5 Power-On Self-Test and Error Messages

Order in Which the Tests are Performed

 

Tests the system ROM BIOS and shadows it. Failure to shadow the ROM

Shadow the System ROM BIOS

BIOS will cause an error code to display. The boot process will continue, but

the system will execute from ROM. This test is not performed after a soft

 

 

reset (using

 

 

 

 

and Delete ).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Load CMOS Memory

Checks the serial EEPROM and returns an error code if it has been

corrupted. Copies the contents of the EEPROM into CMOS RAM.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CMOS RAM Test

Checks the CMOS RAM for start-up power loss, verifies the CMOS RAM

checksums. Test failure causes error codes to display.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CPU Cache Memory Test

Tests the processor’s internal level-one cache RAM. Test failure causes an

error code to display and the boot process to abort.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Video Tests

Initialize the Video

Initializes the video subsystem, tests the video shadow RAM, and, if required, shadows the video BIOS. A failure causes an error code to display, but the boot process continues.

 

 

 

System Board Tests

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8042 Self-Test

Downloads the 8042 and invokes the 8042 internal self-test. A failure

 

causes an error code to display.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Timer 0/Timer 2 Test

Tests Timer 0 and Timer 2. Test failure causes an error code to display.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DMA Subsystem Test

Checks the DMA controller registers. Test failure causes an error code to

 

display.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tests the Interrupt masks, the master controller interrupt path (by forcing

 

Interrupt Controller Test

an IRQ0), and the industry-standard slave controller (by forcing an IRQ8).

 

 

Test failure causes an error code to display.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Real-Time Clock Test

Checks the real-time clock registers and performs a test that ensures that

 

the clock is running. Test failure causes an error code to display.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Audio Test

If the audio board is present, invokes a built-in self-test. Test failure causes

 

an error code to display.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Memory Tests

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

RAM Address Line

Verifies the address independence of real-mode RAM (no address lines stuck

 

Independence Test

together). Test failure causes an error code to display.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sizes and clears the protected mode (extended) memory and writes the

 

Size Extended Memory

value into CMOS bytes 30h and 31h. If the system fails to switch to

 

 

protected mode, an error code is displayed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Read/write test on real-mode RAM. (This test is not done during a reset

Real-Mode Memory Test (First

using

 

 

 

 

and Delete ). The test checks each block of

 

 

 

 

 

640KB)

system RAM to determine how much is present. Test failure of a 64 KB

 

 

block of memory causes an error code to display, and the test is aborted.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tests shadow RAM in 64 KB segments (except for segments beginning at

 

Shadow RAM Test

A000h, B000h, and F000h). If they are not being used, segments C000h,

 

 

D000h and E000h are tested. Test failure causes an error code to display.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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HP Vectra VL 5/xxx 5 Checksums. Test failure causes error codes to display, Initialize the Video, An error code to display

Vectra VL 5/xxx 5 specifications

The HP Vectra VL 5/xxx was a series of desktop personal computers introduced by Hewlett-Packard in the mid-1990s. These machines were designed for both business and professional environments, making them suitable for a range of applications from basic office tasks to more demanding computing needs. This series played a significant role in HP's efforts to strengthen its market presence in the PC sector during a time when competition was intensifying.

One of the standout features of the HP Vectra VL 5/xxx line was its versatility. The series included various configurations designated by the '5/xxx' nomenclature, which indicated different performance levels and specifications. The performance was driven primarily by Intel Pentium processors, widely acclaimed for their reliability and efficiency. This allowed users to choose a model that suited their specific requirements, whether for everyday tasks or more resource-intensive applications.

In addition to its strong processing capabilities, the Vectra VL 5/xxx featured advanced graphics support, which was critical for visual applications and presentations. Many units in this series came equipped with onboard graphics capabilities that supported a range of resolutions, enhancing the user experience in both standard office environments and more creative settings.

Storage options were another highlight of the HP Vectra VL 5/xxx series. The machines typically featured a variety of hard drive configurations, allowing for ample data storage. Some models included the option for expanding storage through additional hard drives or external devices. Coupled with considerable RAM options, these machines ensured smooth multitasking and efficient performance across various applications.

Connectivity was also a core aspect of the Vectra VL 5/xxx. The systems typically included multiple USB ports, parallel and serial ports, and integrated networking capabilities. This made it easy for businesses to integrate the Vectra machines into their existing infrastructure, facilitating seamless interaction with peripherals and networks.

In terms of design, the HP Vectra VL 5/xxx series presented a robust yet compact form factor, which was ideal for office environments with limited space. Additionally, HP emphasized the reliability and serviceability of these machines, which included easy access to internal components for maintenance and upgrades, thereby extending the product life cycle.

Overall, the HP Vectra VL 5/xxx line offered a balanced combination of performance, flexibility, and reliability, making it a solid choice for organizations looking to leverage computing power for a range of professional applications. The series embodied HP's commitment to delivering quality and innovation in the ever-evolving landscape of personal computing.