Start The Dell Diagnostics - Dell Inspiron 3800 Reference And Troubleshooting Manual

3-4 Dell Inspiron 3800 Reference and Troubleshooting Guide
If a major component or device in your computer does not function properly, you may
have a component failure. You can use the Dell Diagnostics as long as the following
components are functioning properly:
•
Microprocessor
•
Display
•
Keyboard
•
CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive
If you know which components you need to test, select the appropriate diagnostic
device group tests you want to run. If you are unsure about how to begin diagnosing a
problem, see the following sections.

Start the Dell Diagnostics

NOTES: The Dell Diagnostics runs in MS-DOS
battery in MS-DOS mode, the battery status indicator glows amber when approxi-
mately 10 percent of the battery charge remains, and it flashes amber when
approximately 3 percent of the battery charge remains. If the battery status indicator
becomes amber, connect the computer to AC power by using the AC adapter. If AC
power is not available, turn off the computer until AC power is available.
The standby and hibernate modes are Windows power management features. These
power management modes are not available while the computer is running in
MS-DOS mode. For information on the standby and hibernate modes, see
"Conserving Power" in the system Help.
External Universal Serial Bus (USB) keyboards function only when Windows 98
Second Edition or Windows 2000 is running. Use the integrated keyboard when you
use the Dell Diagnostics.
1. Save and close any open files, exit any open application programs, and shut down
the computer.
2. If the computer is docked, undock it. For instructions, see the Advanced Port
Replicator User's Guide.
3. Turn on the computer.
4. When you see the Dell logo, press <F2> to access the System Setup program.
5. Press the down-arrow key to highlight a device, and then press <F5> to move the
device down the list or press <F6> to move the device up the list. Select the fol-
lowing boot sequence:
•
Floppy
•
CD ROM/DVD
•
Internal Hard Drive
6. Press <F10> to save your changes and exit the System Setup program.
®
mode. If the computer runs on a