50 Advanced Troubleshooting
Dell Diagnostics
  CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions located in the 
Product Information Guide.
If you experience a problem with your computer, perform the checks in "Solving Problems" on page 31 
and run the Dell Diagnostics before you contact Dell for technical assistance.
  NOTICE: The Dell Diagnostics works only on Dell™ computers.
1
Turn on (or restart) your computer.
2
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 
page 59) and try again.
3
When the boot device list appears, highlight 
Boot to Utility Partition
, then press <Enter>.
4
When the Dell Diagnostics 
Main Menu
 appears, select the test you want to run (see "Dell Diagnostics 
Main Menu" on page 51).
System resource configuration in progress. None.
System board failure has occurred.
Contact Dell
 (see "Contacting Dell" on 
page 108)
.
During normal operation, all of the 
diagnostic lights turn on and then turn off 
before the system starts.
NOTE: If all of the diagnostic lights are on 
and the system does not start, there may be 
a problem with the power supply or with the 
processor.
If the system does not start, plug the 
computer into a working electrical outlet. 
Also see "Power Problems" on page 40.
If there are no power problems and the 
system does not start, contact Dell (see 
"Contacting Dell" on page 108).
Light Pattern Problem Description Suggested Resolution