Using the Dell DiagnosticsDell DiagnosticsDell DiagnosticsWhen to Use the Dell DiagnosticsIf you experience a problem with your computer, perform the checks in "Solving Problems" and run the Dell Diagnostics before you contact Dell for technicalassistance.It is recommended that you print these procedures before you begin.Start the Dell Diagnostics from either your hard drive or from the Drivers and Utilities CD (also known as the ResourceCD).Starting the Dell Diagnostics From Your Hard DriveThe Dell Diagnostics is located on a hidden diagnostic utility partition on your hard drive.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. Turn on the computer. When the DELL™ logo appears, press 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 yourcomputer and try again.5. When the boot device list appears, highlight Diagnostics and press .The computer runs the Pre-boot System Assessment, a series of initial tests of your system board, keyboard, hard drive, and display.l During the assessment, answer any questions that appear.l If a failure is detected, the computer stops and beeps. To stop the assessment and restart the computer, press ; to continue to the next test,press ; to retest the component that failed, press .l If failures are detected during the Pre-boot System Assessment, write down the error code(s) and contact Dell before continuing on to the DellDiagnostics.If the Pre-boot System Assessment completes successfully, you receive the message Booting Dell Diagnostic Utility Partition. Press any key tocontinue.6. Press any key to start the Dell Diagnostics from the diagnostics utility partition on your hard drive.Starting the Dell Diagnostics From the Drivers and Utilities CD1. Insert the Drivers and Utilities CD.2. Shut down and restart the computer.When the DELL logo appears, press immediately.If you wait too long and the Windows logo appears, continue to wait until you see the Windows desktop. Then shut down your computer and try again.CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions located in the Product Information Guide.NOTICE: The Dell Diagnostics works only on Dell™ computers.NOTE: If your computer cannot display a screen image, contact Dell.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.NOTE: The next steps change the boot sequence for one time only. On the next start-up, the computer boots according to the devices specified insystem setup.
