Troubleshooting
SupportAssist diagnostics
About this task
The SupportAssist diagnostics (previously known as ePSA diagnostics) performs a complete check of your hardware. The
SupportAssist diagnostics is embedded in the BIOS and is launched by it internally. The SupportAssist diagnostics provides a set
of options for particular devices or device groups. It allows you to:
● Run tests automatically or in an interactive mode.
● Repeat tests
● Display or save test results
● Run thorough tests to introduce additional test options and provide extra information about the failed device(s)
● View status messages that indicate if the tests are completed successfully
● View error messages that indicate if problems were encountered during the test
NOTE: Some tests are meant for specific devices and require user interaction. Ensure that you are present in front of the
computer when the diagnostic tests are performed.
For more information, see SupportAssist Pre-Boot System Performance Check.
System diagnostic lights
The computer POST (Power On Self Test) ensures that it meets the basic computer requirements and the hardware is working
appropriately before the boot process begins. If the computer passes the POST, the computer continues to start in a normal mode.
However, if the computer fails the POST, the computer emits a series of LED codes in amber color during the start-up.
The following table shows different light patterns and what they indicate.
Table 10. Diagnostics
Number of Power LED flashes Problem description
1 System board: BIOS and ROM failure
2 No memory or RAM detected, system board, PSU
3 System board or chipset error
4 Memory or RAM failure
5 CMOS battery failure
6 Video card or chip failure
7 CPU failure
2,1 System board failure
2,2 No memory or RAM detected, system board, PSU
2,3 System board, memory or processor failure
3,6 BIOS recovery image not found
3,7 BIOS recovery image found but invalid
Recovering the operating system
When your computer is unable to boot to the operating system even after repeated attempts, it automatically starts Dell
SupportAssist OS Recovery.
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