Troubleshooting system memoryPrerequisitesCAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should onlyperform troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or asdirected by the online or telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that isnot authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty. Read and follow the safety instructionsthat are shipped with your product.Steps1. If the system is operational, run the appropriate system diagnostic test. See the Using systemdiagnostics section for the available diagnostic tests.If the diagnostic tests indicate a fault, follow the corrective actions provided by the diagnostic tests.2. If the system is not operational, turn off the system and attached peripherals, and unplug the systemfrom the power source. Wait at least for 10 seconds, and then reconnect the system to the powersource.3. Turn on the system and attached peripherals, and note the messages on the screen.If an error message is displayed indicating a fault with a specific memory module, go to step 12.4. Enter System Setup, and check the system memory setting. Make any changes to the memorysettings, if needed.If the memory settings match the installed memory but the problem still persists, go to step 12.5. Turn off the system and attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the electrical outlet.6. Remove the system cover.7. Check the memory channels and ensure that they are populated correctly.NOTE: See the system event log or system messages for the location of the failed memorymodule. Reinstall the memory device.8. Reseat the memory modules in their sockets.9. Install the system cover.10. Enter System Setup and check the system memory setting.If the problem is not resolved, proceed with step 11.11. Remove the system cover.12. If a diagnostic test or error message indicates a specific memory module as faulty, swap or replacethe module with a known working memory module.13. To troubleshoot an unspecified faulty memory module, replace the memory module in the firstDIMM socket with a module of the same type and capacity.If an error message is displayed on the screen, this may indicate a problem with the installed DIMMtype(s), incorrect DIMM installation, or defective DIMM(s). Follow the on-screen instructions toresolve the problem.14. Install the system cover.15. As the system boots, observe any error message that is displayed and the diagnostic indicators on thefront of the system.16. If the memory problem persists, repeat step 12 through step 15 for each memory module installed.Next stepsIf the problem persists, see the Getting help section.Related Links198
