Before Running The Tests; Types Of Tests - 3Com 3C905-TX User Manual

4-2 C
HAPTER

Before Running the Tests

When the DOS operating system first loads, it executes the
AUTOEXEC.BAT and CONFIG.SYS files. These files are user-
definable files that set up the computer environment. These
files may load memory managers and drivers into memory.
When using the Configuration and Diagnostic Program to
run diagnostics on the adapter, you should not load memory
managers or other device drivers. To avoid this, press [F5]
when DOS (version 6.x) loads, after the message "Starting
MS-DOS..." appears on the screen. This prevents the
AUTOEXEC.BAT and CONFIG.SYS files from being executed.
The Configuration and Diagnostic Program must be run from
the DOS prompt. If you are running any other operating
system, refer to the section "Accessing DOS" in Chapter 3.
After performing the diagnostic tests, you should reboot
your computer.

Types of Tests

The diagnostic tests are divided into groups.
Group 1 tests check the physical components and circuitry
on the adapter. These tests are run as the default tests.
The Group 2 test (Network Loopback Test) is not used on
twisted-pair adapters such as the Fast EtherLink PCI adapter.
The Group 3 test (the Echo Exchange Test) tests the
adapter's ability to transmit and receive data while on the
network.
CAUTION: Running the Group 3 test while connected to an
active network can cause intermittent failures. To avoid this,
connect to an inactive network on which only the computer
being tested is operating.
4: P T
ERFORMING ROUBLESHOOTING AND
D T
IAGNOSTIC ESTS