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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. ...

This article applies to This article does not apply to This article is not tied to any specific product. Not all product versions are identified in this article.
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Instructions

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

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.)
    One Time Boot Menu

    Figure 1: One Time Boot Menu

    The diagnostic quick test begins (Figure 2.)
    Quick test screen
    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:

     

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Advanced Diagnostic Test

NOTE: The default is that all the tests are selected.
  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.)
    advanced test screen
    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:

 

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Other Resources:

The Preboot Diagnostic tool also provides information as outlined below:

Configuration

NOTE: To access the Configuration tab, select SYSTEM INFO from the options on the left.

Configuration
Figure 4: Configuration Tab

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Health

NOTE: To access the Health tab, select SYSTEM INFO from the options on the left.

Health
Figure 5: Health Tab

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Firmware

NOTE: To access the Firmware tab, select SYSTEM INFO from the options on the left.

Firmware
Figure 6: Firmware Tab

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Logs of Previous Diagnostics Tests

NOTE: To access the logs of the previous diagnostics tests, select LOGS from the options on the left.

Diagnostics logs
Figure 7: Diagnostics Logs Tab

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How to Run a Preboot Diagnostics on a Dell Computer

Watch this video to learn how to use integrated preboot diagnostics to identify hardware issues on your Dell computer.

Duration: 01:34 (mm:ss)
When available, closed caption (subtitles) language settings can be chosen using the Settings or CC icon on this video player.

See these Dell Knowledge Base articles for other diagnostics tests available from Dell:

Affected Products

Alienware, Dell All-in-One, Dell Pro All-in-One, Dell Pro Max Micro, Dell Pro Max Slim, Dell Pro Max Tower, Dell Pro Micro, Dell Pro Slim, Dell Pro Tower, Dell Slim, Dell Tower, Inspiron, Legacy Desktop Models, OptiPlex, Vostro, XPS, G Series , G Series, Alienware, Dell Plus, Dell Pro, Dell Pro Max, Dell Pro Plus, Dell Pro Premium, Inspiron, Latitude, Dell Pro Rugged, Vostro, XPS, Legacy Laptop Models, Fixed Workstations, Mobile Workstations, Dell Pro Max Micro XE FCM2250, Dell Pro Max Slim XE FCS1250, Dell Pro Max Tower T2 XE FCT2250, Dell Pro Micro Plus XE QBM1250, Dell Pro Slim Plus XE5 QBS1250, Dell Pro Tower Plus XE5 QBT1250 ...
Article Properties
Article Number: 000181163
Article Type: How To
Last Modified: 15 May 2025
Version:  22
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