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    Free Dell Diagnostic Checks

    Discussion in 'Dell' started by hydra, May 27, 2006.

  1. hydra

    hydra Breaks Laptops

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    Not sure if this has been posted but I was just made aware of it by Dell support. I'm going to check the manuals to see if I missed it.

    Dell has an internal hardware check that you activate by starting the laptop by holding down the powerbutton and the FN key. You will see the diagnostic boot message on the screen. During the second half of the test you can specify certain test and for how long, handy for memory tests. This may work for the 1505 owners as well.
     
  2. Mysticales

    Mysticales Notebook Evangelist

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    I still didnt read my manuals lol.. (For fun)

    I didnt notice this one, is this when you power on or what?
     
  3. mZimm

    mZimm Notebook Evangelist

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    It works on all Dell notebooks, and it's only available at bootup.
     
  4. Fountainhead

    Fountainhead Notebook Deity

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    Yeah, I just tried this on my m140 and it worked just like you said. Good catch, Hydra. Thanks for the heads up.
     
  5. ZeroCoolZ

    ZeroCoolZ Notebook Consultant

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    Cool thanks :)
     
  6. tides

    tides Notebook Guru

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    this will check all the hardwares inside the laptop ? So when my 1705 arrives, I should run this to make sure no parts arrive DOA ?
     
  7. hydra

    hydra Breaks Laptops

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    Not really...

    You have to take these tests with a grain of salt. The laptop has to be somewhat healthy or it won't run the test.

    That said, the test can help you pinpoint a problem area, and can make you feel better about your hardware.

    My smoked notebook finished all the tests including fan and sensors before Dell took it out with a second test. My fans were not coming on but OK with i8kfangui :)