6. HP Hardware Diagnostics and Tools
HP offers different diagnostics and tools to diagnose hardware failure. This section describes how to use
some of these tools. Make sure to check for the latest versions before use.
HP PC Hardware Diagnostics (UEFI)
HP PC Hardware Diagnostics is a Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) that allows you to run diagnostic
tests to determine whether the computer hardware is functioning properly. The HP PC Hardware Diagnostics
(UEFI) tool is built within BIOS (basic memory and hard drive diagnostics only), or within new hard drives
themselves. These drives contain more advanced versions of the diagnostic tool than the BIOS-based version.
In addition, for HP authorized service partners and IT professionals who need to support a mixed environment
of older and newer HP/Compaq PCs, the HP PC Diagnostics 3-in-1 USB Key at
is a diagnostic tool that supports a wide range of HP Desktop and
Notebook computers.
The tool runs outside the operating system so that it can isolate hardware failures from issues that are
caused by the operating system or other software components. In reality, many problems can be determined
using this tool if the issue is a defective part or a loose connection (i.e., reseating keyboard cable after the
tool reports a keyboard error).
The tool has three major functions:
●
System Tests - Check the computer’s hardware to assure everything is functioning properly. If your
system won’t boot into Windows, try the Quick System Test. For more comprehensive testing, use the
Extensive System Test option. If the System Test did not detect a hardware problem, continue with the
Component Tests.
●
Component Tests – Focus on selected hardware components in your computer.
●
Firmware Management – Update your computer’s BIOS to the latest version (available separately) or roll
back to a previous version.
To start HP PC Hardware Diagnostics (UEFI):
1.
Turn on or restart the computer, quickly press the
esc
button on the computer, and then press
F2
. The
BIOS searches three places for the diagnostic tools, in the following order:
a.
Connected USB drive
b.
Hard drive
c.
BIOS
General troubleshooting steps
69