Dell E521 specifications Dell Diagnostics Main Menu, What Is a Driver?, Identifying Drivers

Page 9

5.After all tests have completed, close the test window to return to the Dell Diagnostics Main Menu.

6.Close the Main Menu window to exit the Dell Diagnostics and restart the computer.

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

 

 

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.

 

 

Extended

Performs a thorough check of devices. This test typically takes an hour or more and requires you to answer questions periodically.

Test

 

Custom Test

Tests a specific device. You can customize the tests you want to run.

 

 

Symptom

Lists the most common symptoms encountered and allows you to select a test based on the symptom of the problem you are having.

Tree

 

 

 

2.If a problem is encountered during a test, a message appears with an error code and a description of the problem. Write down the error code and problem description and follow the instructions on the screen.

If you cannot resolve the error condition, contact Dell (see "Contacting Dell" in your Owner's Manual).

NOTE: The Service Tag for your computer is located at the top of each test screen. If you contact Dell, technical support will ask for your Service Tag.

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.

Tab

Function

 

 

Results

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.

 

 

Configuration

Displays your hardware configuration for the selected device.

 

The Dell Diagnostics obtains configuration information for all devices from system setup, memory, and various internal tests, and it displays

 

the information in the device list in the left pane of the screen. The device list may not display the names of all the components installed on

 

your computer or all devices attached to your computer.

 

 

Parameters

Allows you to customize the test by changing the test settings.

 

 

4. Close the test screen to return to the Main Menu screen. To exit the Dell Diagnostics and restart the computer, close the Main Menu screen.

Drivers

What Is a Driver?

A driver is a program that controls a device such as a printer, mouse, or keyboard. All devices require a driver program.

A driver acts as a translator between the device and any other programs that use the device. Each device has its own set of specialized commands that only the driver for that device recognizes.

Required drivers are already installed on your computer—no further installation or configuration is needed.

Many drivers, such as the keyboard driver, come with your Microsoft® Windows® operating system. You may need to install drivers if you:

Upgrade your operating system.

Reinstall your operating system.

Connect or install a new device.

Identifying Drivers

Image 9
Contents Model Dcsm Front View of the Computer About Your ComputerBack View of the Computer Back Panel ConnectorsBack to Contents Power Lights Advanced TroubleshootingDiagnostic Lights Light Pattern Problem Description Suggested ResolutionBeep Codes System MessagesCode Cause Diskette read failure Click the Change or Remove Program iconStarting the Dell Diagnostics Dell DiagnosticsWhat Is a Driver? Dell Diagnostics Main MenuDrivers Identifying DriversUsing Windows XP Device Driver Rollback Reinstalling DriversManually Reinstalling Drivers Windows XPClick Start, then click Help and Support Resolving Software and Hardware IncompatibilitiesGetting Started Before You BeginRecommended Tools Turning Off Your ComputerBack to Contents Removing the Computer Cover Removing and Installing PartsMemory Memory Installation GuidelinesInstalling Memory Addressing Memory With 4-GB ConfigurationsRemoving Memory CardsPCI Cards Installing a PCI CardPage Removing a PCI Card PCI Express Cards Installing a PCI Express CardPage Removing a PCI Express Card Removing the Drive Panel Drive PanelInstalling the Drive-Panel Insert Installing the Drive PanelRemoving the Drive-Panel Insert Drives Connecting Drive CablesDrive Interface Connectors Connecting and Disconnecting Drive CablesHard Drive Removing a Hard Drive Installing a Hard DrivePage Adding a Second Hard Drive Floppy DriveRemoving a Floppy Drive Installing a Floppy Drive Removing a Media Card Reader Media Card ReaderInstalling a Media Card Reader Removing a CD/DVD Drive CD/DVD DriveInstalling a CD/DVD Drive Page Battery Power SupplyReplacing the Battery Replacing the Power Supply Removing the Processor ProcessorInstalling the Processor Page Removing the I/O Panel PanelInstalling the I/O Panel Processor FanRemoving the Processor Fan Installing the Processor Fan System Board Removing the System BoardSystem Board Screws Installing the System Board Installing the Computer CoverBack to Contents September 2006 Rev. A00 Specifications Connectors DrivesControls and Lights Power PhysicalEnvironmental Entering System Setup System SetupSystem Setup Screen OverviewOnboard Devices System Setup OptionsBypass is Not SetUnlocked Option Settings Boot SequenceChanging Boot Sequence for the Current Boot Setup & Boot MenuChanging Boot Sequence for Future Boots Clearing Forgotten PasswordsFlashing the Bios Clearing Cmos SettingsClick Save this program to disk, and then click OK Technical Overview Inside View of Your ComputerSystem Board Components Pin Number Signal name AWG Wire Power Supply DC Connector Pin AssignmentsDC Power Connector P2 DC Power Connector P10