5 Power-On Self-Test and Error Messages

Error Message SummaryError Message Summary

The EMU utility (.COM application written in C language) is to provide full screen online help messages (localized) on most common POST errors. When an error is generated in POST during the boot process, EMU is run by typing ENTER. The entry point of each EMU message is a 4-digits error code generated by POST.

If the POST reports an error, one of the following four error categories will be displayed.

Category #1: if the error requires to run Setup, the POST should prompt:<F1= Continue>, <F2= Setup>, <Enter= View System Error>and pause. (refer to autoconfig specification for more details on POST prompts)

Category #2: if the error is only a warning (i.e. key stuck), the POST should prompt:

<Enter= View System Error>

for 2 seconds then boot. (refer to autoconfig specification for more details on POST prompts)

Category #3: if the error is because a device has been unplugged or removed, the POST should prompt :

“If errors are reported because one or more of the listed components have been removed, press <F4> to validate the changes.”

<F1= Continue>, <F2= Setup>, <F4= Validate Change>, <Enter= View System Error>

and pause. (refer to autoconfig specification for more details on POST prompts)

Category #4: if the error is serious, the POST should prompt:The BIOS has detected a serious problem that prevents your PC from booting.”<F2= Setup>, <Enter= View System Error>

and stop. Only the setup and the EMU can be run. The BIOS must never boot on HDD.

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