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Using System Diagnostics
If you experience a problem with your system, run the system diagnostics before contacting Dell for
technical assistance. The purpose of running system diagnostics is to test your system hardware without
requiring additional equipment or risking data loss. If you are unable to fix the problem yourself, service
and support personnel can use the diagnostics results to help you solve the problem.

Dell Embedded System Diagnostics

NOTE: The Dell Embedded System Diagnostics is also known as Enhanced Pre-boot System
Assessment (ePSA) diagnostics.
The embedded system diagnostics provides a set of options for particular device groups or devices
allowing you to:
Run tests automatically or in an interactive mode
Repeat tests
Display or save test results
Run thorough tests to introduce additional test options to provide extra information about the failed
device(s)
View status messages that inform you if tests are completed successfully
View error messages that inform you of problems encountered during testing

When to use the Embedded System Diagnostics

If a major component or device in the system does not operate properly, running the embedded system
diagnostics may indicate component failure.

Running the Embedded System Diagnostics

The embedded system diagnostics program is run from the Dell Lifecycle Controller.
Prerequisites
CAUTION: Use the embedded system diagnostics to test only your system. Using this program
with other systems may cause invalid results or error messages.
Steps
1. As the system boots, press <F11>.
2. Use the up and down arrow keys to select System UtilitiesLaunch Dell Diagnostics.
The ePSA Pre-boot System Assessment window is displayed, listing all devices detected in the
system. The diagnostics starts executing the tests on all the detected devices.
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