How to Run Dell Preboot Diagnostics and Hardware Tests on Your Dell Computer

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.

Table of Contents

1. Diagnostic Quick Test
2. Advanced Diagnostic Test
3. Other Resources
   • Configuration Tab
   • Health Tab
   • Firmware Tab
   • Logs of Previous Diagnostics Tests Tab

Diagnostic Quick Test

1. Turn on your computer.
2. At the Dell logo, press the F12 key several times until the One Time Boot Menu appears.
3. 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.

       • Reference Table of ePSA, PSA Error Codes, and Troubleshooting Steps (2000-0NNN Series)
       • Reference Table of ePSA, PSA Error Codes, and Troubleshooting Steps (2000-4NNN Series)
       • Reference Table of ePSA, PSA Error Codes, and Troubleshooting Steps (2000-8NNN Series)
     • Scan the QR code to report the issue.
     • Browse to SupportAssist Pre-Boot System Performance Check to report the issue (Make a note of the error code, validation code, and service tag.)
     • Browse to Contact Technical Support to see what your options are (Make a note of the error code, validation code, and service tag.)

    

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Advanced Diagnostic Test

1. 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.
2. 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.

       • Reference Table of ePSA, PSA Error Codes, and Troubleshooting Steps (2000-0NNN Series)
       • Reference Table of ePSA, PSA Error Codes, and Troubleshooting Steps (2000-4NNN Series)
       • Reference Table of ePSA, PSA Error Codes, and Troubleshooting Steps (2000-8NNN Series)
     • Scan the QR code to report the issue.
     • Browse to SupportAssist Pre-Boot System Performance Check to report the issue (Make a note of the error code, validation code, and service tag.)
     • Browse to Contact Technical Support to see what your options are (Make a note of the error code, validation code, and service tag.)

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Other Resources:

The Preboot Diagnostic tool also provides information as outlined below:

Configuration

Figure 4: Configuration Tab

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Health

Figure 5: Health Tab

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Firmware

Figure 6: Firmware Tab

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Logs of Previous Diagnostics Tests

Figure 7: Diagnostics Logs Tab

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Recommended Articles

Here are some recommended articles related to this topic that might be of interest to you.

• How to Run a Diagnostic Test Using SupportAssist.
• How to Run a Dell Online Diagnostic Test.
• How to Run a Diagnostic Test on a Dell Monitor.
• How to Run the LCD Built-in Self-Test on a Dell Laptop.
• How to Run a Power Supply Unit Self Test On a Dell Desktop or All-in-One Computer.
• How to Run Hardware Diagnostics on your PowerEdge Server.