Running The Dell Diagnostics; Features Of The Dell Diagnostics; When To Use The Dell Diagnostics - Dell Inspiron 3000 Reference And Troubleshooting Manual

Running the Dell Diagnostics

U
nlike many diagnostic programs, the Dell Diagnos-
tics allows you to check the computer's hardware without
any additional equipment and without destroying any
data. By using the Dell Diagnostics, you can have confi-
dence in the computer's operation. If you find a problem
you cannot solve by yourself, the Dell diagnostic tests
can provide you with important information you will
need when talking to Dell's service and support
personnel.
CAUTION: Use the Dell Diagnostics to test only
your Dell computer. Using this program with other
computers may cause
responses or result in misleading error messages.
NOTE: If the computer does not boot, call Dell for tech-
nical assistance. See Chapter 5, "Getting Help," for
instructions.
F
eatures of the Dell Diagnostics
To troubleshoot components or devices, run the appropri-
ate test (test group or subtest) in the diagnostics on your
Dell Diagnostics Diskette. The diagnostics program exer-
cises the functional components and devices of the
computer more vigorously and thoroughly than they are
exercised during normal operation.
The Dell Diagnostics provides a series of menus and
options from which you choose particular test groups or
subtests. Each diagnostic test group or subtest allows you
to control important testing parameters. You can also
control the sequence in which the tests are run. The
Chapter 4
incorrect computer
diagnostic test groups or subtests also have these helpful
features:
•
Options that let you run tests individually or
collectively
•
An option that allows you to choose the number of
times a test group or subtest is repeated
•
The ability to display test results, print them, or save
them in a file
•
Options to suspend testing when an adjustable error
limit is reached
•
A menu option called About that briefly describes
each test and its parameters
•
Status messages that inform you whether test groups
or subtests were completed successfully
•
Error messages that appear if any problems are
detected
W
hen to Use the Dell
Diagnostics
Whenever a major component or device in the computer
does not function properly, the component or device may
have failed. As long as the microprocessor and input/
output (I/O) components of the computer (the display,
keyboard, and diskette drive) are working, use the Dell
Diagnostics. If you are experienced with computers and
know what component(s) you need to test, select the
appropriate diagnostic test group(s) or subtest(s). If you
are unsure about how to begin diagnosing a problem,
read the rest of this chapter.
Running the Dell Diagnostics 4-1