Troubleshooting
SupportAssist diagnostics
About this task
The SupportAssist diagnostics (previously known as ePSA diagnostics) performs a complete check of your hardware. The
SupportAssist diagnostics is embedded in the BIOS and is launched by it internally. The SupportAssist diagnostics provides a set
of options for particular devices or device groups. It allows you to:
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Run tests automatically or in an interactive mode.
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Repeat tests
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Display or save test results
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Run thorough tests to introduce additional test options and provide extra information about the failed device(s)
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View status messages that indicate if the tests are completed successfully
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View error messages that indicate if problems were encountered during the test
NOTE: Some tests are meant for specific devices and require user interaction. Ensure that you are present in front of the
computer when the diagnostic tests are performed.
For more information, see
SupportAssist Pre-Boot System Performance Check
System-diagnostic lights
The power-status light indicates the power status of the computer. These are the power states:
Solid white—Computer is in S0 state. This is the normal power state of the computer.
Blinking white—Computer is in a low-power state, S3. This does not indicate a fault.
Solid amber—Computer is experiencing a boot failure, including the power-supply unit.
Blinking amber—Computer is experiencing a boot failure but the power-supply unit is functioning correctly.
Off—Computer is in hibernation mode or turned off.
The power-status light may also blink amber or white according to predefined "beep codes" indicating various failures.
For example, the power and battery-status light blinks amber two times followed by a pause, and then blinks white three times
followed by a pause. This 2,3 pattern continues until the computer is turned off, indicating no memory or RAM is detected.
The following table shows different power and battery-status light patterns and associated problems.
NOTE: The following diagnostic light codes and recommended solutions are intended for Dell service technicians to
troubleshoot problems. You should only perform troubleshooting and repairs as authorized or directed by the Dell technical
support team. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty.
Table 9. Diagnostic light codes
Diagnostic light codes (Amber, White)
Problem description
1,1
TPM Detection Failure
1,2
Unrecoverable SPI Flash Failure
1,5
EC unable to program i-Fuse
1,6
Generic catch-all for ungraceful EC code flow errors
1,7
Non-RPMC Flash on Boot Guard fused system
2,1
CPU configuration or CPU failure
2,2
System board: BIOS or Read-Only Memory (ROM) failure
2,3
No memory or Random-Access Memory (RAM) detected
2,4
Memory or Random-Access Memory (RAM) failure
102
