FILE LOCATION: C:\Documents and Settings\patricia_drake\Desktop\New Folder\D5016c70.fm
DELL CONFIDENTIAL – PRELIMINARY 3/18/04 – FOR PROOF ONLY
Solving Problems 59
7
Solving Problems

Dell Diagnostics

CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions at the
front of this document (see page9).

When to Use the Dell Diagnostics

If you experience a problem with your computer, perform the checks in "Solving Problems" and run
the Dell Diagnostics before you contact Dell for technical assistance.
NOTICE: The Dell Diagnostics works only on Dell™ computers.
The Dell Diagnostics is located on a hidden diagnostic utility partition on your hard drive.
NOTE: If your computer cannot display a screen image, contact Dell.
1
Shut down the computer.
2
If the computer is connected to a docking device (docked), undock it. See the documentation
that came with your docking device for instructions.
3
Connect the computer to an electrical outlet.
4
Turn on the computer. When the DELL™ logo appears, press <F12> immediately.
NOTE: If you cannot see anything on your display, hold down <Fn> and press the computer’s power
button to begin the Dell Diagnostics. The computer automatically runs the Pre-boot System Assessment.
NOTE: If you see a message stating that no diagnostics utility partition has been found, run the Dell
Diagnostics from your Drivers and Utilities CD.
If you wait too long and the Microsoft
®
Windows
®
logo appears, continue to wait until you
see the Windows desktop. Then shut down your computer through the
Start
menu and try
again.