
                   PC Probe (tm)
            Advanced Testing Program for PC, XT, AT, PS/2

                 HELP INFORMATION

               Copyright (C) 1991 by
          Landmark Research International Corporation
                703 Grand Central Street
               Clearwater, FL 34616
               Phone 1 813 443 1331
                FAX  1 813 443 6603
               All rights reserved.


1  INTRODUCTION TO PC PROBE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   15
   1.1  CONGRATULATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   15
      1.1.1  We Want To Hear From You . . . . . . . . . . . . .   16
   1.2  MAJOR FEATURES  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   17
   1.3  WHAT PC PROBE DOES  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   18
      1.3.1  System Information Tests . . . . . . . . . . . . .   19
      1.3.2  Diagnostic Tests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   19
      1.3.3  Performance Benchmark Tests  . . . . . . . . . . .   20
      1.3.4  Utilities  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   21
      1.3.5  Pictures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   21
   1.4  WHY YOU NEED PC PROBE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   22
2  OPERATION  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   23
   2.1  INTRODUCTION  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   23
   2.2  INSTALL AND RUN PC PROBE  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   24
      2.2.1  Read PCPROBE.DOC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   25
      2.2.2  Safety for Existing System Configuration . . . . .   26
   2.3  REMOTE OPERATION  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   27
   2.4  HOW TO EXIT FROM PC PROBE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   29
   2.5  HOW TO USE THE MENU SYSTEM  . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   30
      2.5.1  Mouse or Keyboard Control  . . . . . . . . . . . .   30
      2.5.2  Important Keys - <F1>, <ESC>, <ENTER>/<SPACE>, Alt   32
      2.5.3  Making Menu Selections . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   36
      2.5.4  Using Dialogue Boxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   37
      2.5.4.1  List and Text Display Fields  . . . . . . . .      39
      2.5.4.2  Text Entry Fields . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      41
      2.5.5  Return to Menus  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   42
   2.6  PASSWORD PROTECTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   42
   2.7  MAIN MENU STRUCTURE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   44
3  CONFIGURE MENU . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   46
   3.1  INTRODUCTION  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   46
   3.2  CHANGE COLORS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   46
   3.3  PASSWORD  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   47
   3.4  RESULTS LOG LOCATION  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   48
      3.4.1  Results to Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   49
      3.4.2  Results to File  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   51
4  PICTURE MENU . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   52
   4.1  INTRODUCTION  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   52
   4.2  LOAD IMAGE  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   52
      4.2.1  Proper Monitor and Graphics Adapter  . . . . . . .   52
      4.2.2  Proper Image File Format . . . . . . . . . . . . .   53
      4.2.3  Pictures Come with PC Probe  . . . . . . . . . . .   54
   4.3  CREATE YOUR OWN PICTURES  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   54
   4.4  WHAT YOU CAN DO WITH PICTURES . . . . . . . . . . . . .   57
   4.5  IF YOU DON'T WANT TO CREATE YOUR OWN  . . . . . . . . .   58
5  INFO MENU  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   58
   5.1  INTRODUCTION  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   59
   5.2  SYSTEM INFO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   59
      5.2.1  DOS Version  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   59
      5.2.2  CPU Type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   60
      5.2.3  FPU Type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   60
      5.2.4  Video Type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   61
      5.2.5  Base (DOS) Memory  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   61
      5.2.6  Extended Memory  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   64
      5.2.7  EMS Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   64
      5.2.8  ROM Areas Used  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    66
      5.2.9  Video BIOS  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    67
      5.2.10  Display Memory  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   67
      5.2.11  Hard Disk BIOS  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   67
      5.2.12  IRQ Assignments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   68
      5.2.13  DMA Channel Assignments . . . . . . . . . . . . .   79
      5.2.14  I/O Addresses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   70
      5.2.15  CMOS RAM Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   73
      5.2.16  Mouse Presence  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   74
      5.2.17  Keyboard Type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   74
   5.3  VIEW, PRINT, CLEAR RESULTS LOG  . . . . . . . . . . . .   74
   5.4  ABOUT PC PROBE  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   76
   5.5  HELP ON PC PROBE  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   77
6  BENCHMARK MENU . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   78
   6.1  INTRODUCTION  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   78
   6.2  PROCESSOR BENCHMARK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   78
   6.3  VIDEO BENCHMARK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   79
   6.4  EXTENDED VIDEO BENCHMARK  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   80
   6.5  LANDMARK SYSTEM SPEED TEST  . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   84
      6.5.1  CPU Type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   85
      6.5.2  CPU Clock  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   85
      6.5.3  FPU Type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   86
      6.5.4  Video Type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   86
      6.5.5  CPU Speed  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   87
      6.5.6  FPU Speed  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   88
      6.5.7  Video Speed  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   89
      6.5.8  Custom Versions Available  . . . . . . . . . . . .   90
   6.6  HARD DRIVE BENCHMARK  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   91
      6.6.1  Hard Disk Access Time  . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   91
      6.6.2  Hard Disk Data Transfer Rate . . . . . . . . . . .   92
      6.6.2.1  Data Verify Rate  . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      92
      6.6.2.2  Data Throughput Rate  . . . . . . . . . . . .      95
      6.6.2.3  Verify Versus Throughput  . . . . . . . . .        99
7  DIAGNOSTIC MENU  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    100
   7.1  INTRODUCTION  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    100
      7.1.1  KickStart a Dead Computer  . . . . . . . . . . .    101
      7.1.2  Results Log  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    101
      7.1.3  Test Pause . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    102
      7.1.4  Halting a Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    102
      7.1.5  Test Looping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    103
      7.1.6  No Stop on Failure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    104
      7.1.7  Batch Testing  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    104
      7.1.8  Remote Testing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    104
   7.2  TEST MODE OPTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    105
      7.2.1  Select Test Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    105
      7.2.2  Execute Tagged Tests . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    106
      7.2.3  Clear All Tags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    107
   7.3  SYSTEM BOARD TESTS  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    107
      7.3.1  Real Time Clock  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    108
      7.3.2  CMOS RAM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    108
      7.3.3  Central Processor (CPU)  . . . . . . . . . . . .    108
      7.3.4  Numeric Co-Processor . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    108
      7.3.5  Speaker  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    119
      7.3.6  Memory Tests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    119
      7.3.6.1  Data Line Test  . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       111
      7.3.6.2  March Test  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       111
      7.3.6.3  Quick Parity Test . . . . . . . . . . . . .       111
      7.3.6.4  Long Parity Test  . . . . . . . . . . . . .       112
      7.3.6.5  GalRow Tests  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       112
      7.3.6.6  Refresh Toggle  . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       113
      7.3.6.7  Refresh Bandwidth . . . . . . . . . . . . .       114
      7.3.6.8  Refresh Rate  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       115
      7.3.6.9  Extended Memory Test  . . . . . . . . . . .       115
      7.3.6.10  Expanded Memory Test . . . . . . . . . . .       117
      7.3.7  Keyboard Tests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    120
      7.3.8  Interrupts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    121
      7.3.8.1  Controller  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       121
      7.3.8.2  IRQ0  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       122
      7.3.8.3  IRQ4  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       122
      7.3.8.4  IRQ6  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       123
      7.3.9  DMA Registers  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    123
   7.4  I/O CARD TESTS  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    124
      7.4.1  Parallel Port Tests  . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    125
      7.4.2  Serial Port Tests  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    126
      7.4.2.1  Data Line Test  . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       127
      7.4.2.2  Asynch I/O Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       128
      7.4.4  Video Board/Monitor Tests  . . . . . . . . . . .    128
      7.4.4.1  Display Memory  . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       129
      7.4.4.2  Video Mode  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       129
      7.4.5  Joystick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    130
      7.4.6  Mouse  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    130
   7.5  DRIVE TESTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    131
      7.5.1  Floppy Controller and Drive Tests  . . . . . . .    131
      7.5.1.1  Head Cleaning and Alignment . . . . . . . .       133
      7.5.1.2  Format  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       134
      7.5.1.3  Write . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       134
      7.5.1.4  Read  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       135
      7.5.1.5  Seek  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       135
      7.5.1.6  Write/Read  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       136
      7.5.2  Hard Drive Tests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    136
      7.5.2.1  Seek  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       137
      7.5.2.2  Format  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       138
      7.5.2.3  Write . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       139
      7.5.2.4  Read  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       140
      7.5.2.5  Surface Analysis  . . . . . . . . . . . . .       141
      7.5.2.6  Compare Track 0 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       141
      7.5.2.7  Compare Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       142
8  UTILITIES MENU . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    143
   8.1  INTRODUCTION  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    143
   8.2  LOW-LEVEL FORMAT THE HARD DRIVE . . . . . . . . . . .    144
      8.2.1  Background Information . . . . . . . . . . . . .    145
      8.2.1.1  Track and Sector Construction . . . . . . .       145
      8.2.1.2  Headers Help Find Tracks and Sectors  . . .       146
      8.2.1.3  Error Detection and Correction  . . . . . .       146
      8.2.1.4  Sector Interleave . . . . . . . . . . . . .       147
      8.2.1.5  Bad Spots on Disk . . . . . . . . . . . . .       148
      8.2.1.6  When Low-Level Format is Needed . . . . . .       149
      8.2.1.7  DOS (High-Level) Format . . . . . . . . . .       149
      8.2.2  Performing the Low-Level Format  . . . . . . . .    150
      8.2.2.1  Track Limit Imposed by BIOS . . . . . . . .       152
      8.2.2.2  Selection of Interleave Factor  . . . . . .       152
   8.3  DETERMINE HARD DRIVE INTERLEAVE . . . . . . . . . . .    153
   8.4  PARK HARD DRIVE IN LANDING ZONE . . . . . . . . . . .    156
   8.5  RUN USER PROGRAM  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    157
   8.6  BAD RAM CHIP LOCATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    158
      8.6.1  End User Versus Technician . . . . . . . . . . .    159
      8.6.2  Typical Memory Chips . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    160
      8.6.3  Configuring the Memory Map . . . . . . . . . . .    160
      8.6.4  Enter the Failing Address  . . . . . . . . . . .    162
      8.6.5  Exit from the Bad RAM Locator  . . . . . . . . .    163
   8.7  CMOS SETUP:  DISPLAY AND EDIT CMOS RAM  . . . . . . .    163
      8.7.1  What is CMOS RAM?  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    164
      8.7.2  Built-in Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    165
      8.7.3  Drive Types in CMOS RAM  . . . . . . . . . . . .    166
      8.7.4  Hard Drive Types Available . . . . . . . . . . .    168
9  TROUBLESHOOTING HINTS  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    183
   9.1  INTRODUCTION  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    184
   9.2  BIOS ERRORS DURING BOOT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    184
      9.2.1  BIOS Manufacturers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    186
   9.3  DIAGNOSTIC TEST ERRORS  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    187
10  ACCESSORIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    194
   10.1  INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    195
   10.2  LOOPBACK PLUGS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    195

TABLE 1.  SUMMARY OF MENU KEYS AND USES . . . . . . . . . . . .   33
TABLE 2.  STANDARD XT/AT MEMORY MAP . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   62
TABLE 3.  DECIMAL-HEXADECIMAL-BINARY CONVERSION . . . . . . . .   63
TABLE 4.  STANDARD XT/AT I/O ADDRESS USAGE  . . . . . . . . . .   71
TABLE 5.  HARD DRIVE MANUFACTURERS AND PARAMETERS . . . . . .    171
TABLE 6.  BIOS ERRORS DETECTED DURING BOOT  . . . . . . . . .    185
TABLE 7.  BIOS Manufacturers  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    186
TABLE 8.  DIAGNOSTIC TEST ERROR CODES AND MEANINGS  . . . . .    188
TABLE 9.  LOOPBACK PLUG INTERCONNECTIONS  . . . . . . . . . .    197





1  INTRODUCTION TO PC PROBE

1.1  CONGRATULATIONS
PC Probe (tm) is a full-featured, advanced testing program for your
IBM-compatible personal computer.  We named it PC Probe because it
actually delves into normally inaccessible areas of the computer
and, via state-of-the-art software techniques it probes for answers
about your computer configuration and operation.  We developed it
expressly for you after years of PC maintenance and marketing
experience taught us what you need.

This help text will fully describe PC Probe and how to use it.  We
believe PC Probe is the finest product of its type, and that it
is the best overall value for your investment.   We are thankful to
have you as our customer and we congratulate you on your purchase of
PC Probe.

1.1.1  We Want to Hear From You
We welcome your comments and suggestions for improvements in the
product and documentation.  Please feel free to send your
recommendations to our marketing department at the address given
in the beginning of this text. And be sure to mail us your Owner
Registration Card.  We want your feedback.

1.2  MAJOR FEATURES
PC Probe has the following major features:

o  Full-Featured PC testing program
   o  Runs on PC, XT, AT, 386, 486
   o  Runs under DOS 2.0 and higher
   o  Includes the famous Landmark System Speed Test
o  Easy to use menu system makes testing automatic
   o  Pull-down menus use keyboard or mouse
   o  Displays color, mono Hercules, MDA, CGA, EGA, VGA
   o  Can be run from remote PC to save service calls
o  Three major test types give complete truth about system
   o  Diagnostics can loop, log to printer/disk
   o  Benchmarks show CPU, Math, Video, Hard Disk Speed
   o  System Information fully describes system components
o  Tests and displays all standard system items
   o  CPU, math, clock, interrupts, direct memory access
   o  Serial/parallel I/O, drive types, memory types
   o  Time, date, CMOS RAM
   o  Keyboard, mouse, joystick
o  Utilities give powerful capability
   o  Low-level disk format allows bad track mapping
   o  Display VGA graphic images of circuit under test
   o  Setup program displays and edits CMOS RAM
   o  Run your own custom test programs from menu
o  Password protects against accidental destructive actions

1.3  WHAT PC PROBE DOES
PC Probe allows you to test and perform special functions on your
system as follows:

1.3.1  System Information Tests
PC Probe tests the computer to discover all it can about what is
inside the system.  It then displays the information for your
review.  This data tells you what kind of microprocessor or numeric
co-processor are installed, how much memory you have, and many
other interesting items.  If you are a technical user, you will find
the data helpful when it is time to reconfigure the system.  If you
are a novice, you will find it to be informative and educational.

1.3.2  Diagnostic Tests
PC Probe will run detailed tests on all the major components of a
standard system.  When a faulty system component causes an error, PC
Probe will notify you on the display, and will log the test results
to a printer or disk file for later review.  Thus, PC Probe will
help you identify and correct the cause of system failures.  If you
are a normal end user, you can notify a technician of the results,
and thereby save time on your repair bill.  If you are a technician,
you can run the tests in loops while you try to isolate and correct
the problem.

1.3.3  Performance Benchmark Tests
PC Probe contains Landmark's latest version of the de facto world
standard for PC performance testing, the Landmark System Speed Test,
plus more.  The test shows you graphically on the screen exactly how
fast your computer is performing, relative to the world's leading
computer standard:  the IBM AT.  You will see CPU, math chip, and
video type and speed in a dynamic test that updates the screen
several times per second.  If you are a performance buff, you can
use the test to show the effect of multitasking or running other
tasks in the background.  Otherwise, you can use the test to show
off the performance of your system in your office, or in a computer
showroom.

1.3.4  Utilities
PC Probe also contains important capabilities that save you money on
alternative software and provide more information about your system.
The low-level formatter can initialize new hard drives and system Setup
will let you edit the contents of CMOS RAM in your AT compatible.
You can even run your choice of external programs under the PC Probe
menu system.

1.3.5  Pictures
PC Probe is the first broadly available educational test program
because it can display annotated images of parts of the computer
system under test.  Images are in the popular 16-color PCX file
format and can be displayed on EGA and VGA systems.  PC Probe comes
with a set of images that can be replaced by OEMs to pertain to any
particular computer system.

1.4  WHY YOU NEED PC PROBE
Use of PC Probe is essential after any system component has been
repaired, installed, replaced, or shipped inside a computer system.
It helps you to ensure that the computer is functional, that it has
been restored to its original configuration without missing compo-
nents, and that it is performing up to your exacting standards.  PC
Probe thereby provides the ideal combination of low cost, accurate
results, simple operation, and ease of use.  It can keep you in
charge of your system, and can save unnecessary service calls over
the life of the computer.  You should run PC Probe

o  After installing or removing a component of the computer
o  When system errors are suspected or occur
o  On a quarterly basis in normal office environments
o  Monthly or weekly in an industrial or vibrating environment
o  After transporting or setting up a computer

2  OPERATION

2.1  INTRODUCTION
This chapter presents information you need to install, run, and
operate PC Probe and use it to test and maintain your computer
system.  You do not need special knowledge or skill to perform the
testing functions of PC Probe.  However, if you are not a qualified
technician, you should not attempt to repair your computer, even if
you think you know the cause of the problem.  You should use PC
Probe to test, and refer repairs to the technician.

If you attempt to repair the electronics or mechanics inside a
computer under warranty, you might void the warranty.  If you then
have system problems, you may have to pay for out-of-warranty re-
pairs.  Therefore, if the system is under warranty, we recommend
that you use PC Probe to test the system, but NOT to adjust it.
Rather, send an in-warranty system back to a factory-authorized
repair facility.

2.2  INSTALL AND RUN PC PROBE
Switch power on to your computer and boot DOS 2.0 or above off the
normal boot drive.  You cannot bootstrap an operating system from
the PC Probe Program diskette.  You cannot run PC Probe under any
operating system but MS-DOS 2.0 or above, or a true clone of MS-DOS.

2.2.1  Read PCPROBE.DOC
Before running PC Probe, you should read the contents of the file
PCPROBE.COM on the program diskette.  That file explains new fea-
tures that were put in the program since the manual was written, and
it delineates any other changes that were made to the program or
manual.  Since some of the information will be important to your
understanding and use of the product, we encourage you to read it.
To do that, insert the program diskette into drive A: and enter the
following command (type the command and press the enter key):

      A:PCPROBE.COM

2.2.2  Safety for Existing System Configuration
Many diagnostic programs require you to remove all drivers and
resident programs before running the test, and many require you to
reboot the system after the diagnostics have finished running.  This
is done to reduce the amount of work in creating the diagnostics to
handle the system environment "safely", but it causes extra work for
the user.

However, some of the tests affect the configuration of circuitry
that PC Probe has no way of knowing is in use.  For example you can
run a test on a serial port that is set up to run with a special
non-mouse serial port driver installed in memory.  You must exercise
normal caution in running programs on I/O devices that are already
set up for some other function.

PC Probe can disrupt a high-resolution text video mode, and will not
return to that mode after it finishes execution.  It is recommended
that you set your system for normal 80 column x 25 line text mode
before running PC Probe.  You can usually do this with one of the
following DOS commands:

      MODE CO80  Set color mode
      MODE MONO  Set monochrome mode

2.3  REMOTE OPERATION
You may configure PC Probe for remote operation by entering the
following command line to start the program:

      PCPROBE /R

Remote operation means you may run PC Probe from another (remote)
computer that is connected to your system via a serial interface
(COM port).  In order for someone to run PC Probe on your computer
from a remote system, the actual PC Probe program must be on your
computer's disk, not on the remote computer's disk.  Furthermore,
both computers must be running and communicating with each other via
a remote communication program such as PC Anywhere, Carbon Copy,
Blast, CoSession, or NetRemote.  There may be others on the market
that your dealer can recommend.

The /R parameter on the command line causes PC Probe to disable
keyboard, video, and serial port tests so that you cannot run them
except by starting PC Probe without the /R option.  The reason is
that you can neither press keys nor see the local display from a
remote computer; the serial port is needed for communicating with
the remote computer and testing it will destroy the communication
link.

2.4  HOW TO EXIT FROM PC PROBE
To exit from PC Probe, bring up the Exit menu by pressing X from the
main menu or Alt-X from any other menu.  This Exit menu allows you
to either exit to DOS or reboot the system.

If you exit to DOS, you may then run another program in the normal
way allowed by DOS.

If you reboot, then the computer will perform a warm boot and com-
pletely reload the operating system and drivers.  Sometimes a reboot
can be desirable, especially if you have removed resident programs
and drivers in order to allow PC Probe to test all of expanded and
extended memory.

2.5  HOW TO USE THE MENU SYSTEM
The pull-down menu system is similar to IBM's SAA (System Applica-
tion Architecture) menu system.  However, you are not required to
press the Alt key to make a main menu selection when no menus but
the main menu are on the screen.  The display shows menu selections
at or near the top, and helping information across the bottom line
of the screen.  The main menu is shown across the top of the screen.
Subordinate menus (submenus) are displayed beneath main menu items
that you select.

2.5.1  Mouse or Keyboard Control
PC Probe's menu system allows you to use the mouse or keyboard keys
to select and execute items (also known as functions) shown in the
submenus.  Once you select a function, it becomes activated to allow
you to make further selections or data entries, or it starts execut-
ing.

All main menu functions will cause submenus to drop down under the
selected menu item; some menu selections will cause a dialogue box
to appear.  You may select functions from the submenu or dialogue
box.  All menu functions are executed upon selection.  Dialogue box
functions are executed when you press enter or spacebar while the
<OK> function is highlighted, or when you double-click the left
mouse button on the desired item.  You can cancel a dialogue box by
pressing <ESC> or <ENTER> when the <CANCEL> function is highlighted
(press Tab to move the highlight to the cancel word).  You may mix
the use of the mouse and keyboard in any way that is convenient to
you.

Before using a mouse, your mouse driver must be already loaded in
accordance with the mouse manufacturer's instructions.  To use a
mouse position the diamond-shaped mouse pointer onto a menu item,
and press or click the left mouse button, then release it.  You do
not need to hold the button down to "drag" or "pull" a menu down.

2.5.2  Important Keys - <F1>, <ESC>, <ENTER>/<SPACE>, Alt
You may press <F1> at any time to cause PC Probe to display help
information that you can scroll or page through using the cursor
arrows and page up / down keys, or a mouse.

Press <ENTER> or <SPACE> to execute any highlighted function or menu
item.  You may also press the left mouse button while the mouse
cursor is overlaying the desired selection.

Press <ESC> to back up or cancel a selection.  This is the same as
executing the <Cancel> function when it is shown on the display.
You may also press the right mouse button to simulate pressing <ESC>.
The main exception to this is the keyboard test; you may escape from
it only by pressing Ctrl-<ESC>.

Press Alt in conjunction with any of the main menu keys to abandon
the current menu and invoke the corresponding function.  This will
work even when you are several levels deep in some menu.  For exam-
ple, press Alt-X to invoke the Exit menu.  The following table lists
the popular keys and their uses.

            TABLE 1.  SUMMARY OF MENU KEYS AND USES

 KEY               MEANING
 <F1>              Display Help.
 <ESC>             Back up to previous menu till main menu is
             reached; cancel the current dialogue box; stop
             running the current test or batch of tests if
 <ENTER> or Space  the current test is interruptable.
             Execute the highlighted function unless on a
             text entry field; if in a text entry field,
 Insert            space inserts a space above the cursor.
             For text entry only:  toggle between character
 Delete            insert and overtype mode.
             For text entry only:  delete the character above
 Backspace         the cursor.
             For text entry only:  delete the character to
 Home, End         the left of the cursor.
             For text entry only:  move the cursor to the be-
 Tab, Shift-Tab    ginning or end of the line, respectively.
             For dialogue box only:  move the selection high-
 Left, right       light to the next or previous field.
 cursor arrows     Move cursor or menu highlight bar to left or
             right; this will drop down the adjacent menu if
 Up, down cursor   at the next level below main menu.
 arrows            Move cursor or menu highlight bar up or down.
 Pg Up, Down
             Scroll through text or list fields a screen at a
 Shift-Print       time.
 Screen            Print the current screen on the printer (same as
 Highlighted       DOS).
 Character         Press the corresponding key to invoke a menu se-
 Alt + main menu   lection.
 key               Invokes the corresponding main menu selection
 Left Mouse But-   from any other menu (when not in a dialogue
 ton               box).
 Right Mouse       Same as pressing <ENTER> (selects and executes an
 Button            item).
             Same as pressing <ESC> (Cancels, or backs up to
             previous menu).

2.5.3  Making Menu Selections
There are two ways to use the keyboard for menu selections:  cursor
control using the highlight bar, or key select using the highlighted
character of the menu item.

With the cursor control method, you press cursor control (arrow)
keys to move the menu highlight bar between menu selections.  When
the desired item is highlighted, press <ENTER> or spacebar to select
that item.

With the menu key select method you may press the key for the high-
lighted letter in the desired menu item for the lowest level of menu
on the screen (the menu box in which the highlight bar is dis-
played).  When you press the key, the corresponding item is immedi-
ately selected and executed.

These versatile methods of selecting menu items give you both an
easy approach for novices, and a more terse approach for expert
users.

2.5.4  Using Dialogue Boxes
A dialogue box allows you to enter information, such as a file name,
in a text entry field, or to select parameter items from several
different fields of information; parameter items affect the way the
dialogue box functions.  For example, a dialogue box to allow you to
type in a file name into a text entry field, select a file name from
a list field showing the files in the currently selected directory,
select a directory from a list field showing directories in the
current directory, select an OK field to select the file, and select
a CANCEL field to cancel the operation and return to the main menu.

The current field will be highlighted.  To select a different field,
click the left mouse button anywhere in the field.  To use the
keyboard, press the Tab key to highlight the next field in a forward
direction, or Shift-Tab to highlight and select the next field in a
reverse direction.

2.5.4.1  List and Text Display Fields
A list field displays a list of items from which you may choose a
single item using the mouse or keyboard.  A text display field
displays text but does not allow you to select it.  The amount of
information in the text or list can be so long that the field cannot
show all of it at the same time, but you can scroll the list or text
up and down in the field and move the highlighted selection bar up
and down in the list.  An example is the Run User Program selection
in the Configure menu.

To scroll the highlight bar up and down in the list, or the text or
list up and down in the field of selections, use cursor and page
keys, or click the left mouse button anywhere in the shaded area at
the right or bottom margin of the list field.  Clicking on the
arrows scrolls one line at a time, while clicking in the shaded area
scrolls one page at a time.

Alternatively, you may press the key for the first character in a
selection name to jump immediately in the list to the first or next
name that begins with that character.  For example, if the selection
bar is on the file name "myprog.exe", you can press "p" to jump to
the first file starting with p, and press "s" to jump to the first
name starting with s; while on the last file starting with p, press-
ing p again will jump to the first file starting with p.

In the file list dialogue box, the current directory and wildcard
file specification are shown at the top.  By entering a different
file specification, you can change the list of files displayed.  For
example, *.COM will show all the file names with .COM extension.
You can press the Tab key repeatedly to move the highlight from one
field to another.  When the Drives/Dirs field is active, you can
select any available drive, such a drive A: (cursor down until [-A-]
is highlighted, then <ENTER>), or the parent directory in the current
drive (..).  The Dirs box will show any subdirectories available.
Once you have selected a drive or directory, the File List will show
all the files in the selected directory of the selected drive, as
enabled by the file specification at the top of the dialogue box.

2.5.4.2  Text Entry Fields
While entering information in a text entry field, you have normal
editing capability.  You may press backspace to erase the character
to the left of the cursor, Delete to erase the character above the
cursor, arrow keys to move the cursor, Insert key to toggle between
typeover and character insert mode, and Home and End keys to move
the cursor to the beginning and end of the line.  Naturally, you
will press <ENTER> to accept the entry.

2.5.5  Return to Menus
Once PC Probe has finished executing a function that you have
selected, in most cases it displays the menu that was on the screen
immediately prior to execution.  It leaves the same menu item
highlighted.  This allows you to select and execute the same func-
tion repeatedly with a minimum of keystrokes and mouse activity.

2.6  PASSWORD PROTECTION
PC Probe allows you to run tests and perform other operations that
can disrupt the configuration of your system or destroy data on your
disk drives.  Most diagnostic test programs offer no protection
against such destructive activities other than multiple levels of
querying the operator as to whether it is okay to do it.

PC Probe does offer protection in the form of a password entry.
Before allowing you to run a destructive test or disruptive configu-
ration activity, it requires you to enter the correct password.  You
must enter it exactly as it was originally stored, in the correct
upper/lower case letter form.

The Configure menu allows you to change the password from the
default of PCPROBE to any other password you like.  If you forget
the password, you will never be able to execute those secure func-
tions.  That is another reason you should always keep a backup
diskette handy with the original version of the program on it.

If you don't want an unskilled user to run PC Probe and risk damag-
ing data or changing the configuration on your computer, you should
change the password.  If you are a technician permanently installing
PC Probe on a user's computer, you may want to change the password
so that only you can run the destructive tests.

2.7  MAIN MENU STRUCTURE
PC Probe performs the following major functions, and menu items are
there to support them:

Info      Displays System Information, help, test log results

Benchmarks     Runs benchmark performance tests for system comparison

Diagnostics    Enable test mode, select and run diagnostic tests

Configure Lets you configure the program (color or mono dis-
          play, etc.)

Utilities Runs special programs (setup, format, user program,
          etc.)
Pictures  Displays computer images from 16-color PCX files

Exit      Quit the program and return to the operating system

The chapters to come discuss all the items in the submenus invoked
when you select any of the above main menu items.  However, they do
not describe each and every dialogue box or selection because those
are self-evident when you are running the program.  The topics will
explain the significance of the selections and how they apply to
your testing or usage situations.

3  CONFIGURE MENU



3.1  INTRODUCTION
This chapter describes the Configure menu functions that allow you
to change the configuration of PC Probe.  Whenever you change a
configuration item, PC Probe stores the new configuration on the
disk inside the PC Probe program itself.  As a result, the next time
you run PC Probe it uses the most recent configuration you set up.

3.2  CHANGE COLORS
By default, PC Probe displays menus, test results, and dialogue
boxes in monochrome mode.  However, if you are using a color system,
you may use the Change Colors function to enable one of many
color sets.  Each set provides a different mix of colors to
the menu system to reduce eyestrain and make PC Probe more
pleasing and enjoyable to use.  You may experiment with these
colors, and we encourage you to do so.

3.3  PASSWORD
This selection displays a text entry dialogue box and allows you to
change the current password of up to 8 characters.  When you change
it and press <ENTER>, PC Probe encrypts the password and stores it
inside the program itself on the disk.  The password is case-sensi-
tive.  That is, upper case letters are stored as upper case letters,
and lower case letters are stored as lower case letters.

A user must know and enter the correct password, with each letter in
the correct case, before PC Probe will execute its protected func-
tions.  The protected functions are those that can destroy data on
the disks, or alter the configuration of the system.  For example,
low-level disk format, disk write and format tests, and hard disk
data revitalization are protected functions.

The default password is PCPROBE.  If you change it, you must remem-
ber it in order to execute password-protected functions.  If you
forget it, you will not be able to execute those functions, and you
must load and run the original PC Probe program (that has the
original default password PCPROBE intact) to be able to execute
them.

3.4  RESULTS LOG LOCATION
PC Probe contains an internal test results log that retains the
results of the most recently executed system information, benchmark,
or diagnostic test function.  If you executed a single test, it
contains a single test result.  If you executed a batch of tests, it
contains results of each test in the batch.  Each time you execute a
new test, whether system information, benchmark, or diagnostic,
PC Probe adds the results to the end of the log until available DOS
memory has been used up.

By default, the results log data are sent only to the display.  You
may use the Results Log Location function to select a disk file or
the printer as the destination.  If you select printer or file, then
every time PC Probe executes a function that sends data to the
internal log, it also sends the results to the printer or file,
appending the current results to whatever is already there.

3.4.1  Results to Printer
The printer is assumed to be a standard 80-column character or line
printer such as a daisy wheel, dot matrix, or laser printer.  PC
Probe does not send any special codes to the printer in order to set
it up.  PC Probe will not print properly on a Postscript printer.

PC Probe prints only on device LPT1:, just as the standard DOS PRINT
command prints on LPT1:.  If you want it to print to another device,
such as a serial port, you must use the DOS MODE command (see DOS
manuals) to redirect LPT1: to that device.

If you run a test on the parallel or serial port to which the
printer is attached, then it is possible that PC Probe will not be
able to print test results, nor will any other DOS program.  To
remedy this, you must reboot the system.  For this reason, we
recommend that you not test the device (printer or disk) used to
record test results.

3.4.2  Results to File
When you select a file as the destination for the results log, PC
Probe displays a dialogue screen that allows you to enter a new file
or select an existing file.

The dialogue box does not allow you to erase an existing file.
However, if PC Probe is configured to send test results to a file,
you may clear the contents of the file using the Clear Results Log
function in the Info menu.

If you enter a new file name, then PC Probe will log all results to
that file if log-to-file is enabled.

4  PICTURE MENU

4.1  INTRODUCTION
This chapter describes the Pictures menu selection and how to use it
to display EGA and VGA images on your computer.  It also suggests
some ways to create informative and educational images of your own
to display.

4.2  LOAD IMAGE
This menu selection allows you to display prestored images on your
computer screen.

4.2.1  Proper Monitor and Graphics Adapter
Your system must be using an IBM-compatible enhanced color or monochrome
monitor and EGA (enhanced graphics adapter), or an analog monitor with
VGA (video graphics array) adapter in order for this feature to work.
If you are using a digital color monitor with CGA (color graphics
adapter) or digital monochrome monitor with and IBM-compatible MDA
(monochrome display adapter) or HGC (Hercules graphics controller),
you will not be able to display the images.

4.2.2  Proper Image File Format
The menu selection displays a dialogue screen that allows you to
select an image file for display (see the Operation chapter for
details on how to use the dialogue screen).

The pictures must be in files ending with the extension ".PCX".  PCX
files are compressed image files in Z-Soft's PC Paintbrush 16-color
EGA or VGA format.  If you try to display images in any other
format, an image with more colors, or an image that is larger than
the screen, the display will show an error message rather than the
image.  Maximum image size is 640 columns x 350 rows of pixels for
EGA systems, and 640 x 480 for VGA systems.

4.2.3  Pictures Come with PC Probe
Several images of parts of a typical computer are provided with PC
Probe.  If you have a custom version of PC Probe, it may come with a
complete set of drawings and pictures that relate to your computer.

If no PCX image files appear in the list box, then they are not in
the current directory and you must use the mouse or press Tab or
Shift-Tab to enable the directory list field and select the proper
directory.

4.3  CREATE YOUR OWN PICTURES
It is possible, and can be fun, to create your own pictures for
display with PC Probe.  Some typical methods are:

1.  Draw them with a paint program such as Pictor (Paul Mace Soft-
ware), PC Paintbrush (Z-Soft), Tempra (Mathematica), or Deluxe Paint
II (Electronic Arts).

2.  Scan them with a hand or page scanner such as from Microtek, PC
Complete, or DataCopy.

3.  Capture them from an image displayed on the screen by another
program.  Some capture programs are HiJaak (Inset Systems), TGLGRAB
(TerraVision), Cap (Paul Mace Software), or Pizzaz.

4.  Digitize them with an image capture or video frame grabber card
with video camera attached.  Typical frame capture boards are Via
and SuperVia from Jovian Logic, and others from Computer Eyes,
Willow, U.S. Video, Everex, and Truevision.

5.  Since scanned or video captured images can contain thousands of
colors and PC Probe will only allow you to display images of 16
colors, you will need to reduce the number of colors in those images
to just 16.  Good software packages that do that are PHIPS profes-
sional high resolution image processing software from TerraVision,
and Image Tools from MicroTex.

6.  Most but not all paint and image capture programs will save
images in PCX file format.  However, not all of them do, and for
those you will need to use file conversion software to convert the
image file to PCX format.  Excellent programs for this are TGL Plus
(TerraVision) and HiJaak (Inset Systems).

4.4  WHAT YOU CAN DO WITH PICTURES
PC Probe's ability to display pictures can be educational and infor-
mative for yourself and others.  As people work to become more
computer literate, they often need training tools that help them to
visualize concepts.  This is especially difficult with computers
because so much of the system is hidden under its cover.

There is no limit to the number of images PC Probe can display.
Computer manufacturers can create them and install them on a custom-
er diskette to ship with PC Probe in a bundle with their systems.
Corporate micro managers can create them for distribution throughout
the corporation, and include specialized instructions for handling
failures.  The pictures can even be used to show users how to set
jumpers and switches and perform other system configuration tasks.

With a paint or draw program, you can draw a block diagram or anno-
tate a captured video image with descriptive text.  For example, if
you want to show the memory layout on a computer motherboard, you
can capture the image with a video capture system, color-reduce it,
then put descriptive wording on it with the paint program to show
the location of parity and data bits as well as bank layout.

4.5  IF YOU DON'T WANT TO CREATE YOUR OWN
It may be inconvenient or impossible for you to create your own
pictures.  If you want professional assistance, recommendations, or
a complete image development project done, contact Landmark.

5  INFO MENU

5.1  INTRODUCTION
The purpose of the Info menu is to give you information about your
computer, the PC Probe program, and the results of tests you have
run.  This chapter describes the Info menu selections and explains
how to use them.

5.2  SYSTEM INFO
System Info shows several screen pages of information about the
computer.  The minimum information you can display is given below.
You may use page and cursor keys or the mouse to scroll the data.

5.2.2  DOS Version
This item shows the version of MS-DOS, PC-DOS, or compatible DOS
being run on the system:  2.0, 2.1, 2.11, 3.0, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 4.0,
etc.

5.2.3  CPU Type
This item shows the type of central processing unit installed:  V20,
V30, 8088, 80188, 8086, 80186, 80286, 80386 SX, 80386 DX, 80486 SX or
80486 DX. The CPU is the major "brain" of the computer.  It consists
of a single relatively large chip.  Where possible, this item will also
identify the chip manufacturer.

5.2.4  FPU Type
This item shows the type of math chip installed: 8087, 80287, or
80387.  Where possible, this item will identify the specific manu-
facturer of the chip.  FPU means floating point unit and refers to
the scientific and engineering types of calculations the chip is
able to perform.  It is also referred to as NPU (numeric processor
unit) or numeric co-processor.

5.2.5  Video Type
This item shows the type of video adapter installed, including
Hercules, Monochrome Display Adapter (IBM MDA or compatible), Color
Graphics Adapter (IBM CGA or compatible), Enhanced Graphics Adapter
(IBM EGA or compatible), or Video Graphics Array adapter (IBM VGA or
compatible).  Where possible, this item will show the name of the
chip manufacturer if the video card is a SuperVGA.

5.2.6  Base (DOS) Memory
This item shows the amount of Random Access Memory (RAM) installed
and the amount being used in the lower 640K of address space.  Base
memory is that area of memory where DOS, drivers, buffers, resident
programs, and application programs reside in a normal system.  Early
PCs had 64K, but this is not enough to run modern applications, and
PC Probe with DOS cannot run in that little.  Modern systems should
have a full 640K, although some can run with 256K or 512K.  The
following tables show the hexadecimal address ranges for the lower
1M of DOS memory and the decimal to hexadecimal translation.


           TABLE 2.  STANDARD XT/AT MEMORY MAP

     ADDRESS         PURPOSE
     00000-9FFF0     640K Base RAM
     A0000-AFFF0     64K EGA/VGA Graphics RAM Memory
     B0000-B7FF0     32K MDA Text Memory
     B8000-BFFF0     32K CGA Text Memory
     C0000-DFFF0     128K Adaptor Memory
     E0000-EFFF0     64K System Board ROM
     F0000-FFFF0     64K System Board BIOS
     C0000-C7FFF     32K EGA/VGA BIOS
     C8000-CBFFF     16K Disk Controller BIOS
     CC000-CFFFF     16K Network BIOS
     D0000-EFFFF     128K EMS Memory


        TABLE 3.  DECIMAL-HEXADECIMAL-BINARY CONVERSION

 DEC  HEX  BIN    DEC  HEX  BIN    DEC  HEX  BIN    DEC  HEX  BIN
 0    0    0000   4    4    0100   8    8    1000   12   C    1100
 1    1    0001   5    5    0101   9    9    1001   13   D    1101
 2    2    0010   6    6    0110   10   A    1010   14   E    1110
 3    3    0011   7    7    0111   11   B    1011   15   F    1111

5.2.7  Extended Memory
This item shows the amount of memory installed and the amount being
used from 1M (one megabyte) up to 16M (286-based systems) or 4G
(gigabytes) in 386 systems.  Extended memory does not exist in 8088
or 8086 systems (PC, XT, and compatibles).

5.2.8  EMS Memory
This item shows the amount of expanded memory installed in the
system.  EMS means Expanded Memory Specification; the specification
was originally developed and agreed to by Lotus, Intel, and Micro-
soft.  Sometimes it is referred to as LIM EMS memory.  EMS memory
requires a special software driver to be loaded when DOS boots.   In
order for application programs to use the EMS memory, the driver
must conform properly to the LIM EMS specification.

There are two versions of EMS driver: 3.2 and 4.0.  Version 3.2
allows up to 8 MB of memory to be in the system in addition to the
normal base and extended memory.  Version 4.0 allows 32 MB of
expanded memory.  Application programs see 16K (kilobyte) segments
of the memory in a certain 64K contiguous block of addresses in the
lower 1 MB of address space.

The block of addresses used is called a "page frame", and usually
resides at address E0000h (a 64K area between the 640K and 1M limits
reserved for EMS memory), although it can reside at other addresses.
The driver's responsibility is to switch memory control circuitry
electronically or via software so that the page frame can act as a
window through which application programs can read and write data to
the entire range of expanded memory.  The driver can use more than
one page frame.  The EMS system information shows which page frames
are in use, as well as the version number of the EMS driver.

5.2.9  ROM Areas Used
This item shows the Read Only Memory (ROM) installed in the system.
ROM is used to hold data that doesn't disappear when you shut power
off to the computer.  System BIOS (see next topic) is in ROM, as
well as video BIOS for EGA and VGA graphics cards, network adapter
BIOS, and some hard disk controller BIOS.  PC Probe identifies ROM
areas by attempting to write to it, then read back what was written.
ROM contents will remain the same, while RAM contents will be
changed.  Being able to see what ROM is installed is an advantage
for you if you ever have to identify unused space that you can make
available to other adapter cards.

5.2.10  Video BIOS
This item shows the starting address, size, and if possible the
manufacturer of the software in video adapter BIOS ROM.  Usually
only EGA, VGA, and 8514A video adapters will have their own BIOS.
CGA and MDA are built into the system BIOS.  EGA and VGA video BIOS
usually occupies 16K to 24K starting at address C0000h.

5.2.11  Display Memory
This item tells how much RAM is available to hold information being
displayed on the system monitor or screen.  This memory is on the
video adapter itself.  Depending on the adapter, the display memory
can occupy up to 128K starting at A0000h and ranging through C0000h
minus 1.

5.2.12  Hard Disk BIOS
This item shows the starting address and size of BIOS for special
hard disk controllers.  The hard disk BIOS for standard systems is
part of the system BIOS, but for ESDI (Enhanced Small Device Inter-
face), SCSI (Small Computer Systems Interface), and certain other
controllers, the BIOS is on the disk controller adapter card: it
normally occupies 16K starting at address C8000h.

5.2.13  IRQ Assignments
This item shows the standard Interrupt ReQuest (IRQ) assignments in
the system, the ones that are actually wired to the interrupt
priority recognition circuitry.  There are up to 16 IRQ signals in
an AT and 8 in a PC.  IRQs can be issued by various circuits in the
system to alert the microprocessor that some event needs to be
handled.  Two are reserved for the system board timer and keyboard
controller.  Others are reserved for disk, and other I/O control-
lers.

Several IRQ lines are not wired to any circuit, but are available at
the expansion slot connectors for add-in cards.  Any add-in card
plugged into an expansion slot can thus be wired up to one of the
available lines.  There is no way for PC Probe to test the assign-
ment of such non-standard IRQs, so this item identifies them as
being "available" even though they might be in use by a non-standard
I/O controller card.

5.2.14  DMA Channel Assignments
There are 4 Direct Memory Access (DMA) channels in a PC or XT, and 8
in an AT.  The DMA controller transfers data between memory and I/O
device controllers without intervention by the CPU.  It thereby
relieves the CPU of managing slow and tedious byte-for-byte data
transfers so it can get real processing done.  Some of the DMA
channels are preassigned, and others are available.  This item shows
the standard assignments, and identifies the others as available
because there is no empirical way of determining what add-on cards
will use them.  DMA channels are in this way similar to IRQs.

5.2.15  I/O Addresses
The processor has available 1024 Input/Output addresses that func-
tion like memory addresses, but are connected to I/O device control-
lers.  Some I/O address connections are predetermined, but many are
available.  This item shows only those I/O addresses that are
reserved for serial (COM1, 2) and parallel (LPT1, 2, 3) ports, and
specifically indicates whether they are in use.  As with IRQ and DMA
signals, PC Probe cannot determine which I/O addresses are used by
non-standard circuits; it therefore displays no information for
them.  The following table shows standard I/O address usage.

          TABLE 4.  STANDARD XT/AT I/O ADDRESS USAGE

   ADDRESS        PURPOSE
   000-01Fh       DMA Controller 1
   020-03Fh       Interrupt Controller 1, Master
   040-05Fh       Timer 1
   060-07Fh       CMOS RTC, NMI control
   080-09Fh       DMA Page Register, MFG Port
   0A0-0BFh       Interrupt Controller 2, Slave
   0C0-0DFh       DMA Controller 2
   0F0h           Clear Numeric Co-processor Busy
   0F1h           Reset Numeric Co-processor
   0F8-0FFh       Numeric Co-processor
   1F0-1F8h       Primary Fixed Disk
   200-207h       Game I/O
   20C-20Dh       Reserved
   21Fh           Reserved
   278-27Fh       Secondary Parallel Port: LPT2
   280-287h       KickStart 2 or 3
   2B0-2Dfh       Alternate EGA
   2F8-2FFh       Serial Port 2
   300-31fh       Prototype Card
   360-363h       PC Network Low
   364-367h       Reserved
   368-36Bh       PC Network High
   378-37Fh       Primary Parallel Port: LPT1
   3B0-3BFh       MDA Adaptor
   3C0-3CFh       Enhanced Graphics Adaptor
   3D0-3DFh       CGA Adaptor
   3F0-3F7h       Diskette Controller
   3F8-3FFh       Primary Serial Port: COM1

5.2.16  CMOS RAM Contents
The CMOS RAM is a battery-backed RAM that retains its contents even
with power off.  It holds important system configuration data that
is needed in AT compatibles when the computer boots.  PC Probe shows
you the contents:  date, time, number and types of floppy drives,
number and types of hard drives.  You cannot edit the information
from this screen, but you can edit it from the Setup function of the
Utilities menu.  Setup also allows you to edit the amount of base
memory, amount of extended memory, and video type (CGA, monochrome,
EGA/VGA).

5.2.17  Mouse Presence
This item shows whether a mouse driver is installed and how many
mouse buttons it supports.

5.2.18  Keyboard Type
This item shows the presence and type of keyboard attached to the
system:  84-key original AT type, or the enhanced 101-key type.

5.3  VIEW, PRINT, CLEAR RESULTS LOG
These menu items allow you to display, print, or clear the contents
of the results log.  The Configure menu allows you to set the desti-
nation of the log as being the display, the printer, or a file.
If the results log is being sent to the display or printer, then you
will view, print, or clear the internal log.

If it is being sent to a file, then you will view, print, or clear
the log that is in the file.  Clearing the log will not delete or
erase the file, but will only clear its contents to zero.

Naturally, you may also view or print the file from the DOS prompt
(outside of PC Probe) using DOS with TYPE, PRINT, or COPY to printer
commands.  You can also use any DOS editor to view, update, or print
results log files See the chapter on the Configure menu for information
on how to set up the results log.

The internal results log contains the results of all tests you have
run in the current PC Probe session.  Contents can be system info,
benchmarks, and diagnostics.  When you exit from PC Probe and return
to DOS, the internal log is cleared.

If you have already set up the log to go to the printer, then each
test's results will be printed as the test completes execution; as a
result, you will not need to execute the Print Results Log function.

PC Probe expects the printed output to go to LPT1.  If you want to
print on a serial printer, then you must have used the DOS MODE
command (see DOS documentation on the use of that command) to route
the data intended for LPT1 to the serial printer.  PC Probe expects
the printer to be able to accept standard unformatted ASCII (Ameri-
can Standard Code for Information Interchange) text.  It will not
print properly on a Postscript-type printer that requires special
formatting of the data.  It will print properly on standard dot
matrix, daisy wheel, line, and laser printers.

5.4  ABOUT PC PROBE
This item displays the release date and copyright information about
PC Probe.

5.5  HELP ON PC PROBE
This item loads a help file and displays the first page of text in
the file.  You may use the cursor and page keys or the mouse to
scroll through the text.  Remember that you may click the left mouse
button while the diamond-shaped cursor is in the shaded area of the
right margin of the display to scroll a page at a time, or on the
arrows in that margin to scroll a line at a time.

The help file is named PCPROBE.dat.  PC Probe will display an error
message if the file is not in the current directory.  The help file
displays full information on how to operate the program and the
functions of menu selections.  It is a streamlined version of the PC
Probe owner's manual.

6  BENCHMARK MENU

6.1  INTRODUCTION
This chapter describes the selections in the Benchmark menu and how
to use them.  The benchmark selections show how fast the major
elements of the system perform.  They are given in four categories:
processor, video, system speed test, hard disk.  The processor and video
tests give the same speed data as those used in the Landmark System
Speed Test.  The complete system speed test is included to give a
graphical representation of speed.

6.2  PROCESSOR BENCHMARK
This test checks the actual performance of the CPU in terms of the
original AT's performance.  The rating is in MHz and effectively
states "This computer is fast as an xx MHz IBM AT", where xx is the
speed of an equivalent AT.  For more information, see the topic on
the Landmark System Speed Test.

6.3  VIDEO BENCHMARK
This test checks the rate of text data transfer in characters per
millisecond from the CPU to the display memory in normal text mode.
This is the maximum data transfer rate to the video circuit, and
thus the maximum display rate of the video subsystem.  Most other
benchmark tests show how fast BIOS allows data to be transferred.
This test bypasses BIOS since really display-intensive applications
(such as CAD packages, Windows, etc.) also bypass BIOS because it
slows down video speed.

6.4  EXTENDED VIDEO BENCHMARK
This test executes the VIDSPEED.EXE program if it is in the current
directory of the current drive.  Vidspeed is a comprehensive bench-
mark test that measures both CPU-to-main memory transfer rate, and
CPU-to-display memory transfer rate in all video modes, both text
and graphics, of your video adapter.  The program is "aware" of most
modern super VGA adapters, as well as CGA, EGA, Hercules, and mono-
chrome adapters.

NEVER TYPE WHILE VIDSPEED IS RUNNING!!  The keyboard handler takes
away time and can skew your results.  If you run VIDSPEED repeatedly
in the same environment, you should get exactly the same results
each time.  However, some resident programs can slow your machine
down, as well as some device drivers.

As far as we know, Vidspeed is more thorough than any other PC video
benchmark in the world.  It completely ignores the effect of video
BIOS, and it writes directly to display memory.  Some other video
benchmarks test only performance through BIOS, and yield meaningless
results, as most modern graphics application programs (such as
Windows) do not use BIOS because of the limitations it imposes on
system performance.

This test does not send results to the results log, but it does
display its results on the screen.  The video test results are in
the following format:

 659 Bytes per millisecond  28.65KHz 59.94Hz  640x480x16 (VGA)

Meanings of the results are as follows:
659         Speed at which CPU writes to video card display memory
28.65KHz Horizontal scan frequency for monitor
59.94Hz  Vertical scan frequency for monitor
640         Width of display in pixels (screen dots)
480         Height of display in pixels
16       Number of colors simultaneously displayable
(VGA)    The video card standard of the display mode

The following list show typical result taken from a modern system:
a 25MHz 80386 AMI Mark II AT-Compatible Motherboard with Diamond
SpeedSTAR VGA card (based on Tseng ET4000 Super VGA chip):

9913.19 Bytes per millisecond in Normal Ram
6736 Bytes per ms 28.02KHz 70.12Hz  40x25 (text)
6692 Bytes per ms 28.02KHz 70.12Hz  80x25 (text)
6692 Bytes per ms 28.02KHz 70.12Hz  80x50 (text)
6696 Bytes per ms 28.02KHz 70.12Hz  320x200x4 (CGA)
6642 Bytes per ms 28.02KHz 70.12Hz  640x200x2 (CGA)
6649 Bytes per ms 28.02KHz 70.12Hz  640x200x16 (EGA)
6643 Bytes per ms 24.51KHz 70.12Hz  640x350x16 (EGA)
6649 Bytes per ms 28.02KHz 70.12Hz  320x200x16 (EGA)
6806 Bytes per ms 28.02KHz 70.12Hz  320x200x256 (VGA/MCGA)
6646 Bytes per ms 28.75KHz 59.96Hz  640x480x16 (VGA)
6646 Bytes per ms 28.75KHz 59.96Hz  640x480x2 (VGA/MCGA)
6612 Bytes per ms 35.89KHz 59.86Hz  800x600x2 (S-VGA)
6612 Bytes per ms 35.89KHz 59.86Hz  800x600x16 (S-VGA)
6807 Bytes per ms 28.02KHz 70.12Hz  640x400x256 (S-VGA)
6807 Bytes per ms 28.75KHz 59.96Hz  640x480x256 (S-VGA)
6804 Bytes per ms 35.89KHz 59.86Hz  800x600x256 (S-VGA)
6153 Bytes per ms 33.36KHz 86.98Hz  1024x768x2 (S-VGA)
6153 Bytes per ms 33.36KHz 86.97Hz  1024x768x16 (S-VGA)
6646 Bytes per ms 28.77KHz 60.00Hz  360x480x256 (VGA)
6289 Bytes per ms 33.36KHz 86.97Hz  1024x768x256 (S-VGA)

6.5  LANDMARK SYSTEM SPEED TEST
The Landmark System Speed Test is the complete system speed test
that has gained world fame at computer trade shows and dealerships.
It shows the type and speed of the central processing unit (CPU),
floating point unit or math chip (FPU), video adapter controller
chip, and system clock.

The graphical representation of the CPU, FPU, and video speed is a
set of horizontal bars across the screen.  The length of the bars
relative to the width of the screen allows you to see at a glance
from across the room the relative performance of the system.  The
color of the screen shows the type of Intel-compatible CPU chip
controlling the system: red = 80486; blue = 80386; green = 80286;
and gold = 8088 or 8086.

Press <ESC> to terminate the test, <F9> to recalculate system clock and
video speed, <F10> to disable the beeper, and <F1> for help.  You may
control the display with the mouse or the up and down cursor control
keys.  <F1> (help) gives a full explanation of the test.  The display
shows information described in the following paragraphs.

6.5.1  CPU Type
This tells the model and maker of CPU Chip:  NEC V20 or V30; Intel
8088, 8086, 80188, 80186, 80286, 80386, 80386 SX, 80486, and 80486 SX.

6.5.2  CPU Clock
This shows the actual frequency in megaHertz of the clock pulses
applied to the CPU to make it run.  The clock speed is calculated at
the beginning of the test.  You may recalculate it by pressing <F9>.
If your computer can operate in low-speed mode or high-speed turbo
mode, you should press <F9> after changing modes while the system
speed test is running.

6.5.3  FPU Type
This tells the model and maker of FPU math chip.  Models are 8087,
80287, or 80387.  Chip makers are Intel, IIT, or Cyrix.  The test
does not detect nor check the performance of the Weitek family of
math chips.

6.5.4  Video Type
The type of video adapter and the video chip maker if the adapter is
a superVGA.

6.5.5  CPU Speed
This speed bar shows the clock speed at which a standard IBM AT
would have to run in order to have the same CPU performance as this
system.  The test does reflect the effect of cache memory in the
system.  The scaling of the bar is different for each major CPU
type.  You may press <F3> or <F4> to change the scaling (and the
color) of the bar further.

The operation of the speed bar is dynamic because the test is run in
a continuous loop.  You will see the bar shorten if background tasks
start operation in a network server or multitasking system because
the speed test doesn't get the full attention of the CPU.  The pitch
of the beeper indicates the relative performance.  For example an XT
will be low-pitched, while a 386 will be much higher.

6.5.6  FPU Speed
This speed bar shows the clock speed at which the floating point
math chip (FPU) in a standard IBM AT would have to run in order to
have the same FPU performance as this system.  The scaling of the
bar is different for each major FPU type.  You may press <F5> or <F6>
to change the scaling (and the color) of the bar further.

The operation of the FPU speed bar is dynamic because the test is
run in a continuous loop.  You will see the bar shorten if back-
ground tasks start operation in a network server or multitasking
system because the speed test doesn't get the full attention of the
CPU.

6.5.7  Video Speed
This speed bar shows the actual speed at which the CPU can send text
to the display memory in characters-per-millisecond (cpm).  IBM-
standard CGA, EGA, and VGA systems will usually show 600 to 800 cpm.
Later model VGAs with higher performance VGA systems will show 1000
to 3000.  Modern ultra-high performance systems can show 6000 to
7500.

Video Speed is computed once when the test starts because it is
time-consuming and therefore cannot be shown dynamically as CPU and
FPU are.  Press <F9> to recalculate it.

You may use this test to determine the efficiency of the combination
of video adapter and motherboard in your computer.  A low reading
can mean you have a slow video adapter, slow motherboard bus speed,
slow CPU, or a combination of those.  If you have a slow bus or CPU,
it does not make economic sense to put an ultra high-speed video
adapter in the computer.  Conversely, it does not make sense to put
a slow video adapter in a high-performance computer.  The adapter
alone can slow down every display operation, making your computer
seem to be sluggish when it is not.

6.5.8  Custom Versions Available
OEMs and resellers may order customized versions of the Landmark
System Speed Test separately.  The special version will contain the
OEM or reseller name and phone number or other desired information
in the text box in the upper right quadrant of the test screen.  It
therefore is an ideal promotional product for dealer showrooms or
trade shows, and an ideal benchmark test to bundle with computer
systems being sold.

6.6  HARD DRIVE BENCHMARK

6.6.1  Hard Disk Access Time
This portion of the test shows both the average and the track-to-
track access times in milliseconds (ms) of the hard disk.  Access
time is the time required to move the read/write heads from one
track to another.  The fastest time is for moving the heads from one
track to the next.  Average access time is the average of a large
number of random track-to-track movements.

Access time is important when considering the performance of a drive
because it usually takes many times longer to position the heads
than to read data from a track under the heads.  XT drives typically
had access times of 65 to 100 ms, AT drives 25 to 40 ms, high-
performance drives 14 to 20 ms, and drives with large-cache control-
lers 1 to 5 ms.

6.6.2  Hard Disk Data Transfer Rate
This portion of the test shows two types of data transfer rates,
both of which are measured by reading data from the disk subsystem,
but not by writing.

The tests perform a read of 50 randomly selected tracks, and calcu-
late the average data transfer rate, ignoring seek time.

6.6.2.1  Data Verify Rate
The verify rate indicates how fast the system can transfer data from
the hard disk to its controller.  The controller performs the opera-
tion only to read the data and calculate data validation information
to verify that the data on the track does not contain errors.  Thus,
the controller reads data from the disk and does not need to save it
in a track buffer or send it to the computer's main memory.

Verify rate is affected by the disk's sector interleave factor,
rotation speed, and data integrity.  The effect of rotation speed is
obvious, but interleave factor and data integrity may need more
explanation.

Interleave factor is the sequence in which sectors around the track
are numbered and read.  Modern fast systems use 1-to-1 interleave in
which the sectors are numbered in sequence; this allows the system
to read a track in one revolution of the disk.  Older, slower
systems use 1-to-3 interleave in which every third sector is num-
bered next in sequence; this allows the system to read a complete
track in 3 revolutions.  You can use the Utilities menu to determine
the interleave factor of your drive if it is the MFM or RLL type.
If your interleave is wrong for your system, it can cause reduced
performance.  You can use the Utilities menu in some versions of PC
Probe (or OnTrack's DOS Utils, available from Landmark) to change
the interleave with the revitalize hard drive data function.

The 1-to-3 and other slow interleave factors are required because
the controller cannot store more than one sector (512 bytes) of
data, and must pass it to the computer's memory before reading the
next sector.  1-to-1 interleave is allowed if the controller can
store an entire track of data and time-share the reading of sectors
at high speed with writing of stored sectors to the computer's
memory.

If the data on the disk is weak or erroneous, a special "error
correction code" (ECC) number stored at the end of each sector on
the disk allows the controller to correct errors in the sector after
reading it.  Error correction occurs in the background so that your
hard disk can be causing errors without your knowing it.  However,
error correction takes time.  If the controller detects and corrects
a lot of errors during the verify rate test, the verify rate results
can be less than if there were no errors, depending on your control-
ler design.

6.6.2.2  Data Throughput Rate
The throughput rate indicates how fast the controller can read data
from the hard disk and write it into the computer's main memory.
Aside from the factors also affecting verify rate, the architecture
and implementation of your computer's data transfer path between the
disk controller and the CPU (central processing unit) determine
throughput rate.

The IBM AT design, for example, makes all input/output data trans-
fers to controller cards in expansion slots occur slower than data
transfers between areas of memory on the motherboard.  This allowed
controllers to use slower memory and buffer circuitry so they would
not be too expensive to build.

The method of slowing down the transfers is to make the CPU wait 1
or 2 clock pulse before being allowed to move the data from the
controller to main memory.  Each clock pulse spent waiting is known
as a wait state, and the original IBM AT design imposes 2 wait
states on all I/O data transfers forces the I/O clock rate to be no
more than 8 megaHertz.

More modern computer designs, even those based on the original AT
architecture, can allow data transfers to proceed at 0 or 1 wait
states, and at higher speeds of 10, 12, 14, or 16 MHz.  Some may be
even faster than that.  Such designs also require especially fast
controller cards for disk, video, and other peripherals, making the
systems expensive as well as fast.

If your system contains such high-speed capabilities, they will
dramatically affect the throughput test results, in a positive way.

Another method of increasing throughput is caching, or the use of
memory to cache or store frequently used data.  There are two kinds:
cook on the controller card, and cache in main memory, but they have
effectively the same result.  Once data is read from the disk, it is
stored in the cache.  The next time the computer reads the same area
of the disk, the data is already in the cache, so the computer
retrieves it from there rather than the disk.

Since the test reads 50 tracks at random, and a minimum of 8.5
Kilobytes of data is stored on each track, the total amount of data
read by the test is 425K.  It is unlikely the cache contains all of
those tracks when the test starts, but it is likely to contain some
of them.

Caching will give a somewhat variable result each time you run the
test unless you have a huge cache of several Megabytes.  By running
the test repeatedly, you will fill more and more of a large cache
until test results stabilize.  That is about the best throughput
rate you will see on your system.

MFM (modified frequency modulation) drives (the most popular and
least expensive) have 17 sectors of 512 bytes each per track, or
8.5K.  Some RLL (run-length limited) drives contain 26 sectors, or
13K.  Many ESDI (enhanced small device interface) and SCSI (small
computer systems interface) drives contain 35 to 76 sectors per
track, or 17.5K to 38K.  The higher-capacity-per-track drives not
only take longer to test, but also require a larger cache to be able
to hold all the data read during the throughput test to give the
fastest results.

6.6.2.3  Verify Versus Throughput
It is important to note that most hard disk data transfer rate
benchmark tests show only verify rate because it is not different
each time you run it.  However, it also does not take into the
consideration caching or basic data path architecture of the system.
As a consequence, it shows only performance of the disk subsystem,
and not the overall system throughput.  To have a more realistic
view, you need PC Probe's throughput test as well as the verify
test.

7  DIAGNOSTIC MENU

7.1  INTRODUCTION
This chapter describes all the diagnostic tests that prove your
system is working correctly.  It also explains how to set up PC
Probe to run a batch of tests once or for a given amount of time to
"burn in" or stress test the computer.  If a test fails and you are
a technician, refer to the Troubleshooting Hints chapter for remedi-
al suggestions.

7.1.1  KickStart a Dead Computer
If your computer is "dead" and you cannot get it to run diagnostics,
then you need more help than PC Probe can provide.  If you are a
technician, we strongly recommend that you acquire one of Landmark's
power-on diagnostic test cards in the KickStart  family.  The Kick-
Start cards contain LED displays that show you the status of system
power and what causes the computer to fail to boot, plus many other
advanced features to allow you to get your system up and running
fast.  Contact Landmark for more information and immediate atten-
tion.

7.1.2  Results Log
You may configure PC Probe to create a log of errors that occur
during testing, and you may turn the logging on or off.  All errors
will be sent to the display, but logging to other devices is dis-
abled by default.  You may also enable them to be sent to the
printer attached to LPT1, or to a file.  Refer to the Configure menu
for more information on the results log.

7.1.3  Test Pause
Some of the diagnostic test submenus provide you with an "All Tests"
selection.  When you elect to run all tests in a menu, PC Probe will
allow you to make the testing process pause after each test so you
can see the results, or run straight through the tests.  In either
case, you may see the accumulated tests results in the results log,
as described in both the Configure menu and the Info menu chapters.

7.1.4  Halting a Test
To halt a test, press <ESC>.  In general you cannot halt a test in
progress, but you can halt a series of tests after the currently
executing test is finished.  The reason for not halting a test in
progress is that the computer software or hardware state would be in
an inappropriate state for continuing use of the menu system, and
reboot would be required.

7.1.5  Test Looping
You may configure PC Probe to run one or more tests in a repeated
loop in one of two ways:  for a given length of time, or for one
pass.  If you select a length of time, then the testing will contin-
ue until the time elapses unless the time is over while a test is in
progress.  The test in progress will run to completion before ending
a time loop.  If you select a single pass, then the testing will
stop after the last test in the pass finishes execution.

7.1.6  No Stop on Failure
while you are running a batch of tests, a running test that encoun-
ters an error will log the error and continue to completion.

7.1.7  Batch Testing
Normally, you will run one test at a time, or all tests in sequence.
However, you may select individual tests to run in a batch.  You
would perform batch testing if you wanted to check out a suspected
set of failures, or if you wanted to stress-test (or "burn-in") the
computer after a repair job or before shipment to a customer of
yours.

7.1.8  Remote Testing
If you want to enable remote testing, you must start the program
with the command PCPROBE /R as described in the Operation chapter.

This will disable the keyboard tests, any display adjustment tests,
and serial port tests.  The reason for disabling these items is that
they cannot be tested from a remote computer; also, the serial port
cannot be tested while it is being used as a communication channel
into the computer under test.

7.2  TEST MODE OPTIONS
This set of selections allows you to run tests one at a time or as a
batch of tests.

7.2.1  Select Test Mode
This selection allows you to select single, batch, or timed batch
mode.  Single test mode means a test will execute immediately when
you select it.  Batch and timed batch mode mean PC Probe will tag a
diagnostic test when you select it, and place a check mark adjacent
to the test name.  Batch mode affects the diagnostic tests only, and
it does not control benchmarks, SysInfo, utilities, or user pro-
grams.

Plain batch mode will execute one pass of all the tagged tests.
Timed batch mode will execute tagged tests in multiple passes for
the amount of time you have entered, up to 100 hours.  You must
select single test mode in order to leave batch mode; that will also
clear all test tags.

7.2.2  Execute Tagged Tests
This selection actually begins execution of all the tests you have
tagged; the tests run in menu order, rather than the order in which
you tagged them.  It only operates in batch mode or timed batch
mode, as described in the preceding topic.  After execution of each
test PC Probe will log the results.  When the batch has finished,
you may then view and/or print the results via the Info menu.  You
may prematurely terminate the batch by pressing <ESC>.

7.2.3  Clear All Tags
This selection will clear all tags from tests you have tagged, and
it only works in a batch mode.  It leaves PC Probe in the same batch
mode, however, and does not revert it to single test mode.

7.3  SYSTEM BOARD TESTS
These diagnostics check the circuitry typically found on the system
board, sometimes referred to as the motherboard.  Test failures are
displayed on the screen.  If enabled they are sent to the printer or
a disk file.

7.3.1  Real Time Clock
Tests the ability of the Real Time Clock to hold and increment time
and date accurately.

7.3.2  CMOS RAM
Tests the ability of the CMOS RAM to be written and read accurately.

7.3.3  Central Processor (CPU)
This test checks the internal circuitry of the CPU chip, including
registers, execution of the instruction set, and some communication
with external circuits.  It works with 8088, 8086, 80188, 80186,
80286, 80386,80386 SX, 80486, 80486 SX, and truly compatible processors.

7.3.4  Numeric Co-Processor
Tests all of the floating point number translation, arithmetic, and
transcendental function instructions, as well as register transfer
and data path integrity.  Works with 8087, 80287, 80387, and all
truly compatible math chips, including the circuitry built into the
80486 processor that contains an integrated math chip.

7.3.5  Speaker
Tests the ability of the 8253/4 timer (and in XTs, the 8255 program-
mable peripheral interface) circuitry controlling the system beeper
to function properly and accurately.  You will hear a short series
of beeps if it is functioning properly.  If you do not hear the
beeps, the speaker may be disconnected.

7.3.6  Memory Tests
The RAM tests check the proper functioning of the memory chips,
address circuitry, and the data path into and out of memory.
The Data Line, March, Long/Quick Parity, and GalRow tests are run
only on base memory (RAM in the lower 640K).  For these tests, PC
Probe moves data from the area to be tested to a safe place in
memory, runs the test, then restores the data to its original loca-
tion.  PC Probe can and does relocate drivers, resident programs,
DOS, and itself as needed to test all of base memory.

If a RAM test fails and you want to identify the failing chip, you
may run the Bad RAM Locator program from the Utilities menu.  The
nature of the failure is automatically fed to the locator to speed
up the location process.  We recommend that only qualified techni-
cians attempt to remove RAM chips and replace them.  Refer to the
Utilities chapter for more information on the Locator.

7.3.6.1  Data Line Test
This test checks the integrity of the data path into and out of
memory by writing and reading ones, then zeros.

7.3.6.2  March Test
This test writes, then reads a pattern of 00000001, with the 1
moving to the left on successive writes, then repeats the process
with 11111110, moving the 0 to the left on successive writes.  This
test checks the ability of memory cells not to affect nor be affect-
ed by the status of adjacent cells.

7.3.6.3  Quick Parity Test
This test checks the ability of the parity generation circuitry to
generate a correct parity bit.  A parity bit exists for every byte
in memory to ensure that an even number of 1's is stored in every
address.  If one of the data bits is stored incorrectly, then when
the value is read, the parity checking circuit will find incorrect
parity, and will generate an error.

7.3.6.4  Long Parity Test
This test checks the ability of the parity generation circuitry to
create a correct parity bit for every combination of ones and zeros
in memory.

7.3.6.5  GalRow Tests
The GalRow tests are exhaustive tests that verify the
integrity of the memory addressing circuitry throughout the lower
640K.  Based on modern computer science testing algorithms, they
perform the most thorough and comprehensive diagnostic checkout of
combined memory circuitry available in any popular diagnostic
product.


They write a unique data pattern an address then read it to ensure
its value has not changed after each write of another unique pattern
to each other address.  Faulty address decode circuitry can cause
apparent memory failures that don't exist, but galrow tests will
catch the bad address decoders.

You especially need to run galrow tests if you detect failures with
the other memory tests, or you want to run exhaustive tests of
address decode and memory circuits for burn-in or quality assurance
verification.

7.3.6.6  Refresh Toggle
This test verifies that the memory refresh circuitry is generating
the signals necessary to prevent the motherboard's dynamic random
access memory (DRAM) from losing (or forgetting) its contents.  The
DRAM is used in the computer's base memory, extended memory, and
expanded memory.  DRAM will lose their contents if they aren't read
every few microseconds.  The refresh circuitry performs a simulated
read between normal memory reads in order to keep the data alive and
"refreshed".  If the refresh circuitry fails or operates marginally,
data "dropout" (occasional missing bits) or complete memory loss can
occur.  The refresh toggle test verifies that refresh signals are
occurring.

7.3.6.7  Refresh Bandwidth
This test programs the refresh controller to its 5.3% bandwidth
limits according to IBM technical reference manual specifications,
and verifies that memory loss does not occur at those limits (be-
tween 14.32436974 and 15.92773109 microseconds).  This guarantees
that incrementing the refresh address every 15 microseconds, and
executing 5 clock cycles will refresh the entire memory.

7.3.6.8  Refresh Rate
This test measures the actual time between leading edges of memory
refresh pulses.

7.3.6.9  Extended Memory Test
Extended memory is the range of linear memory that resides above the
first megabyte of address space in the computer.  There is no
extended memory in a PC or XT because their 20-bit address bus
cannot access above 1M (megabyte).  An AT or compatible can access
up to 16M of total memory via its 24-bit address bus, 15M of which
can be extended memory, mounted either on the motherboard or on one
or more cards plugged into the computer's expansion slots.  80386
and 80486-based AT compatibles can address up to 4G (gigabytes), but
require a specially modified bus with 8 additional address lines.

The extended memory test checks all available (unused as determined
via an Interrupt 15 query) extended memory, but is not as exhaustive
as the base memory tests.  It writes then reads a data pattern to
each location in extended memory, then verifies that the data
written is the same as the data read.  It makes not attempt to save
any data already in memory that is unused.  The test is well-behaved
and does not interfere with 80286 protected mode operation, nor
80386 Virtual 86 mode operation.

Any extended memory used by drivers, resident programs, or other
tasks, will not be tested.  To test it, you must exit from PC Probe,
remove the programs that use expanded memory, then re-run PC Probe.
Possibly, you will be required to edit CONFIG.SYS, AUTOEXEC.BAT, or
other batch files, and reboot the system before being able to test
all memory.

7.3.6.10  Expanded Memory Test
Expanded memory was invented to "expand" the amount of memory acces-
sible by the IBM PC and XT computers, even though they can address
only 1M (megabyte).  See the discussion on extended memory tests in
this chapter for additional information.  Special switching circuit-
ry on expanded memory cards allows the PC's 8088 processor to access
four 16K "pages" at a time of up to 8M or 32M of expanded memory
through a 64K "page frame" (like a window) in the lower 1M of
address space.  The page frame normally resides in the unused
address area above 640K, but some expanded memory implementations
can use several page frames located in any unused area above the
lower 256K.

An Expanded Memory Specification (EMS) defining the mechanism for
all this was developed by Lotus, Intel, and Microsoft.  The specifi-
cation is often referred to as LIM EMS.  The switching of the
expanded memory circuitry and its interface to programs is accom-
plished by an Expanded Memory Manager (EMM) driver that is loaded at
boot time.  80286, 80386, and 80486 systems can emulate the switch-
ing circuitry using protected or Virtual 86 modes of operation,
using normal extended memory.  Thus, one can have extended memory in
such a computer, with part of it devoted to EMS emulation.

The expanded memory test checks the entire range of available
(unused as determined via an Interrupt 67 query) expanded memory,
including the driver and the EMS memory control circuitry.  It
writes and reads a data pattern into each address and verifies that
the patterns are the same.  The test uses the EMM driver, and cannot
check expanded memory without it.  It works with EMM drivers that
are compatible with EMS version 3.2 and 4.0.  The test is well-
behaved and does not interfere with 80286 protected mode operation,
nor 80386 Virtual 86 mode operation.

Any expanded memory used by drivers, resident programs, or other
tasks, will not be tested.  To test it, you must exit from PC Probe,
remove the programs that use expanded memory, then re-run PC Probe.
Possibly, you will be required to edit CONFIG.SYS, AUTOEXEC.BAT, or
other batch files, and reboot the system before being able to test
all memory.

7.3.7  Keyboard Tests
You may select either the 101-key enhanced AT-style keyboard, or the
original 84-key AT-compatible keyboard.

These tests display a keyboard map, then allow you to press each key
on the keyboard and receive verification on the display that you
pressed that key and none other.  You must press each key in se-
quence as the display shows you.  The test verifies that the correct
key code was generated by the keyboard for each key you pressed.

You may press Ctrl-<ESC> to abort the test.  The mouse does not work
during the test.

This test is disabled during remote operation because the remote
user cannot press the keys on the local keyboard.

7.3.8  Interrupts
These tests check the 8259A Programmable Interrupt Controller(s) and
associated circuitry.  Various circuits send interrupt signals to a
controller which prioritizes them and interrupts the CPU with a
request to pay attention to an I/O device or other circuit.  The XT
uses only one 8259A, while the AT uses two.

7.3.8.1  Controller
Tests the ability of the 8259 programmable interrupt controller to
recognize interrupts and prioritize them properly, and the ability
of the system to issue and recognize the non-maskable interrupt.  A
normal XT contains 8 IRQ (interrupt request) signal lines, while an
AT contains 16.  Most of them are not used.  You may execute the
System Info test in the Info menu to see a list of the IRQs used by
standard system components.

Aside from the standard IRQs, PC Probe has no way of knowing whether
special controller cards are installed that can issue IRQ signals,
nor how to get them to do it.  The other tests in this set do check
the standard ones.

7.3.8.2  IRQ0
This test checks the proper functioning of the XT's 8253 or the AT's
8254 timer, and its ability to issue interrupts properly.

7.3.8.3  IRQ4
This test checks the ability of 8250 or 16450 serial port COM1 to
issue interrupts.  You must plug a serial port loopback plug onto
the COM1 connector at the rear of the computer before executing the
test.  See the Accessories chapter for more information on loopback
plugs.

7.3.8.4  IRQ6
This test checks the ability of the 8272 floppy drive controller
chip and associated circuitry to issue an interrupt as a result of a
controller recalibrate command.  The floppy drive door must be
closed for the interrupt to be generated and detected.  A floppy
diskette does not have to be in some 5.25-inch drives, but it does
need to be in all 3.5-inch drives.

7.3.9  DMA Registers
This test checks the proper functioning of the 8237A Direct Memory
Access controller registers and related data path.  PC Probe cannot
test all DMA channel control signals because DMA Requests signals
can only be issued by special I/O controller cards, and PC Probe has
no way of knowing whether such cards are in the system nor how to
get them to issue the request.  The only standard I/O device that
uses DMA in an AT-style computer is the floppy controller, which is
tested elsewhere.  This test does check internal operations of the
DMA controller chips.  However, because of the difference in system
designs, it does not test memory-to-memory DMA transfers.

7.4  I/O CARD TESTS
This category of tests checks out circuitry that is normally con-
tained on add-in I/O cards that plug into the computer's expansion
card slots.  Because of the high level of circuit integration into
powerful computer chips, many modern computers have the circuitry
included on the motherboard.  Where possible, PC Probe automatically
detects the presence of a controller for an I/O device and will not
allow you to run the corresponding test if the controller is not
installed.

7.4.1  Parallel Port Tests
These tests verify the ability of the parallel ports to control a
printer properly.  The tests send various patterns of signals out
the port in order to test it, so you should disconnect the printer
cable from the port before running the test.  Part of the test
requires you to plug a loopback plug onto the parallel port connec-
tor at the rear of the computer.  The plug is included with some
versions of PC Probe.  Refer to the Accessories chapter for more
information. These tests are capable of testing Parallel Ports LPT1,
LPT2, and LPT3 (If present!) with both an external and internal test.

7.4.2  Serial Port Tests
These tests check the internal functionality of the 8250, 16450,
16550, or 16550A serial port controller chips, as well as the 
integrity of the drivers and connections to external serial devices.

Some of the tests requires you to plug a loopback plug onto the
parallel port connector at the rear of the computer.  The plug is
included with some versions of PC Probe.  Refer to the Accessories
chapter for more information.

The tests save the state of the serial port before testing and
restore it afterward to keep from interfering with any mouse driver
that expects the port circuitry to be in a given state.  Therefore,
you do not have to disconnect the mouse from the port before running
the test.

However, the test signals can interfere with operation of another
device (such as printer or modem) connected to the serial port.
Therefore, we recommend disconnecting any devices (aside from a
mouse) attached to the port before running a test.

Once you have selected the test to run, the display allows you to
pick a communication port such as COM 1 or COM 2, based on what is
installed in your computer.  The tests are disabled for remote
operation because the COM port must be used to communicate with the
remote computer.

7.4.2.1  Data Line Test
This tests the serial port controller chip circuitry, and interface
from the CPU to it.

7.4.2.2  Asynch I/O Test
This tests integrity of drivers and external connections; it re-
quires the serial port loopback plug.

7.4.3  Video Board/Monitor Tests
These tests allow you to check functionality of both the video
adapter and the monitor.  They operate with either monochrome or
color system using popular monochrome, Hercules, color graphics
(CGA), enhanced graphics (EGA), and video graphics array (VGA)
adapters, as well as monochrome and color analog,  digital, and
multiple scan frequency monitors.

7.4.3.1  Display Memory
This test writes, then reads at least the 16K display memory area on
standard video adapters, and verifies that memory works properly.

7.4.3.2  Video Mode
This selection allows you to select any video mode that your video
system can display, then to test all character generation, character
attributes, foreground / background color generation and purity, dot
and line matrix drawing isotropy and linearity (equality of spacing,
distance, and straightness), and graphics drawing capability.
You can use this test to verify that your monitor is properly
adjusted, for image size and position, color purity for the color
guns, presence of all pixels, and pincushion (tendency of the
picture to bow at the edges).  You can also use it to verify that
monitors have the ability to display properly in all video modes
with a given video adapter.  For example, some video adapters do not
properly compensate for monitor characteristics, causing some images
to be displayed off center.

Because of PC Probe's ability to detect all popular super VGA adapt-
ers and exercise all of their character and graphics modes, this is
one of the most comprehensive video exercise tests available in any
test program.

7.4.4  Joystick
This test verifies that the joystick and its controller circuitry
function properly.  It requests you to move the joystick in the
different major directions and to press the joystick key.

7.4.5  Mouse
This test verifies that the mouse and the installed mouse driver
work properly.  It requests you to move the mouse till the mouse
cursor is at the top, bottom, left, and right of the screen, then to
press the mouse buttons.  The test will not be performed if no mouse
driver is installed.

7.5  DRIVE TESTS
This category of tests checks out the hard and floppy drives.
Future versions of the program may also test optical drives, CD
(compact disk) ROMs, tape backup units, and so on.  PC Probe dis-
plays the current track number while running tests that cause the
heads to seek in and out.

7.5.1  Floppy Controller and Drive Tests
These tests verify that the floppy controller and drive function
properly.  You are required to put a freshly formatted floppy dis-
kette (a "scratch" diskette that does not contain data you care to
retrieve) into the drive.  The scratch diskette must be fully
formatted so that it will not cause errors from an attempt to read,
write, or seek to an unformatted area of the diskette.

If PC Probe detects that you are using a low density diskette in a
high density drive, it will perform low density operations.  If it
cannot detect the density of the diskette, and you are testing in a
high density drive, it will assume you are working with a high
density diskette.  If you use a low (double) density 5.25-inch
diskette (360K) in a high density drive, you are risking significant
errors because such diskettes are not intended for use in those
drives.

To avoid confusion, we recommend that you acquire and label both
high and low density scratch diskettes for use in testing floppy
drives, and keep them with your diagnostic test accessories such as
the manual, loopback plugs, and so on.

The tests destroy data on the diskette.  You cannot run the destruc-
tive tests unless you enter the correct password.  Refer to the
Configure chapter for more information on passwords.

7.5.1.1  Head Cleaning and Alignment
It is important to realize that floppy subsystem errors can also be
caused by dirty heads and misaligned internal drive mechanisms.  PC
Probe can test the drive for functionality, but not for proper
alignment and noise interference.  For this reason, we recommend
that you purchase Landmark's AlignIt  floppy drive maintenance kit,
if not included with PC Probe.  AlignIt contains a patented floppy
drive alignment test diskette that is highly accurate (to near-
laboratory standards), dry-lubricated head cleaning diskettes, and
professional quality test software.  Refer to the Utilities chapter
for more information.

7.5.1.2  Format
This test formats 8 randomly selected tracks and verifies each track
to ensure it was formatted properly.  Optionally, you may elect to
format the entire diskette.
This is not a DOS format operation because it does not write a file
allocation table onto the diskette.  Therefore, you cannot format a
diskette with this test and then use it to hold DOS files.  You must
reformat it under DOS in order to store DOS files on it.

7.5.1.3  Write
This test writes a data pattern to 8 randomly selected tracks on the
diskette and verifies that it did not cause any write errors.

7.5.1.4  Read
This test reads 8 randomly selected tracks and verifies each track
to ensure it was formatted properly.  Optionally, you may elect to
read the entire diskette.  In this case, the test begins at track 0
and proceeds inward to the last track.  The tracks must have been
previously formatted, either under DOS or using the Format all
tracks menu selection.  The test does not affect any data on the
diskette.

7.5.1.5  Seek
This test commands the heads to seek to 8 randomly selected tracks
on the diskette and verifies that it reached the proper track each
time.

7.5.1.6  Write/Read
This test writes and then reads each track on the diskette, begin-
ning with track 0 and progressing inward to the last track.  At each
track the test compares the data read with that written, verifying
they are the same.

7.5.2  Hard Drive Tests
Most of the hard drive tests destroy data on the drive; the read and
seek tests do not.  You cannot run the destructive tests unless you
enter the correct password.  Refer to the Configure chapter for more
information on passwords.

Even if you know the password, DO NOT RUN THE TESTS UNLESS YOU
INTEND TO DESTROY ALL DATA ON THE DRIVE!

The tests are ideal to run on a brand-new MFM (modified frequency
modulation) or RLL (run-length limited) hard drive or on one that
has given catastrophic data errors, forcing you to reformat it.
After running the destructive format, write, or compare tests, use
the Utilities menu to perform a comprehensive and proper low-level
format, if you are using an MFM or RLL hard drive.

If you are using any other kind of hard drive (such as SCSI, or
ESDI), consult the drive or controller manufacturer for the best
kind of low-level format to use.  We have tried and can strongly
recommend OnTrack's Disk Manager, available from Landmark.

7.5.2.1  Seek
This test commands the heads to seek to 30 randomly selected tracks
on the disk and verifies that it reached the proper track each time.

7.5.2.2  Format
This test is only guaranteed to work properly on MFM and RLL hard
drives and other drives that can be formatted with normal BIOS
Interrupt 13 calls, and contain accurate parameters as pointed by
the CMOS RAM into the BIOS disk parameter table.  In particular, it
will not work if the disk controller BIOS performs sector transla-
tion to compensate for the inability of BIOS or DOS to handle large
drives or more than 1024 cylinders.

DO NOT PERFORM THIS TEST UNLESS YOU INTEND TO DESTROY DATA ON THE
DRIVE AND REFORMAT IT.

The test performs low-level format of your choice on either 30
randomly selected tracks, or all tracks, destroying any data on the
tracks.  Meanwhile, it verifies that the controller detects no
formatting errors.  By running the random format test in timed batch
mode for some hours, you can theoretically eventually format all
tracks.

7.5.2.3  Write
This test writes a data pattern on 30 randomly selected tracks,
destroying any data already on each track.  Meanwhile, it verifies
that the controller has not detected a write error.  The test works
on any kind of drive that has been low-level formatted.  By running
the random test in timed batch mode for some hours, you can theoret-
ically eventually test all tracks.

DO NOT PERFORM THIS TEST UNLESS YOU INTEND TO DESTROY DATA ON THE
DRIVE AND REFORMAT IT.

7.5.2.4  Read
This test reads data from all heads on your choice of 30 randomly
selected tracks or all tracks.  It does not affect any data already
on the tracks.  Meanwhile, it verifies that the controller has not
detected a read error.  The test works on any kind of drive that has
been low-level formatted.  It is perfectly safe to run on any DOS
formatted drive.

You can run this test repeatedly in timed batch mode for some hours
to do a thorough test of the data areas on the drive.  If the test
detects errors and it is an MFM or RLL drive we recommend you
perform the data revitalization function described in the Utilities
menu to refresh the information on the drive and reduce the chance
of errors.

7.5.2.5  Surface Analysis
This test performs the same function as the read test except that it
reads the entire drive rather than a few tracks.  It does not affect
data on the drive.  However, it sequentially reads from track 0
toward the inner tracks.  It will display any errors it finds.  You
may run it in batch mode for some hours to do a thorough test.  If
errors occur on an MFM or RLL drive, you should execute the data
revitalization function in the Utilities menu.  If you have a
different type of drive, we recommend using OnTrack's DOS Utils,
available from Landmark.

7.5.2.6  Compare Track 0
This test writes data onto track 0, destroying whatever is there,
then reads it back and compares it with what was written.  If the
data are the same, the test passes.  This is a quick test to verify
functionality of the drive and controller write/read capability.  It
is an important test because track 0 is where the partition table is
stored, and if that goes bad, the drive will be useless for DOS
operations.

DO NOT PERFORM THIS TEST UNLESS YOU INTEND TO DESTROY DATA ON THE
DRIVE AND REFORMAT IT.

7.5.2.7  Compare Drive
This test writes and then reads each track on the diskette, begin-
ning with track 0 and progressing inward to the last track.  At each
track the test compares the data read with that written, verifying
they are the same.

DO NOT PERFORM THIS TEST UNLESS YOU INTEND TO DESTROY DATA ON THE
DRIVE AND REFORMAT IT.

The whole drive test takes much longer than the track 0 test.  It is
very comprehensive.  It verifies that the system can correctly write
and read data with each head on the entire track of every track on
the drive.  You can run the test in batch mode for some hours thor-
oughly to exercise the drive and test the entire disk surface.

8  UTILITIES MENU

8.1  INTRODUCTION
This chapter describes the Utilities menu selections and explains
how to use them.  The purpose of the Utilities menu is to provide
additional mixed capabilities that may not be found in normal test
software.  You can use the utilities to perform a variety of useful
functions on your computer, such as setting up CMOS RAM, low-level
formatting hard drives, and revitalizing the data on your hard
drives.  These will let you fine-tune your system for optimum
performance and data integrity.  They can save you hundreds of
dollars in wasted time and purchase of other utility programs

Because the utilities can change the configuration of the computer,
you must enter the correct password before executing any of them,
including user programs.

8.2  LOW-LEVEL FORMAT THE HARD DRIVE
A hard disk must be formatted before you can write data on it using
DOS or any other operating system.  There are two types of formats
that can be written to a hard disk:  low-level and DOS.  They are
both described here to give you a fairly rounded picture of their
relationship to each other and your use of the system.

8.2.1  Background Information

8.2.1.1  Track and Sector Construction
The low-level format writes track and sector headers and at least
seventeen 512-byte sectors of data in a unique and specific organi-
zation around every track on every recordable surface of the drive.
Each track header contains the track number, the head number, a
good/bad track flag, and cyclic redundance check (CRC) error-check-
ing information.  Each sector header contains track, head, and
sector numbers, good/bad sector flag, and CRC information.  Each
sector follows its sector header and contains 512 bytes of data as
well as either CRC or Error Correction Code (ECC) information.

8.2.1.2  Headers Help Find Tracks and Sectors
The disk controller commands the drive to perform a seek operation
that positions the read/write head directly over a specific track.
The controller then reads the track header to determine whether it
on the right track.  When the system or controller BIOS commands the
controller to read or write data in a particular sector, the con-
troller must read the individual sector headers to find the correct
sector, and then it reads the data following that header.

8.2.1.3  Error Detection and Correction
While receiving the sector data, the controller calculates a CRC or
ECC value and compares it with the corresponding value stored at the
end of the sector.  If the CRC values don't match, the controller
sends BIOS a "hard" error message.  If the ECC values don't match,
the controller will correct up to 12 bits of error in the sector's
data, then send BIOS a "soft" error message.  In either case, the
computer program that requested the data will receive the data.  A
hard error means the data is unreliable and the drive should be
rewritten, reformatted, or revitalized.  A soft error means the data
is reliable, but it is deteriorating on the disk surface, and the
data should be rewritten or revitalized.

8.2.1.4  Sector Interleave
Because of the time it takes for some controllers to send sector
data to the computer's main memory, the controller will miss the
sector immediately following the current sector, wasting an entire
revolution of the disk to read that next sector.

By formatting the drive so that every-other or every-third sector
header has the next sector number in sequence, the disk will not
have to make a full revolution to read each sector.  Instead, it can
read a sector, process it while skipping one or two, then read the
next.

This is known as sector interleaving.  1-to-1 means sectors are
numbered sequentially (okay for fast controllers and systems), 1-to-
2 means every other, and 1-to-3 means every third sector is numbered
sequentially.  1-to-3 interleaved sectors requires 3 revolutions of
the disk to read an entire track.

8.2.1.5  Bad Spots on Disk
Some of the tracks may have bad spots on them that can prevent them
from reliably storing data.  The low-level format process will mark
these tracks as bad by writing special information into the track
header.  Most drives come with a bad track table on paper glued to
the top of the drive.  The table is usually stored inside the drive
in a data structure that the format program can read.

8.2.1.6  When Low-Level Format is Needed
Normally, you must perform a low-level format on a brand-new MFM or
RLL drive because they are not formatted at the factory.  Some other
types of drives come from the factory pre-formatted.  If you are not
sure what kind of drive you have, consult the manufacturer.  Also
refer to the hard drive characteristics table in this chapter.

8.2.1.7  DOS (High-Level) Format
The DOS format process requires two steps; you do them after low-
level formatting the drive.

The first requires you to run the DOS FDISK program to subdivide the
drive into partitions and write partition information onto track 0
of the drive.  DOS can treat each partition as separate logical DOS
drive (like drive C:, D:, and E:, all on one physical disk), and
there are other uses.

The second requires you to run the DOS FORMAT program to write file
allocation tables and other file structure information onto the
disk.  This is the heart of DOS:  a disk operating system that
relies on a file structure for proper operation and handling of
program and data files on the disk.

8.2.2  Performing the Low-Level Format
If the drive already has DOS files on it, and there is nothing wrong
with the drive, YOU DO NOT NEED TO LOW-LEVEL FORMAT IT!  In fact, DO
NOT FORMAT OR PARTITION YOUR DRIVE UNLESS YOU WANT TO DESTROY ANY
DATA ALREADY ON THE DRIVE!

You may use the low-level format function to perform low-level
format on an MFM (Modified Frequency Modulation) or RLL (Run-Length
Limited) hard drive, the most popular types available.  The function
will not work on ESDI, SCSI, or other types of drives that require
special formatting considerations.
The format process will not allow you to display or enter bad track
information.  It will mark any track as bad if the controller
detects an error while verifying the information written to that
track.  It will not mark any other tracks as bad, even if listed on
the manufacturer's bad track table listing glued to the top of the
drive.

8.2.2.1  Track Limit Imposed by BIOS
The format function will not format past the maximum number of
tracks allowed by BIOS.  The original AT BIOS handles no more than
1024 cylinders, as do some other AT clone BIOSes.  Some system and
hard disk controller BIOSes will handle more than that.  If your
drive has more than 1024 cylinders, you need to contact the BIOS
(either system or disk controller) manufacturer to find out how many
cylinders it supports.  Most MFM and RLL drives have 1024 or fewer
cylinders.

8.2.2.2  Selection of Interleave Factor
The format function allows you to select any possible sector inter-
leave factor for the drive.  Normally, you should choose a factor of
1-to-1 for fast systems (12 MHz 80286 or 80386, with track-buffering
controller), 1-to-2 for mid-speed systems, and 1-to-3 for very slow
or archaic systems (original AT with single-sector buffer on the
disk controller).  The proper interleave will give maximum data
transfer rate to your system.  The incorrect interleave will slow it
down.  Use the Determine Hard Drive Interleave function to find the
optimum interleave factor.

If you want to perform low-level format of a high-capacity ESDI or
SCSI drive, we strongly recommend OnTrack's Disk Manager and DOS
Utils, available from Landmark.

8.3  DETERMINE HARD DRIVE INTERLEAVE
You can use this menu function to test the interleave factor of your
drive, provided it is an MFM or RLL drive.  It will tell you both
the current interleave factor, and the optimum interleave for the
drive.

Interleave factor is the sequence in which sectors around the track
are numbered and read.  Modern fast systems use 1-to-1 interleave,
in which the sectors are numbered in sequence; this allows the
system to read a track in one revolution of the disk.

Older, slower systems use 1-to-3 interleave in which every third
sector is numbered next in sequence; this allows the system to read
a complete track in 3 revolutions.

The 1-to-3 and other slow interleave factors are required because
the controller cannot store more than one sector (512 bytes) of
data, and must pass it to the computer's memory before reading the
next sector.  1-to-1 interleave is allowed if the controller can
store an entire track of data and time-share the reading of disk
sectors at high speed with writing to the computer's memory of
stored sector data already read.

If the interleave is wrong for your system, it can cause reduced
performance.  Some modern computers and hard disk controllers are
very fast, but hard drives inside them use the 1-to-3 interleave,
thereby imposing unnecessary drag on disk data transfer throughput.

You can use Low-Level Format function or the Revitalize Hard Drive
Data function, you can reformat the drives to change the interleave
to a more optimum setting, such as 1-to-2 or 1-to-1.  If you have a
drive other than MFM or RLL type, we recommend the use of OnTrack's
DOS Utils, available from Landmark, to determine optimum and current
interleave factors, and non-destructively reformat the drive to
change the interleave.

8.4  PARK HARD DRIVE IN LANDING ZONE
This selection positions the head assembly for the selected physical
drive inward until it rests above the innermost track, known as the
head landing zone.  You would want to park the heads if you intend
to move the computer.  The reason is:  if you bump or jar the
computer, the heads on some hard drives can crash into the surface
of the disk and damage it so that it cannot store or read data at
that spot.

Hard drive heads are never allowed to contact the disk surface.
When the disk is spinning, they are pressed toward the surface of
the disk, but they ride on a cushion of air.  The landing zone is
not used to store data, and so it is safer to the system if the
heads accidentally contact the disk there rather than in the data
area.

The last thing to do before switching the computer's power off is to
park the heads on all drives.  Some modern drives have built-in
mechanisms to lock the heads off the disk with power off.  Park them
to be sure.

8.5  RUN USER PROGRAM
This selection presents you with a dialogue box that allows you to
select or enter a program of your own.  It is a handy feature
because you do not have to leave the PC Probe environment to select
and execute programs using the mouse or PC Probe's consistent
dialogue box interface.

By default, only programs with the .EXE extension are listed.  You
may use the Tab key to select the file specification field at the
top of the dialogue box, and enter .COM or .BAT to list and enable
execution of those types of programs.

8.6  BAD RAM CHIP LOCATION
This selection invokes a utility program that displays a typical map
of memory that can be located on the motherboard or an add-in memory
card.  The purpose of the memory map is to allow you to identify the
location of the bad memory chip that caused the PC Probe memory test
to fail.  The process to go through is this:

1. Configure the map to match your system's memory layout.
2. Enter a failing memory address or let PC Probe supply it auto-
   matically.
3. See the darkened area of the map indicating the location of the
   bad memory chip.
4. Replace the bad chip with a good one.

8.6.1  End User Versus Technician
Typical end users will not care about this feature, except perhaps
for its educational value.  However, technicians and experienced
computer buffs can save considerable time and expense by finding bad
memory chips and replacing them.

If you are not a qualified technician, we recommend that you do not
undertake the replacement of any components inside your system.  To
do so may void your computer warranty, and it could result in acci-
dental damage to the computer that costs much more than the educa-
tional value of the experience.

8.6.2  Typical Memory Chips
Most systems come with memory chips in dual in-line packages (DIPS)
or single in-line memory modules (SIMMs) that are plugged into
sockets on the motherboard rather than soldered in.  Since no unsol-
dering is required, and since memory DIPs and SIMMs are readily
obtainable at computer parts stores like Radio Shack, PC Probe's
memory map can make memory repairs fairly simple.

8.6.3  Configuring the Memory Map
The Bad RAM Locator allows you to change the configuration of the
memory map so that it resembles the memory layout of your system.
You may select the amount of memory installed, the placement of data
and parity bit chips, the bank organization and page interleave
factor, and the data path size (8, 16, or 32 bits).

2-way page interleave refers to a memory access method whereby odd
addresses are located in one bank, and even addresses in another.
4-way interleave schemes are less popular, but still occur.  Inter-
leaving like this allows sequential memory accesses to occur fast,
even though the system is using slow memory.  Page interleaved
architectures sometimes require separation of the two halves of a
16-bit bank of memory, thereby affecting location of a bad RAM chip.

You may also select a menu item that saves the configuration in a
file named RAM.CNF.  It is a good idea to do this after configuring
the map so you won't have to go through the process later.  You may
rename the file to another name of your choice (using the DOS RENAME
command) and thereby create multiple RAM maps for other memory
cards.  The active file must be named RAM.CNF.

8.6.4  Enter the Failing Address
After setting up the map, select the menu item that allows you to
find the bad chip.  You may enter the address in hexadecimal format
along with the failing bit, or you may allow PC Probe's memory test
to provide it.

Hexadecimal is a base-16 number system that computer technicians and
engineers are used to.  You might enter such a number to find what
bad chip could have caused the error.  Refer to the glossary for
more information.

If you allow PC Probe to provide it, PC Probe must have just fin-
ished running the memory test.  In either case, you will see a
darkened area on the map.  That area represents the relative loca-
tion of the bad chip.

8.6.5  Exit from the Bad RAM Locator
To exit, press <ESC>, or select the menu exit function and press
enter.  PC Probe's menu will then appear on the screen.

8.7  CMOS SETUP:  DISPLAY AND EDIT CMOS RAM
This is Landmark's standard system Setup program that you can invoke
under the Utilities menu.  It allows you to change any of the values
in an IBM AT-standard CMOS configuration RAM, such as drive types,
amount of memory installed, type of video adapter, and the current
time and date.

It is a good idea when you execute Setup to print the screen (e.g.,
press Shift-PrtSc keys) so you will have a permanent written record
on hand of what the CMOS RAM contains.  That way, if you accidental-
ly change a parameter in the RAM and forget what it was, you will
have a reference from which to set it to the original value.  Setup
does not save results in PC Probe's result log because it is an
external program.

8.7.1  What is CMOS RAM?
CMOS RAM is a small amount of memory (normally less than 100 bytes)
that is embedded in the real-time clock chip on the motherboard.
CMOS is a type of integrated circuit technology that consumes a very
small amount of power, so it can be kept alive by a battery that is
also built into the chip or attached to the motherboard.  The
purpose of the battery and CMOS RAM is to save system configuration
information when system power is switched off.  Setup is most
typically used to change date and time because the real time clock
in most systems is inaccurate and can gain or lose several hours per
month.

Some systems, such as those containing modern controlling chip sets
from Chips and Technologies, Opti, Headlands, and Gemini, can store
more information in CMOS RAM than the original AT can.  This allows
manufacturers to set up the systems for optimum use of the chipsets,
but the information is normally of no use to the end user.  Because
of the variety of such offerings in the market, Landmark's Setup
program assumes only the standard IBM AT-compatible BIOS is in-
stalled in the system.

8.7.2  Built-in Setup
Some system BIOS manufacturers (such as Landmark, Quadtel, AMI,
Phoenix, and Award) provide a Setup program built into the system
BIOS.  In such a case, you can invoke the program at boot time,
change any parameters, and reboot the system afterward.  Some ver-
sions offer user-customizable features such as hard drive types not
stored in BIOS and optional shadow RAM (use of high-speed RAM on
some motherboards to store program code from slow BIOS ROMs).

By contrast, Landmark's Setup program does not allow you to enter a
customizable drive type.  However, it also does not require you to
reboot the system after changing the contents of CMOS RAM.

8.7.3  Drive Types in CMOS RAM
The typical AT-compatible system BIOS contains a table of up to 4
floppy drive types and 47 hard drive types.  The CMOS RAM contains
identifiers to indicate which types of drives are installed in the
system (normally up to two hard drives and two floppy drives per
system).

If you change the drive type identifiers in CMOS RAM to a type that
is not the same as the type of drive installed, then the system will
not be able to use that drive properly.  In fact, it is possible for
you to select floppy and hard drive types that are completely
different from those installed.  If you do this, you will most
likely not be able to boot the computer at all, from either floppy
or hard disk.  Your only hope will be to have a technician discon-
nect the CMOS RAM battery and discharge the CMOS RAM.  Therefore, we
recommend you leave drive types alone unless you are technically
qualified and really know what you are doing.

A major exception to incorrect hard drive types is the case in which
your system contains a disk controller with its own BIOS.  Such a
BIOS, as on an ESDI or SCSI controller, replaces the normal system
BIOS at boot time.  It typically will not use the CMOS RAM hard
drive type information and instead will use its own.  For example,
an Adaptec ESDI controller will allow you to set CMOS RAM to hard
drive type 1 for a 380-megabyte ESDI hard drive, even though type 1
is for a much smaller capacity drive.

By contrast, Landmark's Setup program does not allow you to enter a
customizable drive type, nor does it require you to reboot the
system after changing the contents of CMOS RAM.

8.7.4  Hard Drive Types Available
A hard drive type identifies to BIOS how many cylinders, sectors per
track, and heads a drive has, as well as the track at which write
current must be reduced to prevent interfering with adjacent bits,
and the write precompensation track at which data needs to be skewed
to prevent it from being spread out too widely on inner tracks.

There are many types of hard drives available.  One of the most
annoying problems people have with hard drives is trying to figure
out the drive type of a given hard drive.  Manufacturers almost
never label the IBM type on the drive.  Actually, they shouldn't be
faulted too heavily for this because the drives are used in many
non-IBM-compatible systems.  Furthermore, some have no corresponding
type in the drive table for IBM-standard BIOS, and some BIOSes (such
as the original AT BIOS) cannot support drives with more than 1024
cylinders.

If the BIOS doesn't support a given type of drive, then the drive
controller, drive manufacturer, or a third party company (such as
OnTrack) must provide a special driver that is loaded at boot time
to provide the support.  Some BIOSes allow you to enter a custom
drive type through a built-in setup program, but you must know the
drive parameters before you can do it properly.

To help alleviate the mystery of drive types, the following table
and the PC Probe User's manual list a great many of the drive
manufacturers along with their drive characteristics.  If you are
unsure of your drive's type, look it up in the list, find the same
characteristics for one of the drive types in the Setup program,
then enter the corresponding type for your drive.
If everything for a given Setup type matches your drive except that
the drive's number of cylinders is greater than those for the Setup
type, you can use that type anyway without fear of losing data when
you write it.  For example if the drive contains 500 cylinders and
otherwise matches the setup type 46 which shows only 400 cylinders
(and no other Setup type matches as well), then you may use type 46
as your drive type.

       TABLE 5.  HARD DRIVE MANUFACTURERS AND PARAMETERS
NOTE:  CAP=MB Capacity; RW=Reduced Write Cyl #; WP=Write Precomp Cyl
MANUFACTURER      MODEL           CAP     HD    CYL     RW    WP
Ampex             PYXIS13         10      4     320     132   0
Ampex             PYXIS20         15      6     320     132   0
Ampex             PYXIS27         22      8     320     132   0
Atasi             ATASI3033       28      5     645     999   320
Atasi             ATASI3046       39      7     645     999   323
Atasi             ATASI3051       44      7     704     999   352
Cogito            COGITO912       10      4     306     128   128
Computer Mem      CMI3426         21      4     615     616   919
Computer Mem      CMI5206         5       2     306     999   214
Computer Mem      CMI5412         10      4     306     999   128
Computer Mem      CMI5616         13      6     256     999   214
Computer Mem      CMI5619         15      6     306     999   128
Computer Mem      CMI6213         10      2     640     999   999
Computer Mem      CMI6426         21      4     640     999   999
Computer Mem      CMI6426s        21      4     614     999   999
Computer Mem      CMI6640         33      6     640     999   999
Connor            CP3100          100     8     740     -     -
Connor            CP340           40      4     752     -     -
Control Data      WREN1           -       -     -       -     -
Control Data      WREN2           -       -     -       -     -
Control Data      WREN3           -       -     -       -     -
Disctron          DSCTRN519       19      6     306     128   128
Disctron          DSCTRN526       21      8     306     128   128
Fuji Electric     FK301           10      4     306     -     -
Fuji Electric     FK302-13        10      2     615     -     -
Fuji Electric     FK302-26        21      4     615     -     -
Fujitsu           FUJIT2230       5       2     320     128   128
Fujitsu           FUJIT2226       30      6     615     -     -
Fujitsu           FUJIT2227       40      8     615     -     -
Fujitsu           FUJIT2233       10      4     320     128   128
Fujitsu           FUJIT2234       16      6     320     128   128
Fujitsu           FUJIT2235       21      8     320     128   128
Fujitsu           FUJIT2241       26      4     754     999   300
Fujitsu           FUJIT2242       46      7     754     999   300
Fujitsu           FUJIT2243T      68      7     1186    -     -
Fujitsu           FUJIT2243A      72      11    754     999   300
Fujitsu           FUJIT2243R      111     7     1186    -     -
Fujitsu           H2225DR         32      4     615     -     -
Fujitsu           H2226AD         32      6     615     -     -
Fujitsu           H2226D          32      6     615     -     -
Fujitsu           H2226DR         50      6     615     -     -
Fujitsu           H2226SA         32      6     615     -     -
Fujitsu           H2227D          44      8     615     -     -
Fujitsu           H2227DR         67      8     615     -     -
Honeywell/Bull    BULLD530        23      3     987     999   400
Honeywell/Bull    BULLD550        40      5     987     999   400
Honeywell/Bull    BULLD570        60      7     987     999   400
Honeywell/Bull    BULLD585        77      7     1166    1166  400
IBM               IBM1430         31      5     300     -     -
IBM               IBM665-30       21      4     615     300   615
IBM               IBM665-38       30      5     733     300   732
IBM               IBMWD12         10      4     306     296   296
IBM               IBMWD25         21      8     306     296   296
Internat'l Mem    INI5006         5       2     306     128   128
Internat'l Mem    INI5012         10      4     306     128   128
Internat'l Mem    INI5018         15      6     306     999   214
Lapine Tech       LT200           21      4     612     -     -
Lapine Tech       LT300           33      4     616     -     -
Maxtor            MXTR1065        56      7     918     999   400
Maxtor            MXTR1085        71      8     1024    999   400
Maxtor            MXTR1105        88      11    918     999   400
Maxtor            MXTR1140        120     15    918     999   999
Maxtor            MXTR1140E       150     15    1141    999   999
Maxtor            MXTR2085        74      7     1224    1224  1224
Maxtor            MXTR2140        120     11    1224    1224  1224
Maxtor            MXTR2190        160     15    1224    1224  1224
Maxtor            MXTR4380E       318     15    1224    -     -
Maxtor            MXTR4380S       338     15    1224    -     -
MicroScience      MCSI612         10      4     306     999   128
MicroScience      MCSI725         21      4     615     999   300
MicroScience      MCSIHH1050      44      5     1024    -     -
MicroScience      MCSIHH1060      70      5     1024    -     -
MicroScience      MCSIHH825       21      4     612     -     -
Microc. Mem       MMI106          5       2     306     -     -
Microc. Mem       MMI112          10      4     306     -     -
Microc. Mem       MMI125          21      8     306     -     -
Micropolis        MICRP1302       22      3     830     999   400
Micropolis        MICRP1303       36      5     830     999   400
Micropolis        MICRP1304       43      6     830     999   400
Micropolis        MICRP1323       35      4     1024    1024  1024
Micropolis        MICRP1323A      44      5     1024    1024  1024
Micropolis        MICRP1324       53      6     1024    1024  1024
Micropolis        MICRP1324A      62      7     1024    1024  1024
Micropolis        MICRP1325       71      8     1024    1024  400
Micropolis        MICRP1333A      44      5     1024    -     -
Micropolis        MICRP1334       53      6     1024    -     -
Micropolis        MICRP1335       71      8     1024    -     -
Micropolis        MICRP1353       79      4     1024    -     -
Micropolis        MICRP1353A      99      5     1024    -     -
Micropolis        MICRP1354       119     6     1024    -     -
Micropolis        MICRP1355       159     8     1024    -     -
Micropolis        MICRP1354A      139     7     1024    -     -
Micropolis        MICRP1373       77      4     1024    -     -
Micropolis        MICRP1373A      96      5     1024    -     -
Micropolis        MICRP1374       115     6     1024    -     -
Micropolis        MICRP1374A      134     7     1024    -     -
Micropolis        MICRP1375       154     8     1024    -     -
MiniScribe        MINI2012        10      4     306     128   128
MiniScribe        MINI3006        5       2     306     999   128
MiniScribe        MINI3012        10      2     612     256   256
MiniScribe        MINI3053        45      5     1024    -     -
MiniScribe        MINI3212        10      2     612     256   256
MiniScribe        MINI3412        10      4     306     128   128
MiniScribe        MINI3425        21      4     615     256   256
MiniScribe        MINI3650        43      6     809     -     -
MiniScribe        MINI4020        15      4     480     128   128
MiniScribe        MINI6032        27      3     1024    1024  500
MiniScribe        MINI6053        44      5     1024    1024  500
MiniScribe        MINI6074        62      7     1024    1024  500
MiniScribe        MINI6085        71      8     1024    1024  500
MiniScribe        MINI8212        10      2     615     999   300
MiniScribe        MINI8425        21      4     615     999   300
NEC               NEC5126         21      4     615     615   128
NEC               NEC5146         44      8     615     615   128
Quantum           Q520            18      4     512     256   256
Quantum           Q530            27      6     512     256   256
Quantum           Q540            36      8     512     256   256
Rodime            RO201           6       2     320     132   0
Rodime            RO201E          11      2     640     132   0
Rodime            RO202           11      4     320     132   0
Rodime            RO202E          22      4     640     132   0
Rodime            RO203           16      6     320     132   0
Rodime            RO203E          33      6     640     132   0
Rodime            RO204           22      8     320     132   0
Rodime            RO204E          44      8     640     132   0
Rodime            RO252           10      4     306     80    80
Rodime            RO351           5       2     306     80    80
Rodime            RO352           10      4     306     80    80
Seagate           ST125           21      4     615     -     -
Seagate           ST125N          21      4     407     -     -
Seagate           ST138           32      6     615     -     -
Seagate           ST138N          32      4     615     -     -
Seagate           ST138R          32      4     615     -     -
Seagate           ST157N          48      6     615     -     -
Seagate           ST157R          49      6     615     -     -
Seagate           ST212           10      4     306     128   128
Seagate           ST213           10      2     615     615   300
Seagate           ST225           21      4     615     999   300
Seagate           ST225N          21      4     615     -     -
Seagate           ST238           32      4     615     -     -
Seagate           ST251           44      6     820     -     -
Seagate           ST251-1         43      4     818     -     -
Seagate           ST251N          43      6     820     -     -
Seagate           ST277N          65      6     818     -     -
Seagate           ST277R          65      6     820     -     -
Seagate           ST296N          85      6     818     -     -
Seagate           ST4026          21      4     615     999   400
Seagate           ST4038          32      5     733     999   400
Seagate           ST4051          43      5     978     999   400
Seagate           ST4053          44      5     1024    -     -
Seagate           ST406           5       2     306     128   128
Seagate           ST4096          85      9     1024    -     -
Seagate           ST412           10      4     306     128   128
Seagate           ST4144R         122     9     1024    -     -
Seagate           ST419           15      6     306     128   128
Seagate           ST4192E         169     8     1147    -     -
Seagate           ST4192N         168     8     1147    -     -
Seagate           ST425           21      8     306     128   128
Seagate           ST506           5       4     153     128   128
Shugart           SA612           10      4     310     128   128
Shugart           SA712           11      4     320     128   128
Tandon            TM2085          71      8     1024    -     -
Tandon            TM2128          119     8     1024    -     -
Tandon            TM252           10      4     306     128   128
Tandon            TM262           21      4     615     999   300
Tandon            TM270           159     8     1024    -     -
Tandon            TM3085          71      8     1024    -     -
Tandon            TM362           21      4     615     999   300
Tandon            TM362R          20      2     780     -     -
Tandon            TM364           41      4     782     -     -
Tandon            TM501           5       2     306     128   128
Tandon            TM502           10      4     306     128   128
Tandon            TM503           15      6     306     128   128
Tandon            TM702AT         -       4     615     615   615
Tandon            TM703           30      5     695     999   256
Tandon            TM703AT         30      5     733     733   733
Tulin             TL226           22      4     640     999   300
Tulin             TL240           33      6     640     999   300
Vertex/Priam      V130            25      3     897     999   400
Vertex/Priam      V150            42      5     987     999   400
Vertex/Priam      V170            60      7     987     999   400
Vertex/Priam      V185            71      7     1166    1166  400

9  TROUBLESHOOTING HINTS
9.1  INTRODUCTION
This chapter is designed to aid you in the analysis, troubleshooting
and repair of failures in PC, XT, AT, or compatible motherboards.
The PC Probe diagnostics assume you are testing a standard IBM
computer.

This chapter is intended only for qualified computer technicians and
engineers.  If you are a typical business user of PC Probe, we urge
you not to attempt any system repair because to do so could void
your warranty and cost you heavily in terms of wasted time and
accidental damage to your system.  Please refer all such activities
to your dealer or repair center.

9.2  BIOS ERRORS DURING BOOT
The ROM BIOS built onto the motherboard of the computer runs its
built-in POST (Power On Self Test) when you turn on the computer.
Most BIOSes will beep to alert you that it is running properly or
not, and usually displays error messages.  The following table gives
typical meanings of the beeps.  However, you should check with your
BIOS documentation to be sure.

          TABLE 6.  BIOS ERRORS DETECTED DURING BOOT

  BEEPER        MEANING

  One beep      POST is okay and no error was detected.
          POST detected a configuration error, or a change
  Two beeps     since the last time you ran Setup.  Configuration
          information is kept inside a memory circuit (CMOS
          RAM) on the motherboard.  If the battery power to
          that circuit is lost, so is the configuration in-
          formation.  You must run Setup again.
  One long and  Faulty video configuration error (no video card
  two short     or a faulty card installed), or a faulty ROM on a
  beeps         peripheral controller card (address range C0000
          through FFFF).
  One long and  A faulty peripheral controller card such as VGA.
  a series of   Usually, the display will show a message describ-
  short beeps   ing the problem.  Check the setup of peripheral
          controllers.

9.2.1  BIOS Manufacturers
Your BIOS might behave strangely and not give the indicated error
alerts.  The following table lists commercial manufacturers of IBM-
compatible BIOSes.  If your computer manufacturer cannot supply
sufficient BIOS information, contact the BIOS manufacturer directly.

              TABLE 7.  BIOS MANUFACTURERS

  COMPANY     PHONE              COMPANY     PHONE
  Landmark    (813) 443-1331     Award       (408) 370-7979
  AMI         (404) 263-8181     Phoenix     (617) 551-4000
  Quadtel     (714) 754-4422

9.3  DIAGNOSTIC TEST ERRORS
Each PC Probe diagnostic test will either pass, or display an error
code to identify the fact that the test failed and the nature of the
failure.  The following table shows test failure codes; the manual
lists probable causes and likely remedial action.  You may use PC
Probe to test system components in any order.  However, the tests
are given here in their order of importance to the proper operation
of the motherboard and the entire computer.

In general, motherboard tests take less than a minute, the major
exception being the galrow memory tests which are exhaustive and
time consuming.  If any test appears halted or frozen, the system
board data/address bus may be intermittent.

The table refers to components you should replace.  These are stan-
dard XT or AT circuit parts.  The PC Probe User's Manual contains a
cross reference between the components and modern VLSI motherboard
chip sets, as well as a block diagram of the XT and AT to help
orient you as to the uses of the major components.


      TABLE 8.  DIAGNOSTIC TEST ERROR CODES AND MEANINGS

     CODE         NATURE OF ERROR
               CPU TESTS
     01h          CPU register test failed.
     02h          CPU Protected mode x286 failed.
     03h          CPU Protected mode x386 failed.
     04h          CPU Protected mode x486 failed.
               NUMERIC CO-PROCESSOR
     01h          Numeric Co-processor test failed.
               RAM TESTS
     01h          Ram Data Compare Error.
     02h          Ram Even Parity Error
     03h          Ram Odd Parity Error
     04h          Address Conflict Error
               8253 (XT) OR 8254 (AT) TIMER
     01h          8253/4 Timer Controller Failed.
     02h          8253/4 Channel 1(0) Failure.
     03h          8253/4 Channel 2(1) Failure.
     04h          8253/4 Channel 3(2) Failure.
               SPEAKER
     01h          Speaker Circuit Error.
               8237A DMA CONTROLLER
     01h          8237A Controller Failed.
     02h          Page register failed.
               8259A PROGRAMMABLE INTERRUPT CONTROLLER
     01h          Interrupt mask register incorrect.
     02h          Unexpected ISR bit set.
     03h          Can't clear ISR bit.
     04h          Unknown fatal failure.
     05h          No interrupt occurred.
     06h          Can't disable parity circuit.
     07h          NMI not received.
     08h          Unexpected NMI received
     09h          Interrupt pending bit not cleared.
     0Ah          Wrong interrupt source set.
     0Bh          Wrong priority level set.
     0Ch          Interrupt pending bit not set after reset.
     0Dh          Can't disable IRQ w/ par/serial port data.
            Can't disable IRQ with par/serial port comm.
               KEYBOARD
     01h          Keyboard Communications Error
     02h          Keyboard Error
               PRINTER PORT
     01h          Data compare error, LPT1, Comm Port
     02h          Data compare error, LPT1, Status Port
     03h          Data compare error, LPT1, Control Port
     04h          Data compare error, LPT1, Data Port
     05h          Wrong Interrupt, LPT1
               SERIAL PORT
     01h          Framing Error
     02h          Overrun Error
     03h          Parity Error
     04h          Data Error
     05h          TX timeout Error
     06h          RX timeout Error
     07h          Wrong Interrupt
               VIDEO TESTS - check base registers at 3xh.
               0xh are mono (3B0h); 1xh are color (3D0h);
               EGA is also tested at 3C0h
     01h          6845 Registers Failed
     02h          On board Latches/Registers failed
     03h          Video Memory Error
     04h          Extended Registers (EGA/VGA) failed
               FLOPPY DRIVE
     01h          Read Failure
     02h          Write Failure
     03h          Format Failure
     04h          Seek Failure
     05h          FDC Setup Failure
     06h          Not 2 Sided Diskette
     07h          Write Protected diskette
     08h          Busy not being set in MSR
     09h          RQM not being set in MSR
     0Ah          Failed floppy disk restore
     0Bh          Data I/O is 1, no output to FDC
     0Ch          Data I/O is 0, no input to FDC
     0Dh          Timeout on FDC interrupt
               HARD DRIVE
     01h          Read Failure
     02h          Write Failure
     03h          Format failure
     04h          Compare Failure
     05h          Drive(s) not present
     06h          Not 17 sector (DOS) Drive.
     07h          Request for information not successful
     08h          Interleave Error
               CMOS REAL TIME CLOCK
     01h          System not initialized,  Checksum error
     02h          RTC RAM R/W Failure
     03h          RTC Error/Failure

10  ACCESSORIES


10.1  INTRODUCTION
This chapter describes the various options and accessories (such as
loopback plugs) that you can receive with PC Probe.  It is possible
that your version of PC Probe will not contain all those items
described here.  However, they are still available from Landmark or
your Landmark dealer as separately purchased items.  If you have
doubts or questions about them, contact Landmark directly.

10.2  LOOPBACK PLUGS
Serial and parallel port loopback plugs are connectors with internal
wiring that connects output pins to input pins, thereby "looping"
the outputs back to the inputs.  When connected to a serial port,
for example, any data sent out is received back in, thus verifying
the integrity of the computer's data path, signal driver circuitry,
and connectors.

Loopback plugs won't work properly if protection devices are in-
stalled on parallel port or serial ports.

The following table shows which loopback plug pins are interconnect-
ed.  They are provided for your reference only.  If you are not a
technician, or you do not have the tools or parts required to create
and test the plugs, we recommend you use loopback plugs only from
Landmark, where quality is guaranteed.  Call Landmark if you need to
order loopback plugs.

The Ethernet loopback plug is actually a standard 50-Ohm Ethernet
terminator, consisting of a BNC connector with a molded resistive
terminator end on it instead of the coaxial cable.  Because they are
so simple, no wiring table or diagram is needed to describe them.
If you have an Ethernet card installed in your computer, the network
supervisor in your organization most likely has terminators avail-
able for you to use with the Ethernet tests.

           TABLE 9.  LOOPBACK PLUG INTERCONNECTIONS

  25-PIN FEMALE SERIAL   PIN       PIN     SIGNAL NAME
  Transmit Data          2        3        Receive Data
  Request to Send        4        5        Clear to Send
  Data Set Ready         6        8        Carrier Detect
  Data Set Ready         6        20       Data Terminal Ready
  Carrier Detect         8        22       Ring Indicator

  9-PIN FEMALE SERIAL    PIN       PIN     SIGNAL NAME
  Transmit Data          3        2        Receive Data
  Request to Send        7        8        Clear to Send
  Data Set Ready         6        1        Carrier Detect
  Data Set Ready         6        4        Data Terminal Ready
  Carrier Detect         1        9        Ring Indicator

