Solving Problems 59Solving ProblemsDell™ DiagnosticsCAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in theProduct Information Guide.When to Use the Dell DiagnosticsIf you experience a problem with your computer, perform the checks in this chapter and run theDell Diagnostics before you contact Dell for technical assistance.NOTICE: The Dell Diagnostics works only on Dell™ computers.Start the Dell Diagnostics from your hard drive. The Dell Diagnostics is located on a hiddendiagnostic utility partition on your hard drive.NOTE: If your computer cannot display a screen image, see "Contacting Dell" on page 113.1 Shut down the computer.2 If the computer is connected to a docking device (docked), undock it. See the documentationthat 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 theMicrosoft® Windows® desktop. Then shut down your computer (see "Turning Off YourComputer" on page 83) 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 systemboard, keyboard, hard drive, and display.• During the assessment, answer any questions that appear.• If a failure is detected, the computer stops and beeps. To stop the assessment and restartthe computer, press ; to continue to the next test, press ; to retest thecomponent that failed, press .
