7-10 Dell Dimension XPS D
xxx
Systems Reference and Troubleshooting Guide
An expansion card you previously accessed can no longer be accessed.
Parity errors or page fault failures occur . Re cord the re f erenced a ddress on a copy
of the Diagnostics Checklist (provided in Chapter 8, “Getting Help”).
Correcting errors in the system setup program does not resolve a problem.
The computer’s clock/calendar stops or the spe ak e r no lo nge r func tio ns . Run the
Timers Test, followed by the Speaker Test.
If an external device appears to malfunction, run the Interrupt Controller Test.
A spreadsheet program or other type of mathematical application runs slowly or
incorrectly, generates error messages concerning calculations or operations, or
generates incorrect results.
The computer periodically locks up, especially at different times in various pro-
grams, or halts in the middle of performing complex operations.
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CMOS Confidence Performs a data pattern check and verifies memory
addresses. Checks the NVRAM for accessibility and the
reliability of data storage.
DMA Controller Tests the DMA controller and verifies the correct opera-
tion of its page and channel registers by writing patterns
to the registers.
Real-Time Clock Confirms the functionality and accuracy of the RTC.
Timers Checks the timers used by the microprocessor for event
counting, frequency generation, and other functions.
Tests only functions that can be activated by software.
Interrupt Controller Generates an interrupt on each IRQ line to verify that
devices using that line can communicate with the micro-
processor and that the interrupt controllers can send the
correct memory addresses to the microprocessor.
Speaker Generates eight tones to check the functionality of the
speaker.
X87 Calculation Checks the use of different types of numbers and the
math coprocessor’s ability to calculate correctly.
X87 Error Exception Verifies the math coprocessor’s ability to handle errors
and to send IRQs to the microprocessor.
USB Register Checks the onboard registers of the USB interface. It
does

not

test USB devices.
USB Memory
Structure Monitors the ability of a USB controller to process a set
of memory-resident instructions.
NOTE: The Glossary in the
Online Guide
defines abbreviations and acronyms.