Dell Precision M65 - Manual (Page 16)

16
Quick Reference Guide
When to Use the Dell Diagnostics
If you experience a problem with your computer, perform the checks in "Lockups and Software
Problems" on page 18 and run the Dell Diagnostics before you contact Dell for technical assistance.
It is recommended that you print these procedures before you begin.
NOTICE:
The Dell Diagnostics works only on Dell™ computers.
NOTE:
The Drivers and Utilities CD is optional and may not ship with your computer.
Start the Dell Diagnostics from either your hard drive or from the Drivers and Utilities CD (also known
as the ResourceCD).
Starting the Dell Diagnostics From Your Hard Drive
The Dell Diagnostics is located on a hidden diagnostic utility partition on your hard drive.
1 Shut down the computer.
2 If the computer is connected to a docking device (docked), undock it. See the documentation that
came with your docking device for instructions.
3 Connect the computer to an electrical outlet.
4 The Dell Diagnostics can be invoked in one of two ways:
• Turn on the computer. When the DELL™ logo appears, press immediately. Select
Diagnostics from the boot menu and press .
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.
• Press and hold the key while powering the computer on.
NOTE:
If you see a message stating that no diagnostics utility partition has been found, run the Dell
Diagnostics from the optional Drivers and Utilities CD.
The computer runs the Pre-boot System Assessment, a series of initial tests of your system board,
keyboard, hard drive, and display.
• During the assessment, answer any questions that appear.
• 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 .
• If the Pre-boot System Assessment completes successfully, you receive the message Booting
Dell Diagnostic Utility Partition. Press any key to continue .
5 Press any key to start the Dell Diagnostics from the diagnostics utility partition on your hard drive.