56 Troubleshooting Tools
Dell Diagnostics
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product
Information Guide.
If you experience a problem with your computer, perform the checks in "Solving Problems" on page 37
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 65) and try again.
3
When the boot device list appears, highlight
Boot to Utility Partition
and press <Enter>.
4
When the Dell Diagnostics
Main Menu
appears, select the test you want to run.
Dell Diagnostics Main Menu
1
After the Dell Diagnostics loads and the
Main
Menu
screen appears, click the button for the option
you want.
2
If a problem is encountered during a test, a message appears with an error code and a description of the
problem. Write down the error code and problem description and follow the instructions on the
screen.
If you cannot resolve the error condition, contact Dell (see "Contacting Dell" on page 126).
NOTE: The Service Tag for your computer is located at the top of each test screen. If you contact Dell, technical
support will ask for your Service Tag.
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.
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