Hardware Troubleshooter
If a device is either not detected during the operating system setup or is detected, but incorrectly configured, you can use the Hardware Troubleshooter to
resolve the incompatibility.
Windows
®
Vista
®
:
1. Click the Windows Vista start button , and click Help and Support.
2. Type hardware troubleshooter in the search field and press <Enter> to start the search.
3. In the search results, select the option that best describes the problem and follow the remaining troubleshooting steps.
Windows XP:
1. Click Start® Help and Support.
2. Type hardware troubleshooter in the search field and press <Enter> to start the search.
3. In the Fix a Problem section, click Hardware Troubleshooter.
4. In the Hardware Troubleshooter list, select the option that best describes the problem and click Next to follow the remaining troubleshooting steps.
Dell Diagnostics
When to Use the Dell Diagnostics
If you experience a problem with your computer, perform the checks in Solving Problems, and then run the Dell Diagnostics before contacting Dell for
assistance.
Start the Dell Diagnostics from your hard drive or from the Drivers and Utilities media provided with your computer.
Starting the Dell Diagnostics From Your Hard Drive
Before running the Dell Diagnostics, enter the system setup program (see the Dell Technology Guide for instructions) to review your computer's configuration
information, and ensure that the device you want to test is displayed in the system setup program and is active.
The Dell Diagnostics is located on a separate diagnostic utility partition on your hard drive.
1. Ensure that the computer is connected to an electrical outlet that is known to be working properly.
2. Turn on (or restart) your computer.
3. When the DELL logo appears, press <F12> immediately.
If you wait too long and the operating system logo appears, continue to wait until you see the Microsoft Windows desktop, then shut down your
computer and try again.
4. Use the up- and down-arrow keys to select Diagnostics from the boot menu and then press <Enter>.
The computer runs the Pre-boot System Assessment (PSA), a series of initial tests of your system board, keyboard, display, memory, hard drive, and so
on.
l Answer any questions that appear.
l If failures are detected, write down the error code(s) and see Contacting Dell.