Dell 3000 manual Input Errors, Memory-Resident Programs, Program Conflicts, IRQ Line Assignments

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Input Errors

If a specific key or set of keys is pressed at the wrong time, a program may give you unexpected results. See the documentation that came with the application program to make sure the values or characters you are entering do not conflict with the application program you are using.

Make sure the operating system is compatible with the programs you use. Keep in mind that whenever you change the parameters of the computer’s operating sys- tem, you may affect the successful operation of the programs. Sometimes, after modifying the operating sys- tem, you may need to reinstall a program that no longer runs properly.

Memory-Resident Programs

There are a variety of utilities and supplementary pro- grams that can be loaded either when the computer boots or from an operating system prompt. These programs are designed to stay resident in system memory and thus always be available for use. Because they remain in the computer’s memory, memory conflicts and errors can result when other programs require use of all or part of the memory already occupied by these TSR programs.

Typically, the operating system’s start-up files contain commands to start TSR programs when you boot the computer. If you suspect that one of these TSR programs is causing a memory conflict, remove the commands that start them from the start-up file. If the problem you were experiencing does not recur, one of the TSR programs probably created the conflict. Add the TSR commands back into the start-up files one at a time until you identify which TSR program is creating the conflict.

Program Conflicts

Some programs may leave portions of their setup infor- mation behind, even though you have exited from them. As a result, other programs cannot run. Rebooting the computer can confirm whether or not these programs are the cause of the problem.

Other programs use specialized subroutines called driv- ers that can cause problems in the computer. For example, a variation in the way the data is sent to an external monitor may require a special screen driver pro- gram that expects a certain kind of video mode or monitor. In such cases, you may have to develop an

alternative method of running that particular program— for example, the creation of a boot file made especially for that program. For help with this situation, call the support service offered by the manufacturer of the soft- ware you are using.

Avoiding Interrupt Assignment Conflicts

Problems can arise if two devices attempt to use the same interrupt request (IRQ) line. To avoid this type of con- flict, check the documentation for the default IRQ line setting for each installed device. Then consult Table 3-4 to configure the device for one of the available IRQ lines.

NOTE: Installed devices cannot share the same COM port address. The default address of the computer’s serial port is COM1.

Table 3-4. IRQ Line Assignments

IRQ Line

Used/Available

 

 

IRQ0

Generated by the system timer

IRQ1

Generated by the keyboard controller to

 

signal that the keyboard output buffer is

 

full

IRQ2

Cascade to second interrupt controller

IRQ3

Reserved

IRQ4

Reserved

IRQ5

Used by the audio controller

IRQ6

Generated by the diskette drive controller

 

to indicate that the diskette drive requires

 

the attention of the microprocessor

IRQ7

Used by the parallel port

IRQ8

Generated by the system RTC

IRQ9

Software redirect to INT0A

IRQ10

Reserved

IRQ11

Reserved

NOTE: For the full name of an abbreviation or acronym used in this table, see the Glossary in the online System User’s Guide.

3-10 Dell Inspiron 3000 Reference and Troubleshooting Guide

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Contents 551&$1 7528%/6+227,1 Page Safety Instructions When Using Your ComputerWhen Removing or Installing Memory Modules Ergonomic Computing HabitsProtecting Against Electrostatic Discharge Viii Preface Warranty and Return Policy InformationAbout This Guide Notational Conventions Other Documents You May NeedTypographical Conventions Examples autoexec.bat and c\windows Xii Contents Chapter Troubleshooting Your Computer Chapter Running the Dell Diagnostics Xvi Chapter Getting Help Xviii Appendix C Regulatory Notices Figures Dell Confidential Preliminary 2/4/98 Xxiv Xxv Xxvi Introduction Front View of the Portable ComputerHardware Features Back View of the Portable ComputerIntroduction Software Features Using the Power ButtonAccessing Online Documentation Available OptionsGetting Help Dell Inspiron 3000 Reference and Troubleshooting Guide Customizing System Features System UtilitiesAccessing the Setup Program Setup ProgramMain Menu Options Quiet Boot System TimeSystem Date Floppy DriveExtended Memory System MemorySystem Devices Menu Options PS/2 Mouse IDE ControllerFDD Controller CD-ROM Drive SpeedAudio Security Menu OptionsSystem Password Set System PasswordPassword on Boot Power Menu OptionsPower Management Mode Smart CPU ModeStandby Time-Out Suspend Time-OutSuspend Mode Boot Menu OptionsResume on Modem Ring Resume on Time of DayBoot Menu of Setup Program Exit Menu OptionsReinstalling Utilities and Drivers Reinstalling Video Drivers Click the Settings tab Click the Advanced Properties buttonDouble-click the Display icon Adapter Type box, click the Change ButtonReinstalling Touch Pad Drivers Reinstalling Audio DriversReinstalling the Soft Wavetable Reinstalling Infrared DriversReinstalling the System User’s Guide Click the Service and Support iconWhen prompted, save the file to your hard-disk drive Click Technical Information, and then click DocumentationTroubleshooting Your Computer Backing Up Your FilesBasic Checks Is your computer wet or damaged?Checking Connections Did you receive a system message or beep code?Look and Listen Checking an Optional DeviceSetup Options Boot Routine IndicationsSystem Error Messages Messages and CodesFaulty Ter 5, Getting Help System Beep Codes CmosBeep Codes Finding Software Solutions Installing and Configuring SoftwareUsing Software Error MessagesInput Errors Memory-Resident ProgramsProgram Conflicts Avoiding Interrupt Assignment ConflictsTroubleshooting Procedures Troubleshooting a Wet ComputerTroubleshooting a Damaged Computer Troubleshooting a Power Failure Total Power Failure When Using the AC AdapterTotal Power Failure When Using a Battery Is the battery status indicator blinking? Yes. Go to stepUse the AC adapter to fully charge the battery Call Dell for technical assistanceNo Power to a Part of the Computer Troubleshooting the Diskette DriveTroubleshooting the CD-ROM Drive Does the computer display a drive error message?Troubleshooting the Hard-Disk Drive Troubleshooting an External Keyboard Does the computer recognize the external keyboard?Troubleshooting Memory Troubleshooting the Built-In DisplayTroubleshooting an External Monitor Is an external monitor connected to the computer?Troubleshooting the Serial and Parallel Ports Troubleshooting the Basic I/O FunctionsTroubleshooting a Parallel Printer Troubleshooting a Serial I/O DeviceChange the necessary statements in the start-up files Attempt another print operation on the parallel printerTroubleshooting the Infrared Port Troubleshooting the Touch PadTroubleshooting Audio Functions Dell Inspiron 3000 Reference and Troubleshooting Guide Features of the Dell Diagnostics Running the Dell DiagnosticsWhen to Use the Dell Diagnostics Starting the Dell Diagnostics Before You Start TestingInstall a CD-ROM drive in the options bay Completing the Dell Diagnostics How to Use the Dell DiagnosticsConfirming the System Configuration Information How to Use the Menu Main Menu OptionsRun SelectOptions Maximum Errors Allowed Number of Times to Repeat TestsPause for User Response Option ParametersOutput Device for Status Messages Output Device for Error MessagesTest Limits Tests in the Dell Diagnostics AboutKey-Help QuitDell Diagnostics Tests RAMDell Diagnostics Tests RAM Test Group Error MessagesSystem Set Test Group Video Test Group Why Run a Keyboard Test? Why Run a Video Test?Keyboard Test Group Mouse Test Why Run the Mouse Test?Diskette Drives Test Group Why Run a Hard-Disk Drives Test? Why Run a Diskette Drives Test?Hard-Disk Drives Non-SCSI Test Group Why Run an IDE CD ROM Drives Test? IDE CD ROM Drives Test GroupWhy Run a Serial/Infrared Ports Test? Why Run a Parallel Ports Test?Serial/Infrared Ports Test Group Parallel Ports Test GroupWhy Run an Audio Test? Audio Test GroupDell Inspiron 3000 Reference and Troubleshooting Guide Run the diagnostics for your Dell computer Getting HelpTechnical Assistance Review the Dell Q&AHelp Tools Help ToolsReference and Troubleshooting Guide Commercial Online ServiceDell Diagnostics Program AutoTech ServiceTechFax Service Technical Support ServiceTechConnect BBS Automated Order-Status SystemProblems With Your Order Returning Items for Warranty Repair or CreditProduct Information Before You CallDiagnostics Checklist Diagnostics ChecklistDell Contact Numbers 1344International Dialing Codes Dell Contact Numbers AustraliaAustria BelgiumBrunei CanadaChile ChinaDenmark FinlandFrance GermanyIreland ItalyJapan KoreaLatin America LuxembourgMacau MalaysiaMexico NetherlandsNew Zealand NorwaySingapore South AfricaSoutheast Asian Pacific CountriesTaiwan SwitzerlandThailand Technical Specifications Table A-1. Technical SpecificationsSdram Audio Display XGA Touch Pad Table A-1. Technical Specifications AC Adapter Environmental Computer Diagnostic Video Tests Text Mode Character TestVideo Memory Test Video Hardware TestCharacter Attributes Subtest 80 x Character Set Subtest 80 xCharacter Attributes Subtest 40 x Character Set Subtest 40 xColor Attributes Subtest 80 x Text Mode Color TestTable B-1. Color Attributes Text Mode Pages Test Graphics Mode TestColor Palettes Test Solid Colors Test Regulatory Notices FCC Class B Notice U.S. OnlyModem Requirements IC Notice Canada OnlyCE Notice EN 55022 Compliance Czech Republic OnlyCanadian Modem Requirements Vcci Notices Japan Only Korean Regulatory NoticePolish Center for Testing and Certification Notice 8ZNBHBOJB 1PMTLJFHP$FOUSVNNOM 024 Information Mexico Only Limited One-Year Warranty U.S. and Canada Only Warranties and Return PolicyLimited Three-Year Warranty U.S. and Canada Only Coverage During Year OneCoverage During Years Two and Three GeneralTotal Satisfaction Return Policy U.S. and Canada Only Index Dell Inspiron 3000 Reference and Troubleshooting Guide Help tools TechFax service, 5-4 user’s documentation Dell Inspiron 3000 Reference and Troubleshooting Guide Post Dell Inspiron 3000 Reference and Troubleshooting Guide Index XGA display Dell Information Development File Names &
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