Troubleshooting
Locate the Service Tag or Express Service Code of
your Dell computer
Your Dell computer is uniquely identified by a Service Tag or Express Service Code. To view relevant support resources for your
Dell computer, we recommend entering the Service Tag or Express Service Code at
.
For more information on how to find the Service Tag for your computer, see
Locate the Service Tag for your Dell Laptop
.
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:
●
Run tests automatically or in an interactive mode.
●
Repeat tests
●
Display or save test results
●
Run thorough tests to introduce additional test options and provide extra information about the failed device(s)
●
View status messages that indicate if the tests are completed successfully
●
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
.
Built-in self-test (BIST)
About this task
There are three different types of BIST to check the performance of display, power rail, and system board. These tests are
important to evaluate if an LCD or system board needs a replacement.
1. M-BIST: M-BIST is the system board built-in self-test diagnostics tool that improves the diagnostics accuracy of system
board embedded controller (EC) failures. M-BIST must be manually initiated before POST and can also run on a dead
system .
2. L-BIST: L-BIST is an enhancement to the single LED error code diagnostics and is automatically initiated during POST.
3. LCD-BIST: LCD BIST is an enhanced diagnostic test that is introduced through Preboot System Assessment (PSA) on legacy
systems.
Table 20. Functions
M-BIST
L-BIST
Purpose
Evaluates the health condition of the
system board.
Checks if the system board is supplying
power to the LCD by performing an LCD
Power Rail test.
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Troubleshooting
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