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5 Troubleshooting

Diagnostic POST code LEDs

During the system boot process, BIOS executes a number of platform configuration processes, each of which is assigned a specific hex code number. As each configuration routine is started, BIOS will display the given POST code to the diagnostic POST code LEDs found on the rear of the mainboard. To assist in troubleshooting a system hang during the POST process, the diagnostic LEDs can be used to identify the last POST process to be executed.

Each POST code will be represented by a combination of colors from the four LEDs. The LEDs are capable of displaying three colors: green, red, and amber. Each bit in the upper nibble is represented by a red LED and each bit in the lower nibble is represented by a green LED. If both bits are set in the upper and lower nibbles then both red and green LEDs are lit, resulting in an amber color. If both bits are clear, then the LED is off.

Diagnostic LED placement diagram

USB Port

USB Port

Diagnostic LEDs

Back edge of server board

 

 

 

 

MSB

LSB

The following table lists the possible POST codes that may be displayed on the Diagnostic POST code LEDs during system initialization.

 

Diagnostic LED Decoder

 

Checkpoint

G=Green, R=Red, A=Amber

Description

code

 

 

 

 

 

 

MSB

 

 

LSB

 

 

 

 

 

 

Host Processor

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

0x10h

OFF

OFF

OFF

R

Power-on initialization of the host

 

 

 

 

 

processor (bootstrap processor)

 

 

 

 

 

 

0x11h

OFF

OFF

OFF

A

Host processor cache initialization

 

 

 

 

 

(including AP)

 

 

 

 

 

 

0x12h

OFF

OFF

G

R

Starting application processor

 

 

 

 

 

initialization

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Acer Altos R520 manual Diagnostic Post code LEDs, Diagnostic LED placement diagram, Diagnostic LED Decoder Checkpoint