Quick Reference Guide

30 Quick Reference Guide
Solving Problems
Dell provides a number of tools to help you if your computer does not perform as expected. For the latest
troubleshooting information available for your computer, see the Dell Support website at
support.dell.com.
If computer problems occur that require help from Dell, write a detailed description of the error, beep
codes, or diagnostics light patterns, record your Express Service Code and Service Tag below, and then
contact Dell from the same location as your computer. For information on contacting Dell, see your
online User’s Guide.
For an example of the Express Service Code and Service Tag, see "Finding Information" on page 5.
Express Service Code: ___________________________
Service Tag: ___________________________
Dell Diagnostics
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product
Information Guide.
When to Use the Dell Diagnostics
If you experience a problem with your computer, perform the checks in "Solving Problems" in your online
User’s Guide and run the Dell Diagnostics before you contact Dell for technical assistance. For
information on contacting Dell, see your online User’s Guide.
NOTICE: The Dell Diagnostics works only on Dell™ computers.
Enter system setup (see "System Setup" in your online User’s Guide for instructions), review your
computer’s configuration information, and ensure that the device you want to test displays in system
setup and is active.
Start the Dell Diagnostics from either your hard drive or from the optional Drivers and Utilities CD (also
known as the ResourceCD).
Starting the Dell Diagnostics From Your Hard Drive
1 Turn on (or restart) your computer.
2 When the DELL logo appears, press <F12> immediately.
NOTE: If you see a message stating that no diagnostics utility partition has been found, run the Dell
Diagnostics from the optional Drivers and Utilities CD (see "Starting the Dell Diagnostics From the Drivers and
Utilities CD" on page 31).
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 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.
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