DELL 039YVGA00 User Manual

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CHAPTER 6: TROUBLESHOOTING 
Software Diagnostic Tools 
Pre-Boot System Assessment (PSA)
The computer runs the Pre-boot System Assessment (PSA), a series of initial tests 
of your system board, keyboard, display, memory, hard drive, etc.
To invoke PSA:
Turn on (or restart) your computer.
1. 
Press <F12> to access the 
2. 
Boot Menu. 
Select 
3. 
Diagnostics from the menu and press <Enter>. 
During the assessment, answer any questions that appear.
If a failure is detected, the computer stops and beeps. To stop the 
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assessment and restart the computer, press <n>; to continue to the next 
test, press <y>; to retest the component that failed, press <r>.
If failures are detected during the Pre-boot System Assessment, write 
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down the error code(s) and contact Alienware (for more information, see 
“CONTACTING ALIENWARE“ on page 73). 
If the Pre-boot System Assessment completes successfully, the following message 
appears “
Do you want to run the remaining memory tests? This 
will take about 30 minutes or more. Do you want to continue? 
(Recommended).”
If you are experiencing memory issues, press <y> else press <n>. The following 
message is displayed: “
Pre-boot System Assessment complete.”
Press <o> to reboot your computer.
When troubleshooting your computer, remember the following safety guidelines:
Before touching any of the computer’s internal components, touch an 
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unpainted portion of the chassis. Doing so will safely discharge any static 
electricity, which could damage your computer. 
Turn off your computer and any connected peripherals. 
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Disconnect any peripherals from your computer. 
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Things to check before troubleshooting: 
Ensure that the AC adapter cable is properly connected between your 
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computer and a grounded, three-prong power outlet. Ensure that the power 
outlet is working. 
Ensure the UPS or power strip is turned on (if applicable). 
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If your peripheral devices (e.g. keyboard, mouse, printer, etc.) are not 
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working, ensure that all connections are secure. 
If any computer components were added or removed before the problem 
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began, check to see if you performed the installation or removal procedures 
properly.
If an error message appears on the screen, write down the exact error 
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message prior to calling Alienware Technical Support to aid  in diagnosing 
and resolving your issue. 
If an error occurs in a specific program, see the program’s documentation. 
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