Copyright: WINCheckIt 4.0


Contents
Click on the graphic or choose from the index to see sections of the library.

   - Index -

Drive Information:

Partitioning a hard drive

Performing a low-level format on a hard drive

Installation Information:

Installing a card

Installing a clock

Installing a co-processor

Installing a floppy  drive

Installing a hard drive

IRQs and configurations for common devices

Power supply capacity testing

Memory Information:

Memory conserving tips

Protected mode

Shadowing

Miscellaneous:

Audible beep error indicators

Common floppy disk parameters

Dip switch settings - PC/XT only

Hexadecimal numbers

Intel microprocessor types

Layers of DOS as PCs boot

Manufacturer's BBS Numbers

Loopback plugs

Standard DMA channel assignments

System error codes

Video mode details

Video mode types


Partitioning a hard drive

•	Boot up your machine from a floppy disk drive with a copy of DOS and type:

                                                           DIR C: [ENTER]

•	 If you see the following error message, insert a disk that contains the  DOS command  FDISK into drive A:

                                                 Invalid drive specifications

Type FDISK [Enter], and view the following screen (assuming you are using  MS DOS 6.0):

MS-DOS Version 6.00

Fixed Disk Setup Program

(C) Copyright Microsoft Corp. 1993

   FDISK Options

   Current fixed disk drive: 1

   Choose one of the following:

   1.  Create DOS partitions or Logical DOS Drive

   2.  Set active partition

   3.  Delete partition or Logical DOS Drive

   4.  Display partition information

   Enter Choice: [1]

   Press ESC to exit FDISK

•	If you choose 1, and the disk has not been prepared, the following screen will come up:

   Create DOS Partition

    Current Fixed Drive: 1

   1.  Create Primary DOS partition

   2.  Create Extended DOS partition

   3.  Create logical DOS drive(s) in the Extended DOS partition

   Enter choice:  [1]

   Press ESC to return to FDISK Options


Performing a low-level format
Performing a low-level format on a hard drive

If you have just installed a new hard drive, check to see if it was low level formatted at the factory.  To check this, type FDISK at the DOS command line.  If your PC rejects this command then you must do a low level format.

The low level format can also be done on a drive that has been in use, but has data related problems, or viruses.  Be careful though, most low level format programs will create a loss of all data stored on a disk.

If your hard drive needs to be low level formatted, you can use a product such as CheckIt PRO: Tests & Tools, which includes a universal low-level formatter.

BE SURE THAT THERE IS NO DATA ON A DRIVE THAT YOU ARE RUNNING THE LOW LEVEL FORMAT ON.  LOW LEVEL FORMAT PROGRAMS ARE DATA DESTRUCTIVE.  ALL DATA WILL BE LOST.

See also:

Partitioning a hard drive


Installing a card

The steps below describe the installation of a new card, such as an internal modem or video adapter.

•	Turn your PC and Monitor off.

•

•	Disconnect the power cord from the back of the PC.

•

•	Unscrew the (usually) 5 screws on the back of the PC and remove the cover.

•

•	Locate an empty slot on the motherboard.  Remove the bracket covering the slot.  You will use the screw to fasten the new card.

•

•	Refer to any documentation that came with the card for jumper or dip switch settings that need to be set before installation.

•

•	Use the Setup Advisor in WINCheckIt to see which settings (such as IRQ and I/O address) can be used for your machine.  See Chapter 7 of your manual for more on the Setup Advisor.

•

•	After setting the appropriate configuration for the card, you are ready to install the card.  Push the board into the open expansion slot.  Make sure the board is seated correctly by pressing down on both ends.  The board should sit level in the expansion slot.

•

•	In machines where you have both 8 and 16-bit expansion slots, you can add an 8-bit card to either slot.  16-bit cards can only be added to 16-bit slots.  Microchannel and EISA bus machines have 32-bit slots, and their configuration is software driven, as opposed to dip switches or jumpers.

•

•	Replace the screw you took from the bracket to secure the card.

•

•	Carefully replace the cover on the machine, and replace the mounting screws.  Finally, re-connect the power cord.

•

•	If the card is not functional after installation, run WINCheckIt again, and verify that the IRQ and I/O settings are correct.


Installing a clock
Installing a clock in a PC or XT

If you own a PC or an XT, you may not have a clock.  You will see this when you boot up and your machine asks you for the time and date.  WINCheckIt will verify whether your system has a clock in the SysInfo area under the Config menu.  There are two different procedures available to add a clock to your machine:

•	Add a multifunction board to your machine.  These boards will not only have a clock, but also another device such as a parallel port or extended  memory.

-or-

•	Add a "no-slot" clock.  These can be installed to 28-pin ROM sockets.  Most motherboards have an empty ROM socket adjacent to the BIOS chip.  If there isn't an available socket, you can remove the BIOS chip, plug in the clock chip, and then plug the BIOS chip into the built-in socket of the clock.

See also:

Installing a card


Installing a co-processor

If you are using applications that do a great deal of math calculation such as spreadsheets, then you might find the addition of a co-processor helpful.  Co-processors can make the operation of math calculation between 5 and 100 times faster.

Following are the basic steps to take when installing a Co-processor on your machine:

•	Turn off your PC and Monitor.

•

•	Remove the power supply cord from the back of the PC.

•

•	Locate the socket for the Co-processor.  It will most likely be next to the CPU.   A 387 Co-processor for  80386 machines is square, with 128 pins.  Co-processors for 8088, and 80286 machines are rectangular, and have 40 pins.

•

•	Insert the Co-processor in the socket.  There will be an indent in the end of the 8087 and 80287 chips.  Match this mark with the one on the motherboard.  The 80387 chip is square, and will fit only one way into the socket.

•

•	Put the cover back on the machine and replace the screws.  You can run WINCheckIt to ensure that your PC is finding the Co-processor and that it is functional.


Installing a floppy drive

The steps below describe the installation of a new floppy drive to your system.

•	Turn off your PC and monitor.

•

•	Remove the power supply cord from the back of the PC.

•

•	Prepare the machine for the new floppy by removing the drive port cover.  If you have a 3 1/2 inch drive, there will most likely be an expansion bracket included with the drive to mount the drive.

•

•	Refer to the documentation that came with the drive for any jumper settings that need to be assigned for the drive.  You can use WINCheckIt to determine what IRQs are available.  See Chapter 5 of your manual for information.

•

•	Connect the power and data cables. Check to see if pin 1 is connected to the marked end of the ribbon cable. The power cable should have guides so that it only will go in one way.

•

•	Mount the drive to the chassis.

•

•	Replace the cover and screws.  You can use WINCheckIt to ensure the floppy drive has been installed correctly and that it is functional.


Installing a hard drive

Below are the steps to follow when installing a hard drive to your system:

•	Turn off your PC and Monitor.

•

•	Remove the power cord from the back of the PC.

•

•	Remove the (usually) 5 screws from the back of the PC and slide off the cover.

•

•	Check the instructions that were shipped with the hard drive and set any jumpers necessary.

•

•	Mount the drive into the drive bay in the PCs case.

•

•	Next, check the controller board instructions for any switches or jumpers that may need to be set.

•

•	Insert the controller board into an empty slot on the motherboard.  It is best to choose a slot near the drive itself, so that the cables are not draped over several cards.

•

•	Attach the cables to the drives.  There will be two flat ribbon cables, one with 34 wires, and one with 20.  One end of the cable will have a different colored wire for pin one.  It is possible to connect the ribbon in backwards.  To avoid this, look at the disk drive connectors for a space or line between pin 2 and 3.  The ribbon side with the different color for pin 1 goes on this side.

•

•	If your controller handles both hard and floppy drives, there will be a 34 wire cable from the floppy drives, and one from the hard disk.  The controller instructions will direct you as to which ribbon cable goes where.  Check the board for an indication of which pin is pin one.  Plug the cable in with the colored end going into pin one.

•

•	Next, plug in the sets of 20 wire cables.  The row closest to the hard disk 34 wire cable is for hard disk one.  When installing a second drive, the 20 wire cable will plug into the second set of pins.

•

•	Attach the power cables from the hard drive to the PC's power supply.  The cables can only be plugged in one way.

•

•	You are now ready to replace the cover and screws to the PC's case.

•

•	If you are running a 80286, 386, or 486, you will need to edit your CMOS table regarding the type of your new hard drive.  When you boot up the machine, you will see a key combination to enter the CMOS table edit area.  The instructions that came with the drive will tell you which hard drive type to enter.

You can use WINCheckIt to save the CMOS table, and to ensure that the drive is set up properly.

See also:

Performing a low-level format


Common IRQ assignments
IRQs and configuration for common devices

Below you will find a chart of common devices and IRQ, I/O and memory assignments.  Keep in mind that these are possible assignments only.  You should run the Setup Advisor in WINCheckIt to verify that these assignments are available on your machine before using them.

DEVICE	COMMON IRQ	I/O DECODE	MEM DECODE

COM1	4	3F8-3FF	---

COM2	3	2F8-2FF	---

LPT1	7	378-37F	---

LPT2	5	278-27F	---

XT DISK CNTRLR	5	320-32F	C8000-CBFFF

AT DISK CNTRLR	14	1F0-1F8	---

VGA	2/9	3C0h-35Ah color	A000-BFFF0

VGA	3	C0h-3BAh mono	C000-C7FFF

EGA	2	3C0-3CF	A0000-AFFFF

MONO	*	3B0-3BF	B0000-B3FFF

CGA	*	3D0-3DF	B8000-BBFFF

HGA	*	3B4-3BF	B0000-B7FFF

AST CLOCK	*	2C0-2C7	---

* NO SPECIFIC IRQ SUGGESTED


Power Supply Capacity Testing

To avoid exceeding your PC's power-supply capacity, use the following formula to test its usage:

Wattage = Volts x Current

The Volts and Current information can be found on the power supply case.  Below are the typical wattage ranges for popular components:

Component	Watts

Basic Motherboard	15-25

Expansion or Memory board	10

1 MB of RAM	3-5

Disk Controller board.	3

SCSI Controller board	10-15

Parallel/Serial board	3

Mono or Color video card	6

5.25 inch floppy	5-10

3.5 inch floppy	5

CD ROM Drive	5-20

Sound Card	5

Internal Modem	5


Memory conserving tips

Listed below are several steps you can take to conserve memory on your PC:

•	Use a low version of DOS, such as 3.3.

•	When using DOS V.5.0, load DOS=HIGH,UMB in your CONFIG.SYS file, and then load some TSR programs in upper memory blocks.

•	When editing the CONFIG.SYS file, use entries that minimize the amount of RAM used by DOS.  In many cases where networks are used, commands such as BUFFERS=, LASTDRIVE= and DEVICE=ANSI.SYS can be avoided or removed.

•	Use of memory managers that utilize normally empty RAM areas that exist between the addresses of 640K to 960K.  This area is often referred to as HIGH RAM.  TSR programs, such as E-Mail, pop-up calculators, and NetWare IPX and NETX fit into this HIGH RAM area.


Protected mode

If your PC has an 80286, 80386, or 80486 processor, WINCheckIt will test your processor's ability to function in protected mode.  Under DOS, your CPU is operating under 8086 emulation.  This mode is called "Real Mode."  When your PC is accessing DOS extended memory or running OS/2 or Xenix, your CPU is running under its native mode called "Protected Mode."  So a failure at this stage of the test only indicates a problem under this mode of operation; your PC may work fine under normal DOS operation.  Ultimately, it could mean that your PC will not function correctly if you add extended memory or when you run an advanced operating system like OS/2 or Xenix.

The memory test sends an 80286 or 80386 processor into protected mode and back into real mode.  In protected mode, the processor can access memory above the 1MB address range.  While the processor is in protected mode, interrupts are ignored.


Shadowing

Because ROM (Read Only Memory) is much slower than RAM (Random Access Memory), a way of copying the essential ROM contents to RAM at startup has been devised.  This copying from ROM to RAM, called shadowing, can double the speed of actions usually taken by ROM.

One negative side to shadowing is that it takes away extended memory space.  Some BIOS manufacturers automatically subtract the amount of available extended memory used by shadowing.

To enable shadowing of ROM, run the setup program offered during your system's boot-up.  This can be done by pressing the key-combination recommended during boot-up.


Beep error codes
Audible beep error indicators

IBM BIOS

Indicator	Message

One Short Beep	Normal POST system OK

Two Short Beeps	POST error, see screen for error code

No Beeps	Power, Power Supply Loose Card or Short

Continuous Beep	Power, Power Supply Loose Card or Short

Repeating Short Beep	Power, Power Supply Loose Card or Short

One Long and One	System Board

Short Beep

One Long and Two	Video (Mono/CGA Display Circuitry)

Short Beeps

One Long and Three	Video (EGA) Display Circuitry

Short Beeps

Three Long Beeps	Keyboard Card Error

One Beep, Blank or	Video Display Circuitry

Incorrect Display

AMI BIOS

Indicator	Message

One Short Beep	DRAM Refresh Failure

Two Short Beeps	Parity Circuit Failure

Three Short Beeps	Base 64k RAM Failure

Four Short Beeps	System Timer Failure

Five Short Beeps	Processor Failure

Six Short Beeps	Keyboard Controller Error

Seven Short Beeps	Virtual Mode Exception Error

Eight Short Beeps	Display Memory Failure

Nine Short Beeps	ROM BIOS Checksum Failure

One Long and Three	Base/Extended Memory Failure

Short Beeps

One Long and Eight	Display/Retrace Test Failure

Short Beeps

Award BIOS

Indicator	Message

One Long and Two	Video Error

Short Beeps

Two Short Beeps	Any Non-Fatal Error

One Short Beep	No Error During POST

Award BIOS 286, 386, and 486

Indicator	Message

One Long and Three	Keyboard Controller Error

Short Beeps

Phoenix BIOS

Indicator	Message

One, One & Three Beeps	CMOS Read/Write Failure

One, One & Four Beeps	ROM BIOS Checksum Failure

One, Two & One Beep	Programmable Interval Timer Failure

One, Two & Two Beeps	DMA Initialization Failure

One, Two & Three Beeps	DMA Page Register Read/Write Failure

One, Three & One Beep	RAM Refresh Verification Error

One, Three & Three Beeps	First 64K RAM Chip/Data Line Failure

One, Four & Two Beeps	Parity Failure First 64K RAM

One, Four & Three Beeps	Fail-Safe Timer Feature (EISA Only)

One, Four & Four Beeps	Software NMI Port Failure (EISA Only)

Two, One & One through	First 64K RAM Chip/Data Line Failure

Two, One & Four;

Two, Two & One through

Two, Two & Four;

Two, Three & One through

Two, Three & Four;

Two, Four & One through

Two, Four & Four

Three, One & One Beep	Slave DMA Register Test Failure

Three, One & Two Beeps	Master DMA Register Test Failure

Three, One & Three Beeps	Master Interrupt Mask Register Failure

Three, One & Four Beeps	Slave Interrupt Mask Register Failure

Three, Two & Four Beeps	Keyboard Controller Failure

Three, Three & Four Beeps	Screen Memory Failure

Three, Four & Two Beeps	Screen Retrace Failure

Four, Two & One Beep	Timer Tick Failure

Four, Two & Two Beeps	Shutdown Failure

Four, Two & Three Beeps	Gate A20 Failure

Four, Two & Four Beeps	Unexpected Interrupt in Protected Mode

Four, Three & One Beep	RAM Test of Memory Above 64 Failed

Four, Three & Two Beeps	Programmable Interval Timer, Channel 2  Test Failure

Four, Three & Four Beeps	Realtime Clock Test Failure

Four, Four & One Beep	Serial Port Test Failure

Four, Four & Two Beeps	Parallel Port Test Failure

Four, Four & Three Beeps	Math Co-processor Test Failure

   Note:   The Phoenix BIOS beep codes are in a different format.

They are three groups of beep counts.

See also:

System error codes


Floppy disk parameters
Common floppy disk parameters

Listed below are the common parameters for floppy drives:

DRIVE	360K	1.2Mb	720K	1.44Mb

Tracks/Side	0-39	0-79	0-79	0-79

Sectors/Track	9	15	 9	18

Track 0 Length	15 in.	15 in.	10 in.	10 in.

Sector Length	1.66 in. 	1 in. 	 1 in.	.55 in.

Inner Track Length	9.9 in.	9.9 in.	6.5 in.	6.5 in.

Sector Length	1.1 in.	.66 in.	.73 in.	.37 in.

Oerstedse	300	600	600	700

Pack Density BPI	6000	9869	8717	16000


Dip Switch settings
Dip Switch Settings - PC/XT Only

Unlike AT and above models that have CMOS, PC and XT machines have DIP switches.  The picture below shows standard switch settings for these machines.


Hexadecimal numbers

Hexadecimal numbers use a base of sixteen, unlike the decimal system base of ten.  The number system is as follows:

0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, A, B, C, D, E, and F

When counting in the Hexadecimal system, you will not "carry over" to the next place until you pass the F.  Hexadecimal numbers are used as a simple way to express binary numbers (0s and 1s).  Replacing binary with hexadecimal numbers is convenient because binary numbers use a base of two, and grow in length very quickly.

With each four-digit set of binary numbers, there are sixteen combinations possible of 0s and 1s.  Therefore, Hexadecimal numbers can be used to provide a clean way to represent four-digit clumps of binary numbers.

Binary	Hex	Decimal	Binary	Hex	Decimal

0000	0	0	1000	8	8

0001	1	1	1001	9	9

0010	2	2	1010	A	10

0011	3	3	1011	B	11

0100	4	4	1100	C	12

0101	5	5	1101	D	13

0110	6	6	1110	E	14

0111	7	7	1111	F	15


Intel microprocessor types

INTEL 8086

The 8086 microprocessor was introduced in 1978, and has a 16-bit data bus structure.  The 8086 was found to be faster than the 8088 in communication speed with the other computer components, but lost out in popularity to the 8088 due to the high cost of 16-bit support chips and peripherals.

INTEL 8088

Also introduced in 1978, the 8088 microprocessor has an 8-bit external data bus and an 16-bit internal data bus.  The original 8088 operated at 4.77 MHz, and has since been expanded to up to 10 MHz.  The 10 MHz speed in "XTs" use chips known as turbo chips.

INTEL 80286

The 80286 microprocessor was introduced in 1984, and included a 16-bit data structure and the ability to address up to 16 MB of RAM.  The 80286 machines run in two distinct modes.  Under" Real Mode", the 80286 runs DOS programs at an 8086 pace, and only uses 1MB of RAM.  In "Protected Mode", the 80286 uses up to 16MB of RAM.

INTEL 80386

The 80386 microprocessor was introduced in 1986, and included a 32-bit data bus structure and the ability to address up to 4GB of memory.  The 80386 allows memory to be broken up into blocks, allowing applications to be run simultaneously.

INTEL 80386SX

The 80386SX microprocessor was introduced in 1988, and shared the same electronic characteristics as the 80386, except that the SX included a 16-bit data structure.  It therefore could use the add-on chips designed for the 80286, which are much less expensive.

INTEL 80486

The 80486 microprocessor was introduced in 1989, and included a 32-bit data bus structure, and the ability to address up to  64GB of memory.

INTEL Pentium

The Pentium processor is on the leading edge of technology, with a 64-bit data bus structure.


Layers of DOS as PC boot
Layers of DOS as PC boots

•	ROM Bootstrap program/ROM BIOS

•	Network cards, Video, and Expanded memory

•	Transient portion of COMMAND.COM

•	Transient programs and applications

•	Networks Shell and TSRs

•	Resident portion of COMMAND.COM

•	File Control Blocks

•	Disk buffers/cache

•	DOS Kernel

•	BIOS

•	DOS and System parameters

•	Interrupt vector table


Loopback plugs

When testing ports from DOS, the CheckIt PRO test applets can use three loopback plugs.  The parallel loopback plug can also be used when collecting IRQ data for more accurate results.  You can use the diagrams below to build your own plugs, or order them directly from TouchStone Software.

DB-9  Female

DB-25 Female

Parallel Male


Standard DMA channels
Standard DMA channel assignments

Listed below are standard DMA channels for PC compatibles.  Note that there are more DMA channels for AT and better machines than for PCs and XTs.

PC and XT compatible machines:

DMA0	Used by system (not available on bus)

DMA1	*

DMA2	Floppy disk controller

DMA3	Hard disk controller

AT compatible machines:

DMA0	Used by system  (16 bit)

DMA1	*  ( 8 bit)

DMA2	Floppy disk controller   ( 8 bit)

DMA3	*  ( 8 bit)

DMA4	[CASCADE] - Slave DMA controller input into master

DMA5	*  (16 bit)

DMA6	*  (16 bit)

DMA7	*  (16 bit)

 * = No standard DMA assignment; you can assign these DMA channels to devices not listed that can be configured for DMA.


System error codes

Listed below are standard system error codes which are reported during boot-up when there is a problem:

Codes	Problem Area

02x	Power Supply Problem

100	Option configuration wrong

101	System Board Interrupt Circuitry

102	System Board Timer Circuitry

103	System Board Timer Interrupt

104	System Board Protected Mode

105	System Board last 8042 command

106	System Board Converting Logic Test

107	System Board NMI Test

108	System Board System Timer Bus Test

109	DMA Test Error

121	Unexpected Hardware Interrupt

131	Cassette Port Error

161	System Option Failure(Low Battery?) Run Setup

162	System Options Incorrect Run Setup

163	Time and Date Not Set Run Setup

164	Memory Size Setting Incorrect

991	Run Setup

199 100	Software Option Config Error  Check Switches

2xx	RAM Memory Error

201	Memory Test Failure

xxxx=201	Memory Failure

1055=201	DIP Switches Incorrect

2055=201	DIP Switches Incorrect

xxxx=201	Parity Check X RAM Chip Malfunction

202	Memory Address Error

203	Memory Address Error

301	Keyboard Errors

3xx	Keyboard Malfunction (Check Cable/Keyboard;  no response to reset)

xx301	Keyboard Circuitry  (stuck Key)

49 301	Key 73 Bad (49H=73 decimal)

302	User Indicated error From Keyboard Test , or AT keyboard is Locked

303	Keyboard or System Unit Failure

304	Keyboard or System Unit Error; CMOS RAM Configuration doesn't match

4xx	Monochrome Adapter Card Error

401	Monochrome Memory, Horizontal Sync Frequency, or Video Test Failed

408	User Indicated Display Attribute Failure

416	User Indicated Character Set Failure

424	User Indicated 80 by 25 Failure

432	Parallel Port Test Failure (Monochrome Adapter Card)

5xx	Color Graphics Card Adapter Failure

501	Color Memory Test, Horizontal Sync Frequency, or Video Test failure

508	User Indicated Display Attribute Failure

516	User Indicated Character set Failure

524	80 by 25 Mode Failure

532	40 by 25 Mode Failure

540	320 by 200 Graphics Mode Failure

548	640 by 200 Graphics Mode Failure

6xx	Diskette Drives Failure

601	Diskette Power on Diagnostics Test Failure (Interface Malfunction)

602	Diskette Test Failure

606	Disk Verify Function Failure

607	Diskette is Write Protected, Disk not Inserted Properly, or Controller Fail

608	Diskette Bad

610	Diskette Initialization Failure

611	Diskette Controller, Drive, or Data Cable (Timeout Failure)

612	Diskette Controller or Data Cable

613	Diskette Controller or Data Cable (DMA Failure Indicated)

621	Drive Assembly Seek Failure

622	Drive Assembly CRC Failure

623	Drive Assembly; Record not Found

624	Drive Assembly; Bad Address Mark

625	Drive Assembly; Bad FDC Seek

626	Drive Assembly; Data Compare Error

7xx	Coprocessor Error

9xx	Parallel Printer Adapter Error

901	Parallel Printer Adapter Error (Could Be The Printer)

10xx	Reserved For Parallel Printer Adapter

11xx	Async. Comm. Port Adapter Error

1101	Async. Comm. Port Adapter Test Fail

12xx	Alternate Async. Comm. Ports Adapter Errors

1201	Alternate Async. Comm. Ports Adapter Test Failure

13xx	Game Control Adapter Controller

1301	Game Control Adapter Controller Test Failure

1302	Joystick Test Failure

14xx	Printer Interface Error

1401	Printer Test Failure

1404	Matrix Printer Failure

15xx	Synchronous Data-Link Control Comm. Adapter

1510	8255 Port B Failure

1511	8255 Port A Failure

1512	8255 Port C Failure

1513	8253 Timer 1 did not Reach Terminal Count

1514	8253 Timer 1 Stuck

1515	8253 Timer 0 did not Reach Terminal Count

1516	8253 Timer 0 Stuck

1517	8253 Timer 2 did not Reach Terminal Count

1518	8253 Timer 2 Stuck

1519	8273 Port B Error

1520	8273 Port A Error

1521	8273 Command/Read Timeout

1522	Interrupt Level 4 Error

1523	Ring Indicate Stuck

1524	Receive Clock Stuck

1525	Transmit Clock Stuck

1526	Test Indicate Stuck

1527	Ring Indicate not on

1528	Receive Clock not on

1529	Transmit Clock not on

1530	Test Indicate not on

1531	Data Set Ready not on

1532	Carrier Detect not on

1533	Clear to Send not on

1534	Data Set Ready Stuck

1536	Clear to Send Stuck

1537	Level 3 Interrupt Failure

1538	Receive Interrupt Results Error

1539	Wrap Data Did not Compare

1540	DMA Channel 1 Error

1541	DMA Channel 1 Error

1542	8273 Error Checking or Status Reporting Failure

1547	Stray Interrupt Level 4

1548	Stray Interrupt Level 3

1549	Interrupt Presentation Sequence Timeout

16xx	Display Emulation Error (327X, 5520, 525X)

17xx	Fixed Disk Drive Errors

1701	Fixed Disk Post Error

1702	Fixed Disk Drive Controller Error

1703	Fixed Disk Drive Error

1704	Fixed Disk or Controller Error

1780	Fixed Disk 0 Error

1781	Fixed Disk 1 Error

1782	Fixed Disk Controller Failure

1790	Fixed Disk 0 Error

1791	Fixed Disk 1 Error

18xx	I/O Expansion Unit or Cable to Expansion Unit Errors

1801	I/O Expansion unit Post Errors

1810	Enable/Disable Failure

1811	Extender Card Wrap Test Failed (Disabled)

1812	High-Order Address Lines Failure (Disabled)

1813	Wait-State Failure(Disabled)

1814	Enable/Disable Could not be Set

1815	Wait-State Failure(Enabled)

1816	Extender Card Wrap Test Failed (Enabled)

1817	High-Order Address Lines Failure (Enabled)

1818	Disable not Functioning

1819	Wait Request Switch not Set Correctly

1820	Receiver Card Wrap Test Failure, Expansion Unit Cable Failure

1821	Receiver High-Order Address Lines Failure

19xx	3270 PC Attachment Card Error

20xx	Binary Synchronous Comm. Adapter Error

2010	8255 Port A Failure

2011	8255 Port B Failure

2012	8255 Port C Failure

2013	8253 Timer 1 did not Reach Terminal Count

2014	8253 Timer 1 stuck on

2016	8253 Timer 2 did not Reach Terminal Count, or Timer 2 Stuck on

2017	Data Set Ready Failed to Come on

2018	8251 Clear to Send not Sensed

2019	8251 Data Set Ready Stuck on

2020	8251 Clear To Send Stuck on

2021	8251 Hardware Reset Failed

2022	8251 Software Reset Failed

2023	8251 Software "Error Reset" Failed

2024	8251 Transmit Ready did not come on

2025	8251 Receive Ready did not come on

2026	8251 Could not Force "overrun" errors Status

2027	Interrupt Failure(no timer Interrupt)

2028	Interrupt Failure(Transmit, Replace Card or Plannar

2029	Interrupt Failure Transmit Replace Card

2030	Interrupt Failure (Receive, Replace Card or Plannar)

2031	Interrupt Failure (Receive Replace Card)

2033	Ring Indicate Stuck on

2034	Receive Clock Stuck on

2035	Transmit Clock Stuck on

2036	Test Indicate Stuck on

2037	Ring Indicate not on

2038	Receive Clock not on

2039	Transmit Clock not on

2040	Test Indicate not on

2041	Data Set Ready not on

2042	Carrier Detect not on

2043	Clear To Send not on

2044	Data Set Ready Stuck on

2045	Carrier Detect Stuck on

2046	Clear To Send Stuck on

2047	Unexpected Transmit Interrupt

2048	Unexpected Receive Interrupt

2049	Transmit Data did not Equal Receive Data

2050	8251 Detected Overrun Error

2051	Lost Data Set Ready During Data Wrap

2052	Receive Timeout During Data Wrap

21xx	Alternate Binary Synchronous Comm. Adapter Error

2110	8255 Port A Failure

2111	8255 Port B Failure

2112	8255 Port C Failure

2113	8253 Timer 1 did not Reach Terminal Count

2114	8253 Timer 1 Stuck On

2115	8253 Timer 2 did not Reach Terminal Count or Timer 2 Stuck on

2116	Data Set Ready Failed to Come On

2117	8251 Clear To Send not Sensed

2118	8251 Data Set Ready Stuck on

2119	8251 Clear To Send Stuck on

2120	8251 Hardware Reset Failed

2121	8251 Software Reset Failed

2122	8251 Software "Error Reset" Failed

2123	8251 Transmit Ready did not come on

2124	8251 Receive Ready did not come on

2125	8251 Could not Force "Overrun" Error Status

2126	Interrupt Failure- No Timer Interrupt

2128	Interrupt Failure- Transmit, Replace Card or plannar

2129	Interrupt Failure- Transmit Replace Card

2130	Interrupt Failure- Receive, Replace Card or Plannar

2131	Interrupt Failure- Receive Replace Card

2133	Ring Indicate Stuck on

2134	Receive Clock Stuck on

2135	Transmit Clock Stuck on

2136	Test Indicate Stuck on

2137	Ring Indicate not on

2138	Receive Clock not on

2139	Transmit Clock not on

2140	Test Indicate not on

2141	Data Set Ready not on

2142	Carrier Detect not on

2143	Clear To Send not on

2144	Data Set Ready Stuck on

2145	Carrier Detect Stuck on

2146	Clear To Send Stuck on

2147	Unexpected Transmit Interrupt

2148	Unexpected Receive Interrupt

2149	Transmit Data did not Equal Receive data

2150	8251 Detected Overrun Error

2151	Lost Data Set Ready during data wrap

2152	Receive Timeout During Data Wrap

22xx	Cluster Adapter Errors

24xx	Enhanced Graphics Adapter Errors

29xx	Color Matrix Printer Errors

30xx	Primary PC Network Adapter Error

3001	CPU Failure

3002	ROM Failure

3003	ID Failure

3004	RAM Failure

3005	HIC Failure

3006	(+,-) 12v Failure

3007	Digital Loopback Failure

3008	Host Detected HIC Failure

3009	Sync Failure And No-Go Bit

3010	HIC Test OK and No-Go Bit

3011	Go Bit and no CMD 41

3012	Card not Present

3013	Digital Failure(Fall Through)

3015	Analog Failure

3041	Hot Carrier(not this Card)

3042	Hot Carrier(This Card)

31xx	Secondary Network Adapter Error

3101	CPU Failure

3102	ROM Failure

3103	ID Failure

3104	RAM Failure

3105	HIC Failure

3106	(+,-) 12v Failure

3107	Digital Loopback Failure

3108	Host Detected HIC Failure

3109	Sync Failure and No-Go Bit

3110	HIC Test OK and No-Go Bit

3111	Go Bit and no CMD 41

3112	Card Not Present

3113	Digital Failure(Fall Through)

3115	Analog Failure

3141	Hot Carrier(Not This Card)

3142	Hot Carrier(This Card)

33xx	Compact Printer Errors

See also:

Audible beep error codes


Video mode details

Listed below are the standard video modes for IBM PC and compatibles:

Mode	Type	Colors	Resolution	Adapter

0	Text	16	40x25 chars (320x200 pixels)	CGA,EGA,VGA, Mono

0	Text	16	40x25 chars (320x350 pixels)	EGA,VGA

0	Text	16	40x25 chars (320x400 pixels)	MCGA

0	Text	16	40x25 chars (360x400 pixels)	VGA

1	Text	16	40x25 chars (320x200 pixels)	CGA,EGA,MCGA,VGA

1	Text	16	40x25 chars (320x350 pixels)	EGA,VGA

1	Text	16	40x25 chars (320x400 pixels)	MCGA

1	Text	16	40x25 chars (360x400 pixels)	VGA

2	Text	16	80x25 chars (640x200 pixels)	CGA,EGA,MCGA,VGA

2	Text	6	80x25 chars (640x350 pixels)	EGA,VGA

2	Text	6	80x25 chars (640x400 pixels)	MCGA

2	Text	6	80x25 chars (720x400 pixels)	VGA

3	Text	6	80x25 chars (640x200 pixels)	CGA,EGA,MCGA,VGA

3	Text	16	80x25 chars (640x350 pixels)	EGA,VGA

3	Text	16	80x25 chars (640x400 pixels)	MCGA

3	Text	16	80x25 chars (720x400 pixels)	VGA

4	Graphics	4	320x200 pixels	CGA,EGA,MCGA,VGA

5	Graphics	4	320x200 pixels	CGA,EGA*

6	Graphics	2	640x200 pixels	CGA,EGA,MCGA,VGA

7	Text	2	80x25 chars (720x350 pixels)	MDA,EGA,VGA

7	Text	2	80x25 chars (720x400 pixels)	VGA

0D   	Graphics	16	320x200 pixels	EGA,VGA

0E   	Graphics	16	640x200 pixels	EGA,VGA

0F   	Graphics	2	640x350 pixels	EGA,VGA

* on EGA, MCGA, and VGA.  CGA MCGA has a different palette. VGA


Video mode types

MDA -- Monochrome Display Adapter

This video card can display only text mode characters and only in one color.  This standard supports only monochrome mode 7 (720x350 pixel resolution).

HGA -- Hercules Graphics Adapter

This is an extension of the MDA standard. It adds monochrome graphics resolution (720x348) capability to a board that fully supports the MDA standard.  Because of its popularity, it has become a de-facto standard for monochrome graphics.

CGA -- Color Graphics Adapter

This video card can display text in any of 16 colors, and graphics in any of 4 colors.  This standard supports video modes 4 and 5 (320x200 4-color graphics) and mode 6 (640x200 2-color graphics).

EGA -- Enhanced Graphics Adapter.

This video card can display text and graphics in any 16 colors from a palette of 64. It  also supports a higher resolution than CGA video cards.  In addition, it has the unique ability to support either MDA, CGA, or EGA monitors.

MCGA -- Multi-Color Graphics Array

This video card is a cross between a CGA and a VGA.  Specifically, it supports all CGA modes and can display graphics in up to 256 simultaneous colors.  This type of adapter is built-in on all IBM PS/2 Model 25 and Model 30 computers, but it has gained little popularity elsewhere in favor of VGA.

VGA -- Video Graphics Array

This video card can display text and graphics in any of 256 colors from a palette of 262,144.  It also supports a higher resolution than CGA, EGA, or MCGA video cards. This type of adapter is built-in on all mid-to high-range IBM PS/2 Model computers, and most compatibles. It is now the leading standard.

SVGA -- Super VGA.

These cards are VGA-compatible but offer vendor-specific enhancements, such as higher resolution and enhanced text modes.

VESA --  Video Electronic Standard Association

This standard provides a generic way to go beyond VGA. It provides an interface layer on top of another video card already installed. The other card must be at least VGA.  Most SVGA cards have drivers for VESA.


Temp Title 26
Partitioning a hard drive

Performing a low-level format on a hard drive

Installing a hard drive


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Installing a floppy  drive

Common floppy disk parameters


Temp Title 28
Memory conserving tips

Shadowing


Temp Title 29
Installing a card

Installing a clock

IRQs and configurations for common devices

Standard DMA channel assignments


Temp Title 30
Intel microprocessor types

Protected mode


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Layers of DOS as PCs boot

System error codes

Audible beep error indicators


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Hexadecimal numbers

Dip switch settings - PC/XT only

Loopback plugs


Temp Title 33
Video mode details

Video mode types


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Graphics by The Dougster


FDISK
FDISK is a program that is shipped with MS DOS that configures a hard drive for use with DOS.


partitions
Partitions are divisions of a hard disk that store data.  A large drive may be divided up into several partitions (e.g. C:, D: and E:).


jumper
A jumper is an electronic connection that allows adjustments to be made to a card or motherboard to change configuration.  Jumpers can be added, removed, or moved. Documentation for specific devices and motherboards will tell you how to use the jumpers to change the settings.


IRQ
An Interrupt ReQuest is an assigned value which controls instructions for hardware and software.  Each device requires its own IRQ, or conflicts will occur.  The CPU uses these IRQs to determine which devices are calling for input or output.  The IRQ Analysis function in WINCheckIt will display which IRQs are being loaded for the machine from where data was collected.


io
Described in hexadecimal format, I/O assignments describe the channels in memory by which devices and memory communicate.  Each device will have its own unique I/O address.  The I/O Address Map in WINCheckIt will show you the I/O assignments for the machine from which data was collected.


microchannel
The Microchannel architecture uses 32-bit access.  It can be found in higher-end PS/2 machines.  This bus architecture is not down-wardly compatible with the ISA bus.


eisa
The Enhanced Industry Standard Architecture bus is an alternative to the Microchannel but in that it can use 32-bit cards, and ISA boards simultaneously.


TSR
Terminate and Stay Resident programs are loaded into memory, and "called up" when you hit a hot key combination (e.g. Ctrl + E to load an E-mail program).  These programs take up memory, even when you aren't using them.  You can use the TSR List in WINCheckIt to see which TSRs are loaded on the machine from which you collected data.


dma definition
Direct Memory Address assignments allow devices to communicate directly with memory, bypassing the CPU.  This allows for much faster access times.


Manufacturer's BBS Numbers

Listed below are BBS phone numbers for common PC industry manufacturers:

Company	BBS Number(s)

ADAPTEC	(408)945-7727

AHEAD (VIDEO)	(510)623-0961

ALR	(714)458-6834

ALWAYS TECH.	(818)597-0275

AMI	(404)246-8780

AST	(714)727-4723

ATI	(416)764-9404

OR (416)756-4591

AWARD	(408)370-3139

BOCA RESEARCH	(407)241-1601

CALCOMP	(714)236-3045

CARDINAL	(717)293-3074

C&T	(408)432-0369

DIAMOND	(408)730-1100

OR (408)524-9301

DIGITAL RESRCH.	(408)649-3443 (2400 BPS)

(408)649-3696 (9600 BPS)

DTK	(818)333-6548

FUTURE DOMAIN	(714)253-0432

GENOA	(408)493-1231

HERCULES	(510)540-0621

OR (510)623-7449

HOUSTON INST.	(512)873-1477

IBM OS/2 BBS	(919)517-0001

INTEL	(503)645-6275

KURTA	(602)243-9440

LOGITECH	(510)795-0480

MAXTOR	(303)678-2222

MCAFFEE	(408)988-4004

MEDIAVISION	(510)770-1661

MICROPOLIS	(818)709-3310

MICROSOFT	(206)936-6735 OR

(206)637-9009

MOUSE SYSTEMS	(510)683-0617

NEC	(508)635-4706

NORTON/SYMANTEC	(408)973-9598

NUMBER NINE	(617)862-7502

ONTRACK	(612)937-0860

ORCHID	(510)683-0327 (2400 BPS)

(510)683-0555 (9600 BPS)

(NOTE: MUST TURN OFF MNP5 FOR ORCHID BBS)

PHOENIX BIOS	(405)321-2616

OR (602)936-3058

PKWARE (PKZIP)	(414)354-8670

PLUS (QUANTUM)	(408)894-3214

QUALITAS	(301)907-8030

SEAGATE	(408)438-8771

SIGMA DESIGNS	(510)770-0111

SMC	(516)434-3162

OR (714)707-2481

SONY	(408)955-5107

STB SYSTEMS	(214)437-9615

SYQUEST	(510)656-0473

TALL GRASS	(913)492-8751

TOSHIBA	(714)837-4408

TOUCHSTONE	(714)969-0688

TRANTOR	(510)656-5159

TREND	(310)320-2523

TRIDENT	(510)691-1016

ULTRASTOR	(510)623-9091

U.S. ROBOTICS	(708)982-5092

VOLANTE	(512)329-6327

WESTERN DIGITAL	(714)753-1234

WYSE TECHNOLOGY	(408)922-4400

YAMAHA	(408)441-0484

ZENITH	(800)888-3058

ZSOFT	(404)427-1045