Dell 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. Running the Dell Diagnostics may help you resolve the problem without contacting Dell. If you do contact Dell, the test results can provideimportant information for Dell's service and support personnel.The Dell Diagnostics allows you to:l Perform express, extended, or custom tests on one or all devices.l Select tests based on a symptom of the problem you are having.l Choose how many times a test is run.l Display test results.l Suspend testing if an error is detected.l Access online help information that describes the tests and devices.l Receive status messages that tell you whether tests completed successfully.l Receive error messages if problems are detected.Starting the Dell DiagnosticsStart the Dell Diagnostics from either your hard drive or from the Dell Dimension ResourceCD.Starting the Dell Diagnostics From Your Hard Drive1. Shut down and restart the computer.2. When the DELL™ logo appears, press immediately.If you wait too long and the Microsoft® Windows® logo appears, continue to wait until you see the Windows desktop. Then shut down your computerthrough the Start menu and try again.3. When the boot device list appears, highlight Boot to Utility Partition and press .4. When the Dell Diagnostics Main Menu appears, select the test you want to run.Starting the Dell Diagnostics From the ResourceCD1. Insert the ResourceCD into the CD drive.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 through theStart menu and try again.3. When the boot device list appears, highlight IDE CD-ROM Device and press .4. Select the IDE CD-ROM Device option from the CD boot menu.5. Select the Boot from CD-ROM option from the menu that appears.6. Type 1 to start the ResourceCD menu.7. Type 2 to start the Dell Diagnostics.8. Select Run the 32 Bit Dell Diagnostics from the numbered list. If multiple versions are listed, select the version appropriate for your platform.9. When the Dell Diagnostics Main Menu appears, select the test you want to run.Dell Diagnostics Main Menu1. After the Dell Diagnostics loads and the Main Menu screen appears, click the button for the option you want.NOTICE: Only use the Dell Diagnostics to test your Dell™ computer. Using this program with other computers can result in error messages.HINT: If you receive a message stating that no Diagnostics utility partition has been found, follow the instructions to run the Dell Diagnostics from yourResourceCD.HINT: This feature changes the boot sequence for one time only. On the next start-up, the computer boots according to the devices specified in thesystem setup program.HINT: The Service Tag number for your computer is located at the top of each test screen.Option Function
