Powering On The Notebook Pc; The Power-On Self Test (Post) - Asus K50AB Hardware User Manual

Powering ON the Notebook PC

The Notebook PC's power-ON message appears on the screen when you turn it ON. If necessary, you
may adjust the brightness by using the hot keys. If you need to run the BIOS Setup to set or modify
the system configuration, press [F2] upon bootup to enter the BIOS Setup. If you press [Tab] during
the splash screen, standard boot information such as the BIOS version can be seen. Press [ESC] and
you will be presented with a boot menu with selections to boot from your available drives.
Before bootup, the display panel flashes when the power is turned ON. This is part
of the Notebook PC's test routine and is not a problem with the display.
IMPORTANT! To protect the hard disk drive, always wait at least 5 seconds after
turning OFF your Notebook PC before turning it back ON.
WARNING! DO NOT carry or cover a Notebook PC that is powered ON with any ma-
terials that will reduce air circulation such as a carrying bag.

The Power-On Self Test (POST)

When you turn ON the Notebook PC, it will first run through a series of software-controlled diag-
nostic tests called the Power-On Self Test (POST). The software that controls the POST is installed
as a permanent part of the Notebook PC's architecture. The POST includes a record of the Notebook
PC's hardware configuration, which is used to make a diagnostic check of the system. This record is
created by using the BIOS Setup program. If the POST discovers a difference between the record and
the existing hardware, it will display a message on the screen prompting you to correct the conflict by
running BIOS Setup. In most cases the record should be correct when you receive the Notebook PC.
When the test is finished, you may get a message reporting "No operating system found" if the hard
disk was not preloaded with an operating system. This indicates that the hard disk is correctly detected
and ready for the installation of a new operating system.
Self Monitoring and Reporting Technology
The S.M.A.R.T. (Self Monitoring and Reporting Technology) checks the hard
disk drive during POST and gives a warning message if the hard disk drive re-
quires servicing. If any critical hard disk drive warning is given during bootup,
backup your data immediately and run Windows disk checking program. To run
Window's disk checking program: click Start > select Computer > right-click
a hard disk drive icon > choose Properties > click the Tools tab > click Check
Now > click Start. You can also select "Scan ... sectors" for more effective scan
and repair but the process will run slower.
IMPORTANT! If warnings are still given during bootup after running a software disk
checking utility, you should take your Notebook PC in for servicing. Continued use
may result in data loss.
Getting Started
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