Using the Dell Diagnostics

When to Use the Dell Diagnostics

Whenever a major component or device in your computer does not function properly, you may have a component failure. If you are experiencing a problem with your Dell™ computer, perform the checks in the "Solving Problems" section in the User's Guide and run the Dell Diagnostics before you call Dell for technical assistance. Running the Dell Diagnostics may help you to resolve the problem yourself quickly without having to contact Dell for assistance.

If you are experienced with computers and know what component(s) you need to test, select the appropriate diagnostic test group(s) or subtest(s). If you are unsure about how to begin diagnosing a problem, see "Starting the Dell Diagnostics."

Features of the Dell Diagnostics

The Dell Diagnostics helps you to check your computer hardware without any additional equipment and without destroying any data. By using the diagnostics, you can have confidence in the operation of your computer. If you find a problem that you cannot solve by yourself, the diagnostic tests can provide you with important information you need when talking to Dell's service and support personnel.

NOTICE: Use the Dell Diagnostics to test only your Dell computer. Using this program with other computers may cause incorrect computer responses or result in error messages.

The diagnostic test groups or subtests also have the following features:

Options that let you perform express, extended, or custom tests on one or all devices
An option that allows you to select tests based on a symptom of the problem you are having
An option that allows you to choose the number of times a test group or subtest is repeated
The ability to display test results
Options to temporarily suspend testing if an error is detected, or to terminate testing
Extensive online Help that describes the tests and devices
Status messages that inform you whether test groups or subtests were completed successfully
Error messages that appear if any problems are detected

Starting the Dell Diagnostics

The Dell Diagnostics is located on a hidden Diagnostic utility partition on your hard drive.

NOTE: If your computer cannot display a screen image, contact Dell. See the User's Guide for contact information.

Shut down the computer.
If the computer is connected to a docking device (docked), undock it. See the documentation that came with your docking device for instructions.
Connect the computer to an electrical outlet.

NOTE: If you do not see anything on your display, hold down the mute button and press the power button (instead of <F12>) to begin the Dell Diagnostics. You do not need to highlight Diagnostics and press <Enter>. The computer automatically runs the Pre-boot System Assessment.

Turn on the computer. When the DELL™ logo appears, press <F12> immediately. 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 and try again.
When the boot device list appears, highlight Diagnostics and press <Enter>.

The computer begins to run the Pre-boot System Assessment, a series of embedded diagnostics that perform initial testing on your system board, keyboard, hard drive, and display.

During the assessment, answer any questions that appear.
If a component failure is detected, the computer stops and beeps. To stop the assessment and reboot to the operating system, press <N>; to continue to the next test, press <Y>; to retest the component that failed, press <R>.
If failures are detected during the Pre-boot System Assessment, write down the error code(s) and contact Dell before continuing on to the Dell Diagnostics. See the User's Guide for contact information.
If you receive a message stating that no Diagnostics utility partition has been found, follow the instructions on the screen to run the Dell Diagnostics from your Drivers and Utilities CD.

If the Pre-boot System Assessment completes successfully, you receive the message Booting Dell Diagnostic Utility Partition. Press any key to continue.

Press any key to start the Dell Diagnostics from the Diagnostics utility partition on your hard drive.
After the Dell Diagnostics loads and the Main Menu screen appears, click the button for the option you want.

NOTE: The Service Tag for your computer is located in the title bar of each screen.

Option

Function

Express Test
Performs a quick test of devices. The 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. The test typically takes 1 hour or more and requires you to answer questions periodically.

Custom Test
Tests a specific device. You can customize the tests to be run.

Symptom Tree
Allows you to select tests based on a symptom of the problem you are experiencing. The option lists the most common symptoms.

If a problem is encountered during a test, a message appears, displaying the 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 the User's Guide for contact information.
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.

Tab

Function

Results
Displays the results of the test and any error conditions encountered.

Errors
Displays error conditions encountered, error codes, and problem description.

Help
Describes the test and may indicate requirements for running the test.

Configuration
Displays your hardware configuration for the selected device.
The Dell Diagnostics obtains your configuration information for all devices from the system setup program, memory, and various internal tests and displays the information in the device list in the left pane of the screen (see the User's Guide for information on the system setup program). The device list may not display the names of all the components installed on your computer or all devices attached to your computer.

Parameters
Allows you to customize the test by changing the test settings.

When you have finished running a test, close the screen to return to the Main Menu screen. To exit the Dell Diagnostics and reboot the computer, close the Main Menu screen.

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Option	Function
Express Test	Performs a quick test of devices. The 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. The test typically takes 1 hour or more and requires you to answer questions periodically.
Custom Test	Tests a specific device. You can customize the tests to be run.
Symptom Tree	Allows you to select tests based on a symptom of the problem you are experiencing. The option lists the most common symptoms.

Tab	Function
Results	Displays the results of the test and any error conditions encountered.
Errors	Displays error conditions encountered, error codes, and problem description.
Help	Describes the test and may indicate requirements for running the test.
Configuration	Displays your hardware configuration for the selected device. The Dell Diagnostics obtains your configuration information for all devices from the system setup program, memory, and various internal tests and displays the information in the device list in the left pane of the screen (see the User's Guide for information on the system setup program). The device list may not display the names of all the components installed on your computer or all devices attached to your computer.
Parameters	Allows you to customize the test by changing the test settings.