Dell Latitude CP, Reference And Troubleshooting Manual

Page: 48 / 136

3-12 Dell Latitude CP Reference and Troubleshooting Guide
F
inding Software Solutions
Because most computers have several application pro-
grams installed in addition to the operating system,
isolating a software problem can be confusing. Software
errors can also appear to be hardware malfunctions at
first. Software problems can result from the following
circumstances:
•
Improper installation or configuration of a program
•
Input errors
•
Device drivers that may conflict with certain appli-
cation programs
•
Memory conflicts resulting from the use of termi-
nate-and-stay-resident (TSR) programs, such as
device drivers
•
Interrupt conflicts between devices
You can confirm that a computer problem is caused by
software by running the System Set test group as
described in Chapter 4, “Running the Dell Diagnostics.” If
all tests in the test group complete successfully, the error condi-
tion is most likely caused by software.
The following subsections provide some general guide-
lines for analyzing software problems. For detailed
troubleshooting information on a particular program, see
3-4-1 Display initializa-
tion failure Run the Video test group in the Dell Diagnostics. (For instructions, see Chapter 4,
“Running the Dell Diagnostics.”)
3-4-2 Display retrace test
failure Run the Video test group in the Dell Diagnostics. (For instructions, see Chapter 4,
“Running the Dell Diagnostics.”)
4-2-1 No timer tick Call Dell for technical assistance. (For instructions, see Chapter 5, “Getting Help.”)
4-2-2 Shutdown failure Call Dell for technical assistance. (For instructions, see Chapter 5, “Getting Help.”)
4-2-3 Gate A20 failure Call Dell for technical assistance. (For instructions, see Chapter 5, “Getting Help.”)
4-2-4 Unexpected interrupt
in protected mode Call Dell for technical assistance. (For instructions, see Chapter 5, “Getting Help.”)
4-3-1 Memory failure
above address
0FFFFh Run the RAM test group in the Dell Diagnostics. (For instructions, see Chapter 4,
“Running the Dell Diagnostics.”)
4-3-3 Timer chip counter 2
failure Call Dell for technical assistance. (For instructions, see Chapter 5, “Getting
Help.”)
4-3-4 Time-of-day clock
stopped Call Dell for technical assistance. (For instructions, see Chapter 5, “Getting
Help.”)
4-4-1 Serial port failure Run the Serial/Infrared Ports test group in the Dell Diagnostics. (For instructions, see
Chapter 4, “Running the Dell Diagnostics.”)
5-1-2 No usable memory Run the RAM test group in the Dell Diagnostics. (For instructions, see Chapter 4,
“Running the Dell Diagnostics.”)
Table 3-3. Flash Codes (continued)
Message Cause Action
NOTE: For the full name of an abbreviation or acronym used in this table, see the Glossary in the online System User’s Guide.