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Dell diagnostics, Dell, Diagnostics – Dell Latitude C500 User Manual

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Dell™ Diagnostics: Dell Latitude™ C600/C500 User's Guide

When to Use the Dell Diagnostics

Advanced Testing

Features of the Dell Diagnostics

Confirming the System Configuration Information

Starting the Dell Diagnostics

When to Use the Dell Diagnostics

Whenever a major component or device in your computer does not function properly, you may have a component
failure. If you are experiencing a problem with your computer, Dell recommends that you perform the checks in
"

Finding Solutions

" and run the Dell Diagnostics before you call Dell for technical assistance.

As long as the microprocessor and the input and output components of your computer (the display, keyboard, and
diskette drive) are working, you can use the Dell Diagnostics. Running the Dell Diagnostics may help you to resolve
the problem yourself quickly without having to contact Dell for assistance.

If you are experienced with computers and know what component(s) you need to test, simply select the appropriate
diagnostic test group(s) or subtest(s). If you are unsure about how to begin diagnosing a problem, see "

Starting the

Dell Diagnostics

" and "

Advanced Testing

."

Features of the Dell Diagnostics

The Dell Diagnostics helps you check your computer's hardware without any additional equipment and without
destroying any data. By using the diagnostics, you can have confidence in your computer's operation. And if you find
a problem you cannot solve by yourself, the diagnostic tests can provide you with important information you will need
when talking to Dell's service and support personnel. If you are experiencing a problem with your computer, Dell
recommends that you perform the checks in "

Finding Solutions

" and run the Dell Diagnostics before you call Dell for

technical assistance.

NOTICE: Use the Dell Diagnostics to test only your Dell computer. Using this program with

other computers may cause incorrect computer responses or result in error messages.

The diagnostic test groups or subtests also have these helpful features:

Options that let you perform quick checks or extensive tests on one or all devices

An option that allows you to choose the number of times a test group or subtest is repeated

The ability to display test results or to save them in a file

Options to temporarily suspend testing if an error is detected, or to terminate testing when an adjustable error
limit is reached

Extensive online Help screens that describe the tests and how to run them

Status messages that inform you whether test groups or subtests were completed successfully

Error messages that appear if any problems are detected