Interpreting POST Diagnostic Front Panel LEDs and Audible Codes

This section covers the front panel LED codes as well as the audible codes that may occur before or during POST that do not necessarily have an error code or text message associated with them.

WARNING! When the computer is plugged into an AC power source, voltage is always applied to the system board. To reduce the risk of personal injury from electrical shock and/or hot surfaces, be sure to disconnect the power cord from the wall outlet and allow the internal system components to cool before touching.

Look for the LED on the system board. If the LED is illuminated, the system still has power. Power off the computer and remove the power cord before proceeding.

NOTE: If you see flashing LEDs on a PS/2 keyboard, look for flashing LEDs on the front panel of the computer and refer to the following table to determine the front panel LED codes.

Recommended actions in the following table are listed in the order in which they should be performed.

Not all diagnostic lights and audible codes are available on all models.

Table A-2Diagnostic Front Panel LEDs and Audible Codes

Activity

Beeps

Possible Cause

Recommended Action

 

 

 

 

Green Power LED On.

None

Computer on.

None

 

 

 

 

Green Power LED flashes

None

Computer in Suspend to

None required. Press any key or move the mouse

every two seconds.

 

RAM mode (some models

to wake the computer.

 

 

only) or normal Suspend

 

 

 

 

mode.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Red Power LED flashes two

2

Processor thermal

1.

Ensure that the computer air vents are not

times, once every second,

 

protection activated:

 

blocked and the processor cooling fan is

followed by a two second

 

A fan may be blocked or

 

running.

pause. Beeps stop after fifth

 

 

 

iteration but LEDs continue

 

not turning.

2.

Open hood, press power button, and see if

until problem is solved.

 

OR

 

the processor fan spins. If the processor fan

 

 

 

is not spinning, make sure the fan's cable is

 

 

The heatsink/fan

 

plugged onto the system board header.

 

 

 

 

 

 

assembly is not properly

3.

If fan is plugged in, but is not spinning, then

 

 

attached to the processor.

 

replace heatsink/fan assembly.

 

 

 

4.

Contact an authorized reseller or service

 

 

 

 

provider.

 

 

 

 

 

Red Power LED flashes three

3

Processor not installed

1.

Check to see that the processor is present.

times, once every second,

 

(not an indicator of bad

2.

Reseat the processor.

followed by a two second

 

processor).

pause. Beeps stop after fifth

 

 

 

 

iteration but LEDs continue

 

 

 

 

until problem is solved.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

54 Appendix A POST Error Messages

ENWW

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HP dc5850 manual Table A-2Diagnostic Front Panel LEDs and Audible Codes, Activity Beeps Possible Cause Recommended Action

dc5850 specifications

The HP dc5850 is a desktop computer that was designed for business environments, offering a blend of performance, reliability, and efficiency. Released during the height of the mid-2000s, this system is powered by AMD processors, particularly the Athlon or Phenom series, which ensures that it can handle various computational tasks with ease.

The dc5850 features a compact chassis that adheres to the Microtower form factor. This design not only saves space but also allows for easier upgrades and maintenance. The unit typically supports a range of RAM configurations, with options for up to 8GB of DDR2 memory. This flexibility enables the user to tailor the system's performance according to their needs, whether for basic office tasks or more demanding applications.

Storage options on the HP dc5850 include a 3.5-inch HDD that can accommodate substantial data, with capacities typically ranging from 160GB to 1TB. The inclusion of a SATA interface ensures fast data transfer rates, which is essential for improving overall system performance. Moreover, the dc5850 boasts multiple USB ports, including USB 2.0 and sometimes even USB 3.0, facilitating easy connectivity with peripherals such as printers, scanners, and external drives.

Graphics capabilities on the dc5850 are generally provided by integrated solutions, although users have the option to add discrete graphics cards for enhanced performance in visual tasks. The system often comes with integrated audio, which supports basic multimedia needs without requiring additional sound cards.

In terms of connectivity, the HP dc5850 features built-in Ethernet for wired networking and may also offer options for Wi-Fi capabilities via PCI expansion slots. This makes it suitable for networked business environments, enabling seamless integration into office infrastructures.

The system is designed with energy efficiency in mind, complying with various environmental standards, thereby reducing its carbon footprint. This aspect may also lead to lower operational costs for businesses focused on sustainability.

Overall, the HP dc5850 stands out as a versatile desktop solution, catering to the essential needs of small to medium-sized businesses. With its combination of performance, expandability, and energy efficiency, it remains a noteworthy choice for users seeking reliable computing power in a compact and manageable form.