Dell Dimension XPS 50 Reference Manual page 78

4-10 Dell Dimension XPS Txxx and Txxxr Systems Reference and Troubleshooting Guide
Status messages that inform you whether test groups or subtests were com-
pleted successfully
Error messages that appear if any problems are detected
As long as the microprocessor and the input and output components of your com-
puter system (the monitor, keyboard, CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive, and diskette drive)
are working, you can use the Dell Diagnostics. If you are experienced with computers
and know what component(s) you need to test, simply select the appropriate diagnos-
tic test group(s) or subtest(s). If you are unsure about how to begin diagnosing a
problem, read the rest of this section.
1. Turn off the computer.
2. Insert the Dell Dimension ResourceCD into the CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive.
For systems running Windows 98, also insert the Microsoft Windows 98 Boot
Disk into the diskette drive.
NOTE: For systems running Windows NT, use the Hard Drive Diagnostics and
Utilities diskette included with your computer system or any MS-DOS bootable
diskette.
3. Turn on the computer.
4. When the boot screen appears, select Start Computer with CD-ROM Support
(Windows 98 and Windows 2000) or EIDE Support (Windows NT).
5. At the a:\ prompt, type x: (where x is the drive letter for the CD-ROM or
DVD-ROM drive, which is displayed on the line above the a:\ prompt). Press
<Enter>.
For example, if your CD-ROM drive is drive D, type d: and press <Enter>.
6. Type diags32 and press <Enter>.
The DIAGNOSTICS MENU appears (see Figure 4-1). The menu allows you to run
all or specific diagnostic tests or to exit to the MS-DOS prompt.
NOTE: Before you read the rest of this section, you may want to start the Dell Diag-
nostics so that you can see it on the screen of your monitor.
For a quick check of your system, select Quickly Test All Devices. This option runs
only the subtests that do not require user interaction and that do not take a long time
to run. Dell recommends that you choose this option first to increase the odds of trac-
ing the source of the problem quickly. For a thorough check of your system, select
Fully Test All Devices. To check a particular area of your system, select Select
Devices to Test.