vPOST Beep codes are sounds emitted from the speaker if the POST finds a
problem. One beep indicates that the POST completed successfully.Multiple
beeps indicate a problem was found.
vDiagnostic error messages are displayed when a test program finds a problem
with a hardware component.
vSoftware-generated error messages are displayed if a problem or conflict is
found by an application program, the operating system, or both. For an
explanation of these messages, refer to the information supplied with the
installed software package. Also, refer to “Softwareconsiderations”on page 133.
vMultiple messages occur when the first error causes additional errors. Follow
the suggested action of the first error displayed.
System resource conflicts
System failures occur when there are system resourceconflicts with the following:
vInterrupt Request Queue (IRQ)
vDirect Memory Access (DMA)
vI/O Address
vROM and RAM Addresses.
IRQ
vAssigns a unique interrupt request line to every I/O device (line numbers range
from 0 to 15).
vInterrupts the processor to force it to service the request.
vHandles interrupts on a priority basis (low numbers have the highest priority).
vQueues interrupt request.
IRQ conflicts occur when there are multiple assignments to the same interrupt
level. If there is an IRQ conflict, the system will hang. Use the systems diagnostics
to check for multiple assignments to the same interrupt level before replacing any
hardware component.
DMA
vAccesses the memory by bypassing the processor. This allows the processor
more time for applications and programs.
vAccesses memory directly from the serial and parallel ports on some systems.
vAccesses memory directly from some adapters using a DMA channel. This
allows the adapter to operate faster.
vProvides from 4 to 15 DMA channels. The number varies depending on the
system.
If multiple assignments of the same DMA channel occur, the system will hang.
Use the system diagnostics to check for multiple assignments to the same DMA
channel before replacing any hardware components.
I/O address
A unique I/O address is assigned to each system component.
If multiple assignments of the same I/O address occur,the system will hang. Use
the DOS MEM command to check for multiple assignments to the same I/O
address before replacing any hardwarecomponent.
Chapter9. Related Service Information 135