Dell Latitude XPi CD, Reference Manual

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Running the Dell Diagnostics 4-1
Chapter 4
Running the Dell Diagnostics
U
nlike many diagnostic programs, the Dell diagnostics
helps you check the computer’s hardware without any
additional equipment and without destroying any data.
By using the Dell diagnostics, you can have confidence
in the computer’s operation. If you find a problem you
cannot solve by yourself, the Dell diagnostic tests can
provide you with important information you will need
when talking to Dell’s service and support personnel.
NOTE: If the computer does not boot, call Dell for tech-
nical assistance. See Chapter 5, “Getting Help,” for
instructions.
F
eatures of the Dell Diagnostics
To troubleshoot components or devices, run the appropri-
ate 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
W
hen 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.
CAUTION: Use the Dell diagnostics to test only your
Dell computer. Using this program with other computers
may cause incorrect computer responses or result in mis-
leading error messages.