Providers) provide a modem/router combo device.
Steps
1. Turn off your computer.
2. Turn off the modem.
3. Turn off the wireless router.
4. Wait for 30 seconds.
5. Turn on the wireless router.
6. Turn on the modem.
7. Turn on your computer.
62 Troubleshooting
Getting help and contacting Dell
Self-help resources
You can get information and help on Dell products and services using these self-help resources:
Table 6. Self-help resources
Self-help resources Resource location
Information about Dell products and services www.dell.com
My Dell
Tips
Contact Support In Windows search, type Contact Support, and press
Enter.
Online help for operating system www.dell.com/support/windows
www.dell.com/support/linux
Access top solutions, diagnostics, drivers and downloads, and
learn more about your computer through videos, manuals and
documents.
Your Dell computer is uniquely identified by a Service Tag or
Express Service Code. To view relevant support resources for
your Dell computer, enter the Service Tag or Express Service
Code at www.dell.com/support.
For more information on how to find the Service Tag for your
computer, see Locate the Service Tag on your computer.
Dell knowledge base articles for a variety of computer
concerns
1. Go to www.dell.com/support.
2. On the menu bar at the top of the Support page, select
Support > Knowledge Base.
3. In the Search field on the Knowledge Base page, type the
keyword, topic, or model number, and then click or tap the
search icon to view the related articles.
Contacting Dell
To contact Dell for sales, technical support, or customer service issues, see www.dell.com/contactdell.
NOTE: Availability varies by country/region and product, and some services may not be available in your country/region.
NOTE: If you do not have an active Internet connection, you can find contact information about your purchase invoice,
packing slip, bill, or Dell product catalog.
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