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Solving Problems 75
Solving Problems
Using the Dell Diagnostics
CAUTION: Before you begin this procedure, read the safety instructions at the front of this document
(see page 11).
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.
The Dell Diagnostics is located on a hidden diagnostic utility partition on your hard drive.
NOTE: If your computer cannot display a screen image, contact Dell (see page 152).
1
Shut down the computer (see page 103).
2
Connect the computer to an electrical outlet.
3
Turn on the computer. When the DELL™ logo appears, press <F12> immediately.
NOTE: If you cannot see anything on your display, hold down the mute button and press the
computer’s power button to begin the Dell Diagnostics. The computer automatically runs the
Pre-boot System Assessment.
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.
If you wait too long and the Microsoft
®
Windows
®
logo appears, continue to wait until you
see the Windows desktop. Then shut down your computer through the
Start
menu 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>.