Filter
Top Products
52 Troubleshooting Tools
Dell Diagnostics
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions located in the
Product Information Guide.
When to Use the Dell Diagnostics
If you experience a problem with your computer, perform the checks in "Solving Problems" on page 33
and run the Dell Diagnostics before you contact Dell for technical assistance.
NOTE: The Dell Diagnostics only operate on Dell computers.
Starting the Dell Diagnostics
1
Turn on (or restart) your computer.
2
When the DELL logo appears, press <F12> immediately.
NOTE: Keyboard failure may result when a key is held down for extended periods of time. To avoid possible
keyboard failure, press and release <F12> in even intervals to open the Boot Device Menu.
If you wait too long and the operating system logo appears, continue to wait until you see the
Microsoft
®
Windows
®
desktop, then shut down your computer and try again.
3
At the
Boot Device Menu
, use the up- and down-arrow keys or press the appropriate number on the
keyboard to highlight
Boot to Utility Partition
, and then press <Enter>.
NOTE: The Quickboot feature changes the boot sequence for the current boot only. Upon restart, the
computer boots according to the boot sequence specified in system setup.
4
At the Dell Diagnostics
Main Menu
, left-click with the mouse, or press <Tab> and then <Enter>, to
select the test you want to run (see "Dell Diagnostics Main Menu" on page 53).
NOTE: Write down any error codes and problem descriptions exactly as they appear and follow the
instructions on the screen.
5 After all tests have completed, close the test window to return to the Dell Diagnostics Main Menu.
6 Close the Main Menu window to exit the Dell Diagnostics and restart the computer.