52 Troubleshooting Tools
Dell Diagnostics CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions located in the
Product Information Guide.
When to Use the Dell Diagnostics
If you experience a problem with your computer, perform the checks in "Solving Problems" on page33
and run the Dell Diagnostics before you contact Dell for technical assistance.
NOTE: The Dell Diagnostics only operate on Dell computers.
Starting the Dell Diagnostics
1
Turn on (or restart) your computer.
2
When the DELL logo appears, press <F12> immediately.
NOTE: Keyboard failure may result when a key is held down for extended periods of time. To avoid possible
keyboard failure, press and release <F12> in even intervals to open the Boot Device Menu.
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
At the
Boot Device Menu
, use the up- and down-arrow keys or press the appropriate number on the
keyboard to highlight
Boot to Utility Partition
, and then press <Enter>.
NOTE: The Quickboot feature changes the boot sequence for the current boot only. Upon restart, the
computer boots according to the boot sequence specified in system setup.
4
At the Dell Diagnostics
Main Menu
, left-click with the mouse, or press <Tab> and then <Enter>, to
select the test you want to run (see "Dell Diagnostics Main Menu" on page53).
NOTE: Write down any error codes and problem descriptions exactly as they appear and follow the
instructions on the screen.
5After all tests have completed, close the test window to return to the Dell Diagnostics Main Menu.
6Close the Main Menu window to exit the Dell Diagnostics and restart the computer.