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Diagnostics
Dell™ Vostro™ 230s Service
Dell Diagnostics
Power Button Light Codes
Beep Codes
Dell Diagnostics
When to Use the Dell Diagnostics
It is recommended that you print these procedures before you begin.
NOTE: The Dell Diagnostics software works only on Dell computers.
NOTE: The Drivers and Utilities media is optional and may not ship with your computer.
Enter system setup (see Entering System Setup), review your computer's configuration information, and ensure that the device you want to test displays in System Setup and is active.
Start the Dell Diagnostics from either your hard drive or from the Drivers and Utilities media.
Starting the Dell Diagnostics From Your Hard Drive
1.Turn on (or restart) your computer.
2.When the DELL logo appears, press <F12> immediately.
NOTE: If you see a message stating that no diagnostics utility partition has been found, run the Dell Diagnostics from your Drivers and Utilities media.
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.When the boot device list appears, highlight Boot to Utility Partition and press <Enter>.
4.When the Dell Diagnostics Main Menu appears, select the test that you want to run.
Starting the Dell Diagnostics From the Drivers and Utilities Disc
1.Insert the Drivers and Utilities disc.
2.Shut down and restart the computer.
When the DELL logo appears, press <F12> immediately.
If you wait too long and the Windows logo appears, continue to wait until you see the Windows desktop. Then shut down your computer and try again.
NOTE: The next steps change the boot sequence for one time only. On the next startup, the computer boots according to the devices specified in the system setup program.
3.When the boot device list appears, highlight Onboard or USB
4.Select the Boot from
5.Type 1 to start the menu and press <Enter> to proceed.
6.Select Run the 32 Bit Dell Diagnostics from the numbered list. If multiple versions are listed, select the version appropriate for your computer.
7.When the Dell Diagnostics Main Menu appears, select the test you want to run.
Dell Diagnostics Main Menu
1. After the Dell Diagnostics loads and the Main Menu screen appears, click the button for the option you want.
Option | Function |
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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 Test first to |
| increase the possibility of tracing the problem quickly. |
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Extended | Performs a thorough check of devices. This test typically takes 1 hour or more and requires you to answer questions periodically. |
Test |
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Custom Test | Tests a specific device. You can customize the tests you want to run. |
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Symptom | Lists the most common symptoms encountered and allows you to select a test based on the symptom of the problem you are having. |
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