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4-12 Dell Inspiron 3000 Reference and Troubleshooting Guide
E
rror Messages
When you run a test group or subtest in the diagnostics,
error messages may result. These particular error mes-
sages are not covered in this guide because the errors that
generate these messages can be resolved only with a
technician’s assistance. Record the messages on a copy of
the Diagnostics Checklist found in Chapter 5, and read
that chapter for instructions on obtaining technical
assistance.
R
AM Test Group
The RAM test group subtests check all the directly
addressable RAM.
Why Run a RAM Test?
Faulty memory can cause a variety of problems that may
not, at first glance, appear to be happening in RAM. If the
computer is displaying one or more of the following
symptoms, run both the subtests in the RAM test group to
verify that the memory is not at fault:
•
A program is not running as usual, or a proven piece
of software appears to malfunction and you confirm
that the software itself is not at fault. (You can con-
firm that the software is functioning properly by
moving it to another computer and running it there.)
•
The computer periodically locks up (becomes un-
usable and must be rebooted), especially at different
places and times in different programs.
Subtests
Two subtests are available for RAM: the Quick Test and
the Comprehensive Test. The Quick Test performs an
address check to determine whether the computer is
properly setting and clearing individual bits in RAM, and
whether the RAM read and write operations are affecting
more than one memory address location at one time. This
subtest checks all available RAM. The Comprehensive
Test also performs an address check, as well as the
following:
•
Data pattern checks, to look for RAM bits that are
stuck high or low, short-circuited data lines, and
some data pattern problems that are internal to the
memory chips
•
A parity check that verifies the ability of the memory
subsystem to detect errors
•
A refresh check, to verify that the dynamic RAM
(DRAM) is being recharged properly
S
ystem Set Test Group
The subtests in the System Set test group check the com-
puter’s basic system board components and verify their
related functions.
Why Run a System Set Test?
The System Set subtests double-check many system
board components, such as the computer’s I/O circuitry,
that are tested by other test groups or subtests in the diag-
nostics. You should run the System Set test group if you
are having a problem and cannot isolate the failure or
malfunction to a particular system board component.
The System Set test group also verifies the proper opera-
tion of other computer components, such as the speaker,
that are not tested elsewhere in the diagnostics.
The following symptoms usually suggest a problem with
a component or subassembly that warrants running a Sys-
tem Set subtest:
•
A program is not running as usual, or a proven piece
of software appears to malfunction and you confirm
that the software itself is not at fault. (You can con-
firm that the software is functioning properly by
moving it to another computer and running it there.)
•
A PC Card you previously accessed can no longer be
accessed.
•
The computer periodically locks up, especially at
different places and times in different programs.
•
Parity errors or page fault failures (any error mes-
sage that contains the word parity or page fault)
occur at any time during operation. These errors are
usually accompanied by a reference to an address,
which you should record on a copy of the Diagnos-
tics Checklist found in Chapter 5.
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