Dell 6100, 200 manual Test Limits, About, Key-Help

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Output Device for Status Messages

Ordinarily, all status messages appear only on the screen. This parameter allows you to direct status messages to either a printer or a file, in addition to the screen. If you choose the File option, status messages are written to a file named result. This file is automatically created on a diskette in drive A when you run the diagnostics. If the result file already exists on the diskette, then new status messages are added to it.

The result file is an ordinary American Standard Code for Information Interchange (ASCII) text file. You can access the result file with the MS-DOS®type command as follows:

1.Select Quit to exit the diagnostics and return to the operating system prompt.

2.At the operating system prompt, type the follow- ing command line and press <Enter>:

type result

The contents of the file appear on the screen.

After running particular diagnostic tests and viewing the status messages generated by the tests in the result file, you can erase the contents of the file so that it is clear for the next set of messages generated. Otherwise, the next messages are added at the end of the previous ones in the file.

Output Device for Error Messages

Ordinarily, all error messages appear only on the screen. This parameter allows you to direct error messages to either a printer or a file, in addition to the screen. If you choose the File option, error messages are written to the result file used for status messages. This file is automati- cally created on a diskette in drive A when you run the diagnostics. If the result file already exists on the dis- kette, then new error messages are added to it.

The result file is an ordinary ASCII text file. You can access and review the result file with the MS-DOS type command as described in the previous subsection, “Out- put Device for Status Messages.”

After running particular diagnostic tests and viewing the error messages generated by the tests in the result file, you can erase the contents of the file so that it is clear for

the next set of messages generated. Otherwise, the next messages are added at the end of the previous ones in the file.

Test Limits

NOTE: The diagnostics program sets default limits on all tests. The only reason to change the default would be to limit the amount of testing done.

The RAM Test Group, the Video Test Group, the Diskette Drives Test Group, the Serial/Infrared Ports Test Group, the Parallel Ports Test Group, and the SCSI Devices Test Group allow you to designate limits. Whether you select Test Limits for a highlighted test group (from the main screen) or a subtest (from the Subtest menu), you set the limits for all the subtests in that test group. When you select Test Limits, a new screen appears and the Key Help area lists keys to use with the new screen.

How you change a value for the limits of a test group or subtest depends on the type of parameter associated with it. Different keys are used to change values for different types of parameters. For example, memory address limits specified for the RAM Test Group are changed by typing in numbers over the digits of a given limit or by pressing the plus (+) or minus (–) keys to increase or decrease the given limit. In contrast, to set limits for the Serial/Infrared Ports Test Group, you use the <Spacebar> to toggle between Yes and No.

After you are satisfied with the limits, return to the main screen of the diagnostics by pressing the <Esc> key. The values you selected under Test Limits remain in effect during all the test groups or subtests you run, unless you change them. However, the values are reset to their defaults when you restart the diagnostics.

About

About in the main screen lists all of the subtests for the selected test group and displays information about the subtest that is highlighted.

Key-Help

Key-Help in the main screen always displays a list of key controls available for the particular category you have selected.

Running the System Diagnostics

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Contents 167$//$7,21$17528%/6+227,1**8 Page Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge Safety InstructionsWhen Working Inside the Computer 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 ProgramSystem Messages Messages and CodesSystem 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 ConflictsWhen to Use the System Diagnostics Running the System DiagnosticsFeatures of 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 OptionsKey-Help Test LimitsAbout Quit Tests in the System DiagnosticsSystem Diagnostics Tests 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?Mouse Test Why Run a Keyboard Test?Keyboard Test Group 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 Checking the Equipment Troubleshooting the MonitorRun the system diagnostics software Troubleshooting I/O Ports Troubleshooting the KeyboardChange the necessary statements in the start-up files Troubleshooting the Basic I/O FunctionsCheck the contents of 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 CoversRemove the computer covers Removing the Front BezelInside the Chassis 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 TableReplace the left computer cover Reinstall the fan carrier in the computerReplacing a Cooling Fan 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 Remove the video expansion card, and repeat step Troubleshooting the System BoardDetermine whether a video expansion card is installed 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 CardAdding Memory Memory Upgrade KitsSimm Installation Guidelines 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 microprocessor from the socket Remove the appropriate modulesRemove the heat sink 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 DriveScsi Configuration Information Installing Scsi Devices in the External BaysDC Power Cables Remove the computer covers and front bezel Installing a Scsi DevicePrepare the drive for installation 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 ToolsHelp Tools System DocumentationWorld Wide Web on the Internet Dell Diagnostics Program Commercial Online ServicesAutoTech Service TechFax ServiceTechnical Support Service Problems With Your OrderProduct Information TechConnect BBSDell Contact Numbers Returning Items for Warranty Repair or CreditBefore You Call International Dialing Codes 1344Getting Help 11-7 Australia Dell Contact NumbersAustria BelgiumCzech Republic CanadaChina Finland DenmarkFrance GermanyItaly IrelandJapan KoreaMacau LuxembourgMalaysia MexicoNorway New ZealandPoland SingaporeTaiwan SwedenSwitzerland 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 xTable B-1. Color Attributes Text Mode Color TestColor Attributes Subtest 80 x 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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