HP BOOK XE3 manual Power-On Self-Test, Post Terminal-Error Beep Codes, Beep Codes Post Description

Power-On Self-Test

Note

If Quiet Boot is enabled in BIOS Setup (the default setting), press ESC during boot to see POST messages.

The POST (Power-On Self-Test) is a series of initialization routines and diagnostic tests that the system BIOS runs when the notebook boots. The system BIOS will not boot the operating system if system memory, the CPU, DMA, or the interrupt controller fails the POST diagnostic tests. POST progress is indicated by a sequence of codes, and error messages are displayed if possible.

You should not necessarily interpret the failure of one or more POST tests as a hardware, software, or firmware failure. First, confirm the failure by performing a “clean” boot:

∙Remove all accessories, including SDRAM modules, port replicator, PC cards, printer, external monitor, pointing device, and keyboard.

∙Provide “clean” AC power—no auto adapter or unusual AC adapter configuration.

∙Press the system-off switch to return the notebook to a known state.

If the notebook fails to boot with a clean boot, it requires repair. If an error message appears, confirm the problem using other diagnostic tools. Not all POST messages indicate a hardware, software, or firmware failure—some messages are for information only.

If the BIOS detects a terminal error condition, it halts POST after issuing a terminal error beep code (see the following table). The beep code indicates the POST routine in which the terminal error occurred.

Table 3-1. POST Terminal-Error Beep Codes

Beep Codes*

POST Description

1	One short beep before boot.
1-2	Search for option ROMs.
1-2-2-3	BIOS ROM checksum.
1-3-1-1	Test DRAM refresh.
1-3-1-3	Test 87570 Keyboard Controller (part of motherboard).
1-3-4-1	RAM failure on address line xxxx.
1-3-4-3	RAM failure on data bits xxxx of low byte of memory bus.
1-4-1-1	RAM failure on data bits xxxx of high byte of memory bus.
2-1-2-3	Check ROM copyright notice.
2-2-3-1	Test for unexpected interrupts.
1 long-2 short	Improper video configuration (check video PCA DIP switches, replace video PCA)
	or external ROM checksum failure.
1 long-5 short	Display DIP switches and EEPROM settings do not match (check DIP switch
	settings, reprogram EEPROM).

*Up to four groups of short beeps, except as noted.

3-24 Troubleshooting and Diagnostics HP OmniBook XE3