Back to Contents PageAdvanced TroubleshootingDell™ Dimension™ 5100 Service ManualDell DiagnosticsSystem LightsDiagnostic LightsBeep CodesDell DiagnosticsWhen to Use the Dell DiagnosticsIf you experience a problem with your computer, perform the checks in this section and run the Dell Diagnostics before you contact Dell for technicalassistance.It is recommended that you print these procedures before you begin.Enter system setup to review your computer's configuration information, and ensure that the device you want to test displays in system setup and is active.Start the Dell Diagnostics from either your hard drive or from the optional Drivers and Utilities CD (ResourceCD).Starting the Dell Diagnostics From Your Hard Drive1. Turn on (or restart) your computer.2. 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.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 Optional 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.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.CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.NOTE: The Drivers and Utilities CD (ResourceCD) is optional, and as such, may not ship with all computers.NOTICE: The Dell Diagnostics works only on Dell™ computers.NOTE: If you see a message stating that no diagnostics utility partition has been found, run the Dell Diagnostics from your (optional) Drivers and UtilitiesCD.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.