Desktop Computer Hardware Maintenance Manual

Table Of Contents

Chapter 4. General checkout

Attention

The drives in the computer you are servicing might have been rearranged or

the drive startup sequence changed. Be extremely careful during write

operations such as copying, saving, or formatting. Data or programs can be

overwritten if you select an incorrect drive.

General error messages appear if a problem or conflict is found by an application

program, the operating system, or both. For the explanation of these messages,

refer to the information supplied with that software package.

Before replacing any FRUs, ensure that the latest level of BIOS is installed on the

system. A down-level BIOS might cause false errors and unnecessary replacement

of the system board. For more information on how to determine and obtain the

latest level BIOS, see “BIOS levels” on page 655.

Note: For computer models that do not have an internal hard disk drive and use a

remote hard disk drive accessed through the Secure Managed Client - Storage

Array (SMC - Storage Array):

v You might receive the error message “No operating system found. Press F1 to

repeat boot sequence.” In this case, press Ctrl+Alt+Delete instead of F1 to

establish a connection to the storage area network where your operating system

is stored. Verify that the user name is not logged on in another location.

v If the SMC login prompt disappears before you log in and then a black screen

displays, contact your administrator.

Use

the following procedure to help determine the cause of the problem:

1. Power-off the computer and all external devices.

2. Check all cables and power cords.

3. Set all display controls to the middle position.

4. Power-on all external devices.

5. Power-on the computer.

v Look for displayed error codes

v Listen for beep codes

v Look for readable instructions or a main menu on the display.

you did not receive the correct response, proceed to step 6.

If you do receive the correct response, proceed to step 7.

6. Look at the following conditions and follow the instructions:

v If you hear beep codes during POST, go to “Beep symptoms” on page 76.

v If the computer displays a POST error, go to “POST error codes” on page 77.

v If the computer hangs and no error is displayed, turn off the computer and

the power. Then, turn the power and the computer back on, continue at step

Run the Diagnostic programs. See Chapter 5, “Diagnostics,” on page 45.

v If you receive an error, replace the part that the diagnostic program calls out

or go to “Diagnostic error codes” on page 54.

v If the test stops and you cannot continue, replace the last device tested.