Dell R805 owner manual When to Use the System Diagnostics, Running the System Diagnostics, 162

When to Use the System Diagnostics

If a major component or device in the system does not operate properly, component failure may be indicated. As long as the microprocessor and the system's input/output devices (monitor, keyboard, and diskette drive) are functioning, you can use the system diagnostics to help identify the problem.

Running the System Diagnostics

The system diagnostics is run from the utility partition on your hard drive.

NOTICE: Use the system diagnostics to test only your system. Using this program with other systems may cause invalid results or error messages. In addition, use only the program that came with your system (or an updated version of that program).

1As the system boots, press <F10> during POST.

2From the utility partition main menu, select Run System Diagnostics, or select Run Memory Diagnostics if you are troubleshooting memory.

When you start the system diagnostics, a message is displayed stating that the diagnostics are initializing. Next, the Diagnostics menu appears. The menu allows you to run all or specific diagnostics tests or to exit the system diagnostics.

NOTE: Before you read the rest of this section, start the system diagnostics so that you can see the utility on your screen.

System Diagnostics Testing Options

Click the testing option in the Main Menu window. Table 5-1 provides a brief explanation of testing options.

Table 5-1. System Diagnostics Testing Options

Testing Option	Function
Express Test	Performs a quick check of the system. This option runs device
	tests that do not require user interaction. Use this option to
	quickly identify the source of your problem.
Extended Test	Performs a more thorough check of the system. This test can
	take an hour or longer.

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Running the System Diagnostics