6-9 Problem Solving
The BIOS indicates errors by writing an error code to
the PS/2-standard logging area in the Extended BIOS
Data Area, and by displaying a message on the screen,
which is sometimes preceded by the POST Er ror Code.
The error code will also be logged to the Event Logging
area.
Report any error code to your ser vice repr esentative.
Verifying Proper Operation of Key System Indicators
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
indicator should turn on briefly. Ch eck for th e
following:
■ Does the diskette drive activity indicator tu rn on
briefly. If not, refer to Diskette Drive Activity
Indicator Does Not Light in this chapter.
■ If a second diskette drive is installed, does its
activity indicator turn on briefly. If not, ref er to
Diskette Drive Activity Indicator Does Not Light in
this chapter.
■ If there is a hard disk drive or SCSI devices
installed in the system, does the hard disk drive
activity indicator turn on briefly. If not, ref er to
Hard Disk Drive Activity Indicator Does Not Light
in this chapter.
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, refer to Problems With Application
Software found later in this chapter.