20 Quick Reference Guidew w w . d e l l . c o m | s u p p o r t . d e l l . c o mRunning the Dell DiagnosticsCAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructionslocated in the Product Information Guide.When to Use the Dell DiagnosticsIf you experience a problem with your computer, perform the checks in "Solving Problems" (seeyour online User’s Guide) and run the Dell Diagnostics before you contact Dell for technicalassistance.NOTICE: The Dell Diagnostics works only on Dell™ computers.Start the Dell Diagnostics from either your hard drive or from the optional 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.NOTE: If your computer cannot display a screen image, contact Dell.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.NOTE: If you cannot see anything on your display, hold down the mute button and press the computer’spower button to begin the Dell Diagnostics. The computer automatically runs the Pre-boot SystemAssessment.NOTE: If you see a message stating that no diagnostics utility partition has been found, run the DellDiagnostics from your Drivers and Utilities CD.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 and try again.SC A N T H E C O M P U T E R F O R S P Y W A R E — If you are experiencing slow computer performance, youfrequently receive pop-up advertisements, or you are having problems connecting to the Internet, yourcomputer might be infected with spyware. Use an anti-virus program that includes anti-spywareprotection (your program may require an upgrade) to scan the computer and remove spyware. For moreinformation, go to support.dell.com and search for the keyword spyware.RU N T H E DE L L DI A G N O S T I C S — If all tests run successfully, the error condition is related to asoftware problem.