Service manual

Running the Dell Diagnostics: Dell Latitude CP
Features of the Dell Diagnostics
To troubleshoot components or devices, run the appropriate test (test group or subtest) in the
diagnostics on your Dell Diagnostics Diskette. The diagnostics program exercises the
functional components and devices of the computer more vigorously and thoroughly than they
are exercised during normal operation.
The Dell Diagnostics provides a series of menus and options from which you choose particular
test groups or subtests. Each diagnostic test group or subtest allows you to control important
testing parameters. You can also control the sequence in which the tests are run. The
diagnostic test groups or subtests also have these helpful features:
● Options that let you run tests individually or collectively
● An option that allows you to choose the number of times a test group or subtest is
repeated
● The ability to display test results, print them, or save them in a file
● Options to suspend testing when an adjustable error limit is reached
● A menu option called About that briefly describes each test and its parameters
● Status messages that inform you whether test groups or subtests were completed
successfully
● Error messages that appear if any problems are detected
When to Use the Dell Diagnostics
Whenever a major component or device in the computer does not function properly, the
component or device may have failed. As long as the microprocessor and input/output (I/O)
components of the computer (the display, keyboard, and diskette drive) are working, use the
Dell Diagnostics. If you are experienced with computers and know which 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, read the rest of this chapter.
Before You Start Testing
Follow these steps to safeguard your master copy of the Dell Diagnostics Diskette:
1. Make a working copy of the Dell Diagnostics Diskette on a blank diskette.
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