Manual

43
Power-on self-test (POST)
Each time you turn on your computer, it automatically performs a series of tests
that check the basic operation of the base computer. This series of tests is called
the
power-on self-test
(POST).
POST does the following:
• Checks basic system board operations
• Checks the memory operation
• Compares the current system configuration with that established by the
Configuration/Setup Utility program
• Starts the video operation
• Verifies that the hard disk drive and the CD-ROM drive are working
POST error codes are displayed when POST detects problems with or changes to
the hardware configuration during startup. POST error messages are 3-, 4-, 5-, 8-,
or 12-character alphanumeric messages and include brief explanations.
POST error codes
The computer might display more than one error message. Often, the first error to
occur causes subsequent errors. When using the POST message charts in this
section, always begin by following the suggested action for the first error message
that is displayed. Note that, in these tables,
x
can be any alphanumeric character.
Code Description Action
101 Interrupt failure Have the computer serviced.
102 Timer failure Have the computer serviced.
103 Processor speed set too high Have the computer serviced.
106 Diskette controller failure Have the computer serviced.
114 External ROM checksum failure Have the computer serviced.
129 Level 1 cache error Have the computer serviced.
131 POST detected a system board
voltage out of range
Have the computer serviced.
135 Microprocessor fan failure Have the computer serviced.
136 Hardfile fan failure Have the computer serviced.
151 Real time clock failure Have the computer serviced.
161 Defective CMOS Battery Replace the battery. See “Replacing the
battery” on page 57.