Dell Precision M2300 (Late 2007) - Manual (Page 86)

l Press and hold the key while powering the computer on.
The computer runs the Pre-boot System Assessment, a series of initial tests of your system board, keyboard, display, memory, hard drive, etc.
l During the assessment, answer any questions that appear.
l If a failure is detected, the computer stops and beeps. To stop the assessment and restart the computer, press ; to continue to the next
test, press ; to retest the component that failed, press .
l If failures are detected during the Pre-boot System Assessment, write down the error code(s) and contact Dell.
If the Pre-boot System Assessment completes successfully, you will receive the following message: Booting Dell Diagnostic Utility Partition. Press
any key to continue.
4. Press any key to start the Dell Diagnostics from the diagnostics utility partition on your hard drive.
Starting the Dell Diagnostics from the Drivers and Utilities Media
1. Insert the Drivers and Utilities media.
2. Shut down and restart the computer.
When the DELL logo appears, press immediately.
3. When the boot device list appears, highlight IDE CD-ROM DeviceCD/DVD/CD-RW Drive and press .
4. Select the Boot from CD-ROM option from the menu that appears and press .
5. Type 1 to start the media menu and press to proceed.
6. Select Run the 32 Bit Dell Diagnostics from the numbered list. If multiple versions are listed, select the version appropriate for your computer.
7. When the Dell Diagnostics Main Menu appears, select the test you want to run.
Dell Diagnostics Main Menu
1. After the Dell Diagnostics loads and the Main Menu screen appears, click the button for the option you want.
2. If a problem is encountered 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 (see Obtaining Assistance ).
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.
NOTE: If you see a message stating that no diagnostics utility partition has been found, run the Dell Diagnostics from the Drivers and Utilities
media.
NOTE: If you wait too long and the operating system logo appears, continue to wait until you see the Microsoft® Windows® desktop; then, shut
down your computer and try again.
NOTE: The next steps change the boot sequence for one time only. On the next start-up, the computer boots according to the devices specified in
the system setup program.
Option Function
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.
Extended
Test Performs a thorough check of devices. This test typically takes 1 hour or more and requires you to answer questions periodically.
Custom Test Tests a specific device. You can customize the tests you want to run.
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.
NOTE: The Service Tag for your computer is located at the top of each test screen. If you contact Dell, technical support will ask for your Service
Tag.