Dell 6100, 200 Finding Software Solutions, Installing and Configuring Software, Using Software

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Chapter 4

Finding Software Solutions

Because most computers have several application pro- grams installed in addition to the operating system, isolating a software problem can be confusing. Software errors can also appear to be hardware malfunctions at first. Software problems can result from the following circumstances:

•Improper installation or configuration of a program

•Input errors

•Device drivers that may conflict with certain appli- cation programs

•Interrupt conflicts between devices

You can confirm that a computer problem is caused by software by running the System Set Test Group as described in Chapter 5, “Running the System Diagnos- tics.” If all tests in the test group complete successfully, the error condition is most likely caused by software.

This chapter provides some general guidelines for ana- lyzing software problems. For detailed troubleshooting information on a particular program, see the documenta- tion that accompanied the software or consult the support service for the software.

Installing and Configuring Software

You should check newly acquired programs and files for viruses with virus-scanning software before installing the programs on the computer’s hard-disk drive. Viruses, which are pieces of code that can replicate themselves, can quickly use all available system memory, damage and/or destroy data stored on the hard-disk drive, and permanently affect the performance of the programs they infect. Several commercial virus-scanning programs are

available for purchase, and most bulletin board services (BBSs) archive freely distributed virus-scanning pro- grams that you can download with a modem.

Before installing a program, you should read any pro- gram documentation to learn how the program works, what hardware it requires, and what its defaults are. A program usually includes installation instructions in its accompanying documentation and a software installation routine on its program diskettes or CD(s).

The software installation routine assists users in transfer- ring the appropriate program files to the computer’s hard-disk drive. Installation instructions may provide details about how to configure the operating system to successfully run the program. You should always read the installation instructions before running a program’s installation routine.

When you run the installation routine, be prepared to respond to prompts for information about how the com- puter’s operating system is configured, what type of computer you have, and what peripherals are connected to the computer.

Using Software

The following subsections discuss errors that can occur as a result of software operation or configuration.

Error Messages

Error messages can be produced by an application pro- gram, the operating system, or the computer. Chapter 3, “Messages and Codes,” discusses the error messages that are generated by the system. If you receive an error mes- sage that is not listed in Chapter 3, check the operating system or application program documentation.

Finding Software Solutions

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Contents 167$//$7,21$17528%/6+227,1**8 Page Safety Instructions When Working Inside the ComputerProtecting Against Electrostatic Discharge When Using the Computer System About This Guide PrefaceNotational Conventions Other Documentation You May NeedExamples autoexec.bat and c\windows Typographical ConventionsPage Contents Chapter Running the System Diagnostics Chapter Checking the Equipment Chapter Installing System Board Options Chapter Installing Drives in the External Bays Before You Call Figures Figure B-1 Column x 25-Line Character Set Subtest Screen Tables Page Dell Confidential Preliminary 12/17/96 Xxiv Backing Up Files Checking the BasicsBasic Checks Is the computer wet or damaged?Run the system diagnostics as described in Chap- ter Checking Connections and SwitchesBack Panel Features Is the monitor operating properly? Yes. Continue to step Turn on the systemLook and Listen Boot Routine IndicationsIs the keyboard operating properly? Yes. Continue to step Is the mouse or printer operating properly?System Configuration Utility System Setup ProgramMessages and Codes System MessagesSystem Messages CodeMessage System Messages System Beep Codes System Beep CodesScsi Hard-Disk Drive Indicator Codes Diagnostics MessagesScsi Hard-Disk Drive Indicator Patterns Alert Log Messages From the Dell HIP ProgramPage Installing and Configuring Software Finding Software SolutionsUsing Software Error MessagesDefault IRQ Line Assignments Input ErrorsProgram Conflicts Avoiding Interrupt Assignment ConflictsRunning the System Diagnostics Features of the System DiagnosticsWhen to Use the System Diagnostics Sample Diagnostics Menu Starting the System DiagnosticsSample System Diagnostics Main Screen How to Use the System DiagnosticsMain Menu Categories How to Use the MenuRun SelectRun Under Subtest SubtestOption Parameters OptionsTest Limits AboutKey-Help Tests in the System Diagnostics System Diagnostics TestsQuit System Diagnostics Tests Why Run a RAM Test? Error MessagesRAM Test Group System Set Test GroupWhy Run a System Set Test? Video Test Group Why Run a Video Test?Why Run a Keyboard Test? Keyboard Test GroupMouse Test Why Run a Diskette Drives Test? Why Run the Mouse Test?Diskette Drives Test Group Serial/Infrared Ports Test GroupParallel Ports Test Group Why Run a Serial/Infrared Ports Test?Scsi Devices Test Group Why Run a Parallel Ports Test?Why Run a Scsi Devices Test? Page Troubleshooting the Monitor Run the system diagnostics softwareChecking the Equipment Troubleshooting I/O Ports Troubleshooting the KeyboardTroubleshooting the Basic I/O Functions Check the contents of the start-up filesChange the necessary statements in the start-up files Troubleshooting a Serial I/O Device Troubleshooting a Parallel PrinterRun the parallel printer’s self-test Attempt another print operation on the parallel printerChecking Inside the Computer Safety First- For You and the ComputerRemoving the Computer Covers Removing and Replacing the Computer CoversRemoving the Computer Covers Replacing the Computer CoversRemoving the Front Bezel Inside the ChassisRemove the computer covers Inside the Chassis-Front/Left Side View Responding to a Dell HIP Alert Message Troubleshooting a Wet ComputerLet the computer dry for at least 24 hours Troubleshooting a Damaged ComputerCheck all the board and card connections in the computer Verify all internal cable and component connectionsTroubleshooting the RTC Chip Replacing a Power Supply Troubleshooting Power Supply ProblemsTroubleshooting Power Cable Connections Troubleshooting a Cooling FanPower Cable Connectors on Power-Supply Paralleling Board Check the cable connections listed in TableReinstall the fan carrier in the computer Replacing a Cooling FanReplace the left computer cover Reseat the expansion cards in their connectors Troubleshooting Expansion CardsCorrect the system board’s configuration jumper settings Troubleshooting System MemoryRun the RAM Test Group in the system diagnostics Turn on the system, including any attached peripheralsTroubleshooting the Video Subsystem Troubleshooting the System Board Determine whether a video expansion card is installedRemove the video expansion card, and repeat step Disconnect the keyboard and reboot the system Troubleshooting the Diskette Drive SubsystemChecking the Diskette Drive Subsystem Troubleshooting the Diskette Drive Sub- systemCheck the diskette drive cabling Repeat steps 1 and 2, and remove all expansion cardsTroubleshooting a Scsi Tape Drive Drive Indicator Error Codes Troubleshooting Scsi Hard-Disk DrivesRemove the drive carrier and install it in another drive bay Troubleshooting the Scsi Hard-Disk DriveChecking Inside the Computer Page Installing System Board Options Installing System Board OptionsExpansion Cards System Board FeaturesExpansion Cards Installing an Expansion CardConnect any cables that should be attached to the card Relocating or Removing an Expansion CardMemory Upgrade Kits Simm Installation GuidelinesAdding Memory Sample Simm Configurations Shows the location of the Simm sockets on the memory module Performing a Memory UpgradeInstalling SIMMs Removing SIMMs Valid Microprocessor Configurations Remove the left computer cover Remove the appropriate modules Remove the heat sinkRemove the microprocessor from the socket Unpack the new microprocessor Install the microprocessor in the socket see Fig- ureReplace the microprocessor securing clip Replacing the RTC Chip13. RTC Chip Install the new RTC chipPage Installing Drives in the External Bays Installing Drives in the External BaysExternal Drive Bay Hardware Before You BeginRemoving and Replacing Front-Panel Inserts Connecting the DriveInstalling Scsi Devices in the External Bays DC Power CablesScsi Configuration Information Installing a Scsi Device Prepare the drive for installationRemove the computer covers and front bezel Page Configure the controller card if necessary Remove both computer covers and the front bezel Prepare the tape drive and controller card for installationInstalling Drives in the Internal Bays 10-1 Installing Drives in the Internal BaysInternal Drive Hardware Scsi Hard-Disk Drive ConfigurationInstall any required Scsi device drivers Removing and Installing a Scsi Hard-Disk DriveRemove the hard-disk drive Scsi Hard-Disk Drive Indicator PatternsInstalling Drives in the Internal Bays 10-5 Partitioning and Formatting Scsi Hard-Disk Drives Configuring the Boot DeviceGetting Help Run the diagnostics for your Dell systemTechnical Assistance Help ToolsSystem Documentation World Wide Web on the InternetHelp Tools Dell Diagnostics Program Commercial Online ServicesAutoTech Service TechFax ServiceTechnical Support Service Problems With Your OrderProduct Information TechConnect BBSReturning Items for Warranty Repair or Credit Before You CallDell Contact Numbers International Dialing Codes 1344Getting Help 11-7 Australia Dell Contact NumbersAustria BelgiumCanada ChinaCzech Republic Finland DenmarkFrance GermanyItaly IrelandJapan KoreaMacau LuxembourgMalaysia MexicoNorway New ZealandPoland SingaporeSweden SwitzerlandTaiwan Austin, Texas AutoTech Automated technical support Page Diagnostics Checklist Diagnostics Checklist Text Mode Character Test Diagnostic Video TestsVideo Memory Test Video Hardware TestCharacter Set Subtest 80 x Character Attributes Subtest 80 xCharacter Attributes Subtest 40 x Character Set Subtest 40 xText Mode Color Test Color Attributes Subtest 80 xTable B-1. Color Attributes Graphics Mode Test Text Mode Pages Test640 x 200 16-Color Graphics Mode Screen 320 x 200 16-Color Graphics Mode Screen640 x 350 16-Color Graphics Mode Screen 640 x 480 2-Color Graphics Mode ScreenColor Palettes Test Solid Colors Test Page Jumpers and Switches General Explanation Jumpers, Switches, and ConnectorsSwitches JumpersSystem Board Figure C-1. System Board Jumpers and SwitchesClear Cmos Clear Password Reserved Bios Recovery Table C-1. System-Board Jumper and Switch SettingsVideo Sleep System Board Labels Table C-2. System Board Connectors and SocketsFigure C-2. Microprocessor Module Jumpers Microprocessor ModuleTable C-3. Microprocessor Module Jumper Settings Scsi Backplane Board Table C-4. Scsi Backplane Board ConnectorsFigure C-4. Power-Supply Paralleling Board Power-Supply Paralleling BoardTable C-5. Power-Supply Paralleling Board Connectors Disabling a Forgotten PasswordDer Telekommunikation Abbreviations and AcronymsDram LIF Verband Deutscher Elektro Index Page Index Page Index Page Switches settings table, C-3 Page Index
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