2-4 Dell Inspiron 5000 Reference and Troubleshooting Guide
If a major component or device in your computer does not function properly, you may
have a component failure. You can use the Dell Diagnostics as long as the following
components are functioning properly:
•Microprocessor
•Display
•Keyboard
•CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive module
If you know which components you need to test, select the appropriate diagnostic
device group tests you want to run. If you are unsure about how to begin diagnosing a
problem, see the following sections.
Start the Dell Diagnostics
NOTES: The Dell Diagnostics runs in MS-DOS® mode. When the computer runs on a
battery in MS-DOS mode, the battery status indicator glows amber when approxi-
mately 10 percent of the battery charge remains, and it flashes amber when
approximately 3 percent of the battery charge remains. If the battery status indicator
becomes amber, connect the computer to AC power using the AC adapter. If AC
power is not available, turn off the computer until AC power is available.
The standby and hibernate modes are Windows power management features. These
power management modes are not available while the computer is running in
MS-DOS mode. For information on the standby and hibernate modes, see “Conserv-
ing Power” in the system Help.
External Universal Serial Bus (USB) keyboards only function when Windows 98
Second Edition is running. Use the integrated keyboard when you use the Dell
Diagnostics.
1. Save and close any open files, exit any open application programs, and shut down
the computer.
2. If the computer is docked, undock it.
For instructions, see the Port Replicator User’s Guide.
3. Turn on the computer.
4. Press <F2> when you see the Dell logo to access the system setup program.
5. Press the right-arrow key to highlight Boot.
6. Press the down-arrow key to highlight a device, and then press <F5> to move the
device down the list or press <F6> to move the device up the list. Select the fol-
lowing boot sequence:
•Floppy
•Internal Hard Drive
•CD ROM/DVD
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