Epson LT-286e User Manual

®

EPSON

EQUITY™LT™-286e

System Diagnostics

User’s Guide

IMPORTANT NOTICE

DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTY

Epson America makes no representations or warranties, either express or implied, by
or with respect to anything in this manual, and shall not be liable for any implied
warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose or for any indirect,
special, or consequential damages. Some states do not allow the exclusion of
incidental or consequential damages, so this exclusion may not apply to you.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a
retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical,
photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of Epson
America, Inc. No patent liability is assumed with respect to the use of information
contained herein. While every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this
publication, Epson America assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions. Nor is
any liability assumed for damages resulting from the use of the information contained
herein. Further, this publication and features described herein are subject to change
without notice.

Epson is a registered trademark of Seiko Epson Corporation.

TRADEMARKS

Equity and LT are trademarks of Epson America, Inc.
MS-DOS is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.

Copyright 0 1989 by Epson America, Inc.

Torrance, California

Y19499100200

ii

Contents

Introduction..
Starting the Diagnostics Program.
Creating a Database
The DIAG Main Menu Screen
Selecting Diagnostics Tests
Setting the Run Time Parameters

Timebound Testing
Continuous Testing
Passbound Testing

Error Logging..
Executing Diagnostics Tests in Batch Mode
Running the Tests.
System Board Diagnostics

Basic Functionality Test
CPU Protected Mode Test.
Processor Speed Test
Coprocessor Test
DMA Controller Test
Interrupt Controller Test.
Timer Test
RTC Test
CMOS Validity Test

Memory Diagnostics

BIOS ROM Test
Parity Test

Pattern Test
Walking 1’s Test.
Walking 0’s Test.

Address Test

Refresh Test

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iii

Hard Disk Diagnostics

Hard Disk Parameters.

Disk drive identifier.
Disk drive type
Interleave factor
Bad track list
Start and end cylinder numbers

Start and end head numbers
Hard Disk Format.
Auto Interleave
Media Analysis.
Performance Test
Seek Test
Read/Verify Test
Check Test Cylinder

Force Bad Tracks
Hard Disk Error Messages

Floppy Disk Diagnostics

Diskette Format
Drive Speed Test
Random R/W Test

Sequential R/W Test
Disk Change Line Test
Floppy Disk Error Messages

Keyboard Diagnostics

Controller Test.
Scan/ASCII Code Test
Keyboard Clock Line Test

Keyboard Data Line Test.

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iv

Video Diagnostics

Adapter Test
Attribute Test

80x25 Display Test.
40x25 Display Test.

320x200 Graphics Test

640x200 Graphics Test
Page Selection Test
Color Test
640x350 Graphics Test
Video Error Message.

Miscellaneous Diagnostics

Printer Adapter Test

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Communication Adapter Test.

Keyboard Scan/ASCII Codes

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V

Introduction

This booklet describes how to use the diagnostics program,
called DIAG, to test the condition of your computer’s main unit
and peripheral devices, The DIAG program provides tests to
check the following hardware:

CI

System board

Cl

Memory

Ll

Hard disk drive

0

Diskette drive

LI

Keyboard

CI

Video adapter board and monitor

CI

Printer and communications ports

After you start the diagnostics program, you can create a
database that records the location of faulty memory chips, if any

exist. This database displays a graphic representing your
computer’s memory board and identifies the faulty chips.

Once you select a test, you need to specify how long to run it.
You use the Run Time Parameters window to specify a certain

length of time to run the test, run it continuously until you

interrupt it, or specify a number of times to run the test.

System Diagnostics 1

Starting the Diagnostics Program

To start the diagnostics program, follow these steps:

1.

Insert the Diagnostics diskette in drive A.

2.

Turn on or reset the computer.

3.

At the MS-DOS@ prompt, type the following and press

Enter:

DIAG

The Diagnostics program displays a title screen.

4.

Press any key to continue.

Creating a Database

You can create a database to record the location of faulty

memory chips that are causing memory errors. To graphically
represent the memory board on the screen, you need to identify
your system’s memory configuration.

In the lower portion of the screen, you see this message:

Press <Esc> to bypass database creation

Press ESC if you do not want to create the database. The DIAG
main menu appears so you can select the tests you want to run.

2 System Diagnostics

If you want to create a database, follow these steps:

1.

Type the name (from 1 to 50 characters) that identifies your
company or the computer and press Enter in response to
this prompt:

vendor's name :

(maximum 50 characters)

For example, type

2.

Type the computer’s model number (from 1 to 8 characters)

and press Enter in response to this prompt:

model number

EPSON

and press

.

.

Enter.

(maximum 8 characters)

For example, type
DIAG stores this information in a file called DIAGS.CNF.

3.

If a database with this vendor name and model number does
not exist, you see this message:

LT-286e

and press

Enter.

Database does not exist - press
any key except <Esc> to continue

To create the database, press any key other than ESC.
Now you respond to the screen prompts to update the

configuration. You can accept the default values that DIAG
presents by pressing Enter. When you see the diagram of
the motherboard, press ESC to continue the diagnostics.

If a database with the specified vendor name and model
number exists, you see this message:

Your database already exists -

want to update (Y/N)? N

System Diagnostics

3

To update the existing database, press Y and Enter. Now
you respond to the screen prompts to update the
configuration.

If you do not want to update the database, press N and

Enter. You see the DIAG main menu.

The DIAG Main Menu Screen

The DIAG main menu screen looks like this:

~~~~~~~~~~ Memoly

:.:-A. . . .

..I. _.... . . . .

.

Processor speed test

DMA

Controller test

Interrupt Controller test

Timer test
Real Time Clock test

Hard Disk

Keyboard Video

Miscl.

The program’s title, copyright information, and the date and
time appear at the top of the screen.

The DIAG options line shows these categories of tests: System

Board, Memory, Hard Disk, Floppy, Keyboard, Video, and
Miscellaneous.

After you select a category, DIAG provides a submenu of the

available diagnostics tests. When the main menu first displays,
you see the submenu of diagnostics tests for the System Board
category.

4 System Diagnostics

The Run Time Parameters window lets you specify how long
you want the test to run, whether you want DIAG to notify you
of each error as it occurs, and whether to create a log of all
errors that occur during testing.

The Help window shows the keys you use to make menu

selections.

A short message describing each test you highlight displays at
the bottom of the screen.

You use these keys to make menu selections and run diagnostics

tests:

Key

+

t
1 Move to the next test
t

Enter

F2
F3
F4
F5
F6

Function
Move to the next window (or device)
Move to the previous window (or device)

Move to the previous test
Start the test
Set the Run Time Parameters
Select or deselect a test
Select all tests
Deselect all tests
Run all

selected tests

system Diagnostics 5

Selecting Diagnostics Tests

This section describes the various ways you can select the tests
you want to run.

To start a single test, move the cursor to highlight the test
category on the main menu. Then move the cursor to the
submenu and highlight the test you want to perform. Press

Enter to start the test.

To select several tests at one time, move the cursor to each test
you want to perform and press F3. If you decide you do not
want to run a selected test, highlight the test name and press F3
again.

You can press F4 to select all tests for all devices, and press F5
to deselect all selected tests.

Once you select a test, it remains selected until you deselect it.
If you run a test or a group of tests and start testing again, DIAG
performs the same tests unless you deselect them.

You must enter certain parameters for the hard disk drive and
the diskette drive tests. If you use F3 to select these tests, DIAG
prompts you for the information. If you use F4 to select these
tests, DIAG prompts you for the information during the first
pass of the test. If you perform more than one pass of the test,
DIAG uses the same parameters for each pass.

6

Systems Diagnostics

You cannot include certain tests in a group. The tests that must
run separately include:

category

System

Hard Disk

Board

Floppy

Keyboard

Miscellaneous

After you select the test(s) you want to run, you must set the
Run Time Parameters.

Test

Timer test
Real Time Clock test

Hard Disk Format
Auto Interleave

Media Analysis
Force Bad Tracks

Disk Change Line Test
Scan/ASCII Code Test

Printer Adapter Test:
Comm. Adapter Test

Setting the Run Time Parameters

To specify the Run Time Parameters, press F2 to move to the

Run Time Parameters window. DIAG displays default values for
each of the run time parameters.

You can press ESC at any time to exit the Run Time Parameters

window and return to the submenu of diagnostics tests.

The first: run time parameter defines how long or how many

times to run the test. You see this prompt:

Testing Mode: (T)imebound / (C)ontinuous /

(P)assbound [max = 65535] (T/C/P) ? P

System Diagnostics 7

Type T and press Enter to run the selected tests in Timebound
mode. In Timebound mode, DIAG runs the tests for the
amount of time you specify.

Type C and press Enter to run the selected tests in Continuous
mode. In Continuous mode, the tests run until you interrupt

them.

Type P and press Enter to run the diagnostics tests in

Passbound mode. In Passbound mode, DIAG executes the
selected tests the number of times you specify. This is the
default setting.

The next prompt is:

Wait on error (Y/N) ? Y

Press Y and Enter if you want DIAG to pause when an error

occurs during a test. DIAG pauses and waits for you to press

Enter before continuing. This lets you view the error message

and make notes about the error. This is the default setting.
Press N and Enter if you want DIAG to continue when an error

occurs.
The next prompt is:

Error logging (Y/N) ? N

Press Y and Enter to record the errors that may occur during

the test. See the “Error Logging” subsection for details.
Press N and Enter if you do not want to create the log. This is

the default setting.

If you decide not to wait on errors, you should select error
logging so you can review the errors that occur during the tests.

Next, DIAG requests information it needs to perform the type
of testing you selected.

8 System Diagnostics

Timebound Testing

If you selected Timebound testing, you see this prompt:

Period :001 hr 00 min

Specify the amount of time you want to run the selected
Type the number of hours, from 000 to 999, and press Enter.
Then type the number of minutes, from 00 to 59, and press

Enter. You can use the backspace key

(t)

to edit your input.

Continuous Testing

If you selected Continuous testing, DIAG needs no additional

information. After you specify whether to create the error log,
DIAG returns to the main menu. You see this message in the
Run Time Parameters window:

Test Mode:

Passbound Testing

If you selected Passbound testing, you see this prompt:

of Passes : 00001

No.

Specify the number of times (from 1 to 65535) you want DIAG

to run the test(s). Or press Enter without entering a number to

select the default of one pass. You can use the backspace key to

edit your input.

Continuous

test(s).

Running a test multiple times provides reliability testing of

essential functions only. In most cases, running a test once is

sufficient.

System Diagnostics 9

If you specify a number larger than 65535, DIAG subtracts

65535 from your entry to determine how many times to run the

test. For example, if you enter a value of 65540, DIAG runs the
test(s) five times.

Error Logging

When you request error logging, DIAG displays the following
pop-up window:

Log errors on disk
Log errors to printer (LPT1)
Log errors to serial port (COM1)

Cancel error logging

Highlight the device you want to use to store or print the error
messages. Press Enter to select the device, or press ESC to exit
the pop-up window and return to the Error logging prompt.

If you select

another pop-up window:

Log errors on disk,

DIAG displays

Floppy disk A:
Floppy disk B:
Hard disk C:

Highlight the disk where you want to store the error messages.
Press Enter to select the specified disk drive.

DIAG creates a file called ERROR.LOG in the current
directory of the specified disk drive. After running the tests, you
can open the ERROR.LOG file to review the errors that
occurred during the tests.

10

System Diagnostics

After selecting error logging, DIAG uses this device (and/or
disk drive) for error logging until you indicate you do not want

error logging. You can then specify a new device and/or disk
drive by selecting error logging in the Run Time Parameters
window. When you specify a new device and/or disk drive,

DIAG erases the existing ERROR.LOG file.

If you select the printer, DIAG writes the error messages to the
device connected to your parallel port assigned LPT1. If you

select the serial port, DIAG writes the error messages to the
device connected to your serial port assigned COM1.

If you select Cancel error logging, DIAG changes

the error logging response from Y to N.

When you specify the device for error logging, one of the error

messages may appear:

Floppy disk A not present
Floppy disk B not present
Hard disk C not present
Printer port not present

Serial port not present

Error

Error

in

printer status

in

serial port status

Error in floppy drive A

Record the error message and select a different device for error

logging.

System Diagnostics

11

Executing Diagnostics Tests in Batch Mode

To execute the selected group of diagnostics tests in batch
mode, simply press F6.

DIAG highlights each test name as it runs the test.

If you selected Passbound testing, DIAG displays the pass
number on the right side of the screen above the Run Time
Parameters window. For example:

Pass :

When DIAG is executing a group of tests, you can stop the
testing and return to the System Board submenu of tests by
pressing Ctrl Break. DIAG completes the current test before it
stops.

If you specified Wait on error in the Run Time
Parameters, DIAG pauses each time an error occurs. When you

press Enter, DIAG continues the diagnostics testing.

00001

Running the Tests

When DIAG completes a test, you see this prompt:

Press <ENTER> to return to MAIN MENU.

Press Enter to return to the main menu.

If an error occurs during a test, note the error message and
contact your Epson dealer. Your dealer may be able to solve the

problem; if not, he or she can refer you to an authorized Epson

Customer Care Center. If necessary, call the Epson Consumer
Information number (1-800-922-891 1) for the location of your
nearest authorized Epson Customer Care Center.

12

System Diagnostics

System Board Diagnostics

The tests listed in the System Board submenu provide a

complete diagnostics check of the system board.

Basic Functionality test
CPU Protected Mode test
Processor speed test

CoProcessor test
DMA Controller test

Interrupt Controller test

Timer test
Real Time Clock test
CMOS Validity test

Basic Functionality Test

This test verifies the operation of each major component on the
system board. It checks the instructions, registers, and flags of

the CPU.

When the test completes successfully, you see this message:

Basic functionality test of CPU passed OK.

CPU Protected Mode Test

This test switches to protected mode and checks the protected
mode instructions, such as LSL, VER, and LAR.

When the test completes successfully, you see this message:

Protected mode test of CPU passed OK.

System Diagnostics 13

Processor Speed Test

This test identifies the CPU clock speed and displays a message
similar to this:

Measure CPU speed in Megahertz = 12.00

Coprocessor Test

This test checks the math coprocessor.

If

the math coprocessor is not

installed, you see this message:

Numeric Data processor not present.

DMA Controller Test

This test performs read/write tests on the memory address

registers and page registers of DMA controller 1 and 2.

During the test, you see this message:

Testing Programmable DMA Controller.

When the test completes successfully, you see this message:

Programmable DMA Controller test
passed OK.

14 System Diagnostics

Interrupt Controller Test

This test performs read/write tests on the interrupt mask
registers and checks for invalid interrupts.

During the test, you see this message:

Testing Programmable Interrupt

Controller . . . .

When the test completes successfully, you see this message:

Programmable Interrupt Controller test
passed OK.

Timer Test

This test verifies the accuracy of the timer count by comparing

it to the periodic interrupt of the system’s real time clock
(RTC).

During the test, you see this message:

Testing Programmable Interval Timer.

When the test completes successfully, you see this message:

Programmable Interval Timer test
passed OK.

System Diagnostics 15

RTC Test

This test verifies the accuracy of the real time clock by
comparing it to the timer 0 interrupt.

During the test, you see this message:

Testing Real Time Clock....

When the test completes successfully, you see this message:

Real Time Clock test passed.

CMOS Validity Test

This test checks the system’s CMOS RAM.

During the test, you see this message:

Testing CMOS validity....

When the test completes successfully, you see this message:

CMOS validity test passed OK.

16

System Diagnostics

Memory Diagnostics

The tests listed in the Memory submenu provide a complete
diagnostics check of the system's built-inmemory.

BIOS ROM Test

Parity test
Pattern test
Walking l's test
Walking O's test
Address test
Refresh test

If you have relocated any memory addresses, you
the addresses to their original locations for
work properly.

If an error occurs during a memory test, DIAG displays this
message:

PRESS <ENTER> TO VIEW FAULTY MEMORY CHIP.

To view the faulty memory
database. If not, you see this message:

<database not created>

If you have created a database, DIAG displays the diagram of
the motherboard and highlights the faulty memory chip.

chip, you must have created a

must change

the memory tests to

System Diagnostics 17

BIOS ROM Test

This test checks the data path of the BIOS ROM.

When the test completes successfully, you see this message:

System ROM module test passed.

Parity Test

This test checks for parity errors in memory.
During the test, DIAG displays these messages:

Testing from absolute memory location
xxxxxxxxh.

Checking for parity error.

When the parity test completes without an error, you see this
message:

Parity test passed OK.

Pattern Test

This test performs a read/write test of memory and identifies any

memory faults.

During the test, you see these messages:

Testing from absolute base xxxxxxxxh
Performing Pattern test in memory.

When the test completes successfully, you see this message:

Pattern test in memory passed OK.

18 System Diagnostics

Walking 1’s Test

This test checks the voltage in the data lines for any shorts and

checks for any data bits that are always 1.
During the test, you see this message:

Testing from absolute base xxxxxxxxh

When the test completes successfully, you see this message:

Walking 1s test in memory passed OK.

Walking 0’s Test

This test checks the voltage in the data lines for any shorts and
checks for any data bits that are always 0.

During the test, you see these messages:

Testing from absolute base xxxxxxxxh

When the test completes successfully, you see this message:

Walking 0S test in memory passed OK.

Address Test

This test checks for any shorts in the address line.

When the test completes successfully, you see this message:

Exclusivity test of address lines

passed.

System Diagnostics

19

Refresh Test

This test checks the refresh interval.

If an error occurs, DIAG

displays

this message:

Failure in Refresh test.

When the test completes successfully, you see this message:

Refresh test passed OK.

Hard Disk Diagnostics

The tests listed in the Hard Disk submenu provide a
diagnostics check of the system’s hard disk drive.

Hard Disk Format

Auto Interleave
Media Analysis

Perform Test

Seek Test

Read/Verify Test

Check Test Cyl.

complete

Force Bad Tracks

Hard disk diagnostics tests may be destructive or non­destructive. Destructive diagnostics destroy data on the hard
disk. Non-destructive diagnostics do not destroy data on the

hard disk.

20 System Diagnostics

Destructive diagnostics tests include:

Hard Disk Format

Auto Interleave

Media Analysis
Force Bad Tracks

The non-destructive diagnostics tests include:

Performance Test
Seek Test
Read/Verify Test
Check Test Cylinder

Hard Disk Parameters

DIAG may request any or all of the following parameters before

performing a following hard disk test:

Disk drive identifier
Disk drive type
Interleave factor
Bad track list

Start cylinder number
End cylinder number
Start head number
End head number

Disk drive identifier

DIAG displays the following prompt for the disk drive
identifier:

Disk Drive (C/D)

If only one hard disk is connected to the computer, DIAG
assumes it is drive C and does not request a response to this
prompt.

? c

System Diagnostics 21

Disk drive type

DIAG displays the following prompt for the disk drive type:

Disk Drive type

? 2

Select drive type 2 for a 20MB drive or drive type 17 for a
40MB drive. DIAG determines the type of hard disk drive based
on the settings in CMOS RAM.

A pop-up window on the screen lists 47 possible drive types.
This allows for the possibility of additional hard disk drives in

the future. If you select the User Defined hard disk drive, you

must provide the following information:

Number of cylinders

Number of heads
Number of sectors per track
Write precom
Write precom cylinder number

Landing zone

Interleave factor

DIAG displays the following prompt for the interleave factor:

Interleave (1-16)

?

The interleave factor affects the performance of your hard disk.
The default value is 3.

When you execute the Auto Interleave test, DIAG determines
the best interleave value for your hard disk and formats the hard
disk for this interleave factor.

If you enter an interleave value in response to the Interleave
prompt, you override the value set by DIAG. Only do this if the
documentation with your hard disk recommends a different
value.

22 System Diagnostics

Bad track list

DIAG displays the following prompt for the bad track list:

Mark Bad Tracks (Y/N) ?

Entering the bad track list is optional. If you respond Y to the
above prompt, you see the following menu in a pop-up window:

Add an entry

Revise an entry
Delete an entry
Clear Bad Track list

Save and Exit

You do not need to enter a bad track list for the hard disk that

comes with the Equity LT-286e.

When you execute the Media Analysis test, DIAG
automatically marks the bad tracks when it formats the hard
disk.

Start and end cylinder numbers

DIAG displays the following prompts for the starting and
ending cylinder numbers:

Start cylinder number ?
End cylinder number

Enter the first and last cylinder numbers on which you want to
perform the tests. The default for the start cylinder number is 0,
and the default for the end cylinder number is one less than the
highest cylinder number of your hard disk. For a 20MB hard
disk drive, the highest cylinder number is 614. For a 40MB hard
disk drive, the highest cylinder number is 976.

?

System Diagnostics 23

Start and end head numbers

DIAG displays the following prompts for the starting and
ending head numbers:

Start Head number

End Head number

Enter the first and last head numbers on which you want to
perform the tests. The default for the start head number is 0,
and the default for the end head number is one less than the
highest head number of your hard disk. The highest head
number for the Equity LT-286e is 3.

After you specify the hard disk parameters required for the
selected diagnostics test, DIAG begins executing the test.

?
?

Hard Disk Format

Use this test when installing a new hard disk in your computer.
It preformats your hard disk on the hardware level. (You must

still format the hard disk for your operating system.)

You may need to reformat a hard disk if you have a serious

problem with the drive. However, before executing this program
on a hard disk with data, try every other recovery procedure
described in your operating system manual. Then back up all
data on the hard disk before you start the DIAG program.

The Hard Disk Format program lets you format the entire hard
disk or any portion of it.

24 System Diagnostics

When you select Hard Disk Format, DIAG requests the

following hard disk parameters:

Disk drive identifier
Disk drive type
Interleave factor
Bad track list (optional)
Start cylinder number
End cylinder number
Start head number

End head number

If you do not specify the bad track list, DIAG performs an
analysis of the surface of the hard disk to determine the bad

tracks.

DIAG displays the following messages after you specify the hard
disk parameters:

WARNING

All data on Hard disk you have

specified may be LOST...
DO YOU STILL WANT TO CONTINUE (Y/N)?

Press Y and Enter to start formatting the hard disk. Press N and

Enter to stop the operation.

Auto Interleave

This test lets DIAG determine the interleave factor for your
hard disk.

System Diagnostics 25

When you select Auto Interleave, DIAG requests the disk drive

identifier and disk drive type. After you specify the parameters,
you see these messages:

WARNING

All data on Hard disk you have

specified may be LOST...

Do you still want to continue (Y/N)?

Press Y and Enter to start the Auto Interleave function. Press N
and Enter to stop the operation.

Media Analysis

This test identifies the bad tracks on the hard disk. DIAG
performs a comprehensive analysis of the surface of the hard

disk to find the bad tracks. DIAG uses three different bit
patterns for this test. It formats the hard disk, marks the bad
tracks, and displays the bad track list.

When you select Media Analysis, DIAG requests the following

hard disk parameters:

Disk drive identifier

Disk drive type

Interleave factor

Start cylinder number

End cylinder number

Start head number

End head number

26

System Diagnostics

DIAG displays the following messages after you specify the hard

disk parameters:

WARNING

All data on Hard disk you have

specified may be LOST...

Do you still want to continue (Y/N)?

Press Y and Enter to start analyzing the hard disk. Press N and

Enter to stop the operation.

Performance Test

This test checks the performance of your hard disk. It
determines the data transfer rate and track-to-track seek time
based on the transfer sire, seek count, and the amount of data

transferred.

The interleave factor is the most critical factor in determining
disk performance. Changing the interleave factor can drastically

change disk performance.

DIAG measures the data transfer rate in kilobytes per second.

To measure the data transfer rate, DIAG reads 64KB of data 15

times and counts the number of timer ticks using this formula:

Transfer rate = (64KB x 15 x 18.2) / # timer ticks

DIAG measures track-to-track seek time in milliseconds using
this formula:

Seek time = (# timer ticks x 1000) / 18.2 x 200

The number of seeks is 200.

A higher data transfer rate and a lower seek time indicate better
disk performance.

System Diagnostics 27

When you select the Performance Test, DIAG requests the disk
drive identifier and disk drive type.

Seek Test

This test checks the seek capability of the hard disk on the

specified range of cylinders and heads. DIAG performs a series
of sequential seeks followed by random seeks. It reports any
errors found.

When you select Seek Test, DIAG requests the following hard
disk parameters:

Disk drive identifier
Disk drive type
Start cylinder number

End cylinder number
Start head number
End head number

Read/Verify Test

This test checks the read and verify capability of the hard disk
on the specified range of cylinders and heads. DIAG performs

both sequential and random read and verify operations. It
reports any errors found.

When you select Seek Test, DIAG requests the following hard
disk parameters:

Disk drive identifier

Disk drive type
Start cylinder number
End cylinder number
Start head number
End head number

28 System Diagnostics

Check Test Cylinder

This test checks the test cylinder, which is the last cylinder on

the hard disk.

Perform this test if you receive a hard disk error when you boot
the system.

When you select Check Test Cylinder, DIAG requests the disk
drive identifier and disk drive type.

Force Bad Tracks

Use this test to mark bad tracks on the hard disk without
formatting the disk.

When you select Force Bad Tracks, DIAG requests the
following hard disk parameters:

Disk drive identifier
Disk drive type
Starr cylinder number

End cylinder number
Start head number
End head number

DIAG displays the following messages after you specify the hard

disk parameters:

WARNING

All data on Hard disk you have

specified may be LOST...

Do you still want to continue (Y/N)?

System Diagnostics 29

Press Y and
the operation.

Enter

to start the test. Press N and

Hard Disk Error Messages

Enter

to stop

DIAG displays two types of error messages
hard disk: messages DIAG generates and those the controller
generates.

DIAG displays the following message if you attempt to run the
Performance Test with less than 128KB of memory:

while testing the

INSUFFICIENT MEMORY FOR DATA TRANSFER

Minimum memory required is - 128KB

The controller displays one of the following messages when an
error occurs during a diagnostics procedure:

Address mark not found
Attachment failed to respond

Bad ECC on disk read
Bad sector flag detected
Controller has failed
Drive activity failed

ECC corrected data error
Requested sector not found
Reset failed

Seek operation failed

Write fault on selected drive

When you see one of these error messages, check the drive,
controller, cables, and power connectors. Remove and re-install

the hard disk cartridge. If you still get an error, contact your

dealer.

30 System Diagnostics

Floppy Disk Diagnostics

The tests listed in the Floppy Disk submenu provide a complete
diagnostics check of the system’s diskette drive.

Diskette Format

I

Drive Speed Test
Random R/W Test
Sequential R/W Test

Disk Change Line Test

Floppy disk diagnostics tests may be destructive or non­destructive. Destructive diagnostics destroy data on the diskette.
These tests include:

Diskette Format

Random R/W Test

Sequential R/W Test

Non-destructive diagnostics do not destroy data on the diskette.
These tests include:

Drive Speed Test
Disk Change Line Test

DIAG requests the following parameter before performing a
floppy disk test:

Floppy Disk Drive (A/B) ?

System Diagnostics 31

Diskette Format

This test checks the format of the floppy disk controller and
drive. It does not format the diskette for any particular
operating system.

This test destroys all data on the diskette.

Drive Speed Test

This test verifies how fast the floppy drive rotates a diskette.

Your internal, 1.44MB, 3 1/2-inch diskette drive should rotate

the diskette at 300 rpm allowing a tolerance of one percent.

An external, 1.2MB, 5 1/4-inch diskette drive should rotate a

1.2MB diskette at 360 rpm and a 360KB diskette at 300 rpm.

Again, allow one percent tolerance.

To perform this test, insert a diskette into the drive you plan to
test. Use a diskette you have formatted with the Diskette
Format test.

Random R/W Test

This test checks the random seek capability of a floppy disk
drive. It performs a random read/write operation on the diskette

in the specified drive.

To perform this test, insert a diskette into the drive you plan to
test. Use a diskette you have formatted with the Diskette
Format test.

This test destroys all data on the diskette.

32 System Diagnostics

Sequential R/W Test

This test checks the sequential seek, read, and write capabilities
of a floppy disk drive. It performs a sequential read/write
operation on the diskette in the specified drive.

To perform this test, insert a diskette into the drive you plan to

test. Use a diskette you have formatted with the Diskette
Format test.

This test destroys all data on the diskette.

Disk Change Line Test

This test checks the status of the disk change line. This line
should change when you insert or remove a diskette from a
floppy disk drive.

To perform this test, insert a diskette into the drive you plan to
test. Use a diskette you have formatted with the Diskette

Format test.

Floppy Disk Error Messages

DIAG displays two types of error messages while testing the

floppy disk drive: messages DIAG generates and those the

controller generates.

DIAG may display the following error messages during the Disk
Change Line test:

Warning - Change line inoperational

DIAG displays this message if the line is not working
properly. This may indicate a problem exists with the floppy
drive or the controller.

System Diagnostics 33

CHANGE LINE Not Available

DIAG displays this message if you attempt to run the
Change Line Test on a drive that does not support a change

line, such as a 360KB or 720KB drive.

The controller displays one of the following messages when an
error occurs during a diagnostics procedure:

BAD address mark
BAD CRC error
BAD DMA error
BAD SEEK error
Diskette WRITE PROTECTED
Media change error

Record not found

TIMEOUT error

These errors could occur because of a faulty drive, controller, or

cable, or if you attempt to run a test on a write-protected or
unformatted diskette.

Keyboard Diagnostics

The tests listed in the Keyboard submenu provide a complete
diagnostics check of the keyboard.

Controller Test

Scan/ASCII Code Test

Keyboard clock line Test

Keyboard data line test

34 System Diagnostics

Controller Test

This test checks the keyboard controller.

Scan/ASCII Code Test

This test checks the scan codes assigned to the keys on the
keyboard.

When you select this test, DIAG displays the layout of your
keyboard on the screen.

When you press a key, DIAG displays the scan code and the

ASCII code of the key. See the “Keyboard Scan/ASCII Codes”
section later in this booklet for a complete list of the scan codes
and ASCII codes for your keyboard.

Press Ctrl Break at any time to end this test.

Keyboard Clock Line Test

This test checks the keyboard clock line.

Keyboard Data Line Test

This test checks the keyboard data line.

System Diagnostics 35

Video Diagnostics

The tests listed in the Video submenu provide a complete

diagnostics check of the video adapter. Use these
the operation of the LCD or monitor connected to your
computer.

Run All Tests
Adapter Test

Attribute Test

80x25 Display Test
40x25 Display Test
320x200 Graphics Test

640x200 Graphics Test

Page Selection Test

Color Test

640x350 Graphics Test

Adapter Test

tests

to check

This test checks the memory assigned to the display adapter.

Attribute Test

This test checks the display attributes of the video adapter.

80x25 Display Test

This test checks the 80x25 display feature of the display
adapter.

36 System Diagnostics

40x25 Display Test

This test checks the 40x25 display feature of the display
adapter.

This test is available for a color display adapter only.

320x200 Graphics Test

This test checks the 320x200 graphics display feature of the
display adapter.

This test is available for a color display adapter only.

640x200 Graphics Test

This test checks the high resolution (600x200) graphics display
feature of the display adapter.

This test is available for a color display adapter only.

Page Selection Test

This test checks the paging function of the display adapter.

This test is available for a color display adapter only.

Color Test

This test checks the background and border color mapping of

the display adapter.
This test is available for a color display adapter only.

System Diagnostics 37

640x350 Graphics Test

This test checks the 640x350 graphics display feature of the

EGA display adapter.

This test is available for a color display adapter only.

Video Error Message

DIAG displays the following error message during the Adapter
Test:

DISPLAY MEMORY R/W ERROR

The Adapter Test detected a read/write error in the display
memory. This indicates a problem with the display controller.
Contact your dealer.

Miscellaneous Diagnostics

The tests listed is the Miscellaneous submenu provide a

complete diagnostics check of the parallel and serial ports.

Printer Adapter Test

This test checks the parallel port and the printer by sending a

pattern to the printer. If the printer does not print the pattern,
the test has failed.

38 System Diagnostics

You may see one of the following error messages during this test:

Error - Printer Out of Paper
Error - Printer Not Selected
Error - Printer Interface I/O Error
Error - Time Out On Printer

Check that the printer is on-line, paper is loaded, and all
connections are secure.

Communication Adapter Test

This test checks the serial port. Before running this test, you
must connect a special RS-232C connector to the serial port.
The connector requires the following settings:

RD and TD shorted

DSR and DTR shorted

CTS and RTS shorted

You can purchase an AT-type loopback connector from most
electronic supply stores. This connector allows the test to send
out and receive the same data for the purpose of the test.

This test checks the serial port for the following parameters:

9600 baud rate
Odd parity

2 stop bits

8-bit data length

This test first performs a reset function to check for all possible
errors. Then it performs a send function followed by a receive.

2-3

4 - 6

7- 8

System Diagnostics 39

You

may see one of the following error messages during this test:
Error - Break Detected

Error ­Error

Framing error

- Overrun error
Error - Parity error
Error - Time out!

These error messages indicate a problem with the controller or
with the test cable.

Make sure the test connector is secure.

If the error persists, contact your dealer.

40

System Diagnostics

Keyboard Scan/ASCII Codes

Keystroke
Sys Req

Num Lock

Scroll Lock

Home

T

PgUP

F1
F2
F3
F4
F5
F6

Scan Code

**

29

**

tt

0C

47
48
49
4A 2D

3B
3c
3D
3E

3F
40

ASCII Code

**

60

*t

**

2D

00
00
00

00
00
00
00
00

00
F7
F8
F9
F10

E
t

[blank key]

** No codes

- Ignored

41
42
43
44

OD

4B

-

00

00
00
00

3D

00

-

System Diagnostics 41

Keystroke

Scan Code

ASCII Code

+

+

Esc
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
0
End

5-

PgDn

4D

4E

01
02
03
04
05
06
07
08
09

0A

0B
4F
50
51

00
2B

1B
31
32
33

34
35

36
37
38
39

30
00

00

00

42

System

+ Ww)

Tab

q

W

e
r

t

** No codes

- Ignored

Diagnostics

0E

0F

10
11
12
13
14

08

09

71

77
65

72

74

Keystroke

Scan Code

ASCII Code

0

P
[

]

Enter

Ctrl
a

S

d
f

g
h

j
k

15
16
17
18
19
1A
1B
1C

**

1E

1F
20
21
22

79

75
69
6F
70
5B

5D
0D

**

61
73
64
66
67

23 68
24

6A

25 6B

I

’ (apostrophe)

Shift (left)

Z

X

** No codes

- Ignored

26

6C
27 3B
28 27

l *

2C
2D

**

7A
78

System Diagnostics 43

Keystroke

Scan Code

ASCII Code

C

V

b

n

m

, (comma)

I
Shift (right)

Alt

l

\

[space bar]
Caps Lock
Ins
Del

2E
2F
30
31
32
33
34
35

**

**

37
28
39

**

52
53

63

76
62
6E

6D
2C

2E
2F

* *

**

**
5C
20

**

00
00

44

System

** No codes

- Ignored

Shift SysReq
Shift ’ (-)

Shift NumLock
Shift ScrollLock
Shift - (-)
Shift Home (7)
Shift ? (8)

Diagnostics

**

29

**
**

0C

47
48

**

7E

**
**

5F
00
00

Keystroke

Scan Code

ASCII Code

Shift PgUp (9)
Shift -

Shift F1

Shift F2

Shift F3
Shift F4
Shift F5

Shift F6
Shift F7

Shift F8

Shift F9

Shift F10

Shift = (+)

Shift t (4)

Shift [blank key]

Shift + (6)

49
4A 2D

54 00
55 00
56
57
58
59 00
5A 00
5B
5C
5D
0D
48

­4D

00

00
00
00

00
00
00
2B
00

­00

Shift +

Shift Esc

Shift 1 (!)

Shift 2 (@)

Shift 3 (#)

Shift 4 ($)

Shift 5 (%)

** No codes

- Ignored

4E

01
02
03
04 23
05 24
06 25

2B

1B
21
40

System Diagnostics 45

Keystroke

Scan Code

ASCII Code

1

Shift 6 (^)
Shift 7 (&)
Shift 8 (*)
Shift 9 (()
Shift 0 ())
Shift End (1)
Shift L (2)
Shift PgDn (3)
Shift t (bksp)

Shift Tab
Shift Q
Shift W
Shift E
Shift f?
Shift T
Shift Y

07

08 26

09
0A
0B 29

4F

50

51

0E

OF

10
11
12 45
13
14
15

5E

2A

28

00
00
00
08

00
51
57

52
54

59
Shift U
Shift I
Shift O
Shift P
Shift [ ({)
Shift ] (})

Shift Enter

** No codes

- Ignored

46 System Diagnostics

16
17
18
19
1A 7B
1B
1C

55

49

4F

50

7D

OD

r-

Keystroke

Shift Ctrl

r

Scan Code

Shift A

Shift S
Shift D
Shift F
Shift G
Shift H
Shift J
Shift K
Shift L
Shift ; (:)
Shift ’ (“)

Shift (left)
Shift Z
Shift X
Shift C
Shift V

1E

1F
20
21
22
23
24

25

26
27
28

l *

2C
2D

2E

2F

56
Shift B
Shift N
Shift M
Shift, (<)

Shift (>)
Shift / (?)
Shift Shift (right)

** No codes

- Ignored

30
31
32
33
34
35

L.-ii

42

4E

4D
3C

3E

3F

* *

System Diagnostics 47

Keystroke

Scan Code

ASCII Code

Shift Alt
Shift * (PrtSc)
Shift \ (|)
Shift [space bar]
Shift CapsLock

Shift Ins (0)
Shift Del (.)

Ctrl SysReq
Ctrl

Ctrl NumLock
Ctrl ScrollLock (Break) -

Ctrl ­Ctrl Home

Ctrl

t

Ctrl PgUp
Ctrl -

**
**

2B
39

**

52
53

**

-

­exits test

0C

77

-

84

-

**

**

7C

20

**

30
2E

**

-

-

1F
00

­00

-

Ctrl F1
Ctrl F2

Ctrl F3
Ctrl F4
Ctrl F5
Ctrl F6
Ctrl F7
Ctrl F8

** No codes

- Ignored

48

System Diagnostics

5E
5F
60
61
62
63

64
65

00
00

00
00
00
00
00
00

Keystroke

Scan Code

ASCII Code

Ctrl F9
Ctrl F10

Ctrl =

Ctrl

t

Ctrl [blank key]
Ctrl

+

Ctrl +

Ctrl Esc
Ctrl 1

Ctrl 2 (NUL)
Ctrl 3

Ctrl 4
Ctrl 5

Ctrl 6 (RS)
Ctrl 7

Ctrl 8
Ctrl 9

66

67

­73

- ­74

-

01 1B

­03

-

-

­07

-

-

-

00

00

­00

00

-

­00

-

-

­1E

-

-

-

Ctrl 0
Ctrl End

Ctrl

1

Ctrl PgDn
Ctrl t (bksp)

** No codes

- Ignored

­75

­76

0E 7F

-

00

-

00

System Diagnostics 49

Keystroke

Scan Code

ASCII Code

Ctrl Tab
Ctrl Q (DC1)

Ctrl W (ETB)
Ctrl E (ENQ)
Ctrl R (DC2)
Ctrl T (DC4)
Ctrl Y (EM)
Ctrl U (NAK)
Ctrl I (HT)
Ctrl 0 (SI)
Ctrl P (DLE)
Ctrl [ (ESC)
Ctrl ] (GS)
Ctrl Enter (LF)

Ctrl
Ctrl A (SOH)

- ­10

11
12
13 12

14

15 19

16 15

17

18 0F

19 10
1A 1B
1B
1C

** **

1E

11
17

05

14

09

1D

0A

01
Ctrl S (DC3)
Ctrl D (EOT)

Ctrl F (ACK)

Ctrl G (BEL)

Ctrl H (bksp)

Ctrl J (LF)

Ctrl K (VT)
Ctrl L (FF)

** No codes

- Ignored

50 System Diagnostics

1F 13

20

21

22

23
24
25
26

04

06

07

08

0A

0B

0C

Keystroke Scan Code

ASCII Code

1

Ctrl ;
Ctrl ’

Ctrl Shift (left)
Ctrl Z (SUB)
Ctrl X (CAN)
Ctrl C (ETX)
Ctrl V (SYN)
Ctrl B (STX)
Ctrl N (SO)

Ctrl M (CR)
Ctrl ,
Ctrl ,
Ctrl /
Ctrl Shift (right)

Ctrl Alt
Ctrl * (PrtSc)

-

­**

2C
2D

2E
2F
30
31
32

-

-

­**

**

72

-

-

**

1A
18
03
16
02
0E

OD

-

­**

**

**
Ctrl\ (FS)
Ctrl [space bar]
Ctrl CapsLock
Ctrl Ins

Ctrl Del

Alt SysReq
Alt ’

** No codes

- Ignored

2B
39

-

-

­**

-

1C
20

-

-

-

-

System Diagnostics 51

I

Keystroke

Scan

Code

ASCII Code

Alt NumLock
Alt Scrolllock
Alt­Alt Home
Alt

7

Alt PgUp
Alt -

Alt F1
Alt F2

Alt F3
Alt F4
Alt F5
Alt F6
Alt F7

Alt F8

Alt F9

**
**

82

-

-

-

-

68
69
6A
6B
6C
6D

6E
6F
70

**

**

00

-

-

-

-

00
00
00

00
00
00
00
00

00
Alt F10
AA =
Alt

t

Alt [blank key]
Alt

+

Alt +

Alt Esc
Alt 1

** No codes

- Ignored

52 System Diagnostics

71
83

-

-

-

-

­78

00
00

-

-

-

-

­00

Keystroke

Alt

2

AIt

3

Alt

4

Alt

5

Alt

6

Alt

7

Alt

8

Alt

9

Alt

0

Alt

End

Alt

-1

Alt

PgDn

Scan Code

79
7A
7B

7C

7D
7E

7F
80
81

-

-

-

ASCII Code

00
00

00
00
00
00
00
00
00

-

-

-

Alt t (bksp)
Alt

Tab

Alt

Q

Alt

W

Alt

E

Alt

R

Alt

T

Alt

Y

Alt

U

Alt

I

Alt

O

Alt

P

** No codes

- Ignored

- -

­10

11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19

System Diagnostics 53

­00

11
00
00
00
00
00
00
00
00

Keystroke

Scan Code

ASCII Code

Alt [
Alt ]
Alt Enter

Alt Ctrl
Alt A
Alt S
Alt D
Alt F
Alt G
Alt H
Alt J
Alt K
Alt L
Alt ;
Alt ’

Alt Shift (left)

-

-

­**

1E

1F

20
21
22

23
24
25
26

-

-

**

-

-

­**

00
00
00
00
00
00
00
00
00

-

-

**

Alt Z

At X
Alt C
Alt V
Alt B
Alt N
Alt M

Alt ,

** No codes

- Ignored

54 System Diagnostics

2C
2D

2E
2F
30
31

32

-

**
**
**
**
**
**

**

-

Keystroke

Scan Code

ASCII Code

Alt .
Alt/
Alt Shift (right)

Alt
Alt*
Alt\
Alt [space bar]
Alt CapsLock
Alt Ins
Alt Del

- -

- ­**

** **

- -

- -

39

**

-

-

**

20

**

-

-

** No codes

- Ignored

System Diagnostics

55