Alienware M18X manual Software Diagnostic Tools, Enhanced Pre-Boot System Assessment

Models: M18X

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When troubleshooting your computer, remember the following safety guidelines:

Before touching any of the computer’s internal components, touch an unpainted portion of the chassis. Doing so will safely discharge any static electricity, which could damage your computer.

Turn off your computer and any connected peripherals.

Disconnect any peripherals from your computer.

Things to check:

Ensure that the AC adapter cable is properly connected between your computer and a grounded, three-prong power outlet. Ensure that the power outlet is working.

Ensure the UPS or power strip is turned on (if applicable).

If your peripheral devices (for example keyboard, mouse, printer, and so on) are not working, ensure that all connections are secure.

If any computer components were added or removed before the problem began, check to see if you performed the installation or removal procedures properly.

If an error message appears on the screen, write down the exact error message prior to calling Alienware Technical Support to aid in diagnosing and resolving your issue.

If an error occurs in a specific program, see the program’s documentation.

Software Diagnostic Tools

Enhanced Pre-Boot System Assessment

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

To invoke ePSA:

1.Turn on (or restart) your computer.

2.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>.

4.Follow the instructions on the screen. If a failure is detected, the diagnostics stop and the computer 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>.

CHAPTER 5: TROUBLESHOOTING

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Alienware M18X manual Software Diagnostic Tools, Enhanced Pre-Boot System Assessment