Dell Dimension E521 - Manual (Page 9)

5. After all tests have completed, close the test window to return to the Dell Diagnostics Main Menu.
6. Close the Main Menu window to exit the Dell Diagnostics and restart the computer.
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 (see "Contacting Dell" in 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.
4. Close the test screen to return to the Main Menu screen. To exit the Dell Diagnostics and restart the computer, close the Main Menu screen.
Drivers
What Is a Driver?
A driver is a program that controls a device such as a printer, mouse, or keyboard. All devices require a driver program.
A driver acts as a translator between the device and any other programs that use the device. Each device has its own set of specialized commands that only
the driver for that device recognizes.
Required drivers are already installed on your computer—no further installation or configuration is needed.
Many drivers, such as the keyboard driver, come with your Microsoft ® Windows ® operating system. You may need to install drivers if you:
l Upgrade your operating system.
l Reinstall your operating system.
l Connect or install a new device.
Identifying Drivers
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.
Configuration Displays your hardware configuration for the selected device.
The Dell Diagnostics obtains configuration information for all devices from system setup, memory, and various internal tests, and it displays
the information in the device list in the left pane of the screen. The device list may not display the names of all the components installed on
your computer or all devices attached to your computer.
Parameters Allows you to customize the test by changing the test settings.