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Quick Reference Guide 19
Solving Problems
Dell provides a number of tools to help you if your computer does not perform as expected. For the
latest troubleshooting information available for your computer, see the Dell Support website at
support.dell.com
.
If computer problems occur that require help from Dell, write a detailed description of the error,
beep codes, or diagnostics light patterns; record your Express Service Code and Service Tag below;
and then contact Dell from the same location as your computer.
See "Finding Information for Your Computer" on page 5 for an example of the Express Service
Code and Service Tag.
Express Service Code:___________________________
Service Tag:___________________________
Dell Diagnostics
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the
Product Information Guide.
NOTE: The Drivers and Utilities CD (ResourceCD) is optional and therefore may not ship with all
computers.
When to Use the Dell Diagnostics
If you experience a problem with your computer, perform the checks in "Solving Problems" of your
online
User’s Guide
and run the Dell Diagnostics before you contact Dell for technical assistance.
NOTICE: The Dell Diagnostics works only on Dell™ computers.
Enter system setup, review your computer’s configuration information, and ensure that the device
you want to test displays in system setup and is active.
Start the Dell Diagnostics from either your hard drive or from the optional
Drivers and Utilities
CD
(also known as the ResourceCD).
Starting the Dell Diagnostics From Your Hard Drive
1
Turn on (or restart) your computer.
2
When the DELL™ logo appears, press <F12> immediately.
NOTE: If you see a message stating that no diagnostics utility partition has been found, run the Dell
Diagnostics from your Drivers and Utilities CD (optional).
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
When the boot device list appears, highlight
Boot to Utility Partition
and press <Enter>.
4
When the Dell Diagnostics
Main Menu
appears, select the test you want to run.