Dell TechCrew Practice: Troubleshooting

Front

What is the status of the power LED on a Vostro device during a motherboard failure?

Back

The status of the power LED needs to be checked to diagnose the issue.

Front

What recommended practices should be followed while attending service calls?

Back

Whenever possible, swap with a good known part to test functionality.

Hard Drive / SSD failures can be confirmed by running ePSA or SupportAssist| Onboard Diagnostics Quick Test.

Remove or disconnect all nonessential parts from the system. If the part is not necessary to re-create the problem, remove it (for ex. mouse, headphones).

Check for beep codes for system board with an onboard speaker.

Using an external monitor is not always mandatory; however the use of an external monitor can help isolate a display problem.

Parts like memory modules, cables, expansion card should be reseated. It means that they should be removed from their sockets and then reinserted.

All current systems rely on LED light blinking in an (amber, white) patter to determine failure.

Front

What is the purpose of reseating memory modules during troubleshooting?

Back

Reseating memory modules helps to ensure a proper connection and can resolve issues caused by loose or improperly seated RAM.

Front

How can LED light blinking patterns assist in diagnosing hardware failures?

Back

LED light blinking patterns (amber, white) indicate specific hardware failures, allowing technicians to identify the faulty component based on the pattern observed.

Front

Why is it important to disconnect nonessential parts when diagnosing a system issue?

Back

Disconnecting nonessential parts helps isolate the problem by reducing variables, making it easier to identify the faulty component.

Front

What diagnostic tool can be used to confirm a hard drive or SSD failure?

Back

ePSA or SupportAssist | Onboard Diagnostics Quick Test can be used to confirm hard drive or SSD failures.

Front

How can using an external monitor help during troubleshooting?

Back

Using an external monitor can help isolate whether a display problem is caused by the internal screen or another component.

Front

Why should you check for beep codes when diagnosing system board issues?

Back

Beep codes provide audio signals that indicate specific system board failures, helping to identify the faulty component.

Front

How can you confirm a memory module failure during a service call?

Back

Run ePSA or SupportAssist| Onboard Diagnostics to test memory. Also, reseat the memory modules by removing and reinserting them into their sockets.

Front

What should you do if a system does not power on and shows no LED activity?

Back

Disconnect all nonessential peripherals and try a known good power adapter or battery. Check for any signs of life such as fan movement or faint LED blinks.