NOTE: You can also use the following steps to disable a forgotten password.
1. Follow the procedures in
Before Working on Your Computer
.
2. Remove the cover.
3. Identify the PSWD jumper on the system board.
4. Remove the PSWD jumper from the system board.
NOTE: The existing passwords are not disabled (erased) until the computer boots without the jumper.
5. Install the cover.
NOTE: If you assign a new system and/or setup password with the PSWD jumper installed, the system
disables the new password(s) the next time it boots.
6. Connect the computer to the electrical outlet and power-on the computer.
7. Power-off the computer and disconnect the power cable from the electrical outlet.
8. Remove the cover.
9. Replace the PSWD jumper on the system board.
10. Install the cover.
11. Follow the procedures in
After Working on Your Computer
.
12. Power-on the computer.
13. Go to the system setup, and assign a new system or setup password. See
Setting up a System Password
.
Diagnostics
If you experience a problem with your computer, run the ePSA diagnostics before contacting Dell for technical
assistance. The purpose of running diagnostics is to test your computer's hardware without requiring additional
equipment or risking data loss. If you are unable to fix the problem yourself, service and support personnel can use the
diagnostics results to help you solve the problem.
Enhanced Pre-Boot System Assessment (ePSA) Diagnostics
The ePSA diagnostics (also known as system diagnostics) performs a complete check of your hardware. The ePSA is
embedded with the BIOS and is launched by the BIOS internally. The embedded system diagnostics provides a set of
options for particular devices or device groups allowing 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 to provide extra information about the failed device(s)
• View status messages that inform you if tests are completed successfully
• View error messages that inform you of problems encountered during testing
CAUTION: Use the system diagnostics to test only your computer. Using this program with other computers may
cause invalid results or error messages.
NOTE: Some tests for specific devices require user interaction. Always ensure that you are present at the
computer terminal when the diagnostic tests are performed.
1. Power-on the computer.
2. As the computer boots, press the <F12> key as the Dell logo appears.
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