The Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 may be a brand new laptop but that doesn’t mean it won’t suffer its fair share of issues. Reviews have been overwhelmingly positive so far but as any computer user knows, if something can go wrong, it will go wrong no matter how accomplished the device. That’s why I put this Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 ePSA error code troubleshooting guide together. For when that time comes.
What is ePSA?
The Dell Enhanced Pre-Boot System Assessment (ePSA) is like a second POST test. If something happens at boot like the laptop won’t boot into Windows or hangs after POST, you can instigate ePSA to take a look. ePSA will test all the hardware to make sure it’s all working and provide error codes to help troubleshooting if it isn’t operating normally.
ePSA tests memory, system hardware and configuration to ensure the environment is right to load Windows.
To access ePSA:
1. Power on your device and press F12 until the boot menu appears.
2. Select Diagnostics and hit Enter.
3. Allow the initial test to run, which may take a couple of minutes.
You will be presented with the test screen partway through the tests. You will see the progress indicator at the bottom and your hardware listed in front. Once the initial test completes, you will be prompted to run a memory test which can take a while. Allow the test to run or not, depending on what the screen says.
You can test each component in your Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 further by selecting it in the left pane and checking the box next to Thorough Test Mode on the right. This is used mainly by Dell Tech Support but nothing says you cannot use it yourself.
ePSA error code troubleshooting
If the ePSA test finds an issue, it will show a popup window with an error code, validation key and a message. The message will usually give you an idea of what’s wrong but the error code is more exact. You can then use this information to either troubleshoot your issue or tell Dell Tech Support what you found.
If you want to know what each ePSA error code means, visit the Dell website here and scroll down to the section entitled ‘What do the code results mean?’ There is a long list of error codes and explanations plus a suggestion on what you can do to remedy the situation.
If your Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 is still under warranty, I would definitely suggest using Dell Technical Support to help manage the situation. Once you have the error code, their job is made much easier and you should be up and running much faster than if you waited and went through the process with them.
If your Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 is out of warranty, head to the Tom’s Hardware Laptop Tech Support Forum. The resident experts at in Tom's Hardware community are an invaluable resource for troubleshooting Dell laptops or any other type of computer.
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