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.
Recovering the operating system
When your computer is unable to boot to the operating system even after repeated attempts, it automatically starts Dell
SupportAssist OS Recovery.
Dell SupportAssist OS Recovery is a standalone tool that is preinstalled in all Dell computers installed with Windows 10 operating
system. It consists of tools to diagnose and troubleshoot issues that may occur before your computer boots to the operating system. It
enables you to diagnose hardware issues, repair your computer, back up your files, or restore your computer to its factory state.
You can also download it from the Dell Support website to troubleshoot and fix your computer when it fails to boot into their primary
operating system due to software or hardware failures.
For more information about the Dell SupportAssist OS Recovery, see Dell SupportAssist OS Recovery User's Guide at
System diagnostic lights
NOTE: The system diagnostic lights and the power-status light are at the power button (Alienhead).
NOTE: The color of the status lights depends on the configuration set in the Alienware Control Center (AWCC).
Power-status light: Indicates the power status.
Solid
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Computer is turned on.
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Power adapter is connected, and the battery has less than ten percent charge.
Breathe—Computer is in sleep state.
Off—Computer is in hibernation or turned off.
The power-status light blinks amber along with beep codes indicating failures.
For example, the power light blinks red two times followed by a pause, and then blinks blue 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 light patterns and associated problems.
Table 10. LED codes
Diagnostic light codes
Problem description
2,1
Processor failure
2,2
System board: BIOS or Read-Only Memory
(ROM) failure
91
