If you experience a problem with your computer, perform the checks in "Finding
Solutions" and run the Dell Diagnostics before you contact Dell for
technical assistance. Running the Dell Diagnostics may help you resolve the
problem without contacting Dell. If you do contact Dell, the test results can
provide important information for Dell's service and support personnel.
The Dell Diagnostics allows you to:
Perform express, extended, or custom tests on one or all devices
Select tests based on a symptom of the problem you are having
Choose how many times a test is run
Display test results
Suspend testing if an error is detected
Access online help information that describes the tests and devices
Receive status messages that tell you whether tests completed successfully
It is recommended that you print these procedures before you begin.
NOTICE: Only use
the Dell Diagnostics to test your Dell computer. Using this program
with other computers can result in error messages.
Enter system setup, review your computer's
configuration information, and ensure that the device you want to test displays
in system setup and is active.
Start the Dell Diagnostics from either your hard
drive or from the Drivers
and Utilities CD
(also known as the ResourceCD).
If you wait too long and the Microsoft® Windows® logo
appears, continue to wait until you see the Windows desktop. Then shut down your
computer through the Start menu and try again.
When the boot device list appears,
highlight Boot to Utility Partitionand
press <Enter>.
When the Dell Diagnostics Main Menu
appears, select
the test you want to run.
Insert the Drivers and Utilities CDinto the CD drive.
Shut down and restart the computer.
When the DELL® logo appears, press <F12> immediately.
If you wait too long and the Windows logo appears, continue to
wait until you see the Windows desktop. Then shut down your computer through the
Start menu and try again.
NOTE: This feature
changes the boot sequence for one time only. On the next start-up, the
computer boots according to the devices specified in system setup.
When the boot device list appears,
highlight IDE CD-ROM Deviceand press
<Enter>.
Select the IDE CD-ROM Device option
from the CD boot menu.
Select the Boot from CD-ROM option
from the menu that appears.
Type 1 to
start the ResourceCD menu.
Type 2 to
start the Dell Diagnostics.
Select Run the 32 Bit Dell Diagnostics
from the numbered list. If multiple versions are listed, select the version
appropriate for your platform.
When the Dell Diagnostics Main Menu
appears, select the test you want to run.
After the Dell Diagnostics loads and the MainMenu screen appears, click the button for the option you want.
NOTE: The Service
Tag number for your computer is located on the top of each test screen.
Option
Function
Express Test
Performs a quick test of devices. This test typically takes 10 to 20
minutes and requires no interaction on your part. Run Express Test first to
increase the possibility of tracing the problem quickly.
Extended Test
Performs a thorough check of devices. This test typically takes an hour
or more and requires you to answer questions periodically.
Custom Test
Tests a specific device. You can customize the tests you want to run.
Symptom Tree
Lists the most common symptoms encountered and allows you to select a
test based on the symptom of the problem you are having.
If a problem is encountered during a test,
a message displaying the error code and a description of the problem appear.
Write down the error code and problem description and follow the
instructions on the screen.
If you cannot resolve the error condition, contact
Dell.
If you run a test from the Custom Test
or Symptom Tree option, click the applicable tab described in the
following table for more information.
