How to Run Dell Preboot Diagnostics and Hardware Tests on Your Dell Computer
Summary:
How to run Dell Preboot diagnostics to identify hardware issues on your Dell computer. Learn instructions on using Dell onboard diagnostics, performing in-depth tests, and
troubleshooting with Dell diagnostics boot options.
...
Please select a product to check article relevancy
This article applies to This article does not apply toThis article is not tied to any specific product.Not all product versions are identified in this article.
Preboot diagnostics allow you to test your computer hardware at a basic level before the operating system loads.
Select from the table of contents to learn how to run the test you want. The top option is the most basic, and the subsequent options are more advanced.
At the Dell logo, press the F12 key several times until the One Time Boot Menu appears.
On the boot menu screen, select the Diagnostics option (Figure 1.)
Figure 1: One Time Boot Menu
The diagnostic quick test begins (Figure 2.) Figure 2: Diagnostic Quick Test
NOTE: The mouse and touch screen (if installed) are not active during testing.
NOTE: To run a diagnostic test on a specific device, press Esc and then select Advanced test on the lower left corner and then follow the steps in the Diagnostic advanced test section.
Once the quick test completes, the results are shown.
It will state either:
All tests passed successfully, either:
Scan the QR code for additional help.
Select EXIT in the lower right corner to reboot the computer.
Select ADVANCED TEST on the lower left corner to run a specific test, follow the steps in the Diagnostic advanced test section to learn how to run a specific test.
A message stating what hardware is not working correctly, either:
See the following articles for troubleshooting steps to possibly resolve the issue.
Select the article which matches the error range and look up the specific error you have, and perform the troubleshooting steps.
NOTE: The default is that all the tests are selected.
When you want to run a specific test, select to clear the Select all check box and then select the tests you want to run. (Figure 3.) Figure 3: Advanced Test Screen
NOTE: The hardware test options may vary depending on the hardware installed on your Dell computer.
NOTE: To run a thorough test on the hardware, select to check the Thorough mode box.
Select RUN TEST.
NOTE: On Dell laptops, user response is required during the LCD test.
Once the test completes, the results are shown.
It will state either:
All tests passed successfully, either:
Scan the QR code for additional help.
Select EXIT in the lower right corner to reboot the computer.
Select QUICK TEST on the lower left corner.
A message stating what hardware is not working correctly, either:
See the following articles for troubleshooting steps to possibly resolve the issue.
Select the article which matches the error range and look up the specific error you have, and perform the troubleshooting steps.