Software One-Stop 3/BOOTCDROM.iso/tools/qafe/help.dat

Text File | 1993-06-24 | 58.1 KB | 1,632 lines

$HELP:00000000000:Cursor/Function Key Usage
Movement and selection for the Menu, and all
screens, utilizes the following keys:

 ╔══════════════════════════════════════════════╗
 ║  [Enter]      = Select Item or if in the Test║
 ║                 Menu or Test Group Screen,   ║
 ║                 Run Tests in Selected Module ║
 ║                 (or Run Selected Test)       ║
 ║  [Tab]        = Move to Test Group/Parameters║
 ║  [Space]      = Toggle Modules/Tests On/Off  ║
 ║  [Down Arrow] = Move Cursor Down             ║
 ║  [Up Arrow]   = Move Cursor Up               ║
 ║  [F1]         = Help                         ║
 ║  [F2]         = Log Message Queue            ║
 ║  [F10]        = Local Menu                   ║
 ║  [Esc]        = Go Back to Previous Menu     ║
 ║  1st Letter (Menu Item) = Position & Select  ║
 ║  [+]          = Next Logical Unit            ║
 ║  [-]          = Previous Logical Unit        ║
 ║                 The [+] and [-] keys are only║
 ║                 available in the Test Module ║
 ║                 menu and Test Group screens  ║
 ╚══════════════════════════════════════════════╝

$HELP:00100000000:Command Line Options
The following Command Line Options are available
by typing from within the QAPlus/FE directory:

  QAPLUSFE /XXXXXXX [Ret]   : Command form

    /NOCRC           : Disables CRC (Virus) check
    /B&W             : Forces mono mode
    /SCRIPT=file[,R] : Restores Script Environment.
                       Adding the ",R" runs the
                       selected script (see below)
    /LOG=file        : Sets log to specified file
    /Ogroup         : Omits a test group
               group = MBD/MEM/VID/HDU/FDU/
                   KBD/COM/LPT/PDV/SCU

$HELP:00100000001:Diagnostics
Selecting this Main Menu command gives access to
the Diagnostics Testing Menu.  The Diagnostics
Testing Menu allows Quick Testing of all major
system components; individual testing of different
system Modules; and access to various testing
Options.  The available test groups (depending on
your system configuration) are:

  System Board
  Memory (System Board, Extended, Expanded)
  Video
  Hard Disks
  Floppy Disks
  Keyboard
  COM (Serial)Ports
  LPT (Parallel) Ports
  Pointer Device
  SCSI Devices
  CD ROM
  Test All Modules

$HELP:00200000011:Quick Check
Selecting this Diagnostics Menu command performs a
Quick Test of all modules.  The Quick Test uses a
group of preselected tests and does not use any
interactive or destructive tests.

$HELP:00300000021:Module Tests
Selecting this Diagnostics Menu command accesses
extensive, in-depth Module Testing.  This test mode
permits running either individual tests; tests on
just one Module (e.g. - floppy disk tests); or
groups of tests from specific Modules.

$HELP:00400000121:System Board Tests
For specific information on the System Board Tests
please refer to the tests section at the beginning
of the QAPlus/FE Reference Guide.

To move from the test module to its related Test
Group for individual Test Selection, first move the
cursor highlight bar to that module, then press the
[Tab] key.

If a test has a "diamond" in the brackets to the
left of the test name, it has been selected for
testing.

To run the selected tests (as displayed in the test
group screen to the right) for the highlighted
module, press [Enter].

$HELP:00500000221:Memory Tests
For specific information on the Memory Tests please
refer to the tests section at the beginning of the
QAPlus/FE Reference Guide.

To shift from Base Memory Tests (LUN 1) to Extended
Memory (LUN 2) or Expanded (LUN 3) press the gray
[+] key, or use the gray [-] key to reverse the
selection order.

To move from the test module to its related Test
Group for individual Test Selection, first move the
cursor highlight bar to that module, then press the
[Tab] key.

If a test has a "diamond" in the brackets to the
left of the test name, it has been selected for
testing.

To run the selected tests (as displayed in the test
group screen to the right) for the highlighted
module, press [Enter].  Note that this option will
only run the test for the selected LUN (Logical
Unit Number).  If you wish to test all of the LUNs
(individual devices) within a particular test group
you must escape back to the Test Modules menu and
deselect all but the module you wish to test.  Next
move down and execute "Run All Selected".

$HELP:00600000321:Video Tests
For specific information on the Video Tests please
refer to the tests section at the beginning of the
QAPlus/FE Reference Guide.

To move from the test module to its related Test
Group for individual Test Selection, first move the
cursor highlight bar to that module, then press the
[Tab] key.

If a test has a "diamond" in the brackets to the
left of the test name, it has been selected for
testing.

To run the selected tests (as displayed in the test
group screen to the right) for the highlighted
module, press [Enter].

$HELP:00700000421:Hard Disk Tests
For specific information on the Hard Disk Tests
please refer to the tests section at the beginning
of the QAPlus/FE Reference Guide.

Please note that tests preceded by an asterisk (*)
(and marked in red on color screens) are
destructive tests and may result in data loss.

To shift from Hard Disk #1 (LUN 1) to Hard Disk #2
(LUN 2) press the gray [+] key, or use the gray [-]
key to reverse the selection order.

To move from the test module to its related Test
Group for individual Test Selection, first move the
cursor highlight bar to that module, then press the
[Tab] key.

If a test has a "diamond" in the brackets to the
left of the test name, it has been selected for
testing.

To run the selected tests (as displayed in the test
group screen to the right) for the highlighted
module, press [Enter].  Note that this option will
only run the test for the selected LUN (Logical
Unit Number).  If you wish to test all of the LUNs
(individual devices) within a particular test group
you must escape back to the Test Modules menu and
deselect all but the module you wish to test.  Next
move down and execute "Run All Selected".

$HELP:00800000521:Floppy Disk Tests
For specific information on the Floppy Disk Tests
please refer to the tests section at the beginning
of the QAPlus/FE Reference Guide.

Please note that tests preceded by an asterisk (*)
(and marked in red on color screens) are
destructive tests and may result in data loss.

To shift from Floppy Disk A: (LUN 1) to Floppy Disk
B: (LUN 2) press the gray [+] key, or use the gray
[-] key to reverse the selection order.

To move from the test module to its related Test
Group for individual Test Selection, first move the
cursor highlight bar to that module, then press the
[Tab] key.

If a test has a "diamond" in the brackets to the
left of the test name, it has been selected for
testing.

To run the selected tests (as displayed in the test
group screen to the right) for the highlighted
module, press [Enter].  Note that this option will
only run the test for the selected LUN (Logical
Unit Number).  If you wish to test all of the LUNs
(individual devices) within a particular test group
you must escape back to the Test Modules menu and
deselect all but the module you wish to test.  Next
move down and execute "Run All Selected".

$HELP:00900000621:Keyboard Tests
For specific information on the Keyboard Tests
please refer to the tests section at the beginning
of the QAPlus/FE Reference Guide.

To move from the test module to its related Test
Group for individual Test Selection, first move the
cursor highlight bar to that module, then press the
[Tab] key.

If a test has a "diamond" in the brackets to the
left of the test name, it has been selected for
testing.

To run the selected tests (as displayed in the test
group screen to the right) for the highlighted
module, press [Enter].

$HELP:01000000721:COM (Serial) Port Tests
For specific information on the COM Port Tests
please refer to the tests section at the beginning
of the QAPlus/FE Reference Guide.

To shift from COM Port #1 (LUN 1) to COM Port #2
(LUN 2) or COM Port #3 (LUN 3) press the gray [+]
key, or use the gray [-] key to reverse the
selection order.

To move from the test module to its related Test
Group for individual Test Selection, first move the
cursor highlight bar to that module, then press the
[Tab] key.

If a test has a "diamond" in the brackets to the
left of the test name, it has been selected for
testing.

To run the selected tests (as displayed in the test
group screen to the right) for the highlighted
module, press [Enter].  Note that this option will
only run the test for the selected LUN (Logical
Unit Number).  If you wish to test all of the LUNs
(individual devices) within a particular test group
you must escape back to the Test Modules menu and
deselect all but the module you wish to test.  Next
move down and execute "Run All Selected".

$HELP:01100000821:LPT (Parallel) Port Tests
For specific information on the LPT Port Tests
please refer to the tests section at the beginning
of the QAPlus/FE Reference Guide.

To shift from LPT Port #1 (LUN 1) to LPT Port #2
(LUN 2) press the gray [+] key, or use the gray [-]
key to reverse the selection order.

To move from the test module to its related Test
Group for individual Test Selection, first move the
cursor highlight bar to that module, then press the
[Tab] key.

If a test has a "diamond" in the brackets to the
left of the test name, it has been selected for
testing.

To run the selected tests (as displayed in the test
group screen to the right) for the highlighted
module, press [Enter].  Note that this option will
only run the test for the selected LUN (Logical
Unit Number).  If you wish to test all of the LUNs
(individual devices) within a particular test group
you must escape back to the Test Modules menu and
deselect all but the module you wish to test.  Next
move down and execute "Run All Selected".

$HELP:01200000921:Pointer Tests
For specific information on the Pointer Tests
please refer to the tests section at the beginning
of the QAPlus/FE Reference Guide.

To move from the test module to its related Test
Group for individual Test Selection, first move the
cursor highlight bar to that module, then press the
[Tab] key.

If a test has a "diamond" in the brackets to the
left of the test name, it has been selected for
testing.

To run the selected tests (as displayed in the test
group screen to the right) for the highlighted
module, press [Enter].

$HELP:07400000B21:USR User Diagnostic Tests

For specific information on the User Diagnostic
Tests please refer to the end of Chapter 2 in the
QAPlus/FE User Guide.

To move from the test module to its related Test
Group for individual Test Selection, first move the
cursor highlight bar to that module, then press the
[Tab] key.

If a test has a "diamond" in the brackets to the
left of the test name, it has been selected for
testing.

To run the selected tests (as displayed in the test
group screen to the right) for the highlighted
module, press [Enter].

QAPlus/FE can be configured to run up to 15
separate programs as "tests".  These tests can be
scripted and if they output standard DOS error
codes, these will be recorded in the test log.

Before QAPlus/FE can find these programs to run as
the User Diags test group, information about them
must be included in a file called USERDIAG.CFG.
This is an ASCII text file that may be created
using QAPlus/FE's file editor, or any other ASCII
text word processor.  It must include the following
three items for each test to be run.

   Program Name (.COM or .EXE files only)
   Test Description of the test to be run
   Command line parameters to be passed to "Program
      Name"

An example USERDIAG.CFG file might look something
like the following:

  NICTEST.EXE;  Network Interface Controller;  280h
  BBSMODEM.EXE; 9600 Baud 5 Line Modem;        5
  TEST1.EXE     Generic 1;
  TEST2.EXE     Generic 2;
  TESTALL.EXE;  CMD 1;                         1
  TESTALL.EXE;  CMD 2;                         2
  TESTALL.EXE;  CMD 3;                         3

All of the information for a given test must be on
a single line, and a semicolon must separate the
items on the line.  For more specific information
on setting up User Diagnostics Tests please refer
to the end of Chapter 2 (Program Navigation and
Use) in the QAPlus/FE User Guide.



$HELP:01300000D21:Run All Selected
By moving the cursor highlight bar to this item and
pressing [Enter] you will test all selected tests
from all selected Modules.  An item (Test or
Module) is selected for testing if there is a
diamond in parenthesis preceding the item.

$HELP:01400000031:Test Options Selection
Selecting this Diagnostics Menu item displays the
Test Options menu, including: Halt on Error; Beep
on Error; Lap Count; Pause Control; Test Log; Test
Log Mode; and Save Script.

Please use [F1] at each individual menu item for
further Help information on that item.

$HELP:01500000131:Halt On Error
Your choices for this option are Yes and No.  The
default setting is No.  If you select Yes (Halt On
Error) you will be able to resume testing after the
halt by pressing any key.

$HELP:01600000231:Beep On Error
Your choices for this option are Yes and No.  If
both this item and the speaker have been enabled, a
beep sounds whenever a test reports an error.  The
default setting is Yes.

$HELP:01700000331:Lap Count
This parameter determines the number of times each
set of tests is executed. When selected, you may
enter a number from 0 to 9999.  The looping is
controlled on a block basis, not on an individual
test basis.  Therefore, if tests A, B, and C are
selected and the Lap Count is set to 3, the test
execution sequence will be A B C / A B C / A B C.
If you select 0, the tests run indefinitely.

$HELP:01800000431:Pause Control
The options for this item are Yes and No.  The
default setting is No.  This control tells
QAPlus/FE whether or not to pause between tests,
waiting for you to press any key to continue.

$HELP:01900000531:Test Log
This menu item first provides five options:
Selecting No Logging turns OFF test logging, and
selecting one of the other options turns test
logging ON.  The other logging options are printing
to COM1 (serial port printer); printing to LPT1
(parallel port printer); saving to an ASCII text
file on default drive and directory called
QAFE.LOG; and saving to a .DBF file.

Once test logging has been enabled, a log is
created with the following: the date and time the
log was opened; the start and end times of each
module tested; detailed information about any error
found during the test execution; and the date and
time the log was closed.

Disabling the test log writes the date and time to
the test log along with a message that the log was
closed.  Any test log is automatically closed on
exiting the program.

The ASCII text type log file can be viewed using
the File Edit utility or any ASCII word processor.
If you do not rename the log the same file will be
appended to the next time you use the test log
facilities.

If you select to save to a .DBF file you will be
prompted to type in a File Name; Machine Type;
Serial Number; and Work Center.  The last three
items make it easy to identify the test log
information of a specific computer system when you
use the same .DBF file to record the test results
of several different computers.

Please note that you must use the arrow keys to
move between identification fields and fill them
all out before pressing [Enter] to accept your
input.

Please also note that if you wish to use a
previously existing database file to log test
results you type the previous file's name.  You
need not type in the .DBF extension as that will be
entered automatically when you press [Enter] to
accept your input.

$HELP:02000002121:Local Menu [F10]
This function key calls up a local menu that is
accessible from most (but not all) program
locations and will vary slightly according to which
options are applicable to the active section of the
program.

For example:  The Local Menu which is accessible
from the Module Tests Menu includes:

Selecting Test Options - This serves as a shortcut
for assessing and changing the Test Options
(without having to back through menus.)

Selecting Single Test - This moves from the Module
Test Menu to the relevant Test Group window for
test selection.

Selecting Next and Previous LUN changes from one
Logical Unit Number (LUN) or device to another
(i.e. - HD 1 to HD 2, or Base Memory to Extended
Memory).  The Local Menu also shows the relevant
cursor key shortcut for each of the selections so
that you do not have to call up the menu to move to
the selected Test Group window or change the LUN
for testing.

$HELP:07600000000:Log Message Queue [F2]
This function key calls up a message window that
shows you the test results to date.  It is not
necessary to have logging turned on for this
function to be available.

You must have run at least one test before there
will be any testing information in the Log Message
Queue.  Also, this function will only show testing
from the current QAPlus/FE session.  It is not
designed to look at test results from previous
QAPlus/FE sessions.



$HELP:02400000003:Reports
Selecting this Main Menu command allows you to
select and print System Information Reports.  To
select a system information item for printing move
the cursor to that item and press the space bar if
there isn't a "diamond" next to the item.  Removing
the "diamond" deselects the item for printing.

$HELP:02500000002:System Information
The System Information provides a quick look of how
the system under test is configured.  Following a
detailed start-up system analysis, QAPlus/FE can
examine:

  1st MB Memory Map
  Device Drivers
  DOS Environment
  IRQ/DMA Assignment
  Hardware Configuration.

$HELP:02600000012:1st MB Memory Map
This screen provides information specifically on
the first megabyte of memory addresses in your
computer system.  The screen indicates the memory
location (by block number and address) and how the
memory is being used (the "Owner").  Memory
segments may include System ROM, Used or Unused
High Memory, High ROM, Video RAM and Base Memory.

For memory blocks with a "greater than" (>) sign
next to them, you can press [Enter] and get more
information.

Base Memory - The programs residing in base memory
and upper memory blocks are displayed in a window.
The memory address for each segment of memory
allocated is given in hex, and memory size is given
in bytes.

The term Owner refers to the program name or device
type using that memory, and the Type refers to the
use of the segment (e.g. - environment, program,
data, etc.)

ROM - The contents of System and Video ROMs are
displayed in a windows that may be scrolled.

$HELP:02700000022:Device Drivers
Device Drivers are programs that let the operating
system recognize devices that are not part of the
computer.

For example modems, or printers, or external disk
drives are considered devices.  Although they
aren't normally considered as separate physical
devices, even RAM drives and disk-caching programs
are devices as far as the computer is concerned.

Specific examples of device drivers you are likely
to encounter include:  ANSI.SYS, DRIVER.SYS,
RAMDRIVE.SYS, or HIMEM.SYS.

The Device Drivers screen provides a detailed
analysis of both internal and installable device
drivers.

The technical information provided on the Device
Drivers screen indicates starting location in
memory; a 16-bit code of flags that provide
information to the computer about the driver; use
by DOS or an installable device; the device driver
name; and technical characteristics of the driver.

$HELP:02800000032:DOS Environment
The DOS Environment identifies the COMSPEC file and
its location, and the prompt and path for the
system you are testing.  It also indicates the
address location of the Environment information and
its size.

$HELP:02900000042:IRQ/DMA
IRQ/DMA provides information regarding the internal
configuration of the computer you are testing.  In
the upper left portion of the IRQ/DMA screen, you
will find the ROM Bios (Read Only Memory, Basic
input/output system) information.  If the BIOS
brand for the computer you are testing is not
reported at the upper left of this screen it should
not cause any concern or otherwise adversely effect
the various tests and performance evaluations
carried out by QAPlus/FE.

Below the ROM BIOS the current version of DOS is
listed.  QAPlus/FE will recognize any DOS version
after 2.00.

Below the DOS listing is the DMA Channel Usage.
Direct Memory Access allows the computer
Input/Output devices to access memory directly,
bypassing the CPU.

At least one channel should be assigned to floppy
disk drives.  On the right side of the screen you
will find a listing of the actual Interrupt
Assignments.

There are generally fewer IRQ's in an PC/XT system
(maximum of 8) than in an AT system (maximum of
16).  Most AT, 386 and 486 PC systems are therefore
more flexible in IRQ allocation.

At a minimum, interrupts should be assigned to:
System Timer, Keyboard, and Floppy Disk.  If
installed there should also be interrupts for
various COMmunication ports (COM1, COM2, etc.),
Fixed Disk, and LPT1 (parallel printer port).

With current technology there is a maximum of 15
interrupts available for hardware allocation (out
of 16), although generally fewer than that will be
indicated for most computers.

This information can be very helpful if, for
example, you are setting up a network and need to
assign it to an available IRQ, thereby avoiding IRQ
conflicts.

Many compatibility problems encountered when
installing new devices or components in a computer
can often be attributed to IRQ conflicts.

If you suspect an IRQ conflict, for example, a
recommended procedure is to first check the IRQ/DMA
Detection screen to see if both the items you are
concerned about are reported.  If you only see one
of them reported, shut down the computer, remove
one of the items, then check the IRQ/DMA Detection
screen again.  If you still see an item indicated
for the relevant IRQ you do have a conflict and
should reinstall the other item with a different
IRQ assignment.  Examples of this might be a mouse
and a COM1 serial port, both of which may be trying
to use IRQ 04.

Please note that, since QAPlus/FE can only
determine if an interrupt assignment is allocated
when the appropriate device driver is installed,
your report may be slightly inaccurate.  To help
avoid this problem, always install the appropriate
device drivers before you run this report.

$HELP:03000000052:Hardware Configuration
This report provides detailed information on the
physical configuration of your computer system and
its associated peripherals.  Note that some of the
items represented below will not show on your
computer if you do not have the corresponding
hardware or device drivers installed.  The
information categories are:

Processor Type:
  Processor types reported by QAPlus/FE include:
  Intel's 8088, 8086, 80286, 80386, 80386SX, 80486,
  80486SX, Cyrix 486SLC and 486DLC, and NEC's V20
  and V30.  The V20 and V30 are essentially clones
  of the 8088 and 8086 respectively.

Numeric Coprocessors:
  Numeric coprocessors are also known as floating-
  point math coprocessors.  Those currently
  recognized by QAPlus/FE include the Intel 8087,
  80287, 80387, 80387SX, 80487SX and the Weitik
  coprocessor.

  Note that the 80486 has a built-in math
  coprocessor, which will be recognized as NPU
  80486.

Base Memory Size:
  Generally the maximum amount of Base Memory
  recognized by DOS is 640K bytes.  QAPlus/FE will
  report this memory up to 640K, and how much of
  this memory is available for use by DOS programs
  after DOS, QAPlus/FE and any TSR's that may be
  loaded.

Extended Memory Size, Available:
  If you are testing an AT, 386 or 486 class PC,
  you may have more memory than the maximum 1Mb
  accessible by DOS.  This memory is called
  Extended Memory.

  Note that if you have installed more memory than
  is reported for any of the three types of memory
  listed, you may have improperly set the switches
  on your system board (for an XT PC type
  computer), or perhaps installed a memory
  expansion board incorrectly, or your AT computer
  CMOS setup may be inaccurate.  It is also
  possible, of course, that you may have a
  defective or improperly installed RAM chip.

XMS Driver Version
  This relates to the version of the Lotus/Intel/
  Microsoft/AST eXtended Memory Specification that
  allows programs to use extended memory (1024K)
  cooperatively.

XMS Memory Available
  This indicates the amount of the above described
  memory that is available on your system.  If you
  do not have an XMS driver available on your
  system you will not see either of these items on
  your Hardware Configuration Report screen.

HMA Status
  The first 64K of extended memory is called the
  High Memory Area.  With appropriate drivers, DOS
  may be loaded into High Memory, thus freeing up
  some regular memory for other applications.

Expanded Memory Driver Version
  Expanded Memory boards and software drivers
  conform to the Lotus/Intel/Microsoft Expanded
  Memory Specification (LIM EMS).  EMS memory (or
  EEMS for the Enhanced Expanded Memory
  Specification), was designed to overcome the DOS
  640K memory limit with some programs and
  utilities developed to utilize such Memory.

  Expanded Memory works as sort of a paging memory
  in which information is swapped in and out
  through a 16K or 64K window.  (EMS = 16K and EEMS
  = 64K.)

  Note that if you are testing a 386 computer
  utilizing software drivers allowing it to use
  Extended Memory as Expanded Memory, the
  appropriate software driver(s) must be installed
  in your file and the computer must be booted up
  with this file present for QAPlus/FE to find
  Expanded Memory.

Expanded Memory, Available
  This indicates the total amount of EMS
  or EEMS memory, and the amount currently
  available for use by software applications.

Primary Video (Adapter)
  This tells you exactly what type of video
  adapter card is installed in the computer you
  are testing.  QAPlus/FE recognizes the MDA
  (Monochrome Display Adapter); CGA (Color Graphics
  Adapter); EGA (Enhanced Graphics Adapter); VGA
  (Video Graphics Array); PGA (Professional
  Graphics Adapter); and the Hercules Monochrome
  Graphics Adapter (MGA).

  Video BIOS - This subheading indicates the brand
    of video bios on your graphic card.

  Text Base Address - This Video subheading
    indicates the area of video RAM to which text
    is written when running (in hex).

  Video RAM Size - The newer VGA and enhanced VGA
    cards generally come with a minimum of 512K of
    video RAM.  Depending on the manufacturer this
    will, at a minimum, support 640X480 pixels by
    256 colors and 1024X768 pixels by 16 colors on
    an analog VGA monitor.  Memory address location
    is given in hex.  QAPlus/FE will recognize up
    to 2Mb of Video RAM on the ATI cards.

Secondary Video
  If you have more than one video card installed in
  your system the type of the secondary card (the
  one not used on system bootup) will be listed on
  this line, or it will show as "none" is you have
  only a single video card installed on your
  system.  If you have a second card installed, it
  will also show the subcategories for Video BIOS,
  Text Base Address and Video RAM size for the
  secondary video card.

Video Mode, Switches:
  This section displays the text mode (in hex) the
  primary video adapter was in when starting
  QAPlus/FE.  It will also show whether you are
  using a multi-video card, or two Video Cards,
  Video Switches.

DOS Hard Drives:
  This line will list the logical designation by
  letter, the controller type and capacity of each
  logical hard disk you have installed.

Floppy Drives:
  Again, QAPlus/FE will itemize your installed
  floppy disk drives and show their capacity.  Note
  that if you have a 5 1/4" floppy disk drive of
  greater than 360K or a 3 1/2" disk of greater
  than 720K on an XT PC type system, the program
  will only recognize the drive as a 360K drive or
  a 720K drive respectively.  QAPlus/FE will
  recognize up to 2.88Mb Floppy Drives.

  If the number or type of drives reported is
  incorrect, you may have improperly configured
  your computer CMOS.  If you have an XT class
  machine, check the switches on your system board
  to confirm if they have been properly configured.

Clock Type
  If you are working on an AT, 386 or 486 class
  computer with a functional battery backed-up
  CMOS, this will be indicated here as AT.  If the
  clock is on a Multi-I/O card in an XT class
  computer, the clock will not be found by
  QAPlus/FE.

Parallel Ports:
  This line displays a list of all parallel ports
  installed on the machine you are testing.
  QAPlus/FE will report up to three parallel ports
  and their respective memory addresses.  They will
  be listed as:  LPT1, LPT2 and LPT3.

  If you have more parallel ports than are
  reported, you may find that one or more ports may
  be configured with the same I/O address and will
  therefore not be recognized the computer.  If
  this is the case, you must change the I/O address
  of the unrecognized parallel port before it will
  appear in the report and be functional in the
  system.

Serial Ports:
  This item provides a roster of all serial ports
  installed in the system you are testing.
  QAPlus/FE will report up to four serial ports and
  their respective I/O addresses:  COM1, COM2,
  COM3, and COM4.

  If you have more serial ports than are reported,
  one or more ports may be configured for the same
  I/O address.  If this is the case, you must
  reconfigure the unrecognized serial port so
  that it uses a unique I/O address.

Mouse Driver:
  Indicates number of buttons on mouse, if mouse is
  detected.

Game Ports:
  Indicates whether or not a game port is detected
  in the system.

$HELP:03100000094:Power Meter
This versatile utility provides very detailed
benchmark testing for all aspects of your computer
system.  It is helpful for comparison purposes and
to evaluate the performance of your computer

Please refer to the help provided within Power
Meter [F1] for further information.

$HELP:03600000004:Utilities
Selecting this Main Menu command gives access to
the QAPlus/FE utility programs including:

  COM Port Debugger
  RAM Chip Locater
  Format Diskette
  Edit CMOS
  Hard Disk Utilities
  SCSI Utilities
  QAFloppy (Floppy Disk Alignment)
  QAClean (Diskette Cleaning Utility)
  Power Meter
  File Editor
  QAMatch (File Comparison Utility)
  QAReport (dBase File Viewer & Report Generator)
  DOS Shell (DOS Prompt Access)

$HELP:03700000014:COM Port Debugger
This utility program tests the RS232 serial
communications ports installed in your system.  It
allows you to manipulate and test the functionality
of each serial port (COM Port) by manipulating the
control registers and then watching the status
indicators for the proper response.

COM Debug constantly checks the serial ports to see
if register values have changed and displays the
contents of the registers.

A certain level of understanding of communications
terminology is required to successfully use this
utility.

$HELP:03800000024:RAM Chip Locater
This utility program helps show the physical
location of a bad RAM chip identified in the Memory
Test.

Before this utility can be used, it must first be
properly configured for the computer you are
testing.

$HELP:03900000034:Format Diskette
This utility allows you to format a floppy diskette
from within QAPlus/FE.  On selecting this utility,
your options will be:

  Format A:  high density
  Format A:  low density
  Format B:  high density
  Format B:  low density

$HELP:04000000044:Edit CMOS
The Edit CMOS utility permits you to set date and
time accurately in your computer system and to
modify all other aspects of the CMOS system setup.
Please note that the PC/XT class computer does not
have a CMOS setup and the PS/2 CMOS is not
currently supported.<D>

$HELP:04100000054:Hard Disk Utilities
Please note that only certain Hard Disk Utilities
will show as available for the computer you are
testing, depending on the type of drive installed.
For example, Low Level Format is available only for
MFM drives and some ESDI drive/controller
combinations.  Only those supported by your drive
will show on the Hard Disk Utilities menu.

$HELP:04200000074:QAFloppy
This utility program is a floppy drive diagnostic
utility that allows you to:

  Evaluate the performance of floppy disk drives

  Perform a variety of head alignment tests on
  floppy disk drives

  Perform read/write testing to check a drive's
  ability to read/write data without errors

$HELP:000000000C4:QAReport
The QAPlus/Report utility, utilizes the industry
standard dBase<TM> format.  It was designed to
examine the .DBF file output of the Test and System
Info Logs produced by QAPlus/FE, and let you
select, sort, browse, edit and filter data and
print reports.

The databases generated by QAPlus/FE have a very
specific format and ordering of database fields.
This has been done so that the various DiagSoft
products will use a common database format, and
that all levels of users.  Please refer to the
QAPlus/Report chapter in QAPlus/FE for further
information in this subject.

$HELP:00000000094:QAReport
The QAPlus/Report utility, utilizes the industry
standard dBase<TM> format.  It was designed to
examine the .DBF file output of the Test and System
Info Logs produced by QAPlus/FE, and let you
select, sort, browse, edit and filter data and
print reports.

The databases generated by QAPlus/FE have a very
specific format and ordering of database fields.
This has been done so that the various DiagSoft
products will use a common database format, and
that all levels of users.  Please refer to the
QAPlus/Report chapter in QAPlus/FE for further
information in this subject.





$HELP:043000000E4:DOS Shell
This utility permits you to exit to DOS and return
again to QAPlus/FE without having to reload the
program.

To return from the DOS prompt to QAPlus/FE, simply
type EXIT.

$HELP:04400000005:Exit
Selecting this Main Menu command Exits QAPlus/FE
and returns to the DOS prompt.

$HELP:04500000084:QAClean
A diskette drive cleaning utility.  Be sure to
insert the appropriate cleaning disk before
activating this utility.  Don't forget to apply a
very minimal amount of cleaning solution to the
cleaning diskette.

$HELP:04900000B21:CD-ROM Group
Tests Before this test can be utilized you must
have the appropriate software driver for your
specific CD ROM drive (provided by the drive
manufacturer) properly installed along with the
MSCDEX.EXE CD-ROM driver from Microsoft, and your
CD-ROM driver must work with the MSCDEX.EXE driver.
You will note that the CD-ROM tests are very
similar to Floppy Drive tests, however there are no
destructive tests possible because of the read only
nature of the media.

$HELP:05000001B21:CD-ROM Group Tests
If you have more than one CD-ROM drive installed,
to shift from CD-ROM #1 (LUN 1) to CD-ROM #2 (LUN
2) press the gray [+] key, or use the gray [-] key
to reverse the selection order.

To move from the test module to its related Test
Group for individual Test Selection, first move the
cursor highlight bar to that module, then press the
[Tab] key.

If a test has a "diamond" in the brackets to the
left of the test name, it has been selected for
testing.  To select/deselect an item for testing
move the highlight cursor to that item and press
the [Space] bar.

To change parameters for a particular highlighted
test (where parameters are indicated on right
middle portion of test group screen, press [Tab].
When you have finished entering the revised
parameters, press [Esc] to return to the Test Group
menu.

To run an individual test, move the highlight bar
to that item and press [Enter].

When you have finished test selection, press [Esc]
to return to the Test Module Menu.

To run the selected tests (as displayed in the test
group screen to the right) for the highlighted
module, press [Enter].  Note that this option will
only run the test for the selected LUN (Logical
Unit Number).  If you wish to test all of the LUNs
(individual devices) within a particular test group
you must escape back to the Test Modules menu and
deselect all but the module you wish to test.  Next
move down and execute "Run All Selected".

$HELP:05100001121:System Board Group
For specific information on the System Board Tests
please refer to the tests section at the beginning
of the QAPlus/FE Reference Guide.

If a test has a "diamond" in the brackets to the
left of the test name, it has been selected for
testing.  To select/deselect an item for testing
move the highlight cursor to that item and press
the [Space] bar.

To run an individual test, move the highlight bar
to that item and press [Enter].

When you have finished test selection, press [Esc]
to return to the Test Module Menu.

$HELP:05200001221:Memory Group
For specific information on the Memory Tests please
refer to the tests section at the beginning of the
QAPlus/FE Reference Guide.

To shift from Base Memory Tests (LUN 1) to Extended
Memory (LUN 2) or Expanded (LUN 3) press the gray
[+] key, or use the gray [-] key to reverse the
selection order.

If a test has a "diamond" in the brackets to the
left of the test name, it has been selected for
testing.  To select/deselect an item for testing
move the highlight cursor to that item and press
the [Space] bar.

To change parameters for a particular highlighted
test (where parameters are indicated on right
middle portion of test group screen, press [Tab].
When you have finished entering the revised
parameters, press [Esc] to return to the Test Group
menu.

To run an individual test, move the highlight bar
to that item and press [Enter].

When you have finished test selection, press [Esc]
to return to the Test Module Menu.

$HELP:05300001321:Video Group
For specific information on the Video Tests please
refer to the tests section at the beginning of the
QAPlus/FE Reference Guide.

If a test has a "diamond" in the brackets to the
left of the test name, it has been selected for
testing.  To select/deselect an item for testing
move the highlight cursor to that item and press
the [Space] bar.

To change parameters for a particular highlighted
test (where parameters are indicated on right
middle portion of test group screen, press [Tab].
When you have finished entering the revised
parameters, press [Esc] to return to the Test Group
menu.

To run an individual test, move the highlight bar
to that item and press [Enter].

When you have finished test selection, press [Esc]
to return to the Test Module Menu.

$HELP:05400001421:Hard Disk Group
For specific information on the Hard Disk Tests
please refer to the tests section at the beginning
of the QAPlus/FE Reference Guide.

Please note that tests preceded by an asterisk (*)
(and marked in red on color screens) are
destructive tests and may result in data loss.

To shift from Hard Disk #1 (LUN 1) to Hard Disk #2
(LUN 2) press the gray [+] key, or use the gray [-]
key to reverse the selection order.

If a test has a "diamond" in the brackets to the
left of the test name, it has been selected for
testing.  To select/deselect an item for testing
move the highlight cursor to that item and press
the [Space] bar.

To change parameters for a particular highlighted
test (where parameters are indicated on right
middle portion of test group screen, press [Tab].
When you have finished entering the revised
parameters, press [Esc] to return to the Test Group
menu.

To run an individual test, move the highlight bar
to that item and press [Enter].

When you have finished test selection, press [Esc]
to return to the Test Module Menu.

$HELP:05500001521:Floppy Disk Group
For specific information on the Floppy Disk Tests
please refer to the tests section at the beginning
of the QAPlus/FE Reference Guide.

Please note that tests preceded by an asterisk (*)
(and marked in red on color screens) are
destructive tests and may result in data loss.

To shift from Floppy Disk A: (LUN 1) to Floppy Disk
B: (LUN 2) press the gray [+] key, or use the gray
[-] key to reverse the selection order.

If a test has a "diamond" in the brackets to the
left of the test name, it has been selected for
testing.  To select/deselect an item for testing
move the highlight cursor to that item and press
the [Space] bar.

To change parameters for a particular highlighted
test (where parameters are indicated on right
middle portion of test group screen, press [Tab].
When you have finished entering the revised
parameters, press [Esc] to return to the Test Group
menu.

To run an individual test, move the highlight bar
to that item and press [Enter].

When you have finished test selection, press [Esc]
to return to the Test Module Menu.

$HELP:05600001621:Keyboard Group
For specific information on the Keyboard Tests
please refer to the tests section at the beginning
of the QAPlus/FE Reference Guide.

If a test has a "diamond" in the brackets to the
left of the test name, it has been selected for
testing.  To select/deselect an item for testing
move the highlight cursor to that item and press
the [Space] bar.

To change parameters for a particular highlighted
test (where parameters are indicated on right
middle portion of test group screen, press [Tab].
When you have finished entering the revised
parameters, press [Esc] to return to the Test Group
menu.

To run an individual test, move the highlight bar
to that item and press [Enter].

When you have finished test selection, press [Esc]
to return to the Test Module Menu.

$HELP:05700001721:COM (Serial) Port Group
For specific information on the COM Port Tests
please refer to the tests section at the beginning
of the QAPlus/FE Reference Guide.

To shift from COM Port #1 (LUN 1) to COM Port #2
(LUN 2) or COM Port #3 (LUN 3) press the gray [+]
key, or use the gray [-] key to reverse the
selection order.

If a test has a "diamond" in the brackets to the
left of the test name, it has been selected for
testing.  To select/deselect an item for testing
move the highlight cursor to that item and press
the [Space] bar.

To change parameters for a particular highlighted
test (where parameters are indicated on right
middle portion of test group screen, press [Tab].
When you have finished entering the revised
parameters, press [Esc] to return to the Test Group
menu.

To run an individual test, move the highlight bar
to that item and press [Enter].

When you have finished test selection, press [Esc]
to return to the Test Module Menu.

$HELP:05800001821:LPT (Parallel) Port Group
For specific information on the LPT Port Tests
please refer to the tests section at the beginning
of the QAPlus/FE Reference Guide.

To shift from LPT Port #1 (LUN 1) to LPT Port #2
(LUN 2) press the gray [+] key, or use the gray [-]
key to reverse the selection order.

If a test has a "diamond" in the brackets to the
left of the test name, it has been selected for
testing.  To select/deselect an item for testing
move the highlight cursor to that item and press
the [Space] bar.

To change parameters for a particular highlighted
test (where parameters are indicated on right
middle portion of test group screen, press [Tab].
When you have finished entering the revised
parameters, press [Esc] to return to the Test Group
menu.

To run an individual test, move the highlight bar
to that item and press [Enter].

When you have finished test selection, press [Esc]
to return to the Test Module Menu.

$HELP:05900001921:Pointer Group
For specific information on the Pointer Tests
please refer to the tests section at the beginning
of the QAPlus/FE Reference Guide.

If a test has a "diamond" in the brackets to the
left of the test name, it has been selected for
testing.  To select/deselect an item for testing
move the highlight cursor to that item and press
the [Space] bar.

To change parameters for a particular highlighted
test (where parameters are indicated on right
middle portion of test group screen, press [Tab].
When you have finished entering the revised
parameters, press [Esc] to return to the Test Group
menu.

To run an individual he highlight bar
to that item and press [Enter].

When you have finished test selection, press [Esc]
to return to the Test Module Menu.


$HELP:00000000B21:USR User Diagnostic Group

For specific information on the User Diagnostic
Tests please refer to the end of Chapter 2 in the
QAPlus/FE User Guide.

To move from the test module to its related Test
Group for individual Test Selection, first move the
cursor highlight bar to that module, then press the
[Tab] key.

If a test has a "diamond" in the brackets to the
left of the test name, it has been selected for
testing.

To run the selected tests (as displayed in the test
group screen to the right) for the highlighted
module, press [Enter].

QAPlus/FE can be configured to run up to 15
separate programs as "tests".  These tests can be
scripted and if they output standard DOS error
codes, these will be recorded in the test log.

Before QAPlus/FE can find these programs to run as
the User Diags test group, information about them
must be included in a file called USERDIAG.CFG.
This is an ASCII text file that may be created
using QAPlus/FE's file editor, or any other ASCII
text word processor.  It must include the following
three items for each test to be run.

   Program Name (.COM or .EXE files only)
   Test Description of the test to be run
   Command line parameters to be passed to "Program
      Name"

An example USERDIAG.CFG file might look something
like the following:

  NICTEST.EXE;  Network Interface Controller;  280h
  BBSMODEM.EXE; 9600 Baud 5 Line Modem;        5
  TEST1.EXE     Generic 1;
  TEST2.EXE     Generic 2;
  TESTALL.EXE;  CMD 1;                         1
  TESTALL.EXE;  CMD 2;                         2
  TESTALL.EXE;  CMD 3;                         3

All of the information for a given test must be on
a single line, and a semicolon must separate the
items on the line.  For more specific information
on setting up User Diagnostics Tests please refer
to the end of Chapter 2 (Program Navigation and
Use) in the QAPlus/FE User Guide.



$HELP:06100000731:Save Script
Scripting permits you to select specific groups of
tests, testing parameters and options and save that
selection for later use as a test Script.

To set up a test "script", first select all the
appropriate test groups and specific tests you wish
to run from the Module Testing menu under
Diagnostics.  You should also select appropriate
testing parameters and options.  Please note that
you must complete your selection of tests and test
options before choosing this item, as it will
actually save the Test Script that it sees at the
time Save Script is chosen.

If, for example, you had selected the file name
"PCTEST1", QAPlus/FE would have automatically added
the extension .QA.  To load and run QAPlus/FE with
this Test Script, therefore, you would type from
the DOS prompt in the appropriate directory:

   QAFE  /SCRIPT=pctest1,R  [Enter]

Adding the "R" actually Runs the tests listed in
the named Test Script.  If this is omitted,
QAPlus/FE will simply load the program with the
test selection and test options selection as
previously saved in the chosen Script File.

$HELP:063000000A4:File Editor
This utility enables you to modify configuration
files such as your CONFIG.SYS and AUTOEXEC.BAT
files, or the WIN.INI and SYSTEM.INI files within
Windows.

The file editor functions as an ASCII text editor
with simple cursor movements and editing
facilities.  The arrow keys move the cursor, and
function keys perform search and block editing
functions (as described in the following
paragraphs).  When you are finished, press [F10] to
update the file with the changes you have made.

The arrow (or cursor) keys allow you to move to the
place in the text where you wish to make changes.

The [Home] Key moves the cursor to the start of the
current line if pressed once.  If this key is
pressed two times the cursor will move to the start
of the current screen.  If pressed three times the
cursor will move to the very beginning of the file
being edited.

The [End] Key has exactly the opposite effect of
the [Home] key.  If this key is pressed once the
cursor will be moved to the end of the current
line.  If pressed two times the cursor will move to
the bottom of the current screen.  If pressed three
times the cursor will move to the very end of the
file being edited.

The [F2] enters the search mode.  You will be
prompted to enter the search word(s) on a reverse
highlighted line at the bottom of the Files Edit
screen.  After typing in the desired word(s), press
[Enter].

The [F3] key finds the next occurance of the
designated search word(s).

The [F4] will mark the start of a block of text.
If a block of text has already been marked,
pressing this key will unmark the active block.

The [F5] marks the end of a block of text.  This
key has no effect if you did not previously press
[F4] to start marking a block of text.

Pressing the [F6] key while the cursor is within an
active (marked) block of text will indicate that
the active block of text is to be moved from its
current location.  To move the active block of text
after you have pressed the [F6] key from within the
block, move the cursor to the new location where
the active block is to be moved, then press [F6]
again.  If there is no active block of text, [F6]
will be ignored.

Pressing the [F7] while the cursor is within an
active (marked) block of text will indicate that
the active block of text is to be copied to another
location.  To copy the active block of text after
you have pressed the [F7] key from within the
block, move the cursor to the new location where
the active block is to be copied, then press [F7]
again.  If there is no active block of text, [F7]
will be ignored.

To delete an active block of text, place the cursor
within that block, then press the [F8] key.  If
there is no active block of text, [F8] will be
ignored.

To save all changes and exit the File Editor press
[F10].

$HELP:064000000B4:QAMatch
Before editing files such as the CONFIG.SYS or
AUTOEXEC.BAT it is often helpful to compare them to
a previous version of these files to determine
exactly what changes have been made.  The QAMatch
utility allows you to directly compare these files.

NOTE: For this utility to be useful it is important
that whenever you make changes to files such as the
CONFIG.SYS and AUTOEXEC.BAT, and also the WIN.INI
and SYSTEM.INI files under Windows, you make backup
copies of the files for future comparison purposes
and for safety should you make a mistake in
modifying a file.

Notice that there are both a left and a right file
window, one for the new file and one for the old
file to which you are comparing.

The QAMatch Options determine the closeness of the
comparison between the selected files.  The QAMatch
Options should be selected before editing any
files.  Normally the default Maximum Change Length
(Lines) should not be changed and is not available
for change unless the file is longer than the
default 5000 lines.

We recommend that the Minimum Sync Length (Lines)
be set at "1".  This way only those lines that are
different will be highlighted.

Allow Sync on Whitespace Lines should normally be
selected (marked with an "X" in the box).  This
causes white spaces to be temporarily added to one
file so sections will match side by side.

Text Matching Controls should be marked as
appropriate.  Generally you can ignore case,
although if you wish to see if the lines match
exactly you should select Exact Match.

$HELP:065000000C4:QAPlus/Report
This utility utilizes the industry standard
dBase(TM) format.  It was designed to examine the
.DBF file output of the Test Info Log produced by
QAPlus/FE, and let you select, sort, browse, edit
and print reports.

Note that QAPlus/Report is not intended to be a
full fledged database manager, rather it is a
database utility that provides flexibility in
examining and analyzing your QAPlus/FE log files.


$HELP:06700000A21:SCSI Devices
For specific information on the SCSI Devices Tests
please refer to the tests section at the beginning
of the QAPlus/FE Reference Guide.

To shift from SCSI Device #1 (LUN 1) to SCSI Device
#2 (LUN 2) press the gray [+] key, or use the gray
[-] key to reverse the selection order.

If a test has a "diamond" in the brackets to the
left of the test name, it has been selected for
testing.  To select/deselect an item for testing
move the highlight cursor to that item and press
the [Space] bar.

To change parameters for a particular highlighted
test (where parameters are indicated on right
middle portion of test group screen), press [Tab].
When you have finished entering the revised
parameters, press [Esc] to return to the Test Group
menu.

To run an individual test, move the highlight bar
to that item and press [Enter].

When you have finished test selection, press [Esc]
to return to the Test Module Menu.

$HELP:06800000A21:SCSI Devices Tests
For specific information on the SCSI Devices Tests
please refer to the tests section at the beginning
of the QAPlus/FE Reference Guide.

To shift from SCSI Device #1 (LUN 1) to SCSI Device
#2 (LUN 2) press the gray [+] key, or use the gray
[-] key to reverse the selection order.

If a test has a "diamond" in the brackets to the
left of the test name, it has been selected for
testing.  To select/deselect an item for testing
move the highlight cursor to that item and press
the [Space] bar.

To change parameters for a particular highlighted
test (where parameters are indicated on right
middle portion of test group screen), press [Tab].
When you have finished entering the revised
parameters, press [Esc] to return to the Test Group
menu.

To run an individual test, move the highlight bar
to that item and press [Enter].

When you have finished test selection, press [Esc]
to return to the Test Module Menu.



$HELP:06900000064:SCSI Utilities
The QASCSI utility program will be automatically
loaded when you make this selection.  Currently the
SCSI utilities apply only to SCSI Direct Access
Devices (Hard Disks), with the exception of "SCSI
Bus Reset", which also works if you only have a
SCSI Sequential Access device (Tape Drive) on your
system.

If you select a destructive utility, such as
"Prepare New Device" you will be given a warning
that the operation you are about to undertake is a
destructive operation.  A special keystroke
combination is then required to initiate that
destructive operation.

When you have finished using the SCSI utilities,
press [Esc] to return to QAPlus/FE.

$HELP:07000000631:Test Log Mode
This option is available only if test logging is
enabled. The choices for this option are LogAll and
LogFail. The default setting is LogAll. If you
select LogAll, all test messages will be logged.
Otherwise, only test failures will be logged.

$HELP:07100000C21:QAEISA Board Group
For specific information on the EISA Board Tests
please refer to the tests section at the beginning
of the QAPlus/FE Reference Guide.

To shift from QAEISA Board #1 (LUN 1) to QAEISA Board #2
(LUN 2) press the gray [+] key, or use the gray [-]
key to reverse the selection order.

If a test has a "diamond" in the brackets to the
left of the test name, it has been selected for
testing.  To select/deselect an item for testing
move the highlight cursor to that item and press
the [Space] bar.

To change parameters for a particular highlighted
test (where parameters are indicated on right
middle portion of test group screen, press [Tab].
When you have finished entering the revised
parameters, press [Esc] to return to the Test Group
menu.

To run an individual test, move the highlight bar
to that item and press [Enter].

When you have finished test selection, press [Esc]
to return to the Test Module Menu.

$HELP:07200001C21:QAEISA Board Tests
For specific information on the EISA Board Tests
please refer to the tests section at the beginning
of the QAPlus/FE Reference Guide.

To move from the test module to its related Test
Group for individual Test Selection, first move the
cursor highlight bar to that module, then press the
[Tab] key.

If a test has a "diamond" in the brackets to the
left of the test name, it has been selected for
testing.

To run the selected tests (as displayed in the test
group screen to the right) for the highlighted
module, press [Enter].