Power-On Self Test
Each time you power-on the system, the power-on self test (POST) is initiated. Several items are tested during POST, but is for the most part transparent to the user.
POST checks the following:
• | System Board | • | Keyboard |
• | Memory | • | Mouse |
• | VGA Controller | • | CD-ROM Drive(s) |
• | Hard Disk Drive(s) | • | Sound Controller* |
To start POST, power-on the monitor and then the system unit. The following will happen:
1.The IBM logo will appear on the screen.
2.At this time one of two hot-keys may be used. The F1 key will cause the system Setup Utility menu to appear. The F9 key will switch the graphical IBM logo screen to the traditional text-based system startup screen, which displays BIOS version and system memory tested. The F9 key will only work after exiting BIOS Setup.
3.If an error is detected during POST, the IBM logo screen will automatically switch to the text-based screen and display the error message or code with a beep. Depending on the criticality of the POST error, the system may halt and/or display the message “Press <F1> to enter to the Setup or <Enter> to continue...”
If this message appears, pressing the Enter key will allow the system to attempt to proceed despite the reported error; pressing F1 will cause the system Setup Utility menu to appear.
