Solution 40446: Troubleshooting a TI-84 Plus CE Graphing Calculator That Displays a “Validating Operating System…” Message or Flashes White.
What can I do if my TI-84 Plus CE stops at or loops to a “Validating Operating System…” message or continuously flashes/blinks white when connected to a power source?
Please Note: If your TI-84 Plus CE graphing calculator will not charge please instead refer to Solution 37152.
Additional Note: If your TI-84 Plus CE will not turn on or function properly please instead refer to Solution 37295.
To troubleshoot a TI-84 Plus CE calculator that does not load past the “Validating Operating System…” message or continuously flashes white when connected to a power source, please try the following troubleshooting steps:
1) Attempt to charge the calculator by connecting it to a wall adapter, Charging Station, or computer, please charge the calculator for a minimum of 3 hours.
Please Note: If you are using a wall charger, make sure you are using the TI wall charger or other UL-certified USB charger rated for at least 1 amp (usually written as “1A” or “1000 mA”). To determine whether your charger is UL-certified, flip it over to the inside, and read the label. Look for the UL stamp, and confirm that it states that it is 1000 mA or higher.
2) If the USB port is in good working condition, and the USB cable is plugged in all the way, using a paper clip, press the reset button on the back of the calculator for 2 seconds and release.
Please Note: Resetting the calculator will erase the contents of RAM, such as lists and programs.
3a) If the calculator turns on normally when the [on] key is pressed:
Use TI Connect CE software to transfer the latest Operating System to your calculator. If you have access to another TI-84 Plus CE calculator, you may transfer the Operating System from calculator to calculator. However, please ensure the OS on the calculator you are transferring from is version 5.6 or later.
3b) If the calculator still displays a persistent “Validating OS” message or flashes white continuously: While holding the [2nd] [del] keys down, press and release the reset button on the back of the calculator. When the screen turns on, release the [2nd] and [del] keys.
If the calculator then turns on normally when the [on] key is pressed, use TI Connect CE software to transfer the latest Operating System to your calculator. If you have access to another TI-84 Plus CE calculator, you may transfer the Operating System from calculator to calculator. However, please ensure the OS on the calculator you are transferring from is version 5.6 or later.
Please Note: After resetting the calculator, it is normal for the “Validating OS” message to appear briefly on the screen and then disappear. The calculator’s OS is validated after each reset.
4) If the calculator still displays a persistent “Validating OS” message or flashes white repeatedly, and you have access to another TI Rechargeable Battery, please try using that battery temporarily, and note the calculator’s response and functionality when using this battery.
If using a different battery results in the calculator booting up properly and the calculator was purchased new within the last 2 years, please complete a Battery Request Form to request a replacement battery.*
If the calculator does not turn on with another battery, please contact TI-Cares for additional troubleshooting.
If you do not have access to another battery and the calculator was purchased new within the last two years, please complete a Battery Request Form to request a replacement battery.*
* Must meet criteria stated in form.