Why Run A System Set Test - Dell OptiPlex N Troubleshooting Manual

RAM, performs a data pattern and address unique-
ness test.
NOTE: This test applies only to systems with an
EISA bus.
•
DMA Controller Test
Tests the direct memory access (DMA) controller
and verifies the correct operation of its page and
channel registers by writing patterns to the registers.
•
Real-Time Clock Test
Confirms the functionality and accuracy of the com-
puter's real-time clock (RTC).
•
System Timers Test
Checks the timers used by the microprocessor for
event counting, frequency generation, and other
functions. Only the functions that can be activated
by software are tested.
•
Interrupt Controller Test
Generates an interrupt on each interrupt request
(IRQ) line to verify that devices using that line can
communicate with the microprocessor and that the
interrupt controllers send the correct memory
addresses to the microprocessor.
•
Reset Button Test
Confirms that the reset button works.
•
System Speaker Test
Checks the functionality of the speaker by generat-
ing eight tones.
•
Coprocessor Calculation Test
Checks the use of different types of numbers and the
math coprocessor's ability to calculate correctly.
•
Coprocessor Error Exception Test
Verifies the math coprocessor's ability to handle
errors and to send IRQs to the microprocessor.
•
PC Card Controller Test
Tests the functionality of the PC Card controller on
the system board.
•
Thermal Control Test
Checks the functionality of the thermal-monitoring
and microprocessor speed-switching device on the
system board.
•
Multiprocessor Test
For systems with multiprocessors, confirms that the
secondary microprocessor is operational.
•
USB Register Test
Checks the onboard registers of the universal serial
bus (USB) interface. This subtest does not test USB
peripherals.
•
USB Memory Structure Test
Monitors the ability of a USB controller to process a
simple set of memory-resident instructions.

Why Run a System Set Test?

The System Set subtests double-check many system
board components, such as the computer's input/output
(I/O) circuitry, that are tested by other test groups or sub-
tests in the diagnostics. You should run the System Set
Test Group if you are having a problem and cannot iso-
late the failure or malfunction to a particular system
board component.
The System Set Test Group also verifies the proper oper-
ation of other computer components, such as the speaker,
that are not tested elsewhere in the Dell 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.)
•
An option card you previously accessed can no
longer be accessed.
•
You get parity errors or page fault failures (any error
message that contains the word parity or page fault)
at any time during operation. These errors are usu-
ally accompanied by a reference to an address,
which you should record on a copy of the Diagnos-
tics Checklist found in Chapter 7, "Getting Help."
Running the Dell Diagnostics 4-13