Before you perform this diagnostic test, you must have the following media:

• A CD-RW CD

	Note:
	If a CD-RW was shipped with your Dell computer, it may be a pre-formatted disc; check the label or wrapper. If you do not have a pre-formatted disc, you can use your system to format one. If you insert a disc that is not already formatted, your disk writing software will prompt you to format it.

• The Dell System Software CD or Dell Drivers and Utilities CD (ResourceCD)

	Notice:
	Performing these steps will destroy all information that is already on the CD-RW CD. Back up all data from the CD-RW or use a blank CD-RW before proceeding.

To test the CD-RW drive on a Dell portable computer, perform the following steps:

1. Insert the Dell System Software CD or Dell Drivers and Utilities CD (ResourceCD) into the CD-RW drive.
   
   
2. Configure the BIOS (System Setup) to boot to the CD-RW drive.

Performing these steps will destroy all information that is already on the CD-RW CD. Back up all data from the CD-RW or use a blank CD-RW before proceeding.

	Note:
	For more information on how to set the CD drive to boot first, refer to the links in the Additional Items section below in this document.

3. Restart the computer. Once booted to the drive, the Diagnostics Menu appears.
   
   
4. Press the <Down Arrow> key repeatedly to highlight Test One Device and then press <Enter>.
   
   
5. Press the <Down Arrow> key repeatedly to highlight IDE DEVICES and then press <Enter>.
   
   
6. Press the <Down Arrow> key to highlight IDE CD-RW 1 and then press <Enter>. A box appears that allows you to select Extended or Quick tests.
   • Extended tests will perform an Audio test, Confidence test, Device Self-test, Read test, Seek test, and Write test.
   • Quick tests will perform a Confidence test, Audio test, and Write test.
     
     
7. Press the <Down Arrow> key to highlight which test you want to run, and then press <Enter>. The Write Test message appears and prompts:
   If you continue, the CDRW write test will erase any data on the CDRW. Do you want to continue? Yes or No?
   
   
8. Press the <Y> key to select Yes. The message Please insert Pre-Formatted CDRW media. Press any key to continue appears.
   
   
9. Insert a CD-RW into the CD-RW drive and then press the <Spacebar>. The warning Data in the CDRW is about to be erased. Do you want to continue? Yes or No? appears.
   
   
10. Press the <Y> key to select Yes. The test executes.

	Note:
	This process may take several minutes to an hour depending upon which test was selected.