Dell Area-51 ALX manual Software Diagnostic Tools, Pre-Boot System Assessment PSA

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Software Diagnostic Tools

Pre-Boot System Assessment (PSA)

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

To invoke PSA:

1.Restart the computer.

2.Press <F12> to access the Boot Menu.

3.Select Diagnostics and press <Enter>.

4.During the assessment, answer any questions that appear on the screen.

If a component fails the test, 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 you receive error code(s) during the Pre-boot System Assessment, write down the error code(s) and contact Alienware (for details, see “CONTACTING ALIENWARE“ on page 70).

CHAPTER 6: TROUBLESHOOTING

If the Pre-boot System Assessment completes successfully, the following message will appear on your screen.

“Do you want to run the remaining memory tests? This will take about 30 minutes or more. Do you want to continue? (Recommended).”

5.Press <y> to continue if you are experiencing memory issue, otherwise press <n> to finish PSA testing. The following message will appear on the screen.

“Pre-boot System Assessment complete.” No Diagnostic Utility Partition identified. Select OK to reboot your computer.”

6.Press <o> to reboot your computer.

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Contents Alienware Desktop Manual 02 /02 Contents Basic Specifications Introduction Setting UP Your Desktop Before Setting Up Your Desktop Product Documentation and MediaPlacing Your Desktop Connect the Display Connect the Network Cable Optional Connect the Power Cable Set Up Microsoft Windows Connect to the Internet OptionalSetting Up Your Internet Connection Getting to Know Your Desktop Front View Features AlienheadBack View Features Appropriate connectorsBack Panel Connectors Top View Features Accessing the Top Panel ConnectorsBack Light Button Top Panel Connectors Headphone connector Connects to headphonesConnecting Devices Connecting External Speakers Connecting Printers Connecting a Plug and Play PrinterConnecting USB Devices Connecting Ieee 1394 FireWire DevicesConnecting a Non Plug and Play Printer Using Your Desktop Alienware Command Center Working With RAIDAlienFX AlienFusionRAID Level 026 /026 Optimizing Performance Configuring the Bios System SetupEntering System Setup System Setup ScreensSystem Setup Options Sata LAN1 BCM5784 Device Suspend Mode Adjust CPU BClk MHz CPU Temperature Sensor Installing Additional or Replacement Components Before You Begin Turning Off Your DesktopBefore Working Inside Your Desktop Opening and Closing the Side Panel Inside View of Your Computer Memory module connector Securing clips Tab Notch Removing and Replacing Memory Modules041 /041 Removing and Replacing Hard Drives Side panel Release panel043 /043 Removing and Replacing Expansion Cards 045/045 Troubleshooting Backup and General Maintenance Basic Hints and TipsSoftware Diagnostic Tools Pre-Boot System Assessment PSAAlienware Diagnostics Starting Alienware Diagnostics From the Support CD/DVDAnswers to Common Problems CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, CD-R/W, DVD±R/W, or Blu-ray Disc DriveComputer does not recognize the disc or drive An audio CD does not produce soundComputer Computer fails the PostComputer stops responding or a solid blue screen appears Program stops responding or crashes repeatedlyOther software problems Hard Drive Problems InternetInternet connection is slow Keyboard MemoryDisplay MouseIf the display is blank If the display is difficult to readPower PrinterPrinter does not turn on Printer does not printGame Controllers SpeakersComputer does not recognize the game controller There is no sound from the speakersSystem Recovery Using AlienRespawn AlienRespawnRecovery Options Microsoft System RestoreAdvanced Recovery Factory System RecoveryPassword Protection To Enable or Change Password SettingsDell DataSafe Local Backup AlienRespawn v2.0 DiscTo Use the AlienRespawn v2.0 Disc 063/063 Basic Specifications USB PCI Non-Operating Grms Computer Setup Computer UseElectrostatic Discharge ESD Warning General Safety Precautions When Should You Contact Alienware?Replacement Components or Accessories Appendix B Contacting Alienware WebsitesAppendix C Important Information Nvidia GeForce GTX 295 Graphics Cards0K830RA00