Dell 3000 manual Running the Dell Diagnostics, Features of the Dell Diagnostics

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Chapter 4

Running the Dell Diagnostics

Unlike many diagnostic programs, the Dell Diagnos- tics allows you to check the computer’s hardware without any additional equipment and without destroying any data. By using the Dell Diagnostics, you can have confi- dence in the computer’s operation. If you find a problem you cannot solve by yourself, the Dell diagnostic tests can provide you with important information you will need when talking to Dell’s service and support personnel.

CAUTION: Use the Dell Diagnostics to test only your Dell computer. Using this program with other computers may cause incorrect computer responses or result in misleading error messages.

NOTE: If the computer does not boot, call Dell for tech- nical assistance. See Chapter 5, “Getting Help,” for instructions.

diagnostic test groups or subtests also have these helpful features:

Options that let you run tests individually or collectively

An option that allows you to choose the number of times a test group or subtest is repeated

The ability to display test results, print them, or save them in a file

Options to suspend testing when an adjustable error limit is reached

A menu option called About that briefly describes each test and its parameters

Status messages that inform you whether test groups or subtests were completed successfully

Error messages that appear if any problems are detected

Features of the Dell Diagnostics

To troubleshoot components or devices, run the appropri- ate test (test group or subtest) in the diagnostics on your Dell Diagnostics Diskette. The diagnostics program exer- cises the functional components and devices of the computer more vigorously and thoroughly than they are exercised during normal operation.

The Dell Diagnostics provides a series of menus and options from which you choose particular test groups or subtests. Each diagnostic test group or subtest allows you to control important testing parameters. You can also control the sequence in which the tests are run. The

When to Use the Dell

Diagnostics

Whenever a major component or device in the computer does not function properly, the component or device may have failed. As long as the microprocessor and input/ output (I/O) components of the computer (the display, keyboard, and diskette drive) are working, use the Dell Diagnostics. If you are experienced with computers and know what component(s) you need to test, select the appropriate diagnostic test group(s) or subtest(s). If you are unsure about how to begin diagnosing a problem, read the rest of this chapter.

Running the Dell Diagnostics

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Contents 551&$1 7528%/6+227,1 Page When Using Your Computer Safety InstructionsErgonomic Computing Habits When Removing or Installing Memory ModulesProtecting 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 Front View of the Portable Computer IntroductionBack View of the Portable Computer Hardware FeaturesIntroduction Available Options Software FeaturesUsing the Power Button Accessing Online DocumentationGetting Help Dell Inspiron 3000 Reference and Troubleshooting Guide System Utilities Customizing System FeaturesAccessing the Setup Program Setup ProgramMain Menu Options Floppy Drive Quiet BootSystem Time System DateExtended Memory System MemorySystem Devices Menu Options CD-ROM Drive Speed PS/2 MouseIDE Controller FDD ControllerSecurity Menu Options AudioPower Menu Options System PasswordSet System Password Password on BootSuspend Time-Out Power Management ModeSmart CPU Mode Standby Time-OutResume on Time of Day Suspend ModeBoot Menu Options Resume on Modem RingExit Menu Options Boot Menu of Setup ProgramReinstalling Utilities and Drivers Adapter Type box, click the Change Button Reinstalling Video DriversClick the Settings tab Click the Advanced Properties button Double-click the Display iconReinstalling Infrared Drivers Reinstalling Touch Pad DriversReinstalling Audio Drivers Reinstalling the Soft WavetableClick Technical Information, and then click Documentation Reinstalling the System User’s GuideClick the Service and Support icon When prompted, save the file to your hard-disk driveIs your computer wet or damaged? Troubleshooting Your ComputerBacking Up Your Files Basic ChecksDid you receive a system message or beep code? Checking ConnectionsChecking an Optional Device Look and ListenBoot Routine Indications Setup OptionsMessages and Codes System Error MessagesFaulty Ter 5, Getting Help Cmos System Beep CodesBeep Codes Error Messages Finding Software SolutionsInstalling and Configuring Software Using SoftwareAvoiding Interrupt Assignment Conflicts Input ErrorsMemory-Resident Programs Program ConflictsTroubleshooting a Wet Computer Troubleshooting ProceduresTroubleshooting a Damaged Computer Total Power Failure When Using the AC Adapter Troubleshooting a Power FailureCall Dell for technical assistance Total Power Failure When Using a BatteryIs the battery status indicator blinking? Yes. Go to step Use the AC adapter to fully charge the batteryDoes the computer display a drive error message? No Power to a Part of the ComputerTroubleshooting the Diskette Drive Troubleshooting the CD-ROM DriveTroubleshooting the Hard-Disk Drive Does the computer recognize the external keyboard? Troubleshooting an External KeyboardTroubleshooting the Built-In Display Troubleshooting MemoryIs an external monitor connected to the computer? Troubleshooting an External MonitorTroubleshooting the Basic I/O Functions Troubleshooting the Serial and Parallel PortsAttempt another print operation on the parallel printer Troubleshooting a Parallel PrinterTroubleshooting a Serial I/O Device Change the necessary statements in the start-up filesTroubleshooting the Touch Pad Troubleshooting the Infrared PortTroubleshooting 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 How to Use the Dell Diagnostics Completing the Dell DiagnosticsConfirming the System Configuration Information Select How to Use the MenuMain Menu Options RunOptions Option Parameters Maximum Errors AllowedNumber of Times to Repeat Tests Pause for User ResponseOutput Device for Status Messages Output Device for Error MessagesTest Limits Quit Tests in the Dell DiagnosticsAbout Key-HelpRAM Dell Diagnostics TestsDell 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 IDE CD ROM Drives Test Group Why Run an IDE CD ROM Drives Test?Parallel Ports Test Group Why Run a Serial/Infrared Ports Test?Why Run a Parallel Ports Test? Serial/Infrared Ports Test GroupAudio Test Group Why Run an Audio Test?Dell Inspiron 3000 Reference and Troubleshooting Guide Review the Dell Q&A Run the diagnostics for your Dell computerGetting Help Technical AssistanceHelp Tools Help ToolsAutoTech Service Reference and Troubleshooting GuideCommercial Online Service Dell Diagnostics ProgramAutomated Order-Status System TechFax ServiceTechnical Support Service TechConnect BBSBefore You Call Problems With Your OrderReturning Items for Warranty Repair or Credit Product InformationDiagnostics Checklist Diagnostics Checklist1344 Dell Contact NumbersInternational Dialing Codes Belgium Dell Contact NumbersAustralia AustriaChina BruneiCanada ChileGermany DenmarkFinland FranceKorea IrelandItaly JapanMalaysia Latin AmericaLuxembourg MacauNorway MexicoNetherlands New ZealandPacific Countries SingaporeSouth Africa Southeast AsianTaiwan SwitzerlandThailand Table A-1. Technical Specifications Technical SpecificationsSdram Audio Display XGA Touch Pad Table A-1. Technical Specifications AC Adapter Environmental Computer Video Hardware Test Diagnostic Video TestsText Mode Character Test Video Memory TestCharacter Set Subtest 40 x Character Attributes Subtest 80 xCharacter Set Subtest 80 x Character Attributes Subtest 40 xColor Attributes Subtest 80 x Text Mode Color TestTable B-1. Color Attributes Graphics Mode Test Text Mode Pages TestColor Palettes Test Solid Colors Test FCC Class B Notice U.S. Only Regulatory NoticesIC Notice Canada Only Modem RequirementsCE Notice EN 55022 Compliance Czech Republic OnlyCanadian Modem Requirements Korean Regulatory Notice Vcci Notices Japan Only8ZNBHBOJB 1PMTLJFHP$FOUSVN Polish Center for Testing and Certification NoticeNOM 024 Information Mexico Only Warranties and Return Policy Limited One-Year Warranty U.S. and Canada OnlyCoverage During Year One Limited Three-Year Warranty U.S. and Canada OnlyGeneral Coverage During Years Two and ThreeTotal 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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