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Troubleshooting
This chapter provides troubleshooting information for the Aspire 3300:
Power-On Self-Test (POST)
Index of Symptoms, Messages, Error Codes, or Beeps
Diagnostics
Undetermined Problems
Power-On Self-Test (POST)
Each time you turn 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.
The Power-On Self Test (POST) is a BIOS procedure that boots the system,
initializes and diagnoses the system components, and controls the operation of
the power-on password option. If POST discovers errors in system operations
at power-on, it displays error messages, generates a check point code at port
80h or even halts the system if the error is fatal.
The main components on the system board that must be diagnosed and/or
initialized by POST to ensure system functionality are as follows:
Microprocessor with built-in numeric coprocessor and cache memory
subsystem
Direct memory access (DMA) controller (8237 module)
Interrupt system (8259 module)
Three programmable timers (system timer and 8254 module)
ROM subsystem
RAM subsystem
RTC RAM subsystem and real time clock/calendar with battery backup
Onboard serial interface controller
Onboard parallel interface controller
Embedded hard disk interface and one diskette drive interface
Keyboard and auxiliary device controllers
I/O ports
PS/2-compatible mouse port
PS/2-compatible keyboard port
Chapter 4
Chapter 4
65
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