5-10 Dell PowerEdge 6100/200 System Installation and Troubleshooting GuideError MessagesWhen you run a test group or subtest in the diagnostics,error messages may result. These particular error mes-sages are not covered in this chapter because the errorsthat generate these messages can be resolved only withDell technical assistance. Record the messages on a copyof the Diagnostics Checklist found in Appendix A, andsee Chapter 11, “Getting Help,” for instructions onobtaining technical assistance and informing the supporttechnician of these messages.RAM Test GroupThe RAM Test Group subtests check all the directlyaddressable RAM.SubtestsThe following subtests are available for RAM:• Quick Memory TestThe Quick Memory Test performs an address checkto determine whether the computer is properly set-ting and clearing individual bits in RAM andwhether the RAM read and write operations areaffecting more than one memory address location atone time. This subtest checks all available RAM.• Comprehensive Memory TestThe Comprehensive Memory Test performs anaddress check, as well as the following:— Data pattern checks, to look for RAM bits thatare stuck high or low, short-circuited data lines,and some data pattern problems that are internalto the memory chips— A parity check that verifies the ability of thememory subsystem to detect errors— A refresh check, to verify that the dynamicRAM (DRAM) is being recharged properly• Cache Controller TestConfirms the functionality of the computer’s cachecontroller chip.• Cache RAM TestConfirms the functionality of the computer’s cachememory.Why Run a RAM Test?Faulty memory can cause a variety of problems that maynot, at first glance, appear to be happening in RAM. If thecomputer is displaying one or more of the followingsymptoms, run the subtests in the RAM Test Group toverify that the memory is not at fault:• A program is not running as usual, or a proven pieceof software appears to malfunction and youconfirm that the software itself is not at fault. Youcan confirm that the software is functioning properlyby moving it to another computer and running itthere.• The computer periodically locks up (becomes un-usable and must be rebooted), especially at differentplaces and times in different programs.• You get parity errors (any error message that con-tains the word parity) at any time during operation.These errors are usually accompanied by a referenceto an address—the location of the portion of memorywhere the error occurred—which you should recordon a copy of the Diagnostics Checklist found inAppendix A.• You receive the Memory ECC faultdetected message from the Dell Hardware Instru-mentation Package (HIP) server managementprogram. See “Alert Log Messages From the DellHIP Program” in Chapter 3, “Messages and Codes,”for more information on this message. See the DellHIP User’s Guide for information on the program.System Set Test GroupThe subtests in the System Set Test Group check thecomputer’s basic system board components and verifytheir related functions.
