Hardware Diagnostic Procedure, Power-On Self-Test Post

Chapter 4 System Troubleshooting

This chapter provides instructions on how to troubleshoot system hardware problems.

Hardware Diagnostic Procedure

Please refer to generic troubleshooting guide for troubleshooting information relating to following topics:

qPower-On Self-Test (POST) q POST Error Messages List q Error Symptoms List

q Undetermined Problems

Power-On Self-Test (POST)

Each time you turn on the system, the Power-on Self Test (POST) is initiated. Several items are tested during POST, but is for the most part transparent to the user.

The Power-On Self Test (POST) is a BIOS procedure that boots the system, initializes and diagnoses the system components, and controls the operation of the power-on password option. If POST discovers errors in system operations at power-on, it displays error messages on screen, generates a check point code at port 80h or even halts the system if the error is fatal.

The main components on the main board that must be diagnosed and/or initialized by POST to ensure system functionality are as follows:

qMicroprocessor with built-in numeric co-processor and cache memory subsystem q Direct Memory Access (DMA) controller

q Interrupt system

q Three programmable timers q ROM subsystem

q RAM subsystem

q CMOS RAM subsystem and real time clock/calendar with battery backup q Onboard parallel interface controller

q Embedded hard disk interface and one diskette drive interface q Keyboard and auxiliary device controllers

q 1.44M floppy controller q I/O ports

q One parallel port

q One PS/2-compatible mouse port

qOne PS/2-compatible keyboard port

NOTE: When Post executes a task, it uses a series of preset numbers called check points to belatched atport 80h, indicating the stages it is currently running. This latch can be read and shown on a debug board.The following table describes the BIOS common tasks carried out by POST. Each task is denoted by an unique check point number. For other unique check point numbers that are not listed in the table, refer to the corresponding product service guide.

Chapter 4