Solving Problems 51
Solving Problems

Dell Diagnostics

CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions
located in the Product Information Guide.

When to Use the Dell Diagnostics

If you experience a problem with your computer, perform the checks in this chapter and run the
Dell Diagnostics before you contact Dell for technical assistance.
NOTICE: The Dell Diagnostics works only on Dell™ computers.
The Dell Diagnostics is located on a hidden diagnostic utility partition on your hard drive.
NOTE: If your computer cannot display a screen image, contact Dell (see page91).
1
Shut down the computer.
2
Connect the computer to an electrical outlet.
3
Turn on the computer. When the DELL™ logo appears, press <F12> immediately.
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.
The one-time boot menu displays with a list of bootable devices.
4
Use the down-arrow key to select
Diagnostics
and press <Enter> to start the
DellDiagnostics from the diagnostics utility partition on your hard drive.
NOTE: If the boot device list does not display and the screen is blank, press the <End> key. Then
press the <Enter> key to begin the Dell Diagnostics.
• During the assessment, answer any questions that appear.
• If a failure is detected, the computer stops and beeps. To stop the assessment and restart
the computer, press <n>; to continue to the next test, press <y>; to retest the
component that failed, press <r>.
• If failures are detected during the Pre-boot System Assessment, write down the error
code(s) and contact Dell before continuing on to the Dell Diagnostics. See "Contacting
Dell" on page 91.