support.dell.com Troubleshooting 3-3Check the Electrical Power SourceIf you are experiencing problems with power, perform the following checks:• Check the computer power indicator. When lit, the power indicator verifies thatthe power supply is operating.• Verify that the electrical outlet is functional by plugging an operational device,such as a lamp, into the outlet.• Plug the computer directly into a functioning electrical outlet.• If your computer is connected to a power strip, shut down the computer. Turn offand then turn on the power strip to reset it.Running the Dell DiagnosticsThe Dell Diagnostics helps you to check your computer hardware without any addi-tional equipment and without destroying any data. By using the diagnostics, you canhave confidence in your computer's operation. If you find a problem you cannot solveby yourself, the diagnostic tests can provide you with important information. Recordthis information on a copy of the Diagnostics Checklist (see Figure 5-1) before you callDell for technical assistance.NOTICE: The Dell Diagnostics is designed specifically for your computer. Donot run the Dell Diagnostics on any other computer. Using this diagnosticprogram with other computers may cause incorrect computer responses ormay result in error messages.The Dell Diagnostics provides a series of menus and options from which you canchoose particular device group tests. You can also control the sequence in which thetests are run. Other helpful features include the following:• A menu category called Options that lets you run tests individually or collectively• An option that allows you to choose the number of times a device group test isrepeated• The ability to display test results, print them out, or to save them in a file• The option to temporarily suspend testing if an error is detected or to terminatetesting if an adjustable error limit is reached• A menu category called Devices that briefly describes each test and itsparameters• A menu category called Config that describes the configuration of the devices inthe selected device group• Status messages that inform you whether device group tests ran successfully• Error messages that appear if problems are detected
