Software Checks: Dell OptiPlex GX1 Small-Form-Factor System User's Guide
file:///C|/infodev/2013/eDoc/OpGX1/UG/software.htm[2/21/2013 11:47:25 AM]
requires, and what its defaults are. A program usually includes installation instructions in its accompanying
documentation and a software installation routine on its program diskette(s) or CD(s).
The software installation routine assists you in transferring the appropriate program files to your computer's
hard-disk drive. Installation instructions may provide details about how to configure your operating system to
successfully run the program. Always read the installation instructions before running a program's installation
routine. You may be instructed to modify some operating system start-up files, such as
config.sys
and
autoexec.bat
, or the installation routine may modify start-up files automatically.
When you run the installation routine, be prepared to respond to prompts for information about how your
computer's operating system is configured, what type of computer you have, and what peripherals are
connected to your computer.
Error Messages
Error messages can be produced by an application program, the operating system, or the computer.
"
Messages and Codes
" discusses the error messages that are generated by the system. If you receive an
error message that is not listed in "Messages and Codes," check your operating system or application
program documentation.
Input Errors
If a specific key or set of keys is pressed at the wrong time, a program may give you unexpected results. See
the documentation that came with your application program to make sure the values or characters you are
entering are valid.
Make sure the operating environment is set up to accommodate the programs you use. Keep in mind that
whenever you change the parameters of the computer's operating environment, you may affect the
successful operation of your programs. Sometimes, after modifying the operating environment, you may
need to reinstall a program that no longer runs properly.
Memory-Resident Programs
There are a variety of utilities and supplementary programs that can be loaded either when the computer
boots or from an operating system prompt. These programs are designed to stay resident in system memory
and thus always be available for use. Because they remain in the computer's memory, memory conflicts and
errors can result when other programs require use of all or part of the memory already occupied by these
TSR programs.
Typically, your operating system's start-up files (such as
config.sys
and
autoexec.bat
) contain commands
to start TSR programs when you boot your system. If you suspect that one of these TSR programs is
causing a memory conflict, remove the commands that start them from the start-up file. If the problem you
were experiencing does not recur, one of the TSR programs probably created the conflict. Add the TSR
commands back into the start-up files one at a time until you identify which TSR program is creating the
conflict.
Program Conflicts
