Dell Diagnostics
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.
When to Use the Dell Diagnostics
If you experience a problem with your computer, perform the checks in Lockups and Software Problems (see "Lockups and Software Problems" on page 62) and run the Dell Diagnostics before you contact Dell for technical assistance.
It is recommended that you print these procedures before you begin.
NOTICE: The Dell Diagnostics works only on Dell™ computers.
NOTE: The Drivers and Utilities media is optional and may not ship with your computer.
See "System Setup" on page 172 to review your computer’s configuration information, and ensure that the device that you want to test displays in the system setup program and is active.
Start the Dell Diagnostics from your hard drive or from the Drivers and Utilities media.
Starting the Dell Diagnostics From Your Hard Drive
The Dell Diagnostics is located on a hidden diagnostic utility partition on your hard drive.
NOTE: If your computer cannot display a screen image, see "Getting Help" on page 183.
1Ensure that the computer is connected to an electrical outlet that is known to be working properly.
2Turn on (or restart) your computer.
3When the DELL™ logo appears, press <F12> immediately. Select Utility Partition from the boot menu and press <Enter>.
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.
NOTE: If you see a message stating that no diagnostics utility partition has been found, run the Dell Diagnostics from the Drivers and Utilities media.
4Press any key to start the Dell Diagnostics from the diagnostics utility partition on your hard drive.
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