Knowledge Base

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If your computer is experiencing performance issues, but you do not know which hardware component is causing the problem or how to fix it, Dell offers several hardware diagnostic tools to help you.

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Online diagnostics

Fix your device or get replacement parts without calling tech support. We can fix your Windows-based device or send you replacement parts if your device is within warranty coverage. Running the Quick Test also installs SupportAssist to help you troubleshoot your device in the future.

Refer to the Dell knowledge-base article Dell Online Diagnostic Tool - Troubleshoot your Dell PC for more information.

Dell Quick Test

Quick Test scans the hard disk drive, memory, processory and optical disc drive of your Windows-based PC or tablet. If an error is detected, we will fix it automatically, suggest troubleshooting steps, recommend further tests or help you get compatible replacement parts.

1. Browse to the Dell PC Diagnostics page.
2. Click Run Quick Test.
3. Dell System Detect application is required to identify your Dell device in order to provide a customized support experience. Follow the on-screen prompts to install Dell System Detect application.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to install Dell SupportAssist application.
5. Once Dell SupportAssist application is installed, the diagnostic tests will be initiated.
   Note: Some diagnostic tests may display graphics or a status dialog box and some tests may require your participation.

Support Video - How to use Dell Online Diagnostics

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Offline diagnostics

Dell devices come with pre-boot diagnostics to diagnose hardware issues and capture error codes. This set of diagnostics runs before Microsoft Windows starts, so you can diagnose hardware issues without a working operating system. The initial scan lasts a few minutes and checks the system memory(RAM), hard disk drive, processor and several other hardware components for errors.

Refer to the Dell knowledge-base article Resolve hardware issues using ePSA or PSA diagnostics and guide to error codes for more information.

Dell Pre-boot System Assessment or enhanced Pre-boot System Assessment (PSA or ePSA)

To initialize the Dell PSA or ePSA diagnostics:

1. Restart your computer.
2. When the Dell logo appears, press F12 key on the keyboard several times to open the One-time Boot menu.
3. Use the down arrow key on the keyboard to select Diagnostics and press the Enter key.
4. Follow the on-screen prompts and answer them appropriately to complete the assessment.
5. Write down any error codes listed
6. Use the Dell Interactive Support Agent(English only) to get information about ePSA or PSA diagnostic error codes.

Support Video - Diagnose Hardware Issues on your Dell Notebook or Desktop Computer

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Dell SupportAssist for PCs and tablets

Dell SupportAssist proactively checks the health of your computer's hardware and software. When an issue is detected, SupportAssist notifies you. SupportAssist is preinstalled on all new Dell home PCs and Tablets. If you have a device less than a year old, simply search your device for "SupportAssist" and run the application. If your device did not come with SupportAssist preinstalled or you want to reinstall SupportAssist, make sure that your device meets the minimum system requirements and download SupportAssist for PCs and tablets.

Refer to the Dell knowledge-base article Dell SupportAssist for PC's and Tablets for more information.

To initialize the diagnostics using Dell SupportAssist:

1. Click the Windows Start button.
2. Go to All Programs.
3. Under the Dell folder, click SupportAssist
4. Click the Checkup tile.
5. Choose the type of diagnostic test you would like to initiate.
   • Default - This test will take approximately 10 minutes to complete.
   • Stress - This test will take approximately 15 minutes to complete.
   • Scan a Specific Device - This will allow you to run a diagnostic test on a specific device in your computer.

Support Video - Introduction to Dell SupportAssist

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