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Finding Software Solutions

Dell™ PowerEdge™ 1655MC Systems Installation and Troubleshooting Guide

  Before You Begin

  Troubleshooting Errors and Conflicts



Software problems can be caused by:

Ensure that you are installing the software application according to the software manufacturer's recommended procedures. If a problem occurs after you install the software, you might need to troubleshoot your software application and your system.

See the documentation that accompanied the software or contact the software manufacturer for detailed troubleshooting information.

NOTE: If all of the system diagnostic tests complete successfully, then the problem is most likely caused by the software and not the hardware.

Before You Begin

The installation utility may require you to enter information about your system, such as how the operating system is configured, and the type of peripherals that are connected to the system. Have this information available before running the installation utility.


Troubleshooting Errors and Conflicts

While configuring and running software, problems might occur that are caused by input errors, application conflicts, and/or IRQ assignment conflicts. The problems are sometimes indicated by error messages.

Error messages are generated by system hardware or software. "Indicators, Codes, and Messages" provides information about error messages that are hardware-based. If you receive an error message that is not listed, see your operating system or software program documentation for troubleshooting information.

Input Errors

Pressing a specific key or set of keys at the wrong time may produce unexpected results. See the documentation that came with the software application to ensure that the values or characters you are entering are valid.

Ensure that your operating system is configured properly to run the application. Remember that whenever you change the parameters of the operating system, the changes can conflict with an application's operating requirements. After you configure the operating system, you may need to reinstall or reconfigure a software application so that it can run properly in its new environment.

Application Conflicts

Some applications can leave unnecessary files or data behind after they are deleted from your system. Device drivers can also create application errors. If application errors occur, see your application device driver or operating system documentation for troubleshooting information.

IRQ Assignment Conflicts

Most PCI devices can share an IRQ with another device, but they cannot use an IRQ simultaneously. To avoid this type of conflict, see the documentation for each PCI device for specific IRQ requirements.

Table 3-1. IRQ Assignment Defaults 

IRQ Line

Assignment

IRQ0

System timer

IRQ1

Keyboard controller

IRQ2

Interrupt controller 1 to enable IRQ8 through IRQ15

IRQ3

Available

IRQ4

Serial port

IRQ5

Available

IRQ6

Diskette drive controller

IRQ7

Available

IRQ8

Real-time clock

IRQ9

ACPI functions (used for power management)

IRQ10

Available

IRQ11

Available

IRQ12

PS/2 mouse port unless the mouse is disabled through the System Setup program

IRQ13

Math coprocessor

IRQ14

Available

IRQ15

Available


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