Power On Self Test (POST) and Error Messages

POST is a series of diagnostic tests that runs automatically when the system is turned on. An audible, visual, or both message occurs if the POST encounters a problem. POST checks the following items to ensure that the workstation system is functioning properly:

•Keyboard•Memory modules•Diskette drives•All SATA and SCSI mass storage devices•Processors•Controllers

NOTE: If the Power-On Password is set, a key icon appears on the screen while POST is running. You must enter the password before continuing.

Table 5-38POST Error Messages

Screen Message

Probable Cause

Recommended Action

 

 

 

101—Option ROM Error

System ROM checksum.

Verify the correct ROM.

 

 

1.

Flash the ROM, if needed.

 

 

2.

If an expansion card was recently added,

 

 

 

remove it and see if the problem remains.

 

 

3.

Clear CMOS.

 

 

4.

If the message disappears, there might be

 

 

 

a problem with the expansion card.

 

 

5.

Replace the system board.

 

 

 

 

102—System Board Failure

DMA, timers, etc.

1.

Clear CMOS.

 

 

2.

Remove expansion boards.

 

 

3.

Replace the system board.

 

 

 

110—Out of Memory for

Option ROM for a device was

Run Computer Setup and disable unneeded

Option ROMs

unable to run due to memory

devices from Advanced > Onboard

 

constraints.

Devices. Or, disable option ROMs from

 

 

Advanced > Device Options.

 

 

 

 

162—System Options Not

Configuration incorrect. RTC battery

1.

Run Computer Setup (F10 Setup).

Set

might need to be replaced.

2.

Set the date and time under Control Panel or

 

 

 

in F10 Setup depending on the operating

 

 

 

system.

 

 

3.

If the problem persists, replace the RTC

 

 

 

battery.

 

 

 

 

163—Time and Date

Invalid time or date in configuration

1.

Set the date and time under Control Panel or

Not Set

memory.

 

in F10 Setup depending on the operating

 

RTC (real-time clock) battery might

 

system.

 

need to be replaced.

2. If the problem persists, replace the RTC

 

CMOS jumper might not be

 

battery.

 

properly installed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

System Diagnostics and Troubleshooting

Power On Self Test (POST) and Error Messages 165