Dell Diagnostics
The Dell™ Diagnostics utility is a hardware diagnostic program placed in the utility partition on the hard drive. The diagnostic utility is also available on the Dell
ResourceCD.
l
Express Test
—
Performs a quick test of devices. This test typically takes 10 to 20 minutes and requires no interaction on your part. Run Express Test
first to increase the possibility of tracing the problem quickly.
l
Extended Test
—
Performs a thorough check of devices. This test typically takes an hour or more and requires you to answer questions periodically.
l
Custom Test
—
Tests a specific device. You can customize the tests you want to run.
l
Symptom Tree
—
Lists the most common symptoms encountered and allows you to select a test based on the symptom of the problem you are having.
Starting Dell Diagnostics
1.
Turn on (or restart) the computer.
2.
When the Dell logo appears, press <F12> immediately.
If you wait too long and the operating system logo appears, continue to wait until you see the Microsoft
®
Windows
®
desktop, and then shut down the
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.
Using Dell Diagnostics
1.
After the Dell Diagnostics program loads and the main menu screen appears, click the button for the option you want.
2.
If the diagnostics encounters a problem during a test, a message appears with an error code and a description of the problem. Write down the error
code and problem description and follow the instructions on the screen. If you cannot resolve the error condition, contact Dell.
3.
If you run a test from the
Custom Test
or
Symptom Tree
option, click the applicable tab described in the following table for more information.
4.
Close the test screen to return to the main menu screen. To exit Dell Diagnostics and restart the computer, close the main menu screen.
NOTE:
Refer to the Dell Diagnostics (GUI) techsheet for more information.
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information is correct
No timer tick interrupt
A chip on the system board might be malfunctioning or motherboard
failure
USB over current error
Disconnect the USB device. The USB device needs more power for it to
function properly. Use an external power source to connect the USB
device, or if the device has two USB cables, connect both of them
CAUTION - Hard Drive SELF MONITORING SYSTEM has reported that a parameter
has exceeded its normal operating range. Dell recommends that you back up your
data regularly. A parameter out of range may or may not indicate a potential hard
drive problem
S.M.A.R.T error, possible hard drive failure
NOTE:
The Service Tag for the computer is located at the top of each test screen. If you contact Dell, Dell Technical Support will ask you for your
computer's Service Tag.
Tab
Function
Results
Displays the results of the test and any error conditions encountered.
Errors
Displays error conditions encountered, error codes, and the problem description.
Help
Describes the test and may indicate requirements for running the test.
Configuration
Displays the hardware configuration for the selected device. Dell Diagnostics obtains configuration information for all devices from System
Setup, memory, and various internal tests, and it displays the information in the device list in the left pane of the screen. The device list may
not display the names of all the components installed on the computer or all devices attached to the computer.
Parameters
Allows you to customize the test by changing the test settings.
