Dell 2100/180 Laptop User Manual


 
2-6 Dell PowerEdge 2100/180 and 2100/200 Systems Service Manual
R
unning the Diskette-Based Diagnostics
The diskette-based diagnostics (included with the system) contain tests that aid
in troubleshooting all major components of the computer system.
To start the diagnostics, turn off the system unit, insert a diagnostics diskette
into drive A, and then turn on the system unit.
Starting the diagnostics causes the Dell logo screen to appear on the monitor
screen, followed by a message indicating that the diagnostics is loading. Before
the diagnostics loads, a program tests the portion of main memory (RAM)
required for loading the diagnostics. If a main memory error is detected, a mes-
sage appears on the screen telling you which DIMM has failed.
If no errors are found in main memory, the diagnostics loads and the Diagnos-
tics Menu appears. This menu lets you choose the following options or exit to
the Microsoft
®
MS-DOS
®
prompt:
RUN QUICK TESTS
— Runs selected tests from all test groups to quickly
locate a failure or to indicate where further testing is needed to isolate a
failure
RUN ALL TESTS
— Runs all tests for a thorough test of the system
RUN SPECIFIC TESTS
— Tests a particular area or subsystem
G
etting Help
If none of the troubleshooting procedures in this chapter or the tests in the dis-
kette-based diagnostics reveals the source of the problem or leads to the proper
troubleshooting steps for determining the source of the problem, call Dell for
technical assistance. For instructions, see the chapter titled “Getting Help” in
the Diagnostics and Troubleshooting Guide.
CAUTION: To prevent damage to the original diagnostics diskette, always use
a backup copy of the
diagnostics diskette
when servicing a user’s system. Dell recom-
mends that users make several copies of this diskette to ensure that one is always
available.