Dell Dimension XPS D Series, Reference And Troubleshooting Manual, Page: 117 / 191

Running the Dell Diagnostics 7-17
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If your software and the Dell Diagnostics do not recognize that you have a parallel
port, you should check Parallel Port in the system setup program, and if neces-
sary, run the appropriate test in the Parallel Ports Test Group.
NOTE: If an external loopback connector (a special Dell manufacturing device) is not
attached to the parallel port, the External Loopback Test will fail for that port and the
results of this test should therefore be ignored.
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The SCSI Devices Test Group checks the functionality of up to four SCSI host adapt-
ers and all the SCSI devices attached to them. Table 7-11 lists the tests.
If you check your small computer system interface (SCSI) hard-disk drive to determine
the amount of available space, your operating system will probably report problem
areas. Most hard-disk drives have a small amount of space that is not usable. Identifi-
cation of unusable disk space, unless it is an unusually large amount (over 5 percent
of the possible total), should not be regarded as a cause for testing the hard-disk
drive.
If you encounter a problem while using an application on a CD, the problem could
result from the disc or from the drive. When you encounter problems, first try using a
different CD. If the problem recurs, run the SCSI Devices Test Group.
These are the most common symptoms that might prompt you to test a SCSI device:
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A SCSI hard-disk drive fails during the boot routine.
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Seek errors are reported by the operating system or applications.
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An error message appears on the screen stating that the computer cannot
read
from or write to a SCSI device.
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Data on a SCSI device is corrupted or lost; saved files cannot be properly recalled.
This problem may be intermittent.
NOTES: Before conducting these subtests on CD-ROM drives, insert a CD with audio
and data tracks (such as a multimedia CD) into each CD-ROM drive. All of the tests,
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Internal Checks several internal functions of the parallel port.
External Loopback Tests the functionality of the control lines through an
external loopback connector (if one is attached).
External Interrupt Tests the parallel port’s ability to generate interrupts
from all possible sources, if an external loopback con-
nector or printer is attached.
Printer Pattern Tests a printer and the parallel port’s ability to send a
pattern to the printer (if connected).