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Testing in the BIOS or POST:
If you check the display during the POST or the system setup, and the symptoms are present outside
of the operating system, it is typically a video adapter‐related issue. These tests should always be
attempted before submitting an online warranty request.
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Reconciling dead pixels with the industry standard specification:
If the LCD has dead pixels, bear in mind that there is an industry‐specified tolerance level, within
which the LCD cannot be replaced. Like any CRT or flat panel replacement, Dell cannot guarantee
that an LCD replacement will not have a pixel related issue. Please speak directly with your Dell
representative if you are in any doubt.
Out of Warranty
Some display issues are not covered by standard warranties, including cracks in the LCD. Cracks are
indicated by:
•
Any spider web effect
•
A puncture
•
Bleeding effect
•
Spots of what appears to be an ink‐like substance on the screen
Diagnostic Tools
Objective
Identify and employ the applicable software diagnostic tools, including the relative options, for both
specific and general failure events.
Obtaining Dell Diagnostics
New Dell platform releases are accompanied by a Graphic User Interface (GUI) diagnostic application,
whereas older systems would ship with the DOS‐based equivalent. The diagnostic application can test all
major hardware components and their functions. The software is available from the following three
resources:
•
The Dell resource CD that comes with all platforms
•
The Dell support website, support.dell.com
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The system partition, a 32 MB partition, placed on your hard drive during the manufacturing process
NOTE: You can access the 32 MB system partition by using the one‐time boot menu. To do so, first press
<F12> during the power‐on phase to activate the one‐time boot menu and then follow the prompts that
appear on the screen. However, when systems are imaged, the partition is often overwritten and will
not be present.
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Troubleshooting
