System and method of running diagnostic testing programs on a diagnostic adapter card and analyzing the results for diagnosing hardware and software problems on a network computer

摘要

An computer program product and a method is presented for diagnosing hardware and software problems on a network computer through the use of a diagnostic adapter card. The diagnostic adapter card is installed in an open slot in the system bus and thus has access to all the network computer electronics and peripherals. Diagnostic programs are run and the results are logged. By analyzing these results, the source of the problem can be determined and reported for service or repair. The diagnostic adapter card contains its own processor, read only memory, random access memory, and interface logic for connecting to the system bus, a set of external wrap cables for peripheral connector testing, and an external reporting device. Some tests require use of a wrap cable to connect two or more ports together. Other tests, such as system bus timing or memory integrity, do not require the use of wrap cables.