Dell Alienware M18x Mobile Manual - Page 49

Software Diagnostic Tools, Enhanced Pre-Boot System Assessment - test

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When troubleshooting your computer, remember the following safety guidelines: • Before touching any of the computer's internal components, touch an 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. • Disconnect any peripherals from your computer. Things to check: • Ensure that the AC adapter cable is properly connected between your 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). • If your peripheral devices (for example keyboard, mouse, printer, and so on) are not working, ensure that all connections are secure. • If any computer components were added or removed before the problem 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 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. Software Diagnostic Tools Enhanced Pre-Boot System Assessment The computer runs the Enhanced Pre-boot System Assessment (ePSA), a series of initial tests of your system board, keyboard, display, memory, hard drive, and so on. To invoke ePSA: 1. Turn on (or restart) your computer. 2. When the Alienware logo appears, press 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. 3. Select Diagnostics from the menu and press . 4. Follow the instructions on the screen. If a failure is detected, the diagnostics stop and the computer beeps. • To stop the assessment and restart the computer, press . • To continue to the next test, press . • To retest the component that failed, press . CHAPTER 5: TROUBLESHOOTING 49

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49
CHAPTER 5: TROUBLESHOOTING
Software Diagnostic Tools
Enhanced Pre-Boot System Assessment
°e computer runs the Enhanced Pre-boot System Assessment (ePSA), a series
of initial tests of your system board, keyboard, display, memory, hard drive, and
so on.
To invoke ePSA:
Turn on (or restart) your computer.
1.
When the Alienware logo appears, press <F12> immediately.
2.
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.
Select
3.
Diagnostics
from the menu and press <Enter>.
Follow the instructions on the screen. If a failure is detected, the diagnostics
4.
stop and the computer beeps.
To stop the assessment and restart the computer, press <n>.
•
To continue to the next test, press <y>.
•
To retest the component that failed, press <r>.
•
When troubleshooting your computer, remember the following safety guidelines:
Before touching any of the computer’s internal components, touch an
•
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.
•
Disconnect any peripherals from your computer.
•
°ings to check:
Ensure that the AC adapter cable is properly connected between your
•
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).
•
If your peripheral devices (for example keyboard, mouse, printer, and so on)
•
are not working, ensure that all connections are secure.
If any computer components were added or removed before the problem
•
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
•
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.
•