Quick Reference Guide 23
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
page21) and run the Dell Diagnostics befo re you contact Dell for 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.
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 separate diagnostic utility partition on
your hard drive.
NOTE: If your computer does not display a screen image, contact Dell (see
"Contacting Dell" in your User’s Guide).
NOTE: If the computer is connected to a docking device (docked), undock it. See
the documentation that came with your docking device for instructions.
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
Start the Dell Diagnostics in one of the following ways:
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.
– When the DELL logo appears, press <F12> immediately.
Select
Diagnostics
from the boot menu and press <Enter>.
NOTE: Before attempting the following option, the computer must be
powered down completely.
– Press and hold the <Fn> key while powering the computer on.