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Troubleshooting
Dell™Dimension™C521ServiceManual
Dell Diagnostics
System Lights
Diagnostic Lights
Beep Codes
Dell Diagnostics
When to Use the Dell Diagnostics
If you experience a problem with your computer, perform the checks in this section and run the Dell Diagnostics before you contact Dell for technical
assistance.
1. Turn on (or restart) your computer.
2. 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.
3. When the boot device list appears, highlight Boot to Utility Partition and press <Enter>.
4. When the Dell Diagnostics Main Menu appears, select the test you want to run (see Dell Diagnostics Main Menu).
Dell Diagnostics Main Menu
1. After the Dell Diagnostics loads and the Main Menu screen appears, click the button for the option you want.
2. If a problem is encountered during a test, a message appears with an error code and a description of the problem. Write down the error code and
problem description and follow the instructions on the screen.
If you cannot resolve the error condition, contact Dell. For information about contacting Dell, see your Owner's Manual.
3. If you run a test from the Custom Test or Symptom Tree option, click the applicable tab described in the following table for more information.
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.
NOTICE: TheDellDiagnosticsworksonlyonDell™computers.
Option
Function
Express Test
Performs a quick test of devices. This test typically takes 10 to 20 minutes and requires no interaction on your part. Run Express Test first to
increase the possibility of tracing the problem quickly.
Extended
Test
Performs a thorough check of devices. This test typically takes an hour or more and requires you to answer questions periodically.
Custom Test
Tests a specific device. You can customize the tests you want to run.
Symptom
Tree
Lists the most common symptoms encountered and allows you to select a test based on the symptom of the problem you are having.
NOTE: The Service Tag for your computer is located at the top of each test screen. If you contact Dell, technical support will ask for your Service Tag.
Tab
Function
Results
Displays the results of the test and any error conditions encountered.
Errors
Displays error conditions encountered, error codes, and the problem description.
Help
Describes the test and may indicate requirements for running the test.