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You can troubleshoot your computer using indicators like diagnostic lights, beep codes, and error messages during the operation of the
computer.
Enhanced Pre-Boot System Assessment (ePSA)
diagnostics
The ePSA diagnostics (also known as system diagnostics) performs a complete check of your hardware. The ePSA is embedded with the
BIOS and is launched by the BIOS internally. The embedded system diagnostics provides a set of options for particular devices or device
groups allowing you to:
•
Run tests automatically or in an interactive mode
•
Repeat tests
•
Display or save test results
•
Run thorough tests to introduce additional test options to provide extra information about the failed device(s)
•
View status messages that inform you if tests are completed successfully
•
View error messages that inform you of problems encountered during testing
CAUTION:
Use the system diagnostics to test only your computer. Using this program with other computers may cause invalid
results or error messages.
NOTE:
Some tests for specific devices require user interaction. Always ensure that you are present at the computer terminal
when the diagnostic tests are performed.
Running the ePSA diagnostics
1
Power-on the computer.
2
As the computer boots, press the F12 key as the Dell logo appears.
3
On the boot menu screen, select the Diagnostics option.
The Enhanced Pre-boot System Assessment window is displayed, listing all devices detected in the computer. The diagnostics starts
running the tests on all the detected devices.
4
To run a diagnostic test on a specific device, press Esc and click Yes to stop the diagnostic test.
5
Select the device from the left pane and click Run Tests.
6
If there are any issues, error codes are displayed.
Note the error code and contact Dell.
Power supply—built in self test (BIST)
ships with a power supply with the built in self-test (BIST) feature that drives new troubleshooting steps for customers and technicians. All
power supply units include a self-test ability in an isolation mode.
Customers can test the health of the power system by pressing the test button. The button is lit by a signal in the power supply called
Power_Good (PG). When the +3.3v, +5v, and +12v rails are up and within spec, the PG signal turns on, lighting the self-test LED. By
removing the cable harness in units that do not pass this test, the customer, or technician can isolate the failure's cause to an attached
device of the power supply.
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Troubleshooting your computer
Troubleshooting your computer
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