Which Dell diagnostic tool can be used when a system fails to boot into the OS?

The selected answer, ePSA (Enhanced Pre-boot Systems Assessment), is the appropriate tool for diagnosing issues when a system fails to boot into the operating system. ePSA is a comprehensive diagnostic utility that runs tests on critical hardware components of the system even before the OS loads. It can check elements such as the CPU, memory, storage devices, and other key hardware aspects to determine if there is a failure that is preventing the operating system from booting up.

This tool is particularly beneficial because it operates in a pre-boot environment, allowing technicians and users to isolate hardware problems without needing to access the operating system. If the ePSA identifies issues during its diagnostic process, it provides relevant error codes that can help guide further troubleshooting or repairs.

In contrast, Diagnostics Plus is generally used for more advanced diagnostic procedures and support within the operating system, and Fault Finder often pertains to specific issues rather than a comprehensive check for boot failure. SupportAssist, while useful for proactive support and troubleshooting after the OS is running, does not provide the same level of low-level diagnostics needed in a pre-boot scenario. Therefore, ePSA is the best-suited option for addressing boot failures.