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Solving Problems 55
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 “
Lockups and Software
Problems
” 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 either your hard drive or from the Drivers and Utilities CD (also
known as the ResourceCD).
NOTE: The Drivers and Utilities CD may not ship with your computer.
Starting 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, contact Dell. See “
Contacting Dell
.”
1
Shut down the computer.
2
If the computer is connected to a docking device (docked), undock it. See the documentation that
came with your docking device for instructions.
3
Connect the computer to an electrical outlet.
4
Diagnostics can be invoked one of two ways:
a
Turn on the computer. When the DELL™ logo appears, press <F12> immediately. Select
Diagnostics
from the boot menu and press <Enter>.
NOTE: 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.
b
Press and hold the <Fn> key while powering the system on.
NOTE: If you see a message stating that no diagnostics utility partition has been found, run the Dell
Diagnostics from the Drivers and Utilities CD.
book.book Page 55 Thursday, September 22, 2005 8:08 AM