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... 2 Messages and Codes 2-1 System Messages 2-1 System Beep Codes 2-9 Warning Messages 2-13 Diagnostics Messages 2-13 Chapter 3 Finding Software Solutions 3-1 Installing and Configuring Software 3-1 Expanded and Extended Memory 3-1 Using Software 3-2 Error Messages 3-2 Input Errors 3-2 Memory-Resident Programs 3-2 Program Conflicts 3-3 Checking for Memory Address Conflicts 3-3 Avoiding Interrupt Assignment Conflicts 3-3 xi
... 2 Messages and Codes 2-1 System Messages 2-1 System Beep Codes 2-9 Warning Messages 2-13 Diagnostics Messages 2-13 Chapter 3 Finding Software Solutions 3-1 Installing and Configuring Software 3-1 Expanded and Extended Memory 3-1 Using Software 3-2 Error Messages 3-2 Input Errors 3-2 Memory-Resident Programs 3-2 Program Conflicts 3-3 Checking for Memory Address Conflicts 3-3 Avoiding Interrupt Assignment Conflicts 3-3 xi
Diagnostics and Troubleshooting Guide (.pdf)
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... and Replacing the Computer Cover 6-1 Troubleshooting a Wet Computer 6-2 Troubleshooting a Damaged Computer 6-2 Troubleshooting the Battery 6-3 Troubleshooting Expansion Cards 6-4 Troubleshooting System Memory 6-5 Troubleshooting the Video Subsystem 6-6 Troubleshooting the System Board 6-8 Troubleshooting the Diskette/Tape Drive Subsystem 6-9 Checking the Diskette/Tape Drive Subsystem 6-9 Troubleshooting ... SCSI Backplane Board 6-17 Chapter 7 Getting Help 7-1 Technical Assistance 7-1 Help Tools 7-2 Frequently Asked Questions Cards 7-3 Dell Q&A 7-3 System Documentation 7-3 xiv
... and Replacing the Computer Cover 6-1 Troubleshooting a Wet Computer 6-2 Troubleshooting a Damaged Computer 6-2 Troubleshooting the Battery 6-3 Troubleshooting Expansion Cards 6-4 Troubleshooting System Memory 6-5 Troubleshooting the Video Subsystem 6-6 Troubleshooting the System Board 6-8 Troubleshooting the Diskette/Tape Drive Subsystem 6-9 Checking the Diskette/Tape Drive Subsystem 6-9 Troubleshooting ... SCSI Backplane Board 6-17 Chapter 7 Getting Help 7-1 Technical Assistance 7-1 Help Tools 7-2 Frequently Asked Questions Cards 7-3 Dell Q&A 7-3 System Documentation 7-3 xiv
Diagnostics and Troubleshooting Guide (.pdf)
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... Order-Status System 7-4 Technical Support Service 7-4 Problems With Your Order 7-5 Product Information 7-5 Returning Items for Warranty Repair or Credit 7-5 Before You Call 7-5 Dell Contact Numbers 7-8 Appendix A Diagnostic Video Tests A-1 Video Memory Test A-1 Video Hardware Test A-1 Text Mode Character Test A-1 Character Attributes Subtest (80 x 25 A-2 Character Set Subtest (80 x 25 A-3 Video Scan Alignment...
... Order-Status System 7-4 Technical Support Service 7-4 Problems With Your Order 7-5 Product Information 7-5 Returning Items for Warranty Repair or Credit 7-5 Before You Call 7-5 Dell Contact Numbers 7-8 Appendix A Diagnostic Video Tests A-1 Video Memory Test A-1 Video Hardware Test A-1 Text Mode Character Test A-1 Character Attributes Subtest (80 x 25 A-2 Character Set Subtest (80 x 25 A-3 Video Scan Alignment...
Diagnostics and Troubleshooting Guide (.pdf)
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... immediately. Yes. No. Did you receive a system message or beep code? Otherwise, go to Chapter 6, "Checking Inside Your Computer." If Dell installed MS-DOS on the hard-disk drive or bootable diskette. No. Perform the steps in "Checking Connections and Switches" found later in this...to step 5. NOTE: The boot routine is the operating system's attempt to Chapter 7, "Getting Help." 4. Go to load its files into memory from the bootup sector on your hard-disk drive, you should also safeguard your software by creating program diskette sets (backup diskettes) of the ...
... immediately. Yes. No. Did you receive a system message or beep code? Otherwise, go to Chapter 6, "Checking Inside Your Computer." If Dell installed MS-DOS on the hard-disk drive or bootable diskette. No. Perform the steps in "Checking Connections and Switches" found later in this...to step 5. NOTE: The boot routine is the operating system's attempt to Chapter 7, "Getting Help." 4. Go to load its files into memory from the bootup sector on your hard-disk drive, you should also safeguard your software by creating program diskette sets (backup diskettes) of the ...
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Yes. Use the EISA Configuration Utility to save new system information into EISA configuration memory as explained in "The System Setup Program" found later in this chapter. Go to check all the switches, controls, and cable connections can easily ...to step 9. Get another electrical outlet. Make sure that you have fixed the problem. You have fixed the problem. Yes. Go to Chapter 4, "Running the Dell Diagnostics." 5. Is the problem resolved? Yes. Is the problem resolved? No. Is the power strip getting power? Yes. Yes. Is your computer is probably not...
Yes. Use the EISA Configuration Utility to save new system information into EISA configuration memory as explained in "The System Setup Program" found later in this chapter. Go to check all the switches, controls, and cable connections can easily ...to step 9. Get another electrical outlet. Make sure that you have fixed the problem. You have fixed the problem. Yes. Go to Chapter 4, "Running the Dell Diagnostics." 5. Is the problem resolved? Yes. Is the problem resolved? No. Is the power strip getting power? Yes. Yes. Is your computer is probably not...
Diagnostics and Troubleshooting Guide (.pdf)
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...'t match the information recorded by the System Setup program, an error message may have not resolved the problem, see Chapter 4, "Running the Dell Diagnostics." To correct this chapter. See your system documentation for detailed instructions on your screen. If you have a system that can read changes... from the System Setup program, the change is not recorded into EISA configuration memory until you run the System Setup program. When you boot your system, your system checks the system configuration information and compares it with...
...'t match the information recorded by the System Setup program, an error message may have not resolved the problem, see Chapter 4, "Running the Dell Diagnostics." To correct this chapter. See your system documentation for detailed instructions on your screen. If you have a system that can read changes... from the System Setup program, the change is not recorded into EISA configuration memory until you run the System Setup program. When you boot your system, your system checks the system configuration information and compares it with...
Diagnostics and Troubleshooting Guide (.pdf)
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...failure A cable may be loose, or the system configuration information may be faulty. Diskette read the data. See Chapter 4, "Running the Dell Diagnostics." Message Bad command or file name Bad errorcorrection code(ECC) on disk read error. System Messages (continued) Cause Action The command ..."Troubleshooting the Diskette/Tape Drive Subsystem" in be loose, or the diskette See "Troubleshooting the Diskette/Tape Drive may See "Troubleshooting System Memory" in Chapter 6. The diskette or hard-disk drive cannot read failure A cable may be faulty or improperly seated. If you are ...
...failure A cable may be loose, or the system configuration information may be faulty. Diskette read the data. See Chapter 4, "Running the Dell Diagnostics." Message Bad command or file name Bad errorcorrection code(ECC) on disk read error. System Messages (continued) Cause Action The command ..."Troubleshooting the Diskette/Tape Drive Subsystem" in be loose, or the diskette See "Troubleshooting the Diskette/Tape Drive may See "Troubleshooting System Memory" in Chapter 6. The diskette or hard-disk drive cannot read failure A cable may be faulty or improperly seated. If you are ...
Diagnostics and Troubleshooting Guide (.pdf)
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... the secondary microprocessor on a dual-microprocessor system and always refers to carry out the command. One or more SIMMs or DIMMs may See "Troubleshooting System Memory" in Chapter 6. An old, unsupported version of the microprocessor is Remove the diskette from drive A and move the activated. In a single-microprocessor system, CPU0 refers...
... the secondary microprocessor on a dual-microprocessor system and always refers to carry out the command. One or more SIMMs or DIMMs may See "Troubleshooting System Memory" in Chapter 6. An old, unsupported version of the microprocessor is Remove the diskette from drive A and move the activated. In a single-microprocessor system, CPU0 refers...
Diagnostics and Troubleshooting Guide (.pdf)
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...Enter the System Setup program and correct the system configuration information. Keyboard data line failure Keyboard failure Keyboard stuck key failure Memory address line failure at address, read value expecting value One or more SIMMs may be faulty. Message Incompatible Processors: ...Keyboard controller failure Table 2-1. Replace one of an abbreviation or acronym used in this table, see Chapter 7, "Getting Help." Memory allocation error The software you need technical assistance, see the abbreviation and acronym list that precedes the Index. 2-4 Diagnostics and Troubleshooting...
...Enter the System Setup program and correct the system configuration information. Keyboard data line failure Keyboard failure Keyboard stuck key failure Memory address line failure at address, read value expecting value One or more SIMMs may be faulty. Message Incompatible Processors: ...Keyboard controller failure Table 2-1. Replace one of an abbreviation or acronym used in this table, see Chapter 7, "Getting Help." Memory allocation error The software you need technical assistance, see the abbreviation and acronym list that precedes the Index. 2-4 Diagnostics and Troubleshooting...
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.... If the error appears again, see the abbreviation and acronym list that precedes the Index. NOTE: For the full name of memory recorded in the system configuration information does not match the memory installed in the computer. System Messages (continued) Cause Action One or more SIMMs or DIMMs may See "Troubleshooting System...
.... If the error appears again, see the abbreviation and acronym list that precedes the Index. NOTE: For the full name of memory recorded in the system configuration information does not match the memory installed in the computer. System Messages (continued) Cause Action One or more SIMMs or DIMMs may See "Troubleshooting System...
Diagnostics and Troubleshooting Guide (.pdf)
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...unable to shut down the system. The beep code is invaluable to the Dell support staff if you are nonoperational. If you need to use the Dell Diagnostics to identify a more serious cause. Messages and Codes 2-9 Table ...2-1. System Messages (continued) Message Cause Action Warning Thermal Probes failed. You can continue to call for technical assistance. For technical assistance, see the abbreviation and acronym list that identify the problem. At system start -up in nonvolatile random-access memory...
...unable to shut down the system. The beep code is invaluable to the Dell support staff if you are nonoperational. If you need to use the Dell Diagnostics to identify a more serious cause. Messages and Codes 2-9 Table ...2-1. System Messages (continued) Message Cause Action Warning Thermal Probes failed. You can continue to call for technical assistance. For technical assistance, see the abbreviation and acronym list that identify the problem. At system start -up in nonvolatile random-access memory...
Diagnostics and Troubleshooting Guide (.pdf)
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...failure Run the System Set Test Group in the Dell Diagnostics, if possible. See Chapter 4, "Running the Dell Diagnostics." ning the Dell Diagnostics." 1-3-1 through 2-4-4 SIMMs or DIMMs not being See "Troubleshooting System Memory" in the Dell Diagnostics. System Beep Codes Code Cause Action 1-1-2 ... for instructions on obtaining technical assistance. 1-1-3 NVRAM Run the System Set Test Group in the Dell Diagnostics. See Chapter 4, "Running the Dell Diagnostics." 1-3 Video Memory Test failure Run the Video Test Group in Chapter 7. NOTE: For the full name of an...
...failure Run the System Set Test Group in the Dell Diagnostics, if possible. See Chapter 4, "Running the Dell Diagnostics." ning the Dell Diagnostics." 1-3-1 through 2-4-4 SIMMs or DIMMs not being See "Troubleshooting System Memory" in the Dell Diagnostics. System Beep Codes Code Cause Action 1-1-2 ... for instructions on obtaining technical assistance. 1-1-3 NVRAM Run the System Set Test Group in the Dell Diagnostics. See Chapter 4, "Running the Dell Diagnostics." 1-3 Video Memory Test failure Run the Video Test Group in Chapter 7. NOTE: For the full name of an...
Diagnostics and Troubleshooting Guide (.pdf)
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...Run the System Set Test Group in the Dell Diagnostics. See Chapter 4, "Running the Dell Diagnostics." 3-3-4 Video Memory Test failure Run the Video Test Group in the Dell Diagnostics. See Chapter 4, "Running the Dell Diagnostics." System Beep Codes (continued) Code ...instructions on obtaining tected mode technical assistance. 4-3-1 Memory failure above address 0FFFFh Run the RAM Test Group in the Dell Diagnostics. Messages and Codes 2-11 See Chapter 4, "Running the Dell Diagnostics." 4-4-2 Failure to shadowed memory. Otherwise, see Chapter 7, "Getting Help," ...
...Run the System Set Test Group in the Dell Diagnostics. See Chapter 4, "Running the Dell Diagnostics." 3-3-4 Video Memory Test failure Run the Video Test Group in the Dell Diagnostics. See Chapter 4, "Running the Dell Diagnostics." System Beep Codes (continued) Code ...instructions on obtaining tected mode technical assistance. 4-3-1 Memory failure above address 0FFFFh Run the RAM Test Group in the Dell Diagnostics. Messages and Codes 2-11 See Chapter 4, "Running the Dell Diagnostics." 4-4-2 Failure to shadowed memory. Otherwise, see Chapter 7, "Getting Help," ...
Diagnostics and Troubleshooting Guide (.pdf)
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... the built-in video subsystem. See Chapter 4, "Running the Dell Diagnostics." 6-2-3 No SIMM or DIMM installed See "Troubleshooting System Memory" in the Dell Diagnostics. See Chapter 4, "Running the Dell Diagnostics." 6-1-2 I/O controller failure Run the System Set Test Group in the Dell Diagnostics. See Chapter 4, "Running the Dell Diagnostics." 6-2-2 Pentium speed determination failure Run the System Set...
... the built-in video subsystem. See Chapter 4, "Running the Dell Diagnostics." 6-2-3 No SIMM or DIMM installed See "Troubleshooting System Memory" in the Dell Diagnostics. See Chapter 4, "Running the Dell Diagnostics." 6-1-2 I/O controller failure Run the System Set Test Group in the Dell Diagnostics. See Chapter 4, "Running the Dell Diagnostics." 6-2-2 Pentium speed determination failure Run the System Set...
Diagnostics and Troubleshooting Guide (.pdf)
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Viruses, which Dell computer you have, the system memory can be expanded by installing additional single in-line memory modules (SIMMs) or dual in-line memory modules (DIMMs) or by software. A program usually includes installation instructions in its accompanying documentation and ...about how to configure your computer with a modem. Software errors can also appear to be confusing. cation programs • Memory conflicts resulting from the following circumstances: • Improper installation or configuration of larger capacity. Installing and Configuring Software When you ...
Viruses, which Dell computer you have, the system memory can be expanded by installing additional single in-line memory modules (SIMMs) or dual in-line memory modules (DIMMs) or by software. A program usually includes installation instructions in its accompanying documentation and ...about how to configure your computer with a modem. Software errors can also appear to be confusing. cation programs • Memory conflicts resulting from the following circumstances: • Improper installation or configuration of larger capacity. Installing and Configuring Software When you ...
Diagnostics and Troubleshooting Guide (.pdf)
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... program, the operating system, or the computer. Some, but not all Dell computers have more than is available in the conventional memory area: • The application program is not listed in the computer's memory, memory conflicts and errors can be loaded either when the computer boots or from ...lead to avoid them from an operating system prompt. Make sure the operating environment is set of keys is provided with expanded memory. • The memory has been properly allocated using . Keep in this chapter. If you suspect that one of these types of conflicts and how...
... program, the operating system, or the computer. Some, but not all Dell computers have more than is available in the conventional memory area: • The application program is not listed in the computer's memory, memory conflicts and errors can be loaded either when the computer boots or from ...lead to avoid them from an operating system prompt. Make sure the operating environment is set of keys is provided with expanded memory. • The memory has been properly allocated using . Keep in this chapter. If you suspect that one of these types of conflicts and how...
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...system. Call the support service for example. To reassign the expansion card's address block, refer to the documentation for one of addresses, a memory address conflict arises. In systems with your system documentation. To avoid this problem. NOTE: Table 3-1 lists default IRQ settings. If you ... programs that use the same interrupt request (IRQ) line. For example, in the case of the network expansion card and expanded-memory pageframe address conflict, you can change the address of one of the available IRQ lines. Table 3-1. Default IRQ Line Assignments IRQ Line...
...system. Call the support service for example. To reassign the expansion card's address block, refer to the documentation for one of addresses, a memory address conflict arises. In systems with your system documentation. To avoid this problem. NOTE: Table 3-1 lists default IRQ settings. If you ... programs that use the same interrupt request (IRQ) line. For example, in the case of the network expansion card and expanded-memory pageframe address conflict, you can change the address of one of the available IRQ lines. Table 3-1. Default IRQ Line Assignments IRQ Line...
Diagnostics and Troubleshooting Guide (.pdf)
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Dell Computer Corporation Dell System Diagnostics Version X.XX Available Test Groups RAM System Set Video Keyboard Mouse Diskette Drives Hard-Disk Drives (Non-SCSI) IDE CD ROM Drives Serial/Infrared Ports Parallel Ports SCSI Devices Network Interface Audio Other System Configuration Memory 4 MB... sources supply this configuration information for the diagnostics: • The system configuration information settings (stored in nonvolatile random-access memory [NVRAM]) that tells the computer where to send outgoing information and where to Quit NOTE: The options displayed on the...
Dell Computer Corporation Dell System Diagnostics Version X.XX Available Test Groups RAM System Set Video Keyboard Mouse Diskette Drives Hard-Disk Drives (Non-SCSI) IDE CD ROM Drives Serial/Infrared Ports Parallel Ports SCSI Devices Network Interface Audio Other System Configuration Memory 4 MB... sources supply this configuration information for the diagnostics: • The system configuration information settings (stored in nonvolatile random-access memory [NVRAM]) that tells the computer where to send outgoing information and where to Quit NOTE: The options displayed on the...
Diagnostics and Troubleshooting Guide (.pdf)
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... menu), you return to designate limits. Otherwise, the next messages are reset to increase or decrease the given limit. Test Limits NOTE: The Dell Diagnostics sets default limits on the type of parameter associated with the limits, return to limit the amount of a given limit or by pressing...because the program writes data to select the next menu or submenu. CAUTION: It is an ordinary ASCII text file. Press to the computer's memory that can erase the contents of the previous ones in the previous subsection, "Output Device for Status Messages." However, the values are added ...
... menu), you return to designate limits. Otherwise, the next messages are reset to increase or decrease the given limit. Test Limits NOTE: The Dell Diagnostics sets default limits on the type of parameter associated with the limits, return to limit the amount of a given limit or by pressing...because the program writes data to select the next menu or submenu. CAUTION: It is an ordinary ASCII text file. Press to the computer's memory that can erase the contents of the previous ones in the previous subsection, "Output Device for Status Messages." However, the values are added ...
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...concerning their use. USB Register Test Checks the onboard registers of memory-resident instructions. USB Memory Structure Test Monitors the ability of a USB controller to the microprocessor. NOTES: Not all memory is internal to process a simple set of the USB interface... chip, as appropriate. Running the Dell Diagnostics 4-9 Dell Diagnostics Tests Test Groups Subtests Description RAM Quick Memory Test Comprehensive Memory Test Secondary Cache Memory Test Tests the RAM and cache. (Some computers include expanded or extended memory; all of the computer. Coprocessor ...
...concerning their use. USB Register Test Checks the onboard registers of memory-resident instructions. USB Memory Structure Test Monitors the ability of a USB controller to the microprocessor. NOTES: Not all memory is internal to process a simple set of the USB interface... chip, as appropriate. Running the Dell Diagnostics 4-9 Dell Diagnostics Tests Test Groups Subtests Description RAM Quick Memory Test Comprehensive Memory Test Secondary Cache Memory Test Tests the RAM and cache. (Some computers include expanded or extended memory; all of the computer. Coprocessor ...