Professional Soft Collection 1.02

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[Index];;;; # [KeyStr];Title;Prev;Next; Introduction to CheckIt PRO;Main_menu CheckIt PRO Keyboard Standards;kybd CheckView Utility;CK_View Reports Utility;Reports Journal Utility;Journal Test Everything;TESTEV Burn-In Testing;Burn_in Quick Test;Quick Certification Test;CERTEST System Board Testing;Sysboard Memory Testing;memory Serial Port Testing;serial_port Parallel Port Testing;parallel_port Hard Drive Testing;HD_Test Floppy Drive Testing;FD_Test Printer Testing;PRN Keyboard Testing;KYBD_test Mouse Testing;Mouse Video and Monitor Testing;VID_MON Hard Drive Formatting;HD_FRMT Virus Scanning;Virus Creating a Rescue Disk;Rescue Editing ASCII Text Files;File_ED Context Sensitive Help (F1);Contextf1 Help Index;HLPINDEX Technical Support Window;DOUG&NEIL Modify Help Options;MODHLP Save CMOS Utility;SAVECMOS Save Startup Drivers;SAVESU Joystick Calibration;joystick Summary;summary # [Main_MENU];Introduction to CheckIt PRO;;kybd; ┌─────────────────────────────────────┐ │Welcome to CheckIt PRO: Tests & Tools│ └─────────────────────────────────────┘ CheckIt: PRO Tests & Tools is the second volume in a set of system information, diagnostic, and analysis utilities for your MS-DOS PC. With these tools, you can assure that your computer(s) meets the functional compatibility levels required for desired functions. ┌───────────────────────────────────────┐ │CheckIt PRO: Tests & Tools Organization│ └───────────────────────────────────────┘ Tests & Tools is organized into the main menu options listed below. A brief dESCription of each menu option and its function is included here. For more specific help on each function, press the F1 key after selecting that function. File: From the File menu option, you can run all tests with "Test Everything", run all non-interactive tests with "Quick Test", run multiple iterations on specified devices with "Burn-in Test" and run a Certification Test. Test results can be viewed with the "Reports" menu option, a "Summary" displaying your PC's test performance can be generated, and the "Journal" utility will provide step-by-step information pinpointing any failures on your PC. The "Exit to DOS" function returns you to your operating system's command line. (Please note that the <Ctrl+X> combination will also return you to the command line when no pull down menu items are open). System: The System menu option includes tests for the System Board, Memory, and Serial and Parallel Ports. The "System Board" option tests the CPU, NPU (if present), Real Time Clock, Interrupt Con- troller, and DMA Controller. The "Memory" option runs all your system memory (including video RAM) through extensive tests. The "Serial Port" and "Parallel Port" tests diagnose problems that could cause bad I/O port communication. Disk: Under the Disk menu, you will find options for Hard and Floppy drives. The "Hard Disk Test" function provides options for a controller check and two drive tests. The "Floppy Disk Test" in- cludes a media test, and physical drive diagnos- tics. Peripherals: From the Peripheral menu option, you can run diagnostics on your PC's accessories. Options include "Printer" (local or network), "Keyboard" identification and testing, "Mouse" (2 and 3 but- ton), Joystick, and "Video" tests. The video tests check both the adapter and monitor. Tools: Under the Tools menu, there is a Hard Drive Low- level formatter, which will format any type of hard drive. The virus scanner searches for over 2000 viruses, included Polymorphic (mutation en- gine) viruses. The Rescue Disk creation tool saves important setup configuration files and information, for when a machine cannot boot from the hard drive. There are also CMOS and Bootup File archive tools avail- able, and an ASCII file editor. Help: You can use the Help menu to get assistance on all the menu options in CheckIt PRO: Tests & Tools. The "Context Sensitive" help brings up the Help item you are currently viewing. You will see several buttons on the help screen. These buttons include: ┌──────┐ │ KEYS │ Jumps to the menu option dESCribing the └──────┘ Checkit PRO default keyboard standards. ┌──────────┐ │ PREVIOUS │ Jumps to the previous help screen └──────────┘ in relation to present screen. ┌──────┐ │ NEXT │ Jumps to the next logical help screen └──────┘ in relationship to the present screen. ┌───────┐ │ INDEX │ Brings up the Help Index screen listing └───────┘ all available help items. ┌──────┐ │ DONE │ Exits the Help function and returns you └──────┘ to normal program operation. Index The "Index" button under the Help main menu heading calls up the index of help topics, just as the INDEX button on the help screens. Technical The "Technical Support" option displays a user Support modifiable screen for storing contact help desk type information. You can edit this screen using any text editor, including the one in CheckIt PRO. The "Reference Library" contains information and tips on installing, configuring, and enhancing devices on your PC. This too can be edited with any text editor. About The "About" screen displays information about CheckIt PRO: Tests & Tools, such as the version number, user information, and serial number. ┌──────────────────────────┐ │CheckIt PRO User Interface│ └──────────────────────────┘ The CheckIt PRO user interface has been designed to offer the most intuitive approach to program operation. The intent was to follow the CUA (Common User Access) standard. That intent was generally followed, but some liberties were taken where specific CUA guide- lines were counter-intuitive. In all cases, you should do what "feels right". In general, it will be right. If there is any danger in selecting an operation, you will always be warned before the dangerous operation is carried out. CheckIt PRO supports keyboard and mouse operation. Since mouse operation is very intuitive, primarily keyboard operation will be dESCribed. Menus: Menus are either pop up or pop down. They present a list of options, any of which can be selected. Windows: A window is your view into application. Windows are active when keystrokes and mouse clicks are effective within the window. Only one window is active at a time. The active window is said to have the focus. This active window is indicated by a double-lined outline. When a window is not active, it has only a single-line outline. List Boxes: A list box is a rectangular box with a list of items. You can scroll through this list using a number of methods. Dialog A dialog box is a box that pops up on a screen, Boxes: after you take some certain action, to inform you, warn you, or collect additional information. For example, when you wish to save a report to a file, you will be presented with a standard file dialog box that will allow you to choose the path and file name. CheckIt PRO uses all "modal" dialog boxes; dialog boxes that must be dealt with and dismissed be- fore the next action takes place. Often the dialog box will issue a warning about what is about to occur and give you the option to continue or can- cel the action. You choose and activate actions as you do in any window. Buttons: A button is a small object labeled with text. Clicking or pressing a button performs the action dESCribed by the button's label. Buttons are labeled with the result of pressing that button. Check Boxes: A check box is a small box next to text dESCribing its use. The state of the option dESCribed by the text can be toggled on (checked) or off (not checked). Any number of check boxes can appear within a window and the state of any one of them has no bearing on the state of any other. Combo Boxes: A combo box is basically a pop down list associ- ated with a data field. It is indicated by a down arrow to the right of the data field. Activating the down arrow pops down a list of acceptable en- tries for the data field. # [KYBD];CheckIt PRO Keyboard Standards;Main_MENU;; # The following keyboard standards are used in CheckIt PRO: TAB The TAB moves the highlight to the right or down the screen sequentially between menu items, fields, windows, or buttons. Shift+TAB The Shift+TAB combination moves the highlight to the left or up the screen sequentially between menu items, fields, windows, or buttons. Right Arrow The Right Arrow moves the cursor to the right from character to character in a field. If the cursor is not in a field, it has the same effect as the TAB key when doing so makes sense and is un- ambiguous. Left Arrow The Left Arrow moves the cursor to the left from character to character in a field. If the cursor is not in a field, it has the same effect as the Shift TAB key when doing so makes sense and is un- ambiguous. Up Arrow The Up Arrow moves the highlight up one line or to the left or up the screen sequentially be- tween menu items, fields, windows, or buttons. Down Arrow The Down Arrow moves the highlight down one line or to the right or up the screen sequentially be- tween menu items, fields, windows, or buttons. Page Up The Page Up key moves the focus up one window at a time. In a list box, it moves up one screen at a time. Page Down The Page Down key moves the focus down one window at a time. In a list box, it moves up one screen at a time. Home The Home key moves the highlight to the first item in a list box. End The End key moves the highlight to the last item in a list box. Space Bar The Space Bar selects fields and toggles check boxes and radio buttons on or off. Enter The Enter or Return key activates the selected menu option or button action. ESC The ESCape key is used to end the current process, or backup to the previous screen or selection. ┌──────────────────────────────────────────┐ │ Highlight Keys and ALT + Highlight Keys │ └──────────────────────────────────────────┘ There is one key in each menu option, button or other selectable item that is highlighted. Pressing that key or that key while holding down the ALT key selects and activates the option. ┌─────────────────────────┐ │ Graphic Background Menu │ └─────────────────────────┘ The CheckIt PRO graphic background screen acts a menu, complimenting the pull down system menus. You may activate any item in the screen with the left mouse button. For example, to see a report on any of the test subjects listed on the left side of the background screen, simply "click" on that subject. To see a list of all available tests, "click" anywhere (except right on a subject) on the inside of the Test Status area. ┌───────────────────┐ │ Technical Support │ └───────────────────┘ IF YOU HAVE ANY PROBLEMS WITH NAVIGATION IN CHECKIT PRO, PLEASE CONTACT TOUCHSTONE SOFTWARE TECHNICAL SUPPORT AT: (714) 969-7746 # [CK_view];CheckView Utility;Main_menu;reports; # CheckIt PRO: Tests and Tools has its own report viewer called CKVIEW.EXE. This is called automatically from the Report, Journal, and Summary menu options and background screen buttons. # [Reports];Reports Utility;Main_menu;kybd; # In CheckIt PRO: Tests & Tools, all viewing and printing of reports and journals is handled through an applet called CKVIEW.EXE. This is a fairly conventional file viewer with a few filtering features and the capability of printing. It allows for excellent control of batch file output. To use CKVIEW, select the Report, Journal or Summary menu option, or press the respective buttons on the active background screen. A list of all available reports will be presented. Use the Up/Down arrows and [Enter] or your mouse to select a report. Printing In addition to viewing any CheckIt PRO report, CKVIEW will print the viewed file. Use the <F2> key to print data in opened file. Sorting The reports can be sorted for specific data with the filter utility. For example: To filter for the EGA, press <F3>, and then type EGA [Enter]. the file for exit codes and errors. CKVIEW will generate a code upon exiting the test of the highest level error en- countered. The codes are identical to those of other applets and can be found at the end of Chapter 3 of your CheckIt PRO: Tests & Tools manual. Opening CKVIEW allows you to open two files simultaneously. a Second To open an additional report or journal, press the File <F5> key. A window will open on the right side of the screen. Use the Up/Down arrows and [Enter] to select a file. Going to To view the second file you have opened in CKVIEW, a Second press the Page Up/Down key. This will toggle you File between the two opened windows. Closing Because CKVIEW limits you to two open files at a time, a File it is useful to be able to close an open file at any given time. Press the <F6> key to close the file you are viewing. Then you may open another file. # [Journal];Journal Utility;Reports;kybd; # CheckIt PRO: Tests & Tools keeps a journal of every event that occurs during a test. You have the option of saving the journal to a file -- the default name is CKPRO.JNL. Choosing Journal from the Files menu toggles the journal on and off as indicated by a check mark next to the menu item. The journal becomes very important when you have a problem that locks your computer. Examining the journal when you recover will reveal the exact point at which the problem occurred. # [TESTEV];Test Everything;Main_menu;Reports; # The Test Everything option will automatically guide you through the program and run all the tests available on a system. It will still allow you a good bit of flexibility, as you will be able to run, skip, and report on each individual test as you see fit. Running Test Everything will guide you through all the tests listed below: 1. Memory Test A. System Memory B. Video Memory 2. Hard Disk Test 3. Floppy Disk Test 4. Motherboard Test A. Central Processor B. Numerical Coprocessor C. Real-Time Clock D. DMA Controller E. Interrupt Controller 5. Serial Port Test 6. Parallel Port Test 7. Mouse Test 8. Virus Test # [Burn_in];Burn-in Testing;Quick;FILE_ED; # This test will run the non-interactive tests continuously. You will be able to let this test run over extended periods of time to burn in equipment and to find intermittent and elusive problems. The menu system keeps track and reports on the number of iterations of the batch file. Use 0 (zero) or the continuous option to run indefinitely. The same tests are run as in the Quick Test, except that certain ones are repeated to optimize the burn-in process. Use the <ESC> key to halt the test and review the report to determine whether there were any problems during the unattended burn-in operation. You can edit the file by using the File Editor in CheckIt PRO. # [QUICK];Quick Test;Main_menu;reports; # This test will run the non-interactive tests once, using a quick version of each test. Use the <ESC> key to halt the test and review the report to determine whether there were any problems during the test. You may modify it if you wish using the file listed in the manual as an example. # [CERTEST];Certification Test;Quick;reports; # The Certify Test runs all of the tests in Burn-In, and Floppy and Hard Drive, Monitor, and Media tests. This test is effective for certifying that a machine is in good working order. The results of the Certify Test will be logged automatically CKCERT.RPT file, and if you specify a journal, CKCERT.JNL. # [SYSBOARD];System Board Testing;Main_menu;REPORTS; # The System Board Test option will check the PC's processor (CPU), math co-processor (NPU), DMA controller, Interrupt controller and Real Time Clock. CPU In addition to testing the general functions of your processor, CheckIt PRO also looks for CPUs with known bugs. If a problem if found here, replace the CPU immediately. Protected If you have a 80286 or 80386 CPU, CheckIt PRO will Mode make sure your CPU works properly in protected mode. Operating systems like OS/2 and Windows use this mode extensively. Also, any time extended memory is ac- cessed, the processor must go into protected mode. NPU If you have a math co-processor (like the 8287) in- stalled in your PC. Both the simple and complex math functions are tested. DMA This test checks the DMA controller in your PC. This Controller chip is responsible for transferring data between memory and other devices. On AT and 386 class PCs, the second DMA controller is also tested. Interrupt This test checks the 8259A interrupt controller (2 on Controller AT and 386 class PCs) in your PC. This chip is responsible for "interrupting" your CPU when certain events occur. For example, the 8259A issues an interrupt every time you press a key on the keyboard. Real Time If your system has a real-time clock, CheckIt PRO can Clock be used to make sure it is set properly and keeping accurate time. The following tests are performed: ┌────────────────────────────────────┐ │ Compare Real-Time Time to DOS Time │ └────────────────────────────────────┘ Both times are compared to make sure they are about the same. Since it is normal for many systems to have a difference of a few seconds, CheckIt PRO will not report small differences as errors. ┌────────────────────────────────────┐ │ Compare Real-Time Date to DOS Date │ └────────────────────────────────────┘ These two values must match exactly. ┌────────────────────────────┐ │ Test Real-Time Clock Alarm │ └────────────────────────────┘ If your PC has a standard AT-style CMOS clock (most AT and 386 PCs do!), CheckIt PRO will test the alarm feature found on these clocks. If the alarm does not go off when scheduled, the test will fail. Some PC compatibles do not support this feature. In these cases, a failure indicates a minor incom- patibility problem. ┌──────────────────────┐ │ Compare Elapsed Time │ └──────────────────────┘ Finally, CheckIt PRO compares the amount of elapsed time on both clocks (regardless of there initial difference). If there is more than a fraction of a second difference, CheckIt PRO will report the problem. A failure here usually indicates the real-time clock needs new batteries. # [MEMORY];Memory Testing;Main_menu;ram_lct; # The Memory option thoroughly tests the base, upper memory blocks (UMBs), expanded (EMS 3.2 and above), extended (up to 64M), and video memory installed in your PC. CheckIt PRO: Tests and Tools can test memory currently occupied by itself, DOS, device drivers, and terminate and stay resident programs (TSRs). ┌────────────────────────────────┐ │ Memory Test Facts/Suggestions: │ └────────────────────────────────┘ If you are using a memory manager stealthing option (where RAM and ROM items share memory addresses) the UMB memory test may fail. For that reason, disabling the stealthing option is recommended for the memory test. If you disable all memory managers in your CONFIG.SYS file, you will be able to test all the physical memory in your system (except for that on a memory expansion board). While video memory in excess of 256K is detected, it will not be tested. The 256K that can be tested is checked in four 64K panes at the same time. Windows and OS/2s can fail because of timing issues involving 3-chip v.s. 9-chip SIMMs. Therefore, never run CheckIt PRO: Tests & Tools with Windows or OS/2 in the background. Extended memory will only be tested if a memory manger is disabled for the test. ┌──────────────┐ │ User Control │ └──────────────┘ Any combination of base, extended, and expanded memory can be tested. The range of memory, thoroughness of each test, type of test (quick vs. comprehensive) and number of iterations of tests are under user control. ┌──────────────────────────┐ │ Memory Test Setup Screen │ └──────────────────────────┘ Move the highlight to the checkbox of the tests you wish to run and select them with the mouse or space bar. Next, chose the ranges of memory you wish to test. If you wish to test the entire range, do not change the values presented. However, if you wish to test only a specific range, you may modify these values. After selecting the range to test, input the number of iterations for the test. Use 0 (zero) for continuous testing. ┌────────────────┐ │ Types of Tests │ └────────────────┘ Quick Test The Quick Test option will test every block of memory once using a pseudo-random test pattern. This will identify most common memory problems (such as bad chips), but may not find more esoteric problems. Comprehensive This test will test all the areas of memory you Test select with up to 9 data patterns. This test should find problems that may elude a single test pattern. Number of If you have an intermittent memory problem, you Passes may not find it with a single quick or thorough test. However, if you run the test many times (or continuously), you will eventually find even the most elusive intermittent problems. Base Memory All selected base memory is tested including Test memory currently being used by DOS, CheckIt PRO: Tests and Tools, and any other device drivers or TSRs loaded in base memory. Extended The selected extended memory is tested. Memory Test Expanded Generally, it is a good idea to test all ex- Memory Test panded memory since it is managed memory with its dESCription being in paged (see the Memory section of CheckIt PRO: SysInfo). Some memory managers, beginning with EMS version 4.0, allow some expanded memory to be used as base memory. High Address The high address lines test looks for problems Lines caused by incorrect size chips, bent or broken pins, or other addressing problems where one byte can affect another. Together, these tests provide an extremely comprehensive suite of memory tests that can detect nearly all types of memory problems including parity and addressing errors. # [Serial_Port];Serial Port Testing;Main_menu;REPORTS; # The Serial Port test option checks up to four COM ports on your PC. Each register of the 8250 serial controller chip is tested and data transmission is tested at different baud rates (up to 115K). Although CheckIt PRO can still conduct a reasonable test without a loopback plug, the test is best with one because data is act- ually sent and received by the port when an external loopback is used. These plugs can be purchased from TouchStone direct, or you can build them following the diagrams below. Serial Loopback Plugs DB-25 Female / ═════════════╗ ║ ┌────╢2 ║ └────╢3 TD ( 2) --- ( 3) RD ║ ┌────╢4 RTS ( 4) --- ( 5) CTS ║ └────╢5 DSR ( 6) --- ( 8) CD ║ ┌─────┬────╢6 DSR ( 6) --- (20) DTR ║ │ └────╢8 CD ( 8) --- (22) RI ║ │ ║ ║ │ ┌────║20 ║ └─────┴────║22 \═════════════╝ DB-9 Female /══════════╗ ║ ┌────────╢1 ║ │ ┌───╢2 CD ( 1) --- ( 6) DSR ║ │ └───╢3 CD ( 1) --- ( 9) RI ║ ├────────╢4 RD ( 2) --- ( 3) TD ║ │ ║ DTR ( 4) --- ( 6) DSR ║ ├────────╢6 RST ( 7) --- ( 8) CTS ║ │ ┌───╢7 ║ │ └───╢8 ║ └────────╢9 \══════════╝ # [Parallel_Port];Parallel Port Testing;Main_Menu;Reports; # The Parallel Port test option checks up to three LPT ports on your PC. This test can be run either with or without an external loopback plug. Without a loopback plug, the internal registers of the parallel port are checked to make sure they respond properly. When an external loopback plug is added, the external signals and data lines are tested as well. Although CheckIt PRO can still conduct a reasonable test without a loopback plug, the test is best with one because data is ac- tually sent and received by the port when an external loopback is used. These plugs can be purchased from TouchStone direct, or you can build them following the diagrams below. Parallel Loopback Plug 25 Pin Male /═══════════════╗ ║ ┌────────╢1 Busy (11) --- (17) Select Input ║ ┌─│────────╢2 Acknowledge (10) --- (16) Initialize ║ │ │ ║ Paper End (12) --- (14) Auto Feed ║ │ │ ┌──────╢10 Select (13) --- ( 1) Strobe ║ ┌─│─│─│──────╢11 Data Bit 0 ( 2) --- (15) Error ║ │ │ │ │ ┌───╢12 ║ │ │ └────────╢13 ║ │ │ │ └───╢14 ║ │ └──────────╢15 ║ │ └──────╢16 ║ └────────────╢17 \═══════════════╝ # [HD_TEST];Hard Drive Testing;Main_Menu;Reports; # The hard drive tests are non-destructive. Therefore, they will not destroy any data on your hard disk. Unlike some hard disk diagnostics, CheckIt PRO tests the entire disk at the physical level. That means it can show problems even on unused or non- DOS partitions. First, select the drive(s) to test, then select which tests to run (the available tests are controller, linear read, and butter- fly read) and then begin the test. Note that this test may take some time (up to many minutes) to run, depending upon the size of the drive. ┌─────────────────┐ │ Controller Test │ └─────────────────┘ The fixed disk controller is the interface from your computer to your hard disk. A malfunctioning controller card can cause errors and corrupt data to make a good fixed disk act badly. Worse, it can corrupt data before placing it on the hard drive. Always run the controller test to avoid damaging data by addressing your hard drive through a bad controller. ┌─────────────┐ │ Linear Read │ └─────────────┘ During this test, the cylinder and head currently being tested are available and accessible using the journal function. They are also displayed during progress and if any errors occur. Beginning with cylinder 0 (the outermost cylinder), and con- tinuing sequentially to the innermost cylinder on the disk, the linear read test verifies each track. ┌────────────────┐ │ Butterfly Read │ └────────────────┘ During this test CheckIt PRO reads the outermost cylinder, then the innermost cylinder, and so forth. This stresses the seek mechanism to its utmost, enabling CheckIt PRO: Tests and Tools to uncover any mechanical problems this mechanism might have. It will find problems that you might encounter during actual hard disk usage. Errors There are various types of errors that the hard disk tests will find. Every error is documented in the hard disk test report (as well as in the detailed journal). Each of the above tests may record the same error. The types of errors reported are listed below with the least severe first and the most severe last. ┌────────────────────────────┐ │ Marked by Low Level Format │ └────────────────────────────┘ This message is not considered a problem since the error has already been identified by the system. The message is displayed to make you aware of a bad spot on your hard disk. ┌───────────────┐ │ Marked by DOS │ └───────────────┘ This error is also not a problem as DOS already knows about the problem and will not use the bad spot. Therefore, no corrective action is necessary. ┌────────────┐ │ Soft Error │ └────────────┘ This is a minor error, but should not be ignored. It indicates that the drive had trouble reading the data but was finally able to read it by either reconstructing it with error correcting codes (ECC) or rereading it. This type of error is an indication that the track is just starting to fail. ┌────────────────────┐ │ Not in a partition │ └────────────────────┘ This error indicates that the bad track is outside the bounds of any partition (for any operating system) on the hard disk. This message can occur if you have not assigned all the tracks of your hard disk to partitions. Although this is not a problem now (as you cannot address areas not in partitions), it can become a problem if FDISK or a similar partitioning program is used to re- partition your disk and include this area. ┌───────────────────┐ │ Non-DOS Partition │ └───────────────────┘ This message indicates that the error occurred within a partition assigned to a non-DOS operating system (e.g. Xenix or OS/2). You will need to use utilities designed for the operating system in question to determine the status of the bad track. ┌────────────────┐ │ DOS Free Space │ └────────────────┘ This error indicates that there is a bad spot on the named volume and no data has been assigned to it yet. This spot became bad after the drive was formatted by DOS, so it wasn't marked by during the format operation. Since the bad space is currently un-allocated by DOS, you could attempt to write data to it at any time. ┌──────────┐ │ DOS File │ └──────────┘ This error indicates that one of your files on the named volume is written on a bad part of the media. If this happens, you can usually back up your data and reformat the named drive. Be aware that the data you back up may be corrupted by the bad spot on the disk, so keep any old backups you may have of this data. ┌─────────────────┐ │ DOS Boot Record │ │ or └─────────┐ │ DOS File Allocation Table │ │ or ┌──────┘ │ DOS Root Directory │ └────────────────────┘ These errors indicate that one of the essential portions of the named DOS partition is damaged. If this happens on the first volume, the entire volume may be unusable. There may be ways of mapping the bad sectors out with the DOS FDISK utility or something equivalent, but those repair techniques are beyond the scope of CheckIt PRO: Tests and Tools. If you are experiencing these types of errors, it may be a good idea to get the disk replaced. ┌─────────────────┐ │ Partition Table │ └─────────────────┘ This is a major error that indicates that the master boot record on the disk (logical sector 0) is damaged. If this happens, you may need to replace your disk. ┌───────────────────────┐ │ Too Damaged to Report │ └───────────────────────┘ This obviously indicates a serious problem with your hard disk. As CheckIt PRO: Tests and Tools was tracking down the status of a bad sector, it encountered more bad sectors on critical areas of your disk. This type of error generally means that your drive needs to be reformatted or replaced. ┌────────────┐ │ Bad Drives │ └────────────┘ When CheckIt PRO: Tests and Tools encounters a hard drive with gross failures, it will display the message "Excessive Failures on Drive--Test Aborted". The test will abort to avoid further damage. You should immediately attempt to backup any critical data you can recover and service or replace the failing drive. # [FD_TEST];Floppy Drive Testing;Main_menu;Reports; # The Floppy Disk Tests function checks the mechanical operation of your floppy drives, as well as the media quality of individual floppy disks. First, select the drive(s) to test, then select which tests you wish to run. They are dESCribed below, and in greater length in Chapter 6 of your CheckIt PRO: Tests & Tools manual. ┌───────────────┐ │ Media Surface │ └───────────────┘ The media surface test will test a specific floppy disk for bad tracks. If you choose this test, you will perform a linear read and a random read test. The test is non-destructive as there are no disk writes. The linear and random tests will verify each track to ensure that the data on the floppy can be read successfully. Beginning with cylinder 0 (the outermost cylinder), and continuing sequentially to the innermost cylinder on the disk, the linear read test verifies each track. The random test reads the cylinders randomly, much as it would in general operation. ┌─────────────────────┐ │ Physical Drive Test │ └─────────────────────┘ The physical drive test will check the actual mechanics of your floppy drive. This test runs in one of two ways, depending upon whether you have a TouchStone Mini-Spiral diskette or a plain formatted diskette in the drive. For more information on this, see Chapter 6, Floppy Disk Test in your CheckIt PRO: Tests & Tools manual. Errors There are a number of errors that may be reported in either the detailed report, the journal, or the screen. ┌───────────────┐ │ Compare Error │ └───────────────┘ This error occurs during the write test if the data read from a disk is not the same as what was written. This is a very serious error since it indicates that the drive is not properly detecting errors. ┌──────────────┐ │ Disk Changed │ └──────────────┘ This error will appear if the "disk changed" mechanism is mal- functioning on a drive. It can also be caused by opening the drive door during a test. This error will cancel the rest of the test. Drive Not ReadyThis can happen when the drive motor is not working or if the drive door is open during the test. ┌─────────────┐ │ Seek Failed │ └─────────────┘ This error can occur when the drive's stepper motor which moves the read/write head over the tracks is not working properly or when something is physically obstructing the free movement of the read/write head on the drive. ┌────────────┐ │ Read Error │ └────────────┘ This message appears when there is a problem reading data from the diskette. It can occur during the read test or the read/write test. This may indicate a problem either with the drive or the media. ┌─────────────┐ │ Write Error │ └─────────────┘ This message appears when there is a problem writing data to the diskette. Again, this may indicate a problem either with the drive or the media. ┌─────────────────┐ │ Write Protected │ └─────────────────┘ This message is displayed when a write is attempted to a diskette that is write protected or when the write protect mechanism is malfunctioning. This will cancel the rest of the test. # [PRN];Printer Testing;Main_menu;reports; # This printer test will print a number of patterns on your printer. This will help find cable and configuration problems on IBM, Epson, HP Laserjet, and compatible or "generic" printers. Make sure your printer is at the top of the page and on line, and then proceed with the test. All the tests will be printed at once. Next, CheckIt PRO: Tests & Tools will display a sample of what the printout should look like and ask if it printed properly. Select Pass or Fail for each represented sample. # [KYBD_TEST];Keyboard Testing;Main_menu;reports; # The Keyboard test to checks the keys and lights on your keyboard. Three different keyboards are supported: PC, AT, and Enhanced. CheckIt PRO: Tests & Tools will automatically detect the type you are using, or you can choose from the box displayed in the test window. If you don't recognize the keyboard's name, look at the picture displayed on the screen and pick the one that best matches the layout of your keyboard. ┌────────────────┐ │ Press Each Key │ └────────────────┘ This part of the test will let you test each key. After each key has been pressed, CheckIt PRO moves on to the next part of the test. If some keys don't work or you are only testing a few keys, press any key three (3) times. You will then be given a chance to report any problems. ┌──────────────────┐ │ Typematic Repeat │ └──────────────────┘ This part of the test will check the "auto-repeat" feature of your keyboard. Simply press and hold down any key until it begins to blink on the screen. This is not the same as repeatedly pressing the same key. ┌─────────────────┐ │ Keyboard Lights │ └─────────────────┘ If you are using an AT or Enhanced keyboards, the lights will also be tested. Watch the keyboard lights and make sure each light comes on at the same time as its on-screen counterpart. # [MOUSE];Mouse Testing;Main_menu;reports; # If you have a mouse on your system, this test will let you verify that it is working properly. If you have not installed the device driver for your mouse, the test can not be run. With this test, you can check the buttons and movement of your mouse. If you find a problem, press <ESC> to cancel the test (or just a step). CheckIt PRO: Tests & Tools will automatically report any errors found. # [VID_MON];Video and Monitor Testing;VID_ADPT;reports; # The Monitor Test function tests different modes available on your PC. This test is a user-interactive test, so it is not common to run it many times in a row with a batch file. The tests are dESCribed below: ┌────────────┐ │ Text Modes │ └────────────┘ This part of the test checks all text modes available on your PC. Since the success or failure of these tests depends on the screen "looking" right, YOU must decide if a particular screen passes or fails. You will be asked if the screen "passes" or "fails". Depending on these answers, CheckIt PRO: Tests & Tools can deter- mine the status of your PC's video sub-system. Each phase of this part of the test consists of several screens. On each screen, the title, screen number, and mode of the current test is displayed at the top left. This will give you an idea of where you are in the test. You can skip individual steps or the whole test by pressing ESC. ┌────────────────┐ │ Graphics Modes │ └────────────────┘ This part of the tests checks any graphics modes that are available on your PC. The modes displayed depend on the type of video adapter you have on your machine. Like the text modes tests, YOU must decide if a screen passes or fails. If the screens are blank or unreadable, it is possible that some modes will not be properly supported by your video adapter or monitor. In these cases, select the FAIL button and that screen will be marked as an error. Later, you can review the reports to see which video modes didn't work right. # [HD_FRMT];Hard Drive Formatting;main_menu;kydb; # CheckIt PRO: Tests & Tools provides a very special low-level formatter. What makes it special is its user friendly interface and its ability to low-level format a greater variety of drives than any other formatter available. In the last few years, many types of hard drive controllers have been used. Some of these attempt to mask the computer from the drive by providing all the interface electronics inside the drive itself rather than use a separate controller. This has resulted in a class of drive that either cannot be or are difficult to low-level format. While the basic technology of putting information on a disk by selectively magnetizing its surface has remained the same (except for various coding techniques, etc.), the control interface has changed. Therefore, while low-level formatting is still necessary, in many cases it is extremely difficult. Once you are done low-level formatting the drive, you must partition it and DOS format it. See your DOS manual for information about how to use the DOS FDISK partitioning program and the DOS FORMAT command. If you intend to make the hard disk bootable, you must use the /S switch on the FORMAT command for the boot drive. # [VIRUS];Virus Scanning;main_menu;reports; # Scanning for viruses is a critical operation. There are over 2000 computer viruses in general circulation and more being created every day. Worse than that, some viruses have the ability to change and spawn new mutant viruses (polymorphic viruses). CheckIt PRO: Tests & Tools virus scan is able to detect these as well as virtually all known viruses. Unfor- tunately, this is a moving target; as new viruses are being created, you must keep updating the scan file in CheckIt PRO. This may be done by calling TouchStone and ordering updates at a nominal fee or downloading them from the TouchStone bul- letin board at (714) 969-0688. It is good practice to scan every diskette you receive with files on it from any source. Most viruses are spread by second and third parties that have no idea that the diskettes are infected. Also, scan every file you download via modem or direct connection to another computer. Finally, scan your hard drive on a regular basis. Every couple of days is not too frequent. The CheckIt PRO: Tests & Tools virus scan is very fast -- and the time spent is well worth it. # [RESCue];Creating a Rescue Disk;main_menu;kybd; # It is a good idea to have a rescue disk for your computer. There are many good reasons to do this ranging from the ability to recover form hard disk failure to protection against virus infection. There are not many forms of insurance cheaper than a floppy disk! Taking the time to prepare a rescue disk is critical. Beginning the Rescue Disk Process 1 Before you make a rescue disk, it is a good idea to scan for viruses. A rescue disk may be a good idea, but an infected rescue disk could cause a data disaster. 2 Format a diskette, preferably a high density diskette, of the type that runs on your A: drive. It is very important that the rescue disk be readable by your A: drive. When you format the disk, be sure to put the system on it by using the format command from DOS, FORMAT /S A: 3 Test the rescue diskette by turning off your computer, waiting a few seconds, and then turning it on again after inserting the rescue diskette in drive A:. The system should boot from the floppy. It should not boot from the hard drive as it would do normally. After you boot, your prompt should read A:. 4 Remove the rescue diskette from drive A: and reboot the computer normally. Run CheckIt PRO: Tests & Tools and choose the Rescue Disk option from the Tools menu. # [File_ED];Editing ASCII Text Files;main_menu;kybd; # CheckIt PRO has convenient text file editors included for general text file processing. By aware that text file processing is memory intensive (the CheckIt PRO text editor does not swap files too large for memory onto the disk) so any files 10KB or smaller are supported by CheckIt PRO. Getting around in the text editor is accomplished through intuitive use of the arrow keys, page up and down keys, home, and end keys, or a mouse. # [CONTEXTf1];Context Sensitive Help (F1);main_menu;HLPINDEX; # Help information (such as this screen) will be displayed based upon which screen is active. This allows you to get instant help with anything you are currently viewing. # [HLPINDEX];Help Index;CONTEXTf1;DOUG&NEIL; # In order to have a context sensitive help system, a thoroughly indexed help system is maintained where you installed CheckIt PRO. This system is available to you through an indexed subject list. Inside the index, any item can be chosen to display detailed information concerning that subject. # [DOUG&NEIL];Technical Support Window;main_menu;File_ed; # The Technical Support window provides user changeable information regarding technical support. By simply editing the TECHSUP.DAT file, users can add phone numbers, tips, or any other data for assistance with problem solving. # [MODHLP];Modify Help Options;Main_menu;File_ed; # The help file is called CKTEST.HLP. Before you begin, make a backup copy of this file by typing the following: COPY CKTEST.HLP CKTEST.ORG The original help file is now stored in CKTEST.ORG. The format of the help file is as follows: 1. The index section is started with the word "Index" on a line by itself enclosed in square brackets. Each line of the index section may have two items on it separated by a semi- colon. The first item is the name to appear in the index of help topics, and the next item is the key used in the main body of the help file to indicate where the help text for that topic appears. 2. The individual help topics section: The individual help topics are preceded by a line consis- ting of four items separated by semicolons. Example: [Index];;; # index key Main Menu Help Screen;Top # main menu help topic and its key System Menu Help;SysHelp # system help topic and its key Performance Help;PerfHelp # performance help topic and its key # [Top];Top Level Help Screen;;SysHelp; This is the top level help screen of CheckIt PRO SysInfo The format is as follows: [HelpKey];Title;Previous;Next; Individually, these are: [HelpKey] The key defined in the index section Title The title of the help section. This would probably be the title used in the index sec- tion. Previous The previous key in the help screen. Next The next key in the help section. Following this index line is the help text. It is ended with the next square bracketed index key. # [savecmos];Save CMOS Utility;Main_menu;kybd; # The Save CMOS command under the Tools menu in CheckIt PRO: Tests & Tools automatically saves the current CMOS settings to a drive and directory you specify. To edit CMOS settings, use CheckIt PRO: SysInfo CMOS edit command under the Setup menu. # [savesu];Saving Startup Drivers;Main_menu;kybd; # The Save Startup Drivers command under the Tools menu in CheckIt PRO: Tests & Tools automatically saves your current startup drivers (i.e. Mouse driver) to a drive and directory you specify. To get detailed information about how these drivers are loaded, their size, and addresses, use CheckIt PRO: SysInfo's TSR List under the Memory menu, and Device Drivers under the Setup menu. # [joystick];Joystick Calibration Utility;Main_menu;Reports; # The Joystick calibration utility can be found under the Peripherals menu in CheckIt PRO. This tool will calibrate up to two standard IBM PC type analog joysticks with either one or two buttons. This is an interactive test - it requires input from you during the test in order to determine results. Therefore, it cannot be run from a command line interface or through a batch file. Calibrate each joystick by slowly moving the stick to the extreme top, bottom, left, and right corners, then center the joystick. Compare the "Current" and "Center" fields, and adjust the joystick's fine trim until it is exactly centered. Finally, press each joystick button and verify response. Your joystick is now properly adjusted. If the cursor does not seem to react properly to your joystick's movements, your joystick may need cleaning. Refer to your owner's manual for instructions on how to properly clean your joystick. If none of the on screen readings change when you are testing your joystick or CheckIt PRO displays a "not connected" message, make sure that your joystick is plugged in tightly. If this doesn't fix the problem, you may have either a faulty joystick, faulty game port, or both. If one or both of the buttons don't work, you may need to clean or replace the contacts. # [summary];Using the Summary Option;main_menu;Reports; # The Summary option in the File Menu will show you a list of all the tests in CheckIt PRO: Tests & Tools. A comment, such as skipped, pass, or fail will be presented for each test and component. When selecting the Summary option from the menu, you will be asked for a Start Date and Time for the period of testing completed you wish to view.