Troubleshooting Tools - Dell Inspiron 545 MT User Manual

Troubleshooting Tools

Some of the troubleshooting tools you may need to diagnose and resolve
problems on your computer include:
Tool
Power lights
Diagnostic lights
for desktop
computers
Diagnostic lights
for laptop
computers
System messages
Windows
Hardware
Troubleshooter
Dell Diagnostics
272
Troubleshooting
Function
The power button light illuminates and blinks or remains solid
to indicate different power states, such as power, no power, or
standby. This light can also indicate internal power problems.
See your Service Manual for information about power lights.
Some desktop computers have diagnostic lights. These lights
function in conjunction with the power lights. These lights
start and turn off or light in a certain sequence to indicate
status and problems.
See your Service Manual for information about diagnostic
lights.
Keyboard status lights indicate status and any problems.
See your Service Manual for information about diagnostic and
status lights.
Your desktop or laptop computer may display messages
indicating errors or problems, which need to be resolved.
Write down the information displayed on the screen and look
for the message in the System Messages list or in your Service
Manual for information on how to resolve the problem.
Use the Hardware Troubleshooter to resolve device
configuration, compatibility problems, or operating status.
With the Dell Diagnostics, the computer runs the Pre-boot
System Assessment (PSA), a series of initial tests of your
system board, keyboard, display, memory, hard drive, etc. Dell
Diagnostics can also be used to run a more complete system
test to evaluate your computer.