Solving Problems 59
Solving Problems

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 this chapter and run the
Dell Diagnostics before you contact Dell for technical assistance.
NOTICE: The Dell Diagnostics works only on Dell™ computers.
Start 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 page113.
1
Shut down the computer.
2
If the computer is connected to a docking device (docked), undock it. See the documentation
that came with your docking device for instructions.
3
Connect the computer to an electrical outlet.
4
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 (see "Turning Off Your
Computer" on page83) and try again.
5
When the boot device list appears, highlight
Diagnostics
and press <Enter>.
The computer runs the Pre-boot System Assessment, a series of initial tests of your system
board, keyboard, hard drive, and display.
• 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>.