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Solving Problems 51
Solving Problems
Dell Diagnostics
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the
Product Information Guide.
When to Use the Dell Diagnostics
If you experience a problem with your computer, perform the checks in this chapter, and run the
Dell Diagnostics before you contact Dell for technical assistance.
NOTICE: The Dell Diagnostics works only on Dell™ computers.
Start the Dell Diagnostics from your hard drive. The Dell Diagnostics is located on a hidden diagnostic
utility partition on your hard drive.
NOTE: If your computer cannot display a screen image, see "FCC Notices (U.S. Only)" on page 101.
1
Shut down the computer.
2
Connect the computer to an electrical outlet.
3
Turn on the computer. When the DELL™ logo appears, press <F12> immediately.
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 (see "Turning Off Your
Computer" on page 75) and try again.
4
When the boot device list appears, highlight
Diagnostics
and press <Enter>.
The computer runs the Pre-boot System Assessment, a series of initial tests of your system board,
keyboard, hard drive, and display.
• During the assessment, answer any questions that appear.
• If a failure is detected, the computer stops and beeps. To stop the assessment and restart the
computer, press <n>; to continue to the next test, press <y>; to retest the component that
failed, press <r>.
• If failures are detected during the Pre-boot System Assessment, write down the error code(s)
and contact Dell before continuing on to the Dell Diagnostics. See "FCC Notices (U.S.
Only)" on page 101.
If the Pre-boot System Assessment completes successfully, you receive the message
Booting
Dell Diagnostic Utility Partition. Press any key to continue
.
5
Press any key to start the Dell Diagnostics from the diagnostics utility partition on your hard drive.