CTS IOInfo User Guide Computer Telecommunication Systems, Inc. 3847 Foxwood Road, Suite 1000 Duluth, Georgia 30136-6100 USA Voice: 1-770-263-8623 FAX: 1-770-263-0124 Internet E-mail: support@comminfo.com World Wide Web: http://www.comminfo.com CompuServe: 76662,2315 2 Copyright 1996-97 Computer Telecommunication Systems, Inc. All Rights Reserved. No part of this User Guide may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any language (natural or computer), in any form or by any means, without the prior written permission of Computer Telecommunication Systems, Inc. Information in this manual is subject to change without notice and does not represent a commitment on the part of Computer Telecommunication Systems, Inc. Computer Telecommunication Systems, Inc. may make improvements and/or changes in the manual and/or in IOInfo at any time. Trademarks and Copyrights IBM(R), PS/2(R) and OS/2(R) are registered trademarks of International Business Machines Corporation. IOInfo(TM), The CTS Serial Port Utilities(TM), IRQInfo(TM), IRQInfo PRO(TM), SwapIRQ(TM), CTS Connect Master and AT Command Test(TM) are trademarks of Computer Telecommunication Systems, Inc. Other names listed in this User Guide are the proprietary trademarks of their respective companies. 3 DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTY USERS OF THIS SOFTWARE MUST ACCEPT THIS DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTY: THIS SOFTWARE IS SUPPLIED AS IS. COMPUTER TELECOMMUNICATION SYSTEMS DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, WITH RESPECT TO THE SOFTWARE AND THE ACCOMPANYING WRITTEN MATERIALS. NO LIABILITY FOR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES. IN NO EVENT SHALL COMPUTER TELECOMMUNICATION SYSTEMS OR ITS SUPPLIERS BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES WHATSOEVER (INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF BUSINESS PROFITS, BUSINESS INTERRUPTION, LOSS OF BUSINESS INFORMATION, OR OTHER PECUNIARY LOSS) ARISING OUT OF THE USE OF OR INABILITY TO USE THIS COMPUTER TELECOMMUNICATION SYSTEMS PRODUCT, EVEN IF COMPUTER TELECOMMUNICATION SYSTEMS HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. BECAUSE SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF LIABILITY FOR CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES, THE ABOVE LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU. Association Of Shareware Professionals Member ============================================= _______ ____|__ | (R) --| | |------------------- | ____|__ | Association of | | |_| Shareware |__| o | Professionals -----| | |--------------------- |___|___| MEMBER This program is produced by a member of the Association of Shareware Professionals (ASP). ASP wants to make sure that the shareware principle works for you. If you are unable to resolve a shareware-related problem with an ASP member by contacting the member directly, ASP may be able to help. The ASP Ombudsman can help you resolve a dispute or problem with an ASP member, but does not provide technical support for members' products. Please write to the ASP Ombudsman at 545 Grover Road, Muskegon, MI 49442-9427 USA, FAX 616-788-2765 or send a CompuServe message via CompuServe Mail to ASP Ombudsman 70007,3536. 4 Introducing IOInfo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 How the I/O Space is Used . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Installing IOInfo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Running IOInfo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 I/O Address Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 IOInfo Report Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 IOInfo Command Line Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Program Help - /? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Store Report in FILENAME - /"FILENAME" . . . . . . . . . 9 Black and White (monochrome) - /Mono . . . . . . . . . . 9 Color - /Color . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Start Over - /New . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Exclude Address(es) - /XAaaa-bbb . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Tips for Using IOInfo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Customer Support Policy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 5 Introducing IOInfo(TM) ====================== Installing a new card in a computer often requires a lot guesswork as to what resources are available. One resource that is often unknown are the I/O addresses used by existing cards. IOInfo from CTS, Inc. is a powerful utility for helping to identify what I/O addresses are used and available in a computer. Before you get started with IOInfo, please be sure that you understand these important concepts: * IOInfo detects most devices, but not all of them. A few devices "hide" until their drivers are loaded or used. In many cases, these devices will be detected by IOInfo when running in a DOS box of a supported operating system. * On a few computers, IOInfo will "lock up". Don't worry about it, just run it again...and again if necessary. This isn't bad! IOInfo automatically learns what I/O addresses in the computer cause a lockup and then "steps around" those addresses when it is run again. After a reboot or two, you will get a complete map of your system I/O space. Remember that it's better to lock up the computer when you are testing the system than when the computer is in real USE! * You SHOULD run IOInfo from DOS (with device drivers loaded) and from a DOS session in any other environments (Windows 3.x, Windows 95, Windows NT or OS/2) installed on the computer. All I/O space use detected in any of the test runs should be avoided as the I/O addresses are being used by something in the computer. * (REGISTERED VERSIONS) IOInfo creates separate report files for each operating system and combines the results into a single report file. The separate report files are named IOInfo.XXX, where "XXX" = DOS, WIN, 95, NT or OS2. The combined report file defaults to IOInfo.LOG, but can be named any legal file name using the /"filename" command. * A small percentage of computers will not give meaningful results with IOInfo due to the way the system bus is designed. IOInfo displays a message when the results are suspect. 6 How the I/O Space is Used ========================= The I/O Space in a computer is used by different devices for communicating with the computer. The AT-compatible computers typically use the I/O addresses from 0 to 3FF (Hexadecimal) for this purpose. The I/O Space is separated into two areas: the addresses from 0 to FF (hex) are used by the motherboard for "system functions". This includes devices like the Interrupt Controller, the keyboard, PS/2 mice, the CMOS data area and so on. IOInfo does not map this area since you cannot add a device here! The second area from 100 to 3FF (hex) is available on the system bus for use by add-in cards. Your serial and parallel ports, hard and floppy disk drive controllers, game ports, sound cards and SCSI devices all are located in this section of the I/O Space. This is the I/O area that is tested by IOInfo. The rule for using the I/O space is that only a single device can use each address location. The problem with this rule is that it's very difficult to determine what I/O addresses are in use! It is all too easy to install two devices at the same address. Many types of failures or problems may occur when two devices are installed at the same address location, so 1) use IOInfo before installing a new device and 2) test the computer system completely by using all devices after installing a new card. A few extra minutes while you are installing the device may save you from hours of frustration later! 7 Installing IOInfo ================= Installing IOInfo is simple. IOInfo is should be installed in a subdirectory on the hard disk (IOInfo will run from a write- enabled floppy, but it is not recommended). The following instructions assume you will put IOInfo in a directory named "IOInfo" on your hard disk drive: 1. Create an "IOInfo" subdirectory on the hard disk using the DOS Make Directory (MD) command: Example: C>MD IOInfo NOTE: means to press the Enter (Return) key. 2. Change the default directory to the directory you created using the DOS Change Directory (CD) command: Example: C>CD IOInfo 3. Copy the distribution files to the IOInfo directory. If the distribution files are on a floppy diskette in drive A, you would enter: Example: C:\IOInfo>COPY A:\*.* If a README file was copied to the hard drive, then read this file for additional information not included in this User Guide. IOInfo is ready to run. 8 Running IOInfo ============== IOInfo is run from a DOS command line. For best results, we suggest that you run IOInfo from both "true DOS" and from within the DOS sessions of any other operating systems on the computer. When you run in "true DOS", make sure that device drivers are loaded (do NOT do a "clean boot"). If the computer is connected to a network, please log into the network. This activates some network cards. To run IOInfo, enter: IOInfo IOInfo will start running. After displaying the signon screens, IOInfo tests the system I/O space. IOInfo should not pause for more than 15 seconds in any test. If it does, simply reboot and run IOInfo again. It will automatically avoid the I/O space that caused the lockup and continue on. It is possible that you will have to reboot the computer several times to completely map the I/O space of the computer. I/O Address Map =============== The I/O Address Map is displayed after IOInfo completes testing the computer. The I/O Address Map shows which I/O addresses have been detected as used by IOInfo, and (when possible) will identify which device is using the particular I/O address. The display requires several screens to show the entire I/O space. You may use the arrow keys, the Page Up, Page Down, Home and End keys to "move around" the I/O Address Map. The space bar will also cycle through all screens. The IOInfo I/O Address Map will likely contain several areas indicated as "UnKnown". These are areas of the I/O space that are being used by a device that is not specifically identified by IOInfo. Many of the standard devices will be identified by name. If you experience a lockup on one or more of the previous IOInfo runs, you will see a message "Skipped to Avoid a Device that Locked Up IOInfo". This indicates that a device is using one or more of the addresses skipped by IOInfo. Note that IOInfo skips a block of 16 consecutive addresses whenever a lockup occurs, so an entire line of the I/O Address Map will be blocked out. You may use the "/XA" (eXclude Address) command described later if you want to manually determine exactly what I/O Address(es) caused the lockup condition. 9 IOInfo Report Files =================== IOInfo creates several files: when running from "true DOS", IOInfo creates a file named IOInfo.DOS. Other environments have unique names identifying which environment was running: IOInfo.95, IOInfo.WIN, IOInfo.NT and IOInfo.OS2. IOInfo automatically combines all of the above report file names into a single comprehensive report named IOInfo.LOG. You can rename the IOInfo.LOG file to a name of your choice by using the command ' /"filename" ' described later in this user guide. We suggest using this for final runs that will be archived. IOInfo Command Line Options =========================== IOInfo options are controlled by "command line switches". Command line switches are program options that you place on the command line. Each option is preceded by a slash character "/". These "switches" control the IOInfo software the way a hardware switch controls the options on a board. Program Help - /? ----------------- A short help screen is displayed when you enter the command line: IOInfo /? Store Report in FILENAME - /"FILENAME" -------------------------------------- (NOTE: Report files are available in registered versions ONLY) Creates a report file in the filename specified. This is commonly used as the last test run of merged test reports to uniquely identify the report. For example, to create a final report for "John Smiths' computer", use the command line: IOInfo /"JSmith.IO" NOTE: The quotation characters (") are required around the file name. Black and White (monochrome) - /Mono ------------------------------------ The screen displays use black and white only. Color - /Color -------------- The screen displays use color. 10 Start Over - /New ----------------- This will reset (clear) the small file (IOINFO.CTL) used to keep track of what I/O addresses cause lockup problems and deletes any IOInfo report files (except user-specified filenames). The "/New" command should be used after removing card(s) from the computer that may have caused the previous lockup conditions. Exclude Address(es) - /XAaaa-bbb -------------------------------- This command will exclude the I/O address at "aaa" (hex) or the range of addresses from "aaa" to "bbb" (hex) from being tested by IOInfo. This command can be used to "fine tune" the area(s) detected as causing a lockup. NOTE: use of this command causes IOInfo to ignore the information in the "lockup avoidance" file. Be sure to manually exclude any I/O addresses that cause lockups. You may have multiple "/XA..." commands on a single command line. Tips for Using IOInfo ===================== Here are some suggestions that will help you get the most benefit from IOInfo: * IOInfo runs as a DOS application. If you run other operating environments, we suggest first running in TRUE DOS and then as a DOS application in any other environments installed on the computer. * IOInfo is a diagnostic, and one of the qualities of good diagnostic is that they stress the computer to find problems. On occasion, a system lockup may occur. Be prepared by exiting other applications that are running before using IOInfo. This will protect against a possible loss of data. * In each environment, it is best if you use all devices before running IOInfo. Use the sound card. If you have a network, log on. If you have a scanner, use it. After you have activated all of the devices, then run IOInfo. 11 Customer Support Policy ======================= Customer support is provided via telephone, FAX, and electronic mail. Messages sent to us on CompuServe E-mail or via the Internet will usually receive a reply within 24 hours. Please be prepared to answer the following questions before you call for assistance: * The version number of your copy of IOInfo. You can view this information on the program title screen. * The brand name and model number of your computer. * What equipment you have in your computer. A good diagnostic program such as our IRQInfo program can be very helpful in determining what other equipment is installed. * The version of DOS you are using (type "VER" at the DOS prompt). * A complete description of the problem. * Can you duplicate the series of steps that results in the problem? * Did an error message appear? What did it say? You may contact CTS via voice phone at 770-263-8623 during normal business hours (Eastern Time Zone), or 24 hours / day via FAX at 770-263-0124, on the Internet at support@comminfo.com and on CompuServe at 76662,2315. When you order the CTS IOInfo software, you receive: * The most current version of IOInfo, including the ability to save test reports and automatically combine the reports into a single summary report. * Announcements about updates and other new products. Name: ______________________________ Telephone: ____________________ Company: ________________________________ E-mail ID: ____________________ Address: __________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ QTY Description Price Subtotal === =========== ===== ======== ___ IOInfo $24 ________ Other Products (see descriptions in the file PRODUCTS.TXT) ___ IRQInfo PRO $35 ________ The CTS Serial Port Utilities (CTSSPU) ___ Personal License $20 ________ ___ Personal PLUS License 35 ________ ___ Professional License 59 ________ ___ Professional PLUS License 79 ________ ___ CTS Connect Master for V.34/V.34+ Modems $99 ________ ___ SwapIRQ $20 ________ ___ PortFix $10 ________ Sub-Total $________ Sales Tax: Georgia residents add 5% $________ Shipping and Handling: USA/Canada, all products $ 4.00 2nd Day COD (USA Only) 15.00 International (CTSSPU Personal PLUS, PRO or PRO PLUS) 10.00 International (all other products) 4.00 $________ ======== TOTAL (US dollars, please) $________ PAYMENT METHOD: Check __ Money Order __ EuroCheq __ Discover __ Visa __ MasterCard __ Am. Express __ Purchase Order ($50 min) __ ======================================================================== CREDIT CARD INFORMATION Name as it appears on the card: _________________________________ Card No. ________ ________ ________ ________ Expires ___/___ Cardholder signature: ___________________________________________ Please send to, FAX, Email or call: +--------------------------------------------------------------------+ | Computer Telecommunication Systems, Inc. | | 3847 Foxwood Road, Suite 1000 | | Duluth, Georgia 30136-6100 USA | +--------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | Telephone | Electronic Mail | | --------- | --------------- | | Orders: 1-800-380-2666 | Internet:sales@comminfo.com | | Voice: 1-770-263-8623 | or http://www.comminfo.com | | FAX: 1-770-263-0124 | CompuServe: 76662,2315 | +--------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ Federal TaxID: 58-1880693. Prices are subject to change without notice.