DELL 1950 User Manual
112
Running the System Diagnostics
Running the System Diagnostics
The system diagnostics is run from the utility partition on your hard drive.
NOTICE:
Use the system diagnostics to test only your system. Using this program with other systems may cause
invalid results or error messages. In addition, use only the program that came with your system (or an updated
version of that program).
version of that program).
1
As the system boots, press <F10> during POST.
2
From the utility partition main menu, select Run System Diagnostics, or select Run Memory
Diagnostics if you are troubleshooting memory.
Diagnostics if you are troubleshooting memory.
When you start the system diagnostics, a message is displayed stating that the diagnostics are initializing. Next,
the Diagnostics menu appears. The menu allows you to run all or specific diagnostics tests or to exit the system
diagnostics.
the Diagnostics menu appears. The menu allows you to run all or specific diagnostics tests or to exit the system
diagnostics.
NOTE:
Before you read the rest of this section, start the system diagnostics so that you can see the utility on your
screen.
System Diagnostics Testing Options
Click the testing option in the Main Menu window. Table 5-1 provides a brief explanation of testing options.
Using the Custom Test Options
When you select Custom Test in the Main Menu window, the Customize window appears and allows you to
select the device(s) to be tested, select specific options for testing, and view the test results.
select the device(s) to be tested, select specific options for testing, and view the test results.
Selecting Devices for Testing
The left side of the Customize window lists devices that can be tested. Devices are grouped by device type or
by module, depending on the option you select. Click the (+) next to a device or module to view its components.
Click (+) on any component to view the tests that are available. Clicking a device, rather than its components,
selects all of the components of the device for testing.
by module, depending on the option you select. Click the (+) next to a device or module to view its components.
Click (+) on any component to view the tests that are available. Clicking a device, rather than its components,
selects all of the components of the device for testing.
Table 5-1.
System Diagnostics Testing Options
Testing Option
Function
Express Test
Performs a quick check of the system. This option runs device tests that
do not require user interaction. Use this option to quickly identify the
source of your problem.
do not require user interaction. Use this option to quickly identify the
source of your problem.
Extended Test
Performs a more thorough check of the system. This test can take an hour
or longer.
or longer.
Custom Test
Tests a particular device.
Information
Displays test results.