88 Troubleshooting Tools
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 page70)
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 page185 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
"Contacting Dell
" on
page200.
1
Ensure that the computer is connected to an electrical outlet that is
known to be working properly.
2
Turn on (or restart) your computer.
3
When the DELL™ logo appears, press <F12> immediately. Select
Boot
to 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.
4
Press any key to start the Dell Diagnostics from the diagnostics utility
partition on your harddrive.
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