Dell P06T, DRF37 manual Software Diagnostic Tools, Pre-Boot System Assessment PSA

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CHAPTER 5: TROUBLESHOOTING

Software Diagnostic Tools

Pre-Boot System Assessment (PSA)

The computer runs the Pre-boot System Assessment (PSA), a series of initial tests of your system board, keyboard, display, memory, hard drive, etc.

To invoke PSA:

1.Turn on (or restart) your computer.

2.Shut down and restart the laptop. When the Alienware logo appears, press <F12> immediately.

NOTE: If you wait too long and the operating system logo appears, continue to wait until you see the Microsoft® Windows® desktop; then, shut down your computer and try again.

3.Select Diagnostics from the menu and press <Enter>.

During the assessment, answer any questions that appear.

If a failure is detected, the computer stops and beeps. To stop the assessment and restart the computer, press <n>; to continue to the next test, press <y>; to retest the component that failed, press <r>.

If failures are detected during the Pre-boot System Assessment, write down the error code(s) and contact Alienware (for more information, see “CONTACTING ALIENWARE“ on page 99).

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Contents Alienware M11x Mobile Manual Page Contents CONTENTS CONTENTS Page Page Page Chapter Setting UP Your Laptop Before Setting Up Your Laptop Placing Your Laptop Product Documentation and MediaConnect the AC Adapter Press the Power Button Connect the Network Cable Optional Set Up Microsoft Windows Connect to the Internet Optional Setting Up a Wired ConnectionSetting Up a Wireless Connection Setting Up Your Internet Connection Getting to Know Your Laptop Getting to Know Your Laptop Left View FeaturesGetting to Know Your Laptop Getting to Know Your Laptop Right View Features Back View Features Getting to Know Your Laptop Display Features Getting to Know Your Laptop Computer Base and Keyboard Features Getting to Know Your Laptop Power Button On AC adapter F1 Extend Desktop Function KeysF5 Decrease Display Brightness F11 Play or Pause Using Your Laptop Connecting External Displays Alienware Command CenterConnecting a Display USING Your Laptop USING Your Laptop Extending the Desktop Using Removable Media and CardsBattery Pack Using the Wireless ControlUnderstanding Power Consumption Power ManagementReducing Power Consumption Customizing Your Power SettingsSystem Setup Configuring the BiosSystem Setup Screens Entering System SetupCPU System Setup OptionsTotal Memory Intel High Definition Sound Sata Operation System Password Computrace FailSafe Asset Tag CD/DVD/BD Exit Saving Installing and Replacing Components Before You Begin Turning Off Your Computer Before Working Inside Your Computer INSTALLING and Replacing COMPONENTS Replacing the Battery Pack Captive screws Compartment door Battery pack Battery pack cable Captive screws Removing the Memory Modules Upgrading or Replacing MemoryMemory module Notch Spring locks Memory module connector Tab Removing the Hard Drive Upgrading or Replacing the Hard Drive AssemblyPull-tab Hard drive Hard drive bracket Screws Hard drive2 interposer Troubleshooting Basic Hints and Tips Backup and General Maintenance Things to check Pre-Boot System Assessment PSA Software Diagnostic ToolsAlienware Diagnostics Starting Alienware Diagnostics System Answers to Common ProblemsComputer fails the Post Program stops responding or crashes repeatedly Computer stops responding or a solid blue screen appearsOther software problems TROUBLESHOOTING Allow the computer to cool before turning it on Hard Drive ProblemsRun Check Disk Memory Memory errors detected on startupDisplay If the display is blankPower System Recovery Recovery Options Dell DataSafe Local Backup YSTEM Recovery Dell DataSafe Online Backup YSTEM Recovery Basic Specifications BASIC SPECIFICATIONS USB BASIC SPECIFICATIONS BASIC SPECIFICATIONS BASIC SPECIFICATIONS Appendix Computer Setup General and Electrical Safety PrecautionsElectrostatic Discharge ESD Warning Computer UseWhen You Should Contact Alienware General Safety PrecautionsReplacement Components or Accessories Contacting Alienware Websites