Dell Precision M4300 User manual

www.dell.com | support.dell.com
Dell Precision™ M4300
Quick Reference Guide
Model PP04X

Notes, Notices, and Cautions
NOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better use of your computer.
NOTICE: A NOTICE indicates either potential damage to hardware or loss of data and tells you how to avoid the problem.
CAUTION: A CAUTION indicates a potential for property damage, personal injury, or death.
Abbreviations and Acronyms
For a complete list of abbreviations and acronyms, see the Glossary in your online User’s Guide .
If you purchased a Dell™ n Series computer, any references in this document to Microsoft
®
Windows
®
operating systems are not applicable.
NOTE: Some features or media may be optional and may not ship with your computer. Some features or media may not
be available in certain countries.
____________________
Information in this document is subject to change without notice.
© 2007 Dell Inc. All rights reserved.
Reproduction in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of Dell Inc. is strictly forbidden.
Trademarks used in this text: Dell, the DELL logo, Dell Precision, Wi-Fi Catcher, and ExpressCharge are trademarks of Dell Inc.; Intel is a
registered trademark of Intel Corporation; Windows Vista is a trademark and Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of
Microsoft Corporation.
Other trademarks and trade names may be used in this document to refer to either the entities claiming the marks and names or their products.
Dell Inc. disclaims any proprietary interest in trademarks and trade names other than its own.
Model PP04X
April 2007 P/N XP474 Rev. A00

Contents 3
Contents
Finding Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Setting Up Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
About Your Computer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Front View. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Left View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Right View. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Back View. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Bottom View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Using a Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Battery Performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Checking the Battery Charge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Conserving Battery Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Power Management Modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Standby Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Hibernate Mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Configuring Power Management Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Charging the Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Replacing the Battery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Storing a Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Lockups and Software Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Dell Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
When to Use the Dell Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Starting the Dell Diagnostics From Your Hard Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Starting the Dell Diagnostics From the Drivers and Utilities Media . . . . 20
Dell Diagnostics Main Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

4Contents

Quick Reference Guide 5
Finding Information
NOTE: Some features or media may be optional and may not ship with your computer. Some features or media may
not be available in certain countries.
NOTE: Additional information may ship with your computer.
What Are You Looking For? Find It Here
• A diagnostic program for my computer
• Drivers for my computer
• My device documentation
• Notebook System Software (NSS)
Drivers and Utilities Media
NOTE: The Drivers and Utilities media may be optional and
may not ship with your computer.
Documentation and drivers are already installed on your
computer. You can use the media to reinstall drivers (see
"Reinstalling Drivers and Utilities" in your online User’s
Guide) or to run the Dell Diagnostics (see "Dell
Diagnostics" on page 19).
Readme files may be included
on your media to provide last-
minute updates about
technical changes to your
computer or advanced
technical-reference material
for technicians or experienced
users.
NOTE: Drivers and documentation updates can be found at
support.dell.com.
• Warranty information
• Terms and Conditions (U.S. only)
• Safety instructions
• Regulatory information
• Ergonomics information
• End User License Agreement
Dell™ Product Information Guide
• How to remove and replace parts
• Specifications
• How to configure system settings
• How to troubleshoot and solve problems
Dell™ Precision™ User’s Guide
Microsoft Windows Help and Support Center
1 Click Start or the Windows Vista ™ start button, →
Help and Support → Dell User and System Guides →
System Guides .
2 Click the User’s Guide for your computer.

6Quick Reference Guide
• Service Tag and Express Service Code
• Microsoft Windows License Label
Service Tag and Microsoft
®
Windows
®
License
These labels are located on your computer.
• Use the Service Tag to
identify your computer
when you use
support.dell.com or
contact support.
• Enter the Express Service Code to direct your call when
contacting support.
NOTE: The Microsoft Windows License label has been
redesigned with a hole, or "security portal," as an increased
security measure.
• Solutions — Troubleshooting hints and tips, articles
from technicians, online courses, and frequently
asked questions
• Community — Online discussion with other Dell
customers
• Upgrades — Upgrade information for components,
such as memory, the hard drive, and the operating
system
• Customer Care — Contact information, service call
and order status, warranty, and repair information
• Service and support — Service call status and
support history, service contract, online discussions
with technical support
• Reference — Computer documentation, details on
my computer configuration, product specifications,
and white papers
• Downloads — Certified drivers, patches, and
software updates
• Notebook System Software (NSS) — If you reinstall
the operating system for your computer, you should
also reinstall the NSS utility. NSS provides critical
updates for your operating system and support for
Dell™ 3.5-inch USB floppy drives, Intel
®
processors,
optical drives, and USB devices. NSS is necessary for
correct operation of your Dell computer. The
software automatically detects your computer and
operating system and installs the updates appropriate
for your configuration.
Dell Support Website — support.dell.com
NOTE: Select your region or business segment to view the
appropriate support site.
To download Notebook System Software:
1 Go to support.dell.com , select your region or business
segment, and enter your Service Tag.
2 Select Drivers & Downloads and click Go .
3 Click your operating system and search for the keyword
Notebook System Software .
NOTE: The support.dell.com user interface may vary
depending on your selections.
What Are You Looking For? Find It Here

Quick Reference Guide 7
• Software upgrades and troubleshooting hints —
Frequently asked questions, hot topics, and general
health of your computing environment
Dell Support Utility
The Dell Support Utility is an automated upgrade and
notification system installed on your computer. This
support provides real-time health scans of your computing
environment, software updates, and relevant self-support
information. Access the Dell Support Utility from the
icon in the taskbar. For more information, see "Dell Support
Utility" in your
User’s Guide .
• How to use Windows
• How to work with programs and files
• How to personalize my desktop
Windows Help and Support Center
1 Click Start or → Help and Support .
2 Type a word or phrase that describes your problem and
click the arrow icon.
3 Click the topic that describes your problem.
4 Follow the instructions on the screen.
• Information on network activity, the Power
Management Wizard, hotkeys, and other items
controlled by Dell QuickSet.
Dell QuickSet Help
To view Dell QuickSet Help , right-click the QuickSet icon
in the Microsoft®Windows®taskbar.
For more information on Dell QuickSet, see "Dell™
QuickSet" in your online User’s Guide.
• How to reinstall my operating system Operating System Media
NOTE: The Operating System media may be optional and may
not ship with your computer.
The operating system is already installed on your computer.
To reinstall your operating system, use the Operating
System media. See "Restoring Your Operating System" in
your online User’s Guide.
After you reinstall your
operating system, use the
optional Drivers and
Utilities media to reinstall
drivers for the devices that
came with your computer.
Your operating system
product key label is located
on your computer.
NOTE: The color of your CD or DVD varies based on the
operating system you ordered.
What Are You Looking For? Find It Here

8Quick Reference Guide
Setting Up Your Computer
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the
Product Information Guide.
1 Unpack the accessories box.
2 Set aside the contents of the accessories box, which you will need to complete the setup of your computer.
The accessories box also contains user documentation and any software or additional hardware
(such as PC Cards, drives, or batteries) that you have ordered.
3 Connect the AC adapter to the AC adapter connector on the computer and to the electrical outlet.
4 Open the computer display and press the power button to turn on the computer (see "Front View" on
page 9).
NOTE: It is recommended that you turn on and shut down your computer at least once before you install any cards
or connect the computer to a docking device or other external device, such as a printer.

Quick Reference Guide 9
About Your Computer
Front View
1 display latch 2 display 3 power button
4 omni-directional microphone 5 device status lights 6 speakers (2)
7 keyboard 8 touch pad 9 fingerprint reader (optional)
10 touch pad/track stick buttons 11 track stick 12 keyboard status lights
13 volume control buttons 14 mute button 15 ambient light sensor
1
6
2
12
8
13 5
14
3
7
10
15
11
9
4

10 Quick Reference Guide
Left View
Right View
CAUTION: Do not block, push objects into, or allow dust to accumulate in the air vents. Do not store your
computer in a low-airflow environment, such as a closed briefcase, while it is running. Restricting the airflow
can damage the computer or cause a fire.
1
security cable slot 2 air vents 3 IEEE 1394 connector
4 audio connectors 5 ExpressCard slot 6 wireless switch
7 Wi-Fi Catcher™ light 8 PC Card slot 9 smart card slot
1 media bay 2 USB connectors (2)
1 2 3 4 65 7 8 9
12

Quick Reference Guide 11
Back View
Bottom View
CAUTION: Do not block, push objects into, or allow dust to accumulate in the air vents. Do not store your
computer in a low-airflow environment, such as a closed briefcase, while it is running. Restricting the airflow
can damage the computer or cause a fire.
1
network connector (RJ-45) 2 S-video TV-out connector 3 powered USB connector
4 modem connector (RJ-11) 5 serial connector 6 video connector
7 AC adapter connector 8 air vents
1 battery-bay latch release 2 battery 3 memory module cover
4 docking-device connector 5 fan air vents 6 hard drive
1 2 63 4 75 8
5
4
1
3
2
6

12 Quick Reference Guide
Using a Battery
Battery Performance
NOTE: For information about the Dell warranty for your computer, see the Product Information Guide or separate
paper warranty document that shipped with your computer.
For optimal computer performance and to help preserve BIOS settings, operate your Dell™ portable
computer with the main battery installed at all times. One battery is supplied as standard equipment in
the battery bay.
NOTE: Because the battery may not be fully charged, use the AC adapter to connect your new computer to an
electrical outlet the first time you use the computer. For best results, operate the computer with the AC adapter
until the battery is fully charged. To view battery charge status, access the Control Panel→Power Options, and
then click the Power Meter tab.
NOTE: Battery operating time (the time the battery can hold a charge) decreases over time. Depending on how
often the battery is used and the conditions under which it is used, you may need to purchase a new battery during
the life of your computer.
Battery operating time varies depending on operating conditions. You can install an optional second
battery in the media bay to significantly increase operating time.
Operating time is significantly reduced when you perform operations including, but not limited to,
the following:
• Using optical drives
• Using wireless communications devices, PC Cards, ExpressCards, media memory cards, or USB devices
• Using high-brightness display settings, 3D screen savers, or other power-intensive programs such as 3D games
• Running the computer in maximum performance mode (see "Configuring Power Management
Settings" on page 16)
NOTE: It is recommended that you connect your computer to an electrical outlet when writing to a CD or DVD.
You can check the battery charge before you insert the battery into the computer (see "Checking the
Battery Charge" on page 13). You can also set power management options to alert you when the battery
charge is low (see "Configuring Power Management Settings" on page 16).
CAUTION: Using an incompatible battery may increase the risk of fire or explosion. Replace the battery only
with a compatible battery purchased from Dell. The lithium ion battery is designed to work with your Dell
computer. Do not use a battery from other computers with your computer.
CAUTION: Do not dispose of batteries with household waste. When your battery no longer holds a charge, call
your local waste disposal or environmental agency for advice on disposing of a lithium-ion battery. See "Battery
Disposal" in the Product Information Guide.
CAUTION: Misuse of the battery may increase the risk of fire or chemical burn. Do not puncture, incinerate,
disassemble, or expose the battery to temperatures above 65°C (149°F). Keep the battery away from children.
Handle damaged or leaking batteries with extreme care. Damaged batteries may leak and cause personal injury
or equipment damage.

Quick Reference Guide 13
Checking the Battery Charge
The Dell QuickSet Battery Meter, the Microsoft Windows Power Meter window and icon, the
battery charge gauge and health gauge, and the low-battery warning provide information on the battery
charge.
Dell™ QuickSet Battery Meter
If Dell QuickSet is installed, press <Fn><F3> to display the QuickSet Battery Meter. The Battery Meter
displays status, battery health, charge level, and charge completion time for the battery in your computer.
For more information about QuickSet, click the QuickSet icon in the Microsoft®Windows®taskbar,
and click Help.
Microsoft®Windows®Power Meter
The Windows Power Meter indicates the remaining battery charge. To check the Power Meter, double-click
the icon on the taskbar.
If the computer is connected to an electrical outlet, a icon appears.
Charge Gauge
By either pressing once or pressing and holding the status button on the charge gauge on the battery, you
can check:
• Battery charge (check by pressing and releasing the status button)
• Battery health (check by pressing and
holding the status button)
The battery operating time is largely determined by the number of times it is charged. After hundreds of
charge and discharge cycles, batteries lose some charge capacity—or battery health. That is, a battery can
show a status of "charged" but maintain a reduced charge capacity (health).
Check the Battery Charge
To check the battery charge, press and release the status button on the battery charge gauge to illuminate
the charge-level lights. Each light represents approximately 20 percent of the total battery charge.
For example, if the battery has 80 percent of its charge remaining, four of the lights are on. If no lights
appear, the battery has no charge.
Check the Battery Health
NOTE: You can check battery health in one of two ways: by using the charge gauge on the battery as described
below and by using the Battery Meter in Dell QuickSet. For information about QuickSet, right-click the QuickSet
icon in the Microsoft®Windows®taskbar, and click Help.

14 Quick Reference Guide
To check the battery health using the charge gauge, press and hold the status button on the battery charge
gauge for at least 3 seconds. If no lights appear, the battery is in good condition, and more than 80 percent of
its original charge capacity remains. Each light represents incremental degradation. If five lights appear, less
than 60 percent of the charge capacity remains, and you should consider replacing the battery. See
"Specifications" in your online User’s Guide for more information about the battery operating time.
Low-Battery Warning
NOTICE: To avoid losing or corrupting data, save your work immediately after a low-battery warning. Then connect
the computer to an electrical outlet. If the battery runs completely out of power, hibernate mode begins automatically.
By default, a pop-up window warns you when the battery charge is approximately 90 percent depleted.
You can change the settings for the battery alarms in QuickSet or the Power Options Properties window.
See "Configuring Power Management Settings" on page 16 for information about accessing QuickSet or
the Power Options Properties window.
Conserving Battery Power
Perform the following actions to conserve battery power:
• Connect the computer to an electrical outlet when possible because battery life is largely determined
by the number of times the battery is used and recharged.
• Place the computer in standby mode or hibernate mode when you leave the computer unattended for
long periods of time (see "Power Management Modes" on page 14).
• Use the Power Management Wizard
to select options to optimize your computer’s power usage. These
options can also be set to change when you press the power button, close the display, or press <Fn><Esc>.
NOTE: See "Power Management Modes" on page 14 for more information on conserving battery power.
Power Management Modes
Standby Mode
Standby mode conserves power by turning off the display and the hard drive after a predetermined
period of inactivity (a time-out). When the computer exits standby mode, it returns to the same
operating state it was in before entering standby mode.
NOTICE: If your computer loses AC and battery power while in standby mode, it may lose data.
To enter standby mode:
• Click Start or → Shut Down → Stand by .
or

Quick Reference Guide 15
• Depending on how you set the power management options in the Power Options Properties window
or the QuickSet Power Management Wizard, use one of the following methods:
– Press the power button.
– Close the display.
– Press <Fn><Esc>.
To exit standby mode, press the power button or open the display depending on how you set the power
management options. You cannot make the computer exit standby mode by pressing a key or touching
the touch pad or track stick.
Hibernate Mode
Hibernate mode conserves power by copying system data to a reserved area on the hard drive and then
completely turning off the computer. When the computer exits hibernate mode, it returns to the same
operating state it was in before entering hibernate mode.
NOTICE: You cannot remove devices or undock your computer while your computer is in hibernate mode.
Your computer enters hibernate mode if the battery charge level becomes critically low.
To manually enter hibernate mode:
• Click Start or → Turn off computer , press and hold <Shift>, and then click Hibernate .
or
• Depending on how you set the power management options in the
Power Options Properties window
or the QuickSet Power Management Wizard, use one of the following methods to enter hibernate
mode:
– Press the power button.
– Close the display.
– Press <Fn><Esc>.
NOTE: Some PC Cards or ExpressCards may not operate correctly after the computer exits hibernate mode.
Remove and reinsert the card (see "Installing a PC Card or Express Card" in your online User’s Guide), or simply
restart (reboot) your computer.
To exit hibernate mode, press the power button. The computer may take a short time to exit hibernate
mode. You cannot make the computer exit hibernate mode by pressing a key or touching the touch pad
or track stick. For more information on hibernate mode, see the documentation that came with your
operating system.

16 Quick Reference Guide
Configuring Power Management Settings
You can use the QuickSet Power Management Wizard or Windows Power Options Properties to
configure the power management settings on your computer.
• To access the QuickSet Power Management Wizard, double-click the QuickSet icon in the
Microsoft®Windows®taskbar
. For more information about QuickSet, click the Help button in the
Power Management Wizard.
• To access the
Power Options Properties window, click Start or → Control Panel → Performance
and Maintenance
→ Power Options . For information on any field in the Power Options Properties
window, click the question mark icon on the title bar and then click on the area where you need
information.
Charging the Battery
NOTE: With Dell™ ExpressCharge™, when the computer is turned off, the AC adapter charges a completely
discharged battery to 80 percent in about 1 hour and to 100 percent in approximately 2 hours. Charge time is longer
with the computer turned on. You can leave the battery in the computer for as long as you like. The battery’s internal
circuitry prevents the battery from overcharging.
When you connect the computer to an electrical outlet or install a battery while the computer is
connected to an electrical outlet, the computer checks the battery charge and temperature. If necessary,
the AC adapter then charges the battery and maintains the battery charge.
If the battery is hot from being used in your computer or being in a hot environment, the battery may
not charge when you connect the computer to an electrical outlet.
The battery is too hot to start charging if the light flashes alternately green and orange. Disconnect
the computer from the electrical outlet and allow the computer and the battery to cool to room
temperature. Then connect the computer to an electrical outlet to continue charging the battery.
For more information about resolving problems with a battery, see "Power Problems" in your online
User’s Guide.
Replacing the Battery
CAUTION: Before performing these procedures, turn off the computer, disconnect the AC adapter from the
electrical outlet and the computer, disconnect the modem from the wall connector and computer, and remove any
other external cables from the computer.
CAUTION: Using an incompatible battery may increase the risk of fire or explosion. Replace the battery only
with a compatible battery purchased from Dell. The battery is designed to work with your Dell™ computer. Do not
use a battery from other computers with your computer.
NOTICE: You must remove all external cables from the computer to avoid possible connector damage.
For information about replacing the second battery, which is located in the media bay, see "Using
Multimedia" in your online User’s Guide.

Quick Reference Guide 17
To remove the battery:
1
If the computer is connected to a docking device (docked), undock it. See the documentation that
came with your docking device for instructions.
2 Ensure that the computer is turned off.
3 Slide the battery-bay latch release on the bottom of the computer until the release clicks.
4 Using the tab on the battery, lift the battery out of the computer.
To replace the battery, place the battery in the bay and press down until the battery-bay latch
release clicks.
Storing a Battery
Remove the battery when you store your computer for an extended period of time. A battery discharges
during prolonged storage. After a long storage period, recharge the battery fully before you use it (see
"Charging the Battery" on page 16).
1battery tab 2battery 3battery-bay latch release
23
1

18 Quick Reference Guide
Troubleshooting
Lockups and Software Problems
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the
Product Information Guide.
The computer does not start up
ENSURE THAT THE AC ADAPTER IS FIRMLY CONNECTED TO THE COMPUTER AND TO THE ELECTRICAL OUTLET.
The computer stops responding
NOTICE: You might lose data if you are unable to perform an operating system shutdown.
TURN THE COMPUTER OFF —If you are unable to get a response by pressing a key on your keyboard or moving your
mouse, press and hold the power button for at least 8 to 10 seconds until the computer turns off. Then restart your
computer.
A program stops responding or crashes repeatedly
NOTE: Software usually includes installation instructions in its documentation or on a floppy disk, CD, or DVD.
END THE PROGRAM —
1 Press <Ctrl><Shift><Esc> simultaneously.
2 Click Task Manager .
3 Click Applications .
4 Click the program that is no longer responding.
5 Click End Task .
CHECK THE SOFTWARE DOCUMENTATION —If necessary, uninstall and then reinstall the program.
A program is designed for an earlier Microsoft® Windows®operating system
RUN THE PROGRAM COMPATIBILITY WIZARD —The Program Compatibility Wizard configures a program so it
runs in an environment similar to non-Windows XP operating system environments.
1 Click Start → All Programs → Accessories → Program Compatibility Wizard → Next .
2 Follow the instructions on the screen.
A solid blue screen appears
TURN THE COMPUTER OFF —If you are unable to get a response by pressing a key on your keyboard or moving your
mouse, press and hold the power button for at least 8 to 10 seconds until the computer turns off. Then restart your
computer.

Quick Reference Guide 19
Other software problems
CHECK THE SOFTWARE DOCUMENTATION OR CONTACT THE SOFTWARE MANUFACTURER FOR TROUBLESHOOTING
INFORMATION —
• Ensure that the program is compatible with the operating system installed on your computer.
• Ensure that your computer meets the minimum hardware requirements needed to run the software.
See the software documentation for information.
• Ensure that the program is installed and configured properly.
• Verify that the device drivers do not conflict with the program.
• If necessary, uninstall and then reinstall the program.
BACK UP YOUR FILES IMMEDIATELY
USE AVIRUS-SCANNING PROGRAM TO CHECK THE HARD DRIVE, FLOPPY DISKS, CDS, AND DVDS
SAVE AND CLOSE ANY OPEN FILES OR PROGRAMS AND SHUT DOWN YOUR COMPUTER THROUGH THE Start MENU
SCAN THE COMPUTER FOR SPYWARE —If you are experiencing slow computer performance, you frequently receive
pop-up advertisements, or you are having problems connecting to the Internet, your computer might be infected
with spyware. Use an anti-virus program that includes anti-spyware protection (your program may require an
upgrade) to scan the computer and remove spyware. For more information, go to support.dell.com and search for
the keyword spyware.
RUN THE DELL DIAGNOSTICS —See "Dell Diagnostics" on page 19. If all tests run successfully, the error condition
is related to a software problem.
Dell Diagnostics
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the
Product Information Guide.
When to Use the Dell Diagnostics
If you experience a problem with your computer, run the Dell Diagnostics before you contact Dell for
technical assistance.
It is recommended that you print these procedures before you begin.
NOTICE: The Dell Diagnostics works only on Dell™ computers.
NOTE: The Drivers and Utilities media is optional and may not ship with your computer.
Enter the system setup program, review your computer’s configuration information, and ensure that the
device you want to test displays in the system setup program and is active.
Start the Dell Diagnostics from your hard drive or from the Drivers and Utilities media.

20 Quick Reference Guide
Starting the Dell Diagnostics From Your Hard Drive
The Dell Diagnostics is located on a hidden diagnostic utility partition on your hard drive.
NOTE: If your computer cannot display a screen image, contact Dell (see "Contacting Dell" in your online User’s Guide
for details).
NOTE: If the computer is connected to a docking device (docked), undock it. See the documentation that came
with your docking device for instructions.
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 Start the Dell Diagnostics in one of the following two ways:
• When the DELL™ logo appears, press <F12> immediately. Select Diagnostics from the boot
menu and press <Enter>.
NOTE: 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.
• Ensure that the computer is powered down completely. Press and hold the <Fn> key while
powering the computer on.
NOTE: If you see a message stating that no diagnostics utility partition has been found, run the Dell
Diagnostics from the Drivers and Utilities media.
The computer runs the Pre-boot System Assessment (PSA), a series of initial tests of your system
board, keyboard, display, memory, hard drive, etc.
• During the assessment, answer any questions that appear.
• If failures are detected during the Pre-boot System Assessment, write down the error code(s)
and see "Contacting Dell" in your online
User’s Guide .
If the Pre-boot System Assessment completes successfully, you will receive the message,
"
Booting Dell Diagnostic Utility Partition . Press any key to
continue"
.
4 Press any key to start the Dell Diagnostics from the diagnostics utility partition on your hard drive.
Starting the Dell Diagnostics From the Drivers and Utilities Media
1 Insert the Drivers and Utilities media.
2 Shut down and restart the computer.
When the DELL logo appears, press <F12> immediately.
NOTE: 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.
NOTE: The next steps change the boot sequence for one time only. On the next start-up, the computer boots
according to the devices specified in the system setup program.
3 When the boot device list appears, highlight CD/DVD/CD-RW and press <Enter>.