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Running the System Diagnostics Dell™PowerEdge™R805SystemsHardwareOwner'sManual
Using Server Administrator Diagnostics
System Diagnostics Features
When to Use the System Diagnostics
Running the System Diagnostics
System Diagnostics Testing Options
Using the Custom Test Options
If you experience a problem with your system, run the diagnostics before calling for technical assistance. The purpose of the diagnostics is to test your
system's hardware without requiring additional equipment or risking data loss. If you are unable to fix the problem yourself, service and support personnel can
use diagnostics test results to help you solve the problem.
Using Server Administrator Diagnostics
To assess a system problem, first use the online Server Administrator diagnostics. If you are unable to identify the problem, then use the system diagnostics.
To access the online diagnostics, log into the Server Administrator home page, and then click the Diagnostics tab. For information about using diagnostics, see
the online help. For additional information, see the Server Administrator User's Guide.
System Diagnostics Features
The system diagnostics provides a series of menus and options for particular device groups or devices. The system diagnostics menus and options allow you
to:
lRun tests individually or collectively.
lControl the sequence of tests.
lRepeat tests.
lDisplay, print, or save test results.
lTemporarily suspend testing if an error is detected or terminate testing when a user-defined error limit is reached.
lView help messages that briefly describe each test and its parameters.
lView status messages that inform you if tests are completed successfully.
lView error messages that inform you of problems encountered during testing.
When to Use the System Diagnostics
If a major component or device in the system does not operate properly, component failure may be indicated. As long as the microprocessor and the system's
input/output devices (monitor, keyboard, and diskette drive) are functioning, you can use the system diagnostics to help identify the problem.
Running the System Diagnostics
The system diagnostics is run from the utility partition on your hard drive.
1. As the system boots, press <F10> during POST.
2. From the utility partition main menu, select Run System Diagnostics, or select Run Memory Diagnostics if you are troubleshooting memory.
When you start the system diagnostics, a message is displayed stating that the diagnostics are initializing. Next, the Diagnostics menu appears. The menu
allows you to run all or specific diagnostics tests or to exit the system diagnostics.
System Diagnostics Testing Options
NOTICE: Use the system diagnostics to test only your system. Using this program with other systems may cause invalid results or error messages. In
addition, use only the program that came with your system (or an updated version of that program).
NOTE: Before you read the rest of this section, start the system diagnostics so that you can see the utility on your screen.