5 Power-On Self-Test and Error Messages

Order in Which the Tests are Performed

An example of an Error Code Message

Order in Which the Tests are Performed

Each time the system is powered on, or a reset is performed, the POST is executed. The POST process verifies the basic functionality of the system components and initializes certain system parameters.

The POST starts by displaying a graphic screen of the HP PC Workstation’s logo when the PC is restarted. If you wish to view the POST details, press to get the HP Summary Screen.

If the POST detects an error, the error message is displayed inside a view system errors screen, in which the error message utility (EMU) not only displays the error diagnosis, but the suggestions for corrective action (see page 93for a brief summary). Error codes are no longer displayed.

Devices, such as memory and newly installed hard disks, are configured automatically. The user is not requested to confirm the change. Newly removed hard disks are detected, and the user is prompted to confirm the new configuration by pressing . Note, though, that the POST does not detect when a hard disk drive has been otherwise changed.

During the POST, the BIOS and other ROM data is copied into high-speed shadow RAM. The shadow RAM is addressed at the same physical location as the original ROM in a manner which is completely transparent to applications. It therefore appears to behave as very fast ROM. This technique provides faster access to the system BIOS firmware.

This example explains the different coding messages that appear in the lower left corner of the screen when the POST detects an error during startup.

For example, if the error 0101 - 52 is displayed.

•0101 - Post Error Code failure. This error code is accompanied by short message. For this example, the message “keyboard error” is displayed. A table listing the error codes, causes and symptoms is on page 94.

•52 - Post Checkpoint Code. This checkpoint code indicates that a test has failed at this stage of the POST.

A table listing the error codes, causes and symptoms is on page 87.

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