SELF-LEARNING HOME TASK (SLHT)

Subject TLE- CSS Grade 10 Level JHS Quarter Third Week 3

MELC Install application software Competency Code TLE_IACSS9-12ICCS-IIIa-e-31

Name: __________________________________ Section: _______________ Date: ____________

School: _________________________________________ District: ___________________________
A. Readings/Discussions
DIAGNOSTIC SOFTWARE

A diagnostic program is a software tool used to diagnose problems with a particular set of
hardware devices. It can be used by a trained technician or by the owner of the device, to identify
and resolve hardware issues.

Diagnostic software, the kind that comes with your computer as well as the types of available
third-party software, is vitally important to you any time your computer malfunctions or you begin the
process of upgrading a system component or adding a new device. Even when you attempt a
simple procedure, such as adding a new adapter card, or begin the sometimes-tedious process of
troubleshooting a hardware problem that causes a system crash or lockup when you are working,
you need to know more about your system than you can learn from the packing list sent with the
system. Diagnostic software provides the portal through which you can examine your system
hardware and the way your components are working.

The diagnostic programs include the following:

• POST. The Power-On Self Test operates whenever any PC is powered up.
• Manufacturer supplied diagnostics software. Many of the larger manufacturers--especially
high-end, name-brand manufacturers such as IBM, Compaq, Hewlett Packard, and others--
have made special diagnostics software that is expressly designed for their systems. This
manufacturer-specific software normally consists of a suite of tests that thoroughly examines
the system.
o IBM's diagnostics software is on the reference disk for the PS/2 systems, and on an
advanced diagnostics disk for their other systems.
o Both Compaq and Hewlett Packard also produced diagnostics designed for a
technician to use in troubleshooting his or her respective systems.
In some cases, however, the diagnostics are installed on a special partition on the hard drive
and can be accessed during bootup. This is a convenient way for system manufacturers to
make sure you always have diagnostics available.
• Aftermarket diagnostics software. There are several manufacturers making general purpose
diagnostics software for PC-compatible systems. This includes
o utilities--Symantec's Norton Utilities,
o Microscope by Micro 2000,
o Qa-Plus by Diagsoft,
o PC-Technician by Windsor Technologies,
o and others--that provide detailed diagnostics of any PC-compatible systems.

Many computer operators use the first and last of these software systems to test and
troubleshoot most systems--the POST tests and a third-party diagnostic package. Manufacturer
diagnostics can sometimes be expensive, but they are usually complete and work well with the
systems they are designed for.

Power-On Self Test (POST)

When IBM first began shipping the IBM PC in 1981, it included safety features that had never
been seen in a personal computer. These features were the POST and parity-checked memory. The
following provides much more detail on the POST, a series of program routines buried in the
motherboard ROM-BIOS chip that tests all the main system components at power-on time. This
program series causes the delay when you turn on an IBM-compatible system; the POST is executed
before the computer loads the operating system.

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What is Tested?
Whenever you start up your computer, it automatically performs a series of tests that check
the primary components in your system. Items such as the CPU, ROM, motherboard support circuitry,
memory, and major peripherals (such as an expansion chassis) are tested. These tests are brief and
not very thorough compared with available disk-based diagnostics. The POST process provides error
or warning messages whenever a faulty component is encountered.

Although the diagnostics performed by the system POST are not always very thorough, they
are the first line of defense, especially in handling severe motherboard problems. If the POST
encounters a problem severe enough to keep the system from operating properly, it halts bootup of
the system and produces an error message that often leads you directly to the cause of the problem.
Such POST-detected problems are sometimes called fatal errors. The POST tests normally provide
three types of output messages: audio codes, display-screen messages, and hexadecimal numeric
codes to an I/O port address.

POST Audio Error Codes

POST audio error codes usually are audio codes consisting of a number of beeps that identify
the faulty component. If your computer is functioning normally, you hear one short beep when the
system starts up. If a problem is detected, a different number of beeps sound--sometimes in a
combination of short and long beeps. These BIOS-dependent codes can vary among different BIOS
manufacturers.

IBM POST Audio Error Codes and Indicated Problem

Audio Code Sound Problem (Fault Domain)
1 short beep . Normal POST-system OK
2 short beeps .. POST error
No beep Power supply, system board
Continuous beep ___________ Power supply, system board
Repeating short beeps ...... Power supply, system board
One long, one short beep -. System board
One long, two short beeps -.. Display adapter (MDA, CGA)
One long, three short beeps -... Enhanced Graphics Adapter
(EGA)
Three long beeps --- 3270 keyboard card
.=short beep - = long beep

POST Visual Error Codes

On the XT, AT, PS/2, and most compatibles, the POST also displays on the system monitor the
test of system memory. The last number displayed is the amount of memory that tested properly. For
example, the system might display the following: 32768 KB OK

In most cases, the number displayed by the memory test should agree with the total amount
of memory installed on your system motherboard, including conventional and extended memory.
Some systems display a slightly lower total because they deduct all or part of the 384K of UMA (Upper
Memory Area) from the count. The RAM on an expanded memory card is not tested by the POST
and does not count in the numbers reported.

If an error is detected during the POST procedures, an error message is displayed on-screen.
These messages usually are in the form of a numeric code several digits long; for example: 1790-Disk
0 Error. The information in the hardware-maintenance service manual identifies the malfunctioning
component.

I/O Port POST Codes

A lesser-known feature of the POST is that at the beginning of each POST, the BIOS sends test
codes to a special I/O port address. These POST codes can be read only by a special adapter card
plugged into one of the system slots. These cards originally were designed to be used by the system
manufacturers for burn-in testing of the motherboard during system manufacturing without the need
for a video display adapter or display.
When one of these adapter cards is plugged into a slot, during the POST you see two-digit
hexadecimal numbers flash on a display on the card. If the system stops unexpectedly or hangs, you

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can just look at the two-digit display on the card for the code indicating the test in progress during
the hang. This step usually identifies the failed part.

IBM Diagnostics

IBM systems usually have two levels of diagnostics software.

• general-purpose diagnostics that is more user-oriented
• technician-level program that can be somewhat cryptic at times.
Because the troubleshooting procedures for most newer systems are fairly simple, most people have
no problems running the diagnostics software without any official documentation.

IBM Advanced Diagnostics

For technician-level diagnostics, IBM sells hardware-maintenance and service manuals for
each system, which include the Advanced Diagnostics disks for that system. These disks contain the
real diagnostics programs and combined with the hardware-maintenance service manuals,
represent the de facto standard diagnostics information and software for IBM and compatible
systems. For PS/2 machines, IBM includes the Advanced Diagnostics on the Reference Disk that
comes with the system; however, the instructions for using the diagnostics are still found in the service
manuals available separately.

Examining Error Codes

Most personal computer error codes for the POST, general diagnostics, and advanced
diagnostics are represented by the display of the device number followed by two digits other than
00. When the tests display the device number plus the number 00, they indicate that a test was
completed without an error being found.

IBM POST and Diagnostics Error-Code List

Code Description
1xx System Board Errors
101 System board interrupt failure (unexpected interrupt)
102 System board timer failure
102 PS/2; real-time clock (RTC)/64-byte CMOS RAM test failure
103 System board timer interrupt failure
103 PS/2 2K CMOS RAM extension test failure
104 System board protected mode failure
105 System board 8042 keyboard controller command failure
106 System board converting logic test failure
107 System board Non-Maskable Interrupt (NMI) test failure; hot
NMI
108 System board timer bus test failure
109 System board memory select error; low MB chip select test
failed
110 PS/2 system board parity check error (PARITY CHECK 1)

General-Purpose Diagnostics Programs

Many third-party diagnostics programs are available for PC-compatible systems. Specific
programs are available also to test memory, floppy drives, hard disks, video boards, and most other
areas of the system. Although some of these utility packages should be considered essential in any
tool kit, many fall short of the level needed by professional-level troubleshooters. Many products,
geared more toward end users, lack the accuracy, features, and capabilities needed by technically
proficient people who are serious about troubleshooting. Most of the better diagnostics on the
market offer several advantages over the IBM diagnostics. They usually are better at determining
where a problem lies within a system, especially in IBM-compatible systems. Serial- and parallel-port
loopback connectors, or wrap plugs, are often included in these packages, or are available for a
separate charge. The plugs are required to properly diagnose and test serial and parallel ports.

These programs test all types of memory, including conventional (base) memory, extended
memory, and expanded memory. Failures can usually be identified down to the individual chip or
SIMM (bank and bit) level.

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AMIDiag
AMI (American Megatrends, Inc.) makes very popular PC ROM BIOS software. The AMI BIOS
can be found on most newer IBM compatible systems. If you have seen the AMI BIOS, you know that
most versions have a built-in diagnostic program.
AMIDiag, as the program is called, has numerous features and enhancements not found in
the simpler ROM version. AMIDiag is a comprehensive, general purpose diagnostic that is designed
for any IBM compatible system, not just those with an AMI ROM BIOS.

Norton Utilities Diagnostics

When you consider that Norton Diagnostics (NDIAGS) comes with the Norton Utilities, and that
Norton Utilities is already an essential collection of system data safeguarding, troubleshooting,
testing, and repairing utilities, NDIAGS probably is one of the best values in diagnostic programs.

PC Technician
PC Technician by Windsor Technologies is a full-featured comprehensive hardware diagnostic
and troubleshooting tool and tests all major areas of a system. Like several of the other more capable
programs, PC Technician has its own operating system that isolates it from problems caused by
software conflicts. The program is written in assembly language and has direct access to the
hardware in the system for testing. This program also includes all the wrap plugs needed for testing
serial and parallel ports.

Disk Diagnostics

All the general-purpose diagnostics programs can test both floppy and hard disk drives.
However, because these programs are general-purpose in nature, the drive tests are not always as
complete as one would like. For this reason, there are a number of specific programs designed
expressly for performing diagnostics and servicing on disk drives.

Data Recovery Utilities

There are several programs designed for data recovery rather than just hardware
troubleshooting and repair. These data recovery programs can troubleshoot and repair disk
formatting structures (boot sectors, file allocation tables, directories) as well as files and file structures
(database files, spreadsheet files, and so on).
The Norton Utilities by Symantec stands as perhaps the premier data recovery package. This
package is very comprehensive and will automatically repair most types of disk problems.

What really makes this package stand out is the fantastic Disk Editor program, which is
capable of editing disks at the sector level. The Disk Editor included with the Norton Utilities can give
the professional PC troubleshooter or repairperson the ability to work directly with any sector on the
disk. Unfortunately, this does require extensive knowledge of sector formats and disk structures. The
documentation with the package is excellent and can be very helpful if you are learning data
recovery on your own.

Shareware and Public-Domain Diagnostics

Many excellent public-domain diagnostic programs are available, including programs for
diagnosing problems with memory, hard disks, floppy disks, monitors and video adapters, as well as
virtually any other part of the system. These programs are excellent for users who do not perform
frequent troubleshooting or who are on a budget.
B. Exercises
Exercise 1 Matching Type
Directions: Match the audio code with the problem. Write the letter of the correct answer.

Audio Code Problem (Fault Domain)

_____ 1. One long, one short beep a. POST Error
_____ 2. One long, three short beeps b. 3270 keyboard card
_____ 3. Repeating short beeps c. Power supply, system board
_____ 4. No beep d. Enhanced Graphics Adapter
_____ 5. 2 short beeps e. System Board
.

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 Exercise 2 Identification
Directions: Identify the given diagnostic program. Write your answer on the space provided.

_______________ 1. This comes with the Norton Utilities.

______________ 2. This has its own operating system that isolates it from problems caused by
software conflicts.
______________ 3. This stands as perhaps the premier data recovery package.
______________ 4. This is a comprehensive, general purpose diagnostic that is designed for any
IBM compatible system, not just those with an AMI ROM BIOS.
______________ 5. This is a full-featured comprehensive hardware diagnostic and troubleshooting
tool and tests all major areas of a system.

C. Assessment/Application/Outputs (Please refer to DepEd Order No. 31, s. 2020)

Directions: Choose the letter of the correct answer. Write your answers on the space.
_____ 1. This is the meaning of POST
a. Power On-Self Test b. Power On/Off Service Test c. Power Off Self Test
_____ 2. This is included in the IBM hardware-maintenance and service manuals for each
system.
a. Diagnostic HDD b. Advanced Diagnostics disks c. Data Recovery Utilities
_____ 3. This the code for System board timer failure
a. 106 b. 104 c. 102
_____ 4. This makes the PC Technician software
a. AMI b. IBM c. Windsor Technologies
_____ 5. These produced diagnostics designed for a technician to use in troubleshooting
his or her respective systems.
a. Compaq b. Hewlett Packard c. both a & b
_____ 6. This is vitally important to you any time your computer malfunctions or you begin
the process of upgrading a system component or adding a new device.
a. Driver Tools b. Diagnostic Software c. Data Utilities
_____ 7. These programs can troubleshoot and repair disk formatting structures
a. Diagnostic HDD b. Advanced Diagnostics disks c. Data Recovery Utilities
_____ 8. This is an IBM diagnostic program that can be somewhat cryptic at times.
a. General purpose b. Technician Level c. both a & b
_____ 9. This the code for a System board protected mode failure
a. 106 b. 104 c. 102
_____ 10. Repeating short beeps error sound means a problem with
a. power supply b. system board c. both a & b

D. Suggested Enrichment/Reinforcement Activity/ies

On a short-sized bond paper (landscape). In a table format, list down the AMI BIOS Beep
Codes.
Beeps Error Message Description

References:
https://1123581.tripod.com/id13.html
https://www.computerhope.com/jargon/d/diagprog.htm#:~:text=A%20diagnostic%20program%20is%20a,identif
y%20and%20resolve%20hardware%20issues.
https://www.proprofs.com/quiz-school/story.php?title=njexmtq=ng5o

Prepared by:

NEZA MARIE B. TOLEDO

Teacher 1
Edited and Reviewed by:

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 GUIDE

For the Teacher: Advise the students to read the reading and discussion portion before they attempt
to answer the practice exercises. Going through the parts sequentially will help them understand
easily the topic.

For the Learner: Read through the self-learning home task from the first part to the last part. Doing so,
will help you understand better the topic.

For the Parent/Home Tutor: Assist your child and make sure that he/she reads the self-learning home
task from beginning to end to ensure proper understanding of the concepts