Dell DiagnosticsThe Dell™ Diagnostics utility is a hardware diagnostic program placed in the utility partition on the hard drive. The diagnostic utility is also available on the DellResourceCD.l Express Test — Performs a quick test of devices. This test typically takes 10 to 20 minutes and requires no interaction on your part. Run Express Testfirst to increase the possibility of tracing the problem quickly.l Extended Test — Performs a thorough check of devices. This test typically takes an hour or more and requires you to answer questions periodically.l Custom Test — Tests a specific device. You can customize the tests you want to run.l Symptom Tree — Lists the most common symptoms encountered and allows you to select a test based on the symptom of the problem you are having.Starting Dell Diagnostics1. Turn on (or restart) the 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, and then shut down thecomputer 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.Using Dell Diagnostics1. After the Dell Diagnostics program loads and the main menu screen appears, click the button for the option you want.2. If the diagnostics encounters a problem during a test, a message appears with an error code and a description of the problem. Write down the errorcode and problem description and follow the instructions on the screen. If you cannot resolve the error condition, contact Dell.3. If you run a test from the Custom Test or Symptom Tree option, click the applicable tab described in the following table for more information.4. Close the test screen to return to the main menu screen. To exit Dell Diagnostics and restart the computer, close the main menu screen.NOTE: Refer to the Dell Diagnostics (GUI) techsheet for more information.Back to Contents Pageinformation is correctNo timer tick interrupt A chip on the system board might be malfunctioning or motherboardfailureUSB over current errorDisconnect the USB device. The USB device needs more power for it tofunction properly. Use an external power source to connect the USBdevice, or if the device has two USB cables, connect both of themCAUTION - Hard Drive SELF MONITORING SYSTEM has reported that a parameterhas exceeded its normal operating range. Dell recommends that you back up yourdata regularly. A parameter out of range may or may not indicate a potential harddrive problemS.M.A.R.T error, possible hard drive failureNOTE: The Service Tag for the computer is located at the top of each test screen. If you contact Dell, Dell Technical Support will ask you for yourcomputer's Service Tag.Tab FunctionResults Displays the results of the test and any error conditions encountered.Errors Displays error conditions encountered, error codes, and the problem description.Help Describes the test and may indicate requirements for running the test.ConfigurationDisplays the hardware configuration for the selected device. Dell Diagnostics obtains configuration information for all devices from SystemSetup, memory, and various internal tests, and it displays the information in the device list in the left pane of the screen. The device list maynot display the names of all the components installed on the computer or all devices attached to the computer.Parameters Allows you to customize the test by changing the test settings.
