Dell Latitude CPi User Guide - Page 111

When to Use the Dell Diagnostics

Whenever a major component or device in the computer does not function properly, the component or

device may have failed. As long as the microprocessor and input/output (I/O) components of the computer

(the display, keyboard, and diskette drive) are working, use the Dell Diagnostics. If you are experienced with

computers and know which component(s) you need to test, select the appropriate diagnostic test group(s) or

subtest(s). If you are unsure about how to begin diagnosing a problem, read the rest of this chapter.

Before You Start Testing

Follow these steps to safeguard your master copy of the

Dell Diagnostics Diskette

:

1. Make a working copy of the

Dell Diagnostics Diskette

on a blank diskette.

Refer to your operating system's documentation for information on how to duplicate diskettes. Put the

original diskette away for safekeeping.

2. Turn on your printer, if one is attached, and make sure it is online.

3. Confirm the computer's system configuration information and enable all of its components and devices,

such as ports.

For instructions, see

Using the System Setup Program

.

4. Disable all system setup options for power management.


Power Management

.

5. Attach an AC adapter to the computer.

Although it is possible to run the Dell Diagnostics on a computer using battery power, connecting the

computer to AC power helps ensure that power will not be lost during the tests.

Starting the Dell Diagnostics

After you complete the preliminary instructions specified in the previous section, follow these steps to start

the diagnostics.

NOTE: You must have a diskette-drive cable to perform the following procedure. If you do not have a

diskette-drive cable, you can get one from Dell. See

Getting Help

for information on contacting Dell.

1. Install a CD-ROM drive in the modular bay.


CD-ROM Drive

.

2. Attach the diskette drive to the parallel port connector on the back of the computer.


Diskette Drive

.

3. Turn off the computer.

Section	Page
Local Disk	1
Introduction: Dell Latitude CPi A-Series System User's Guide	2
Setup and Operation: Dell Latitude CPi A-Series System User's Guide	7
Powering Your Computer: Dell Latitude CPi A-Series System User's Guide	8
Traveling With Your Computer: Dell Latitude CPi A-Series System User's Guide	9
Drivers: Dell Latitude CPi A-Series System User's Guide	13
Customizing Your Computer: Dell Latitude CPi A-Series System User's Guide	14
Removing and Replacing Parts: Dell Latitude CPi A-Series System User's Guide	15
Troubleshooting Your Computer: Dell Latitude CPi A-Series System User's Guide	19
Technical Specifications: Dell Latitude CPi A-Series System User's Guide	20
Getting Help: Dell Latitude CPi A-Series System User's Guide	28
Modular Bay: Dell Latitude CPi A-Series System User's Guide	38
Using the System Setup Program: Dell Latitude CPi A-Series System User's Guide	41
AC Adapter: Dell Latitude CPi A-Series System User's Guide	55
Batteries: Dell Latitude CPi A-Series System User's Guide	57
CD-ROM Drive: Dell Latitude CPi A-Series System User's Guide	64
Display: Dell Latitude CPi A-Series System User's Guide	66
Diskette Drive: Dell Latitude CPi A-Series System User's Guide	69
Keyboard: Dell Latitude CPi A-Series System User's Guide	70
PC Cards: Dell Latitude CPi A-Series System User's Guide	74
Touch Pad: Dell Latitude CPi A-Series System User's Guide	77
Securing Your Computer: Dell Latitude CPi A-Series System User's Guide	78
Connecting External Devices: Dell Latitude CPi A-Series System User's Guide	83
I/O Connectors: Dell Latitude CPi A-Series System User's Guide	89
Power Management Settings: Dell Latitude CPi A-Series System User's Guide	94
Installing the Microsoft Windows 95 and Windows 98 Operating System Drivers: Dell Latitude CPi A-Series System User's Guide	98
Installing the Microsoft Windows NT Operating System Drivers: Dell Latitude CPi A-Series System User's Guide	104
Save-to-Disk Utility: Dell Latitude CPi A-Series System User's Guide	108
Running the Dell Diagnostics: Dell Latitude CPi A-Series System User's Guide	110
Diagnostic Video Tests: Dell Latitude CPi A-Series System User's Guide	137
Error Messages and Flash Codes: Dell Latitude CPi A-Series System User's Guide	143
Getting Help: Dell Latitude CPi A-Series System User's Guide	152
Using the System Setup Program: Dell Latitude CPi A-Series System User's Guide	162
Diagnostic Video Tests: Dell Latitude CPi A-Series System User's Guide	176

Dell Latitude CPi User Guide - Page 111

When to Use the Dell Diagnostics, Before You Start Testing, Starting the Dell Diagnostics

Page 111 highlights