Running The Dell Diagnostics; Getting Help - Dell Precision 400 Service Manual

2-6 Dell WorkStation 400 Systems Service Manual
conflicts. Also review the documentation provided with any installed expansion
cards and other devices for additional interrupt information for the specific
devices.
R
unning the Dell Diagnostics
The Dell Diagnostics (included with the system) contains tests that aid in
troubleshooting all major components of the computer system.
CAUTION: To prevent damage to the original diagnostics diskette,
always use a backup copy of the diagnostics diskette when servicing a
user's computer. Dell recommends that users make several copies of this
diskette to ensure that one is always available.
To start the Dell Diagnostics, turn off the system, insert a diagnostics diskette
into drive A, and then turn on the system.
Starting the diagnostics causes the Dell logo screen to appear on the monitor
screen, followed by a message indicating that the diagnostics is loading. Before
the diagnostics loads, a program tests the portion of main memory (RAM)
required for loading the diagnostics. If a RAM error is detected, a message
appears on the screen telling you which DIMM has failed.
If no errors are found in RAM, the diagnostics loads and the Diagnostics Menu
appears. This menu lets you choose the following options or exit to the
®
MS-DOS prompt:
•
Run Quick Tests — Runs selected tests from all test groups to quickly locate
a failure or to indicate where further testing is needed to isolate a failure
•
Run All Tests — Runs all tests for a thorough test of the system
•
Run Specific Tests — Tests a particular area or subsystem
G
etting Help
If none of the troubleshooting procedures in this chapter or the tests in the Dell
Diagnostics reveals the source of the problem or leads to the proper trouble-
shooting steps for determining the source of the problem, call Dell for technical
assistance. For instructions, see the chapter titled "Getting Help" in the Diag-
nostics and Troubleshooting Guide.