This chapter contains typical error messages that you may encounter during the power-on self-test (POST). POST is a series of tests that run every time you turn on the computer. POST verifies that the system is configured and functioning properly. A successful POST is followed by one or two short beeps.

If you receive an error message listed below, follow the recommended action. If you receive an error message that is not listed, contact your Compaq authorized service provider. You may also want to run Computer Checkup from the Diagnostics diskette. Information about running Computer Checkup is presented later in this section.

If POST detects an error, one of the following events occurs:

o A message with the prefix "WARNING" appears informing you where the

error occurred. The system pauses until you press F1 to continue.

o A message with the prefix "FATAL" appears informing you where the error occurred. After the message, the system emits a series of audible beeps. The system then stops.

o The system emits a series of audible beeps. The system then stops.

Warning messages indicate a potential problem exists such as a system configuration error. When F1 is pressed, the system should resume. You should be able to correct problems that produce WARNING messages.

IMPORTANT: When a WARNING message includes the prompt to "RUN SCU," run Computer Setup. (Computer Setup replaces the SCU utility.)

Fatal errors emit a beep and may display a FATAL message. Fatal errors indicate severe problems, such as a hardware failure. Fatal errors do not allow the system to resume. Some of the Fatal error beep codes are listed at the end of this section.

Table 2-1. Warning Messages

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MessageDescription

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Clock not ticking correctly The real time clock is not ticking.

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CMOS checksum invalid, run

CMOS RAM

information has been corrupted and

SCU

needs to

be reinitialized by running Computer

Setup.

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CMOS failure, run SCU

CMOS RAM has lost power and needs

to be

 

reinitialized by running Computer

Setup.

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Floppy controller failed

The diskette drive controller failed to

 

respond to

the reset

command. Power down the

 

system

and

check all

appropriate

connections.

 

If the

diskette drive controller

continues to

fail, you may need to replace the system board.

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