Running the Dell Diagnostics 7-1

&+$37(5

5XQQLQJWKH'HOO'LDJQRVWLFV
The Dell Diagnostics
helps you check your computer’s hardware without destroying
any data. The diagnostic tests can provide you with im portant information you will
need when resolving problems.
&$87,218VHWKH'HOO'LDJQRVWLFVWRWHVWRQO\\RXU'HOOFRPSXWHUV\VWHP
8VLQJWKLVSURJUDPZLWKRWKHUFRPSXWHUVPD\FDXVHLQ FRUUHFWFRPSXWHU
UHVSRQVHVRUUHVXOWLQHUURUPHVVDJHV
The diagnostics provides a series of menus and options from which you choose par-
ticular test groups or subtests. You can also control the sequence in which the tests
are run. The program also has these helpful features:
Options that let you run tests individually or collectively
An option that sets the number of times a test group or subtest runs
Options to temporarily suspend testing if an error is detected or to end testing
when an adjustable error limit is reached
Status messages that inform you of test group and subtest progress
Error messages that appear if any problems are detected
The ability to display or print test results or to save the results in a file

:KHQWR8VHWKH'HOO'LDJQRVWLFV

Use the Dell Diagnostics after you install an upgrade and whenever a major compo-
nent or device in your computer system does not function properly. As long as the
microprocessor and the input and output compon ents of your computer system (the
monitor, keyboard, and disket te driv e) are w orking, y ou can r un the D ell Diagno stics. If
you are experienced with computers and know what component(s) to tes t, selec t the
appropriate test group(s) or subtest(s). If you are unsure about how to begin diagnos-
ing a problem, read the rest of this chapter.