Dell OptiPlex N Troubleshooting Manual
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Dell OptiPlex N Troubleshooting Manual

Dell OptiPlex N Troubleshooting Manual

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  • Page 1 ®...
  • Page 3 ®...
  • Page 4 Reproduction in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of Dell Computer Corporation is strictly forbidden. Trademarks used in this text: Dell, the DELL logo, Dell Dimension, and PowerEdge are registered trademarks, and DellWare is a registered service mark of Dell Computer Corporation; Pentium is a registered trademark of Intel Corporation; Microsoft, MS-DOS, Windows, and Windows NT are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation;...

  • Page 5: Safety Instructions

    Safety Instructions • se the following safety guidelines to help protect To help prevent electric shock, plug the computer your computer system from potential damage and to and peripheral power cables into properly grounded ensure your own personal safety. power sources. These cables are equipped with 3-prong plugs to help ensure proper grounding.
  • Page 6 Replace the battery only with puter system yourself, except as explained in this the same or equivalent type recommended by the guide and elsewhere in Dell documentation. Always manufacturer. Discard used batteries according to follow installation and service instructions closely.
  • Page 7 It does not matter how much you do or do not to better help the technician give you assistance. If know about your system—this guide can help you. you must return a piece of hardware to Dell, include Before calling for technical assistance, follow the recom- a filled-out checklist.

  • Page 8: Typographical Conventions

    On some systems, some of this information The following subsections list notational conventions is provided in online form in the Dell Accessories used in this document. group. •...
  • Page 9 • In contrast, commands presented in the Courier New Screen text is text that appears on the screen of your font are part of an instruction and intended to be monitor or display. It can be a system message, for typed.

  • Page 11: Table Of Contents

    Contents Chapter 1 Checking the Basics ........1-1 Backing Up Your Files .
  • Page 12 Features of the Dell Diagnostics........
  • Page 13 Video Test Group ........... 4-14 Subtests .
  • Page 14 Dell Q&A ........
  • Page 15 Dell Diagnostics Program ........
  • Page 16 Dell Diagnostics Tests ........4-9...
  • Page 17 Figure 4-2. Dell Diagnostics Screen ........4-4 Figure 7-1.
  • Page 18 DELL CONFIDENTIAL Preliminary 2/10/98...
  • Page 19 Dell Diagnostics Tests ........4-9...
  • Page 20 DELL CONFIDENTIAL Preliminary 2/10/98 xxii...

  • Page 21: Checking The Basics

    NOTE: The boot routine is the operating system’s attempt to load its files into memory from the boot- If Dell installed MS-DOS on your hard-disk drive, you up sector on the hard-disk drive or bootable diskette. should also safeguard your software by creating program diskette sets (backup diskettes) of the operating system Yes.

  • Page 22: Checking Connections And Switches

    Make sure that all connections fit tightly together. No. Go to step 8. Turn on the system. Go to Chapter 4, “Running the Dell Diagnostics.” Is the problem resolved? Yes. The connections were loose. You have fixed the problem.

  • Page 23: Look And Listen

    If your system boots, see Chapter 4, “Running the Dell Diagnostics.” If your system does not boot, see Chapter 7, “Getting Help.” Checking the Basics...

  • Page 24: The System Setup Program

    EISA system. If you have an EISA system, see “The EISA Configuration Utility” found next in this chapter. If you do not have an EISA system, see Chapter 4, “Running the Dell Diagnostics.” Diagnostics and Troubleshooting Guide...

  • Page 25: Messages And Codes

    Table 2-1 for suggestions on resolv- Several different types of messages can indicate when ing any problems indicated by the message. The system your system is not functioning properly: messages are listed alphabetically. If you have a Dell • ® System messages...
  • Page 26 See “Troubleshooting the Diskette/Tape Drive Diskette read may be faulty. Subsystem” in Chapter 6. failure The diskette drive controller may be Run the Diskette Drive(s) Test in the Dell Diskette faulty. Diagnostics. See Chapter 4, “Running the Dell subsystem Diagnostics.”...
  • Page 27 Table 2-1. System Messages (continued) Message Cause Action The diskette write-protect feature is Remove the diskette from drive A and move the Diskette write activated. write-protect tab to the unlocked position. protected One or more SIMMs or DIMMs may See “Troubleshooting System Memory” in Gate A20 be loose.
  • Page 28 Table 2-1. System Messages (continued) Message Cause Action This message appears for a dual- Replace one of the microprocessors to make the Incompatible processor system if both processors level-2 cache sizes match. If you need technical Processors: do not have the same-size level-2 assistance, see Chapter 7, “Getting Help.”...
  • Page 29 Table 2-1. System Messages (continued) Message Cause Action One or more SIMMs or DIMMs may See “Troubleshooting System Memory” in Memory data line failure be faulty or improperly seated. Chapter 6. at address , read value expecting value Memory double word logic failure at a ddress , read...
  • Page 30 If the message persists, reinstall your operating system. See the documentation that came with your operating system. A chip on the system board might be Run the System Set Test Group in the Dell No timer tick malfunctioning. Diagnostics. See Chapter 4, “Running the Dell interrupt Diagnostics.”...
  • Page 31 A chip on the system board might be Run the System Set Test Group in the Dell Shutdown malfunctioning. Diagnostics. See Chapter 4, “Running the Dell failure Diagnostics.”...
  • Page 32 The keyboard controller may be mal- Run the RAM Test Group and the Keyboard Con- Unexpected functioning, or one or more SIMMs troller Test in the Dell Diagnostics. See Chapter 4, interrupt in or DIMMs may be loose. “Running the Dell Diagnostics.”...

  • Page 33: System Beep Codes

    Dell Diagnostics to identify a more of beeps that identify the problem. The beep code is a serious cause.

  • Page 34: Table 2-2. System Beep Codes

    See Chapter 7, “Getting Help,” for instructions on obtaining technical failure assistance. 1-1-3 NVRAM Run the System Set Test Group in the Dell Diagnostics. See Chapter 4, “Running the Dell Diagnostics.” 1-1-4 ROM BIOS checksum Run the System Set Test Group in the Dell Diagnostics, if possible. See failure Chapter 4, “Running the Dell Diagnostics.”...
  • Page 35 Cause Action 3-3-2 NVRAM configuration Run the System Set Test Group in the Dell Diagnostics, if possible. See Chapter 4, “Running the Dell Diagnostics.” 3-3-4 Video Memory Test failure Run the Video Test Group in the Dell Diagnostics. See Chapter 4, “Run- ning the Dell Diagnostics.”...
  • Page 36 “Troubleshooting the Video Subsystem” in Chapter 6. 5-1-4 BIOS execution error Run the System Set Test Group in the Dell Diagnostics. See Chapter 4, “Running the Dell Diagnostics.” 6-1-2 I/O controller failure Run the System Set Test Group in the Dell Diagnostics. See Chapter 4, “Running the Dell Diagnostics.”...

  • Page 37: Warning Messages

    Messages A warning message alerts you to a possible problem and When you run a test group or subtest in the Dell Diagnos- asks you to do something before execution continues. For tics, an error message may result. These particular error example, before you format a diskette, a message may messages are not covered in this chapter.
  • Page 38 2-14 Diagnostics and Troubleshooting Guide...

  • Page 39: Finding Software Solutions

    Expanded and Extended Memory nstalling and Configuring Software Depending on which Dell computer you have, the system memory can be expanded by installing additional single in-line memory modules (SIMMs) or dual in-line mem- When you obtain software, check it for viruses with...

  • Page 40: Using Software

    (EMM). valid. NOTE: Not all Dell computers have an EMM driver. See Make sure the operating environment is set up to your system documentation to determine whether an accommodate the programs you use.

  • Page 41: Program Conflicts

    Program Conflicts select an open IRQ line if any are available. If you are installing a non-Plug and Play or legacy card, run the Some programs may leave portions of their setup infor- ISA Configuration Utility provided with your system to mation behind, even though you have exited from them.
  • Page 42 Diagnostics and Troubleshooting Guide...

  • Page 43: Running The Dell Diagnostics

    (the monitor, keyboard, and diskette drive) are working, eatures of the Dell Diagnostics you can use the Dell Diagnostics. If you are experienced with computers and know what component(s) you need The Dell Diagnostics provides a series of menus and...

  • Page 44: Starting The Dell Diagnostics

    NOTE: Before you read the rest of this chapter, you may image. want to start the Dell Diagnostics so that you can see it on the screen of your monitor. If Dell installed MS-DOS, but not Windows, on your computer’s hard-disk drive, see the Dell Menu,...

  • Page 45: How To Use The Dell Diagnostics

    Exit To MS-DOS Figure 4-1. Diagnostics Menu • ow to Use the Dell Diagnostics On the left side of the screen, the Available Test Group area lists the diagnostic test groups in the order they will run if you select All from the Run When you select Run Specific Tests from the Diagnostics menu category.

  • Page 46: Confirming The System Configuration Information

    Dell Computer Corporation Dell System Diagnostics Version X.XX Available Test Groups System Configuration Memory 4 MB Secondary Cache 128 KB System Set Processor(s) Pentium Video Video SVGA,1024K Keyboard Keyboard 101 Key Mouse Mouse PS/2 2-button Diskette Drives Diskette Drive(s) A:1.4MB...

  • Page 47: How To Use The Menu

    Main menu. those on the Main menu are displayed: Run, Select, Options, Test Limits, About, Key-Help, and Quit Menu. Each of these categories is explained in the following subsections. Running the Dell Diagnostics...

  • Page 48: Run Under Subtest

    Run Under Subtest About Under Subtest Run in the Subtest menu displays five categories: One, The About category in the Subtest menu displays infor- Selected, All, Key-Help, and Quit Menu. If you select mation about the highlighted subtest. One, only the highlighted subtest is run. If you select Selected, only the selected subtests are run.

  • Page 49: Pause For User Response

    : Output Device for Status Messages type result Ordinarily, all status messages appear only on the screen. The contents of the file appear on the screen. This parameter allows you to direct status messages to Running the Dell Diagnostics...

  • Page 50: Output Device For Error Messages

    Yes and No. This parameter allows you to direct error messages to After you are satisfied with the limits, return to the Dell either a printer or a file, in addition to the screen. If you Diagnostics main screen by pressing the key. The...

  • Page 51: Tests In The Dell Diagnostics

    Dell Diagnostics may interfere with the normal operation of a specific device of the computer. To troubleshoot components or devices, run the appropri- NOTE: Some subtests requiring hardware not listed in ate test (test group or subtest) in the diagnostics on your the System Configuration area of the diagnostics screen diagnostics diskette.
  • Page 52 Table 4-2. Dell Diagnostics Tests (continued) Test Groups Subtests Description Video Video Memory Test Tests the video subsystem and monitor by checking various aspects of video output. Video Hardware Test Text Mode Character Test Text Mode Color Test Text Mode Pages Test...
  • Page 53 Table 4-2. Dell Diagnostics Tests (continued) Test Groups Subtests Description Parallel Ports Parallel Internal Test Tests the components through which peripherals that use the parallel port, such as printers and communi- Parallel External Loopback Test Parallel External Interrupt Test cations devices, send and receive data.

  • Page 54: Error Messages

    Messages Faulty memory can cause a variety of problems that may When you run a test group or subtest in the Dell Diagnos- not, at first glance, appear to be happening in RAM. If tics, error messages may result. These particular error...

  • Page 55: Why Run A System Set Test

    • System Speaker Test that are not tested elsewhere in the Dell Diagnostics. Checks the functionality of the speaker by generat- The following symptoms usually suggest a problem with ing eight tones.

  • Page 56: Video Test Group

    • • Correcting errors in the system configuration infor- Video Hardware Test mation in the System Setup program does not Checks the cursor registers and the horizontal and resolve a problem. vertical retrace bit registers in the video controller. • The computer’s clock/calendar stops.

  • Page 57: Keyboard Test Group

    (which coordinates cursor movement on the the external interface of the keyboard controller chip screen with corresponding movement of your mouse or for a malfunctioning key touch pad) and the operation of the mouse keys/touch pad. Running the Dell Diagnostics 4-15...

  • Page 58: Subtests

    The test results can touch pad is different from the usual or anticipated be confusing, so Dell suggests running the subtests in the response, the button (or touch pad) contact may be Diskette Drives Test Group more than once using dis- damaged.

  • Page 59: Subtests

    Positions the read heads at each block of the device not be regarded as a cause for testing the hard-disk drive. for reading data and verifies that all blocks on the device can be read correctly. Running the Dell Diagnostics 4-17...

  • Page 60: Why Run An Ide Cd Rom Drives Test

    Infrared Ports Test Group subtests may fail because the faulty. Instead, the peripheral (such as a printer or mouse) modem appears to the Dell Diagnostics as a serial or might behave erratically or not operate at all. If the infrared port, but it cannot be tested as a serial or infra- external device is not properly installed through your red port.

  • Page 61: Parallel Ports Test Group

    Why Run a Parallel Ports Test? related to the external device connected to a port, but If the Dell Diagnostics does not recognize your com- corrections to the device do not resolve the error, run puter’s parallel port, enter the System Setup program and...

  • Page 62: Scsi Devices Test Group

    Group. Causes the CD-ROM drive to begin playing the first • If your software and the Dell Diagnostics do not rec- audio track on an audio CD. To determine whether ognize that you have a parallel port, you should the test passed, listen to the audio output of the drive.

  • Page 63: Network Interface Test Group

    Displays addresses and configuration information • Compatibility ID Test about the NIC. This information includes the net- Determines if the correct sound controller is installed work address used for communication on the local in your system area network (LAN). Running the Dell Diagnostics 4-21...

  • Page 64: Why Run An Audio Test

    • Interrupt Test accompanied your operating system or sound application to see if the sound features are correctly configured to work Checks to see if the audio controller is generating an with the computer. The default settings for the audio con- interrupt on the IRQ line configured for that troller are: controller...

  • Page 65: Checking Your Equipment

    The procedures in this section troubleshoot problems Run the Video Test Group in the Dell Diagnostics. with the monitor and the monitor interface cable only. (See Chapter 4, “Running the Dell Diagnostics.”) See Chapter 6, “Checking Inside Your Computer,”...

  • Page 66: Troubleshooting The Keyboard

    No. Go to step 3. nating current (AC) power. Swap the monitor with one of the same type that is working, and Insert the Dell Diagnostics Diskette into drive A, reconnect the system to AC power. reboot the system, and run the Keyboard Test Group in the Dell Diagnostics.

  • Page 67: Troubleshooting The Basic I/O Functions

    No. Go to step 5. and run the diagnostic tests again. Insert the Dell Diagnostics Diskette into drive A, reboot the system, and run the Serial/ Infrared Troubleshooting the Basic I/O Ports Test Group and/or the Parallel Ports Test Functions Group in the Dell Diagnostics.

  • Page 68: Troubleshooting A Parallel Printer

    No. The printer is probably defective. If you bought Turn off the computer and the serial device, and the printer from Dell, see Chapter 7, “Getting Help,” swap the device with a comparable working for instructions on obtaining technical assistance. If device.

  • Page 69: Checking Inside Your Computer

    Disconnect your computer and peripherals in this chapter: from their power sources. Doing so reduces the • A copy of the Dell Diagnostics Diskette potential for personal injury or shock. Also dis- connect any telephone or telecommunication • Your system documentation lines from the computer.

  • Page 70: Troubleshooting A Wet Computer

    Insert the Dell Diagnostics Diskette into drive A, reboot the system, and run the System Set Test roubleshooting a Wet Computer Group in the Dell Diagnostics. (See Chapter 4, “Running the Dell Diagnostics.”)

  • Page 71: Troubleshooting The Battery

    Insert the Dell Diagnostics Diskette into drive A, and reboot the system. CAUTION: See “Protecting Against Electro- static Discharge” in the safety instructions at Run the System Set Test Group in the Dell Diag- the front of this guide. nostics. (See Chapter 4, “Running the Dell Diagnostics.”)

  • Page 72: Troubleshooting Expansion Cards

    roubleshooting Expansion Are the appropriate cables firmly attached to their connectors? Cards Yes. Go to step 7. If an error message indicates an expansion-card problem No. Go to step 6. or if an expansion card seems to perform incorrectly or Reconnect the cable connectors to the appropri- not at all, the problem could be a faulty connection, a ate connectors on the expansion cards.

  • Page 73: Troubleshooting System Memory

    13. Enter the System Setup program, and update the system configuration information. A computer memory problem can be a faulty single in- 14. Insert the Dell Diagnostics Diskette into drive A, line memory module (SIMM), an improperly configured reboot the system, and run the RAM Test Group or faulty memory expansion card (if one is installed), or a in the Dell Diagnostics.

  • Page 74: Troubleshooting The Video Subsystem

    Enter the System Setup program to check the munication lines and turn it on. Total Memory or System Memory category again. 15. Insert the Dell Diagnostics Diskette into drive A, Does the amount of memory installed match the reboot the system, and run the RAM Test Group Total Memory or System Memory setting? in the Dell Diagnostics.
  • Page 75 CAUTION: See “Protecting Against Electro- munication lines and turn it on. static Discharge” in the safety instructions at 12. Insert the Dell Diagnostics Diskette into drive A, the front of this guide. and reboot the system. Run the Video Test Group again.

  • Page 76: Troubleshooting The System Board

    No. See Chapter 7, “Getting Help,” for instructions Insert the Dell Diagnostics Diskette into drive A, on obtaining technical assistance. and reboot the system. Run the System Set Test Group in the Dell Diagnostics. (See Chapter 4, 15. Remove the video expansion card, and repeat “Running the Dell Diagnostics.”)

  • Page 77: Troubleshooting The Diskette/Tape Drive Subsystem

    Drive A and Diskette Drive B categories. a diskette drive problem during execution of either the See your system documentation for instructions. boot routine or the Dell Diagnostics, the problem may be caused by any of the following conditions: If the system configuration settings are incorrect, make the necessary corrections in the System •...
  • Page 78 A, and reboot the system. Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect all the AC power Does the system boot properly from the Dell Diag- cables from their power sources. Also, disconnect nostics Diskette? any telephone or telecommunication lines from Yes.

  • Page 79: Troubleshooting A Non-Scsi Internal Tape Drive

    AC power, insert the Dell Diagnostics Diskette Remove any installed terminate-and-stay- into drive A, and reboot the system. resident (TSR) programs. Does the system boot properly from the Dell Diag- See “Memory-Resident Programs” in Chapter 3 for nostics Diskette? information about unloading TSR programs.

  • Page 80: Troubleshooting A Scsi Tape Drive

    13. Replace the computer cover, reconnect the system Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect all the AC power to AC power, reconnect any telephone or telecom- cables from their power sources. Also, disconnect munication lines, and turn on the computer. any telephone or telecommunication lines from Is the problem resolved? the computer.
  • Page 81 If the computer system is using a built-in SCSI host Is the problem resolved? adapter or a Dell Advanced SCSI Host (DASH) Bus Yes. You have fixed the problem. Adapter card, see the SCSI Device Driver Installa- No.

  • Page 82: Troubleshooting Hard-Disk Drives

    14. Replace the computer cover, reconnect the system Are the system configuration settings correct for the to AC power, reconnect any telephone or telecom- installed hard-disk drive? munication lines, and turn on the computer. Yes. Go to step 3. Is the problem resolved? No.

  • Page 83: Troubleshooting Scsi Hard-Disk Drives In A System Without A Scsi Backplane Board

    Troubleshooting SCSI Hard-Disk Drives Check the hard-disk drive’s jumpers and the con- troller card’s jumpers (if a controller card is in a System Without a SCSI Backplane installed). (For an Industry-Standard Architec- Board ture [ISA] card, check the settings on the card itself;...
  • Page 84 11. Verify that the hard-disk drive is configured for a Reinstall and/or reconfigure the required SCSI device drivers. Then reboot the system. unique SCSI ID and that termination is enabled or disabled as appropriate. Is the problem resolved? See the documentation for the hard-disk drive for Yes.

  • Page 85: Troubleshooting Scsi Hard-Disk Drives In A System With A Scsi Backplane Board

    Run the DSA Manager program to see if it can determine which hard-disk drive is faulty. CAUTION: This troubleshooting procedure can See the Dell SCSI Array User’s Guide for instruc- destroy data stored on the hard-disk drive. Before tions on running the DSA Manager.
  • Page 86 Does the online light-emitting diode (LED) blink 11. Check the SCSI ID switch settings on the back of the SCSI backplane board to verify that each and then stay on? drive bay is configured for a unique SCSI ID and Yes.
  • Page 87 22. Reseat the cable connectors, reconnect the com- 18. Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect all the AC power puter and peripherals to their AC power sources, cables from their power sources. Also, disconnect and turn them on. any telephone or telecommunication lines from Is the problem resolved? the computer.
  • Page 88 6-20 Diagnostics and Troubleshooting Guide...

  • Page 89: Getting Help

    “Dell Q&A” found later in you when you have a problem with your computer sys- this chapter. tem. It also tells you when and how to call Dell for Review the remaining documentation that accom- technical or customer assistance in the following situa- panied your Dell system.

  • Page 90: Help Tools

    NOTE: Dell’s Express Service may not be available in all countries. Dell provides a number of tools to assist you. Table 7-1 lists subjects you may want information about, tasks you may want to perform, and the tool(s) you can use for help.

  • Page 91: Frequently Asked Questions Cards

    The Dell Q&A, a Windows-based online help file that • Electronic Information Service answers questions that are often asked by Dell computer users, is included with certain Dell systems that were pur- [email protected] chased with the Dell-installed Windows 3.x or Windows 95 operating system.

  • Page 92: Techfax Service

    24 hours a day, seven days a week. At any Numbers” found later in this chapter. hour of any day, a Dell technical expert is ready with the answers to your questions about Dell hardware. NOTE: TechFax is not always available in all locations outside the continental U.S.

  • Page 93: Problems With Your Order

    When you call, our experts Prepare all items being returned, whether for repair or can refer to records we keep on your specific Dell system credit, as follows: to better understand your particular question. Our techni-...
  • Page 94 If you need to call Dell Computer Corporation for assis- If possible, turn your system on before you call Dell for tance, you will be able to inform the support technician of technical assistance and call from a telephone at or near the actions you have taken to resolve the problem.

  • Page 95: Figure 7-1. Diagnostics Checklist

    See your operating system documentation to determine the contents of the system’s start-up files. If the computer is connected to a printer, print each file. Otherwise, record the contents of each file before calling Dell. Error message or beep code: ______________________________________________________________________...

  • Page 96: Dell Contact Numbers

    For example, to call Paris, When you need to contact Dell, use the telephone num- France from Montpellier, France, dial the area code plus bers and codes provided in Tables 7-2 and 7-3. Table 7-2 the local number as shown in the following illustration.

  • Page 97: Table 7-2. International Dialing Codes

    Table 7-2. International Dialing Codes International Country (City) Access Code Country Code City Code Australia (Sydney) 0011 Austria (Vienna) Belgium (Brussels) Brunei — — Canada (North York, Ontario) — Not required Chile (Santiago) — China (Beijing) — Czech Republic (Prague) Denmark (Horsholm) Not required Finland (Helsinki)

  • Page 98: Table 7-3. Dell Contact Numbers

    Sweden (Upplands Vasby) Switzerland (Geneva) Taiwan — Thailand — U.K. (Bracknell) 1344 U.S.A. (Austin, Texas) Not required Table 7-3. Dell Contact Numbers Area Local Number or Country (City) Department Name or Service Code Toll-Free Number Australia ® Customer Technical Support .
  • Page 99 Table 7-3. Dell Contact Numbers (continued) Area Local Number or Country (City) Department Name or Service Code Toll-Free Number Brunei Customer Technical Support ......810 4946...
  • Page 100 Table 7-3. Dell Contact Numbers (continued) Area Local Number or Country (City) Department Name or Service Code Toll-Free Number Czech Republic* Technical Support ......02 ....8728 221 (Prague) Customer Service and Sales.
  • Page 101 Table 7-3. Dell Contact Numbers (continued) Area Local Number or Country (City) Department Name or Service Code Toll-Free Number Ireland* Customer Technical Support ........1-850-543-543 (Bray) Sales .
  • Page 102 Table 7-3. Dell Contact Numbers (continued) Area Local Number or Country (City) Department Name or Service Code Toll-Free Number Latin America Customer Technical Support ..512 ....728-4093 (Austin, Texas, U.S.A.)
  • Page 103 Technical Support ..... . . 0900 51010 (Dell Dimension systems only) ($2.50 + GST per call) Technical Support ........0800 446 255 (Other systems) Customer Service .
  • Page 104 Table 7-3. Dell Contact Numbers (continued) Area Local Number or Country (City) Department Name or Service Code Toll-Free Number Singapore Technical Support (Singapore) ..04 ....810 4947...
  • Page 105 Table 7-3. Dell Contact Numbers (continued) Area Local Number or Country (City) Department Name or Service Code Toll-Free Number Switzerland* Technical Support ..........0844 811 411 (Geneva) Commercial Services .
  • Page 106 Dell Sales ........

  • Page 107: Appendix A Diagnostic Video Tests

    Appendix A Diagnostic Video Tests he Video Test Group of the Dell Diagnostics consists The following sections describe each of the tests in the of the following seven tests, each of which verifies a par- Video Test Group. ticular video function or group of functions: •...

  • Page 108: Character Attributes Subtest (80

    The following subsections describe the subtests of the video, reverse video, intensified video, and blinking Text Mode Character Test in the order in which they video. Figure A-1 shows an example of the appear. 80-column x 25-line character attributes subtest screen. Character Attributes Subtest (80 x 25) The 80-column x 25-line character attributes subtest dis- plays four lines of text that demonstrate normal-intensity...

  • Page 109: Character Set Subtest (80

    Character Set Subtest (80 x 25) by 25-line text mode. Figure A-2 shows an example of the character set subtest screen. The 80-column x 25-line character set subtest displays all 256 characters in the American Standard Code for Infor- mation Interchange (ASCII) character set in 80-column Character Set Test (80 x 25) Is this correct - Y/N? Figure A-2.

  • Page 110: Video Scan Alignment Subtest

    Video Scan Alignment Subtest in columns and rows), which should have straight borders and be evenly spaced. Figures A-3 and A-4, respectively, The video scan alignment subtest displays two successive show examples of the first and second video scan align- screens: The first screen is a pattern of horizontal and ment subtest screens.

  • Page 111: Figure A-4. Video Scan Alignment Subtest (Screen 2

    Video Scan Alignment Test Are the boxes correctly aligned - Y/N? Figure A-4. Video Scan Alignment Subtest (Screen 2) Diagnostic Video Tests...

  • Page 112: Character Attributes Subtest (40

    Character Attributes Subtest (40 x 25) normal-intensity video, reverse video, intensified video, and blinking video. Figure A-5 shows an example of the The 40-column x 25-line character attributes subtest 40-column x 25-line character attributes subtest screen. displays four lines of text in 40-column by 25-line (double-wide) text mode that demonstrate Character Attributes Test (40 x 25) Is this correct - Y/N?

  • Page 113: Character Set Subtest (40

    Character Set Subtest (40 x 25) The 40-column x 25-line character set subtest displays all 256 characters in the ASCII character set in 40-column by 25-line (double-wide) text mode. Figure A-6 shows an example of the 40-column x 25-line character set subtest screen.

  • Page 114: Text Mode Color Test

    ext Mode Color Test Table A-1. Color Attributes Row or The Text Mode Color Test contains three subtests that Column Foreground Background check the video subsystem’s ability to present color in Number Color Color text modes. The following subsections describe these subtests.

  • Page 115: Color Attributes Subtest (40

    Color Attributes Subtest (40 x 25) ext Mode Pages Test The 40-column x 25-line color attributes subtest is the The Text Mode Pages Test checks the video subsystem’s same as the previous subtest except that the characters ability to map and present all available video pages on are displayed in 40-column by 25-line (double-wide) text the monitor screen, one page at a time.

  • Page 116: Graphics Mode Test

    320 x 200 Graphics Mode Screens raphics Mode Test The Graphics Mode Test displays two successive The Graphics Mode Test checks the video subsystem’s 320- x 200-pixel graphics mode screens: The first screen ability to present graphics mode data and colors. This test displays three pyramids in red, green, and yellow.

  • Page 117: Figure A-8. 640 X 200 Black/White Graphics Mode Screen

    640 x 200 Graphics - Black/White Is this correct - Y/N? Figure A-8. 640 x 200 Black/White Graphics Mode Screen Diagnostic Video Tests A-11...

  • Page 118: 640 X 480 Monochrome Graphics Mode Screen

    640 x 480 Monochrome Graphics Mode are identical and displayed correctly; otherwise, type n. Figure A-9 shows an example of this screen. Screen The 640- x 480-pixel monochrome graphics mode screen displays three chess pieces. Type y if all the chess pieces 640 x 480 Graphics - Monochrome Is this correct - Y/N? Figure A-9.

  • Page 119: 320 X 200 16-Color Graphics Mode Screen

    320 x 200 16-Color Graphics Mode 640 x 350 16-Color Graphics Mode Screen Screen The 320- x 200-pixel 16-color graphics mode screen dis- The 640- x 350-pixel 16-color graphics mode screen dis- plays a series of Xs in 16 different colors with the name plays a series of octagons in 16 different colors with the of the color beneath each X.

  • Page 120: Figure A-10. 640 X 480 2-Color Graphics Mode Screen

    640 x 480 Graphics - 2 Colors Is this correct - Y/N? Figure A-10. 640 x 480 2-Color Graphics Mode Screen A-14 Diagnostics and Troubleshooting Guide...

  • Page 121: 640 X 480 16-Color Graphics Mode Screen

    640 x 480 16-Color Graphics Mode 1024 x 768 256-Color Graphics Mode Screen Screen The 640- x 480-pixel 16-color graphics mode screen dis- The 1024- x 768-pixel 256-color graphics mode screen plays a series of stars in 16 different colors with the name displays a series of asterisks with four colors in each of the color beneath each star.

  • Page 122: Solid Colors Test

    olid Colors Test When the test is complete, a message asks if you are sat- isfied with the quality of the colors. Type y if all the pixels were present and if the correct colors were dis- The Solid Colors Test checks whether the video sub- played;...

  • Page 123: Abbreviations And Acronyms

    American Standard Code for characters per line Information Interchange central processing unit ASIC application-specific integrated digital-to-analog converter circuit DASH Dell Advanced SCSI Host BASIC Beginner’s All-Purpose Symbolic Instruction Code digital audio tape bulletin board service decibel(s) BIOS basic input/output system...
  • Page 124 Description DRAM dynamic random-access memory graphical user interface DS/DD double-sided double-density hexadecimal DS/HD double-sided high-density high memory area Dell SCSI Array HPFS High Performance File System error correction code hertz enhanced graphics adapter input/output EIDE enhanced integrated drive identification electronics...
  • Page 125 Abbreviation Abbreviation or Acronym Description or Acronym Description lines per inch PCMCIA Personal Computer Memory Card International Association meter(s) pin grid array milliampere(s) POST power-on self-test milliampere-hour(s) pages per minute megabyte(s) PQFP plastic quad flat pack master boot record PS/2 Personal System/2 monochrome display adapter polyvinyl chloride...
  • Page 126 Abbreviation or Acronym Description Underwriters Laboratories upper memory block uninterruptible power supply universal serial bus USOC Universal Service Ordering Code volt(s) volt(s) alternating current volt(s) direct current Verband Deutscher Elektrotechniker VESA Video Electronics Standards Association video graphics array VLSI very-large-scale integration VRAM video random-access memory watt(s)

  • Page 127: Index

    2-1, 4-1 diskette, 4-1 AutoTech service, 7-3 list of tests, 4-9 starting, 4-2 video tests, A-1 video tests, about, A-1 Dell Q&A, 7-3 battery device drivers, 3-3 troubleshooting, 6-3 diagnosing problems, 7-1 beep codes about, 2-9 Diagnostics Checklist, 7-7...
  • Page 128 SCSI drives, 6-15, 6-17 electrostatic discharge. See ESD Hard-Disk Drives (Non-SCSI) Test Group, 4-16 EMM driver, 3-2 help ESD, vi, 6-2 from Dell Computer Corporation, 7-1 expanded memory help tools about, 3-2 AutoTech service, 7-3 EMM driver, 3-2 Dell Diagnostics program, 7-3 expansion cards Dell Q&A, 7-3...
  • Page 129 6-5 parity errors, 4-12 messages peripherals about, 2-1 erratic behavior, 4-18, 4-19 beep codes, system, 2-1, 2-9 Dell Diagnostics, 4-12 ports error messages, 3-2 failure to recognize, 4-18, 4-19 system, 2-1 Parallel Ports Test Group, 4-19 warning, 2-13 Serial/Infrared Ports Test Group, 4-18...
  • Page 130 6-1 troubleshooting, 6-8 screen, 5-4 system configuration information SCSI Devices Test Group, 4-20 about, 4-4 Select confirming with Dell Diagnostics, 4-4 Main menu category, 4-5 system documentation, 7-3 serial I/O devices system memory troubleshooting, 5-4 troubleshooting, 6-5...
  • Page 131 technical assistance obtaining, 7-1 warranty repair or credit, 7-5 video control circuitry, 4-14 Test Limits video controller card, 4-14 Main menu category, 4-8 video functions Text Mode Character Test, A-1 about, A-1 testing, 4-14 Text Mode Color Test, A-1, A-8 Video Hardware Test, A-1 Text Mode Pages Test, A-1, A-9 Video Memory Test, A-1...

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