158 Solving Problems

Monitoring POST

See Chapter 3, “Configuration Software and Utilities,” beginning on page 33.

Verifying Proper Operation of Key System Lights

As POST determines the system configuration, it tests for the presence of each mass-storage
device installed in the system. As each device is checked, its activity light should turn on briefly.
Check for the following:
• Does the diskette drive activity light turn on briefly? If not, see “Diskette Drive Activity Light
Does Not Light” on page 160.
• If a second diskette drive is installed, does its activity light turn on briefly? If not, see
“Diskette Drive Activity Light Does Not Light” on page 160.
• If there is a hard disk drive or SCSI device installed in the system, does the hard disk drive
activity light on the control panel turn on briefly? If not, see “Hard Disk Drive Activity Light
Does Not Light” on page 161.

Confirming Loading of the Operating System

Once the system boots up, the operating system prompt appears on the screen. The prompt varies
according to the operating system. If the operating system prompt does not appear, see “Initial
System Startup” on page 155.
Specific Problems and Corrective Actions
This section provides possible solutions for these specific problems:
• Power light does not light.
• No beep or incorrect beep pattern.
• No characters appear on screen.
• Characters on the screen appear distorted or incorrect.
• System cooling fans do not rotate.
• Diskette drive activity light does not light.
• Hard disk drive activity light does not light.
• CD-ROM drive activity light does not light.
• Problems with application software.
• The startup prompt “Press <F2> key if you want to run Setup” does not appear on the screen.
• The bootable CD-ROM is not detected.
Try the solutions in the order given. If you cannot correct the problem, contact your service
representative or authorized dealer for assistance.