Dell OptiPlex E1 Troubleshooting Manual

Also see for OptiPlex E1: Documentation update Service manual Reference and installation guide Service manual Reference and installation guide

Contents

Dell OptiPlex E1 Troubleshooting Manual Manual pdf 35 page image

Finding Software Solutions 3-3Program ConflictsSome programs may leave portions of their setup infor-mation behind, even though you have exited from them.As a result, other programs cannot run. Rebooting yoursystem can confirm whether or not these programs arethe cause of the problem.There are also programs that use specialized subroutinescalled device drivers that can also cause problems withyour computer system. For example, a variation in theway the data is sent to the monitor may require a specialscreen driver program that expects a certain kind of videomode or monitor. In such cases, you may have to developan alternative method of running that particular pro-gram—the creation of a boot file made especially for thatprogram, for example. Call the support service for thesoftware you are using to help you with this problem.Checking for Memory Address ConflictsMemory address conflicts occur when two or moredevices try to access the same address in the upper mem-ory block (UMB). For example, if a network expansioncard and an expanded-memory page frame are assignedan overlapping block of addresses, a memory addressconflict arises. As a result, when you try to log into thenetwork, the operation fails.To resolve this type of conflict, you can change theaddress of one of the devices. For example, in the case ofthe network expansion card and expanded-memory page-frame address conflict, you can move the network card toan address block in the range of CC000h throughD0000h. To reassign the expansion card’s address block,refer to the documentation for the card.Avoiding Interrupt AssignmentConflictsProblems can arise if two devices attempt to use the sameinterrupt request (IRQ) line. To avoid this type of con-flict, check the documentation for the default IRQ linesetting for each installed expansion card. Then consultTable 3-1 to configure the card for one of the availableIRQ lines.NOTE: Table 3-1 lists default IRQ settings. In systemswith Plug and Play capabilities, the default settings canbe modified. If you are installing a Plug and Play card ina Plug and Play system, the system will automaticallyselect an open IRQ line if any are available. If you areinstalling a non-Plug and Play or legacy card, run theISA Configuration Utility provided with your system todetermine the current IRQ settings and to find an avail-able IRQ line. For instructions, see the ISAConfiguration Utility chapter in your systemdocumentation.Table 3-1. Default IRQ Line AssignmentsIRQ Line Used/AvailableIRQ0 Used by the system timerIRQ1 Used by the keyboard to signal that theoutput buffer is fullIRQ2 Used by interrupt controller 1 to enableIRQ8 through IRQ15IRQ3 Used by serial port 2IRQ4 Used by serial port 1IRQ5 AvailableIRQ6 Used by the diskette/tape drivecontrollerIRQ7 Used by the parallel portIRQ8 Used by the RTCIRQ9 Used by the VGA interface (optional)IRQ10 AvailableIRQ11 AvailableIRQ12 Used by the mouse portIRQ13 Used by the math coprocessor (ifapplicable)IRQ14 Used by the primary IDE controllerIRQ15 Used by the secondary IDE controllerNOTE: For the full name of an abbreviation or acronym usedin this table, see the abbreviation and acronym list that pre-cedes the Index.