Chapter 2. Diagnostics; Diagnostic Tools; Power-On Self-Test (Post); Post Beep Codes - IBM IntelliStation A Pro 6217 Service Manual

Chapter 2. Diagnostics

This chapter describes the diagnostic tools that are available to help you solve
problems that might occur in the computer.
If you cannot locate and correct the problem using the information in this chapter,
see Appendix A, "Getting help and technical assistance," on page 155 for more
information.

Diagnostic tools

The following tools are available to help you diagnose and solve hardware-related
problems:
v POST beep codes and error messages
v Troubleshooting tables
v Diagnostic programs, error codes, and error messages

Power-on self-test (POST)

When you turn on the computer, it performs a series of tests to check the operation
of computer components and some optional devices in the computer. This series of
tests is called the power-on self-test, or POST.
If a power-on password is set, you must type the password and press Enter, when
prompted, for POST to run.
If the POST process completes without detecting any problem, a single beep
sounds, and the computer startup is completed.
If the POST process detects a problem, more than one beep might sound, or an
error message is displayed. See "Beep code descriptions" and "POST error codes"
on page 18 for more information.

POST beep codes

A beep code is a combination of short and long beeps or a series of short beeps
separated by pauses (intervals without sound). For example, a "1-2-3" beep code is
one short beep, a pause, two short beeps, a pause, and three short beeps. A beep
code other than one beep indicates that POST has detected a problem. To
determine the meaning of a beep code, see "Beep code descriptions." If no beep
code sounds, see "No-beep symptoms" on page 17.
Beep code descriptions
The following table describes the beep codes and suggested actions to correct the
detected problems.
© Copyright IBM Corp. 2005
The power-on self-test (POST) generates beep codes and messages to indicate
successful test completion or the detection of a problem. See "Power-on self-test
(POST)" for more information.
These charts list problem symptoms and steps to correct the problem. See
"Troubleshooting tables" on page 30 for more information.
The diagnostic programs are the primary method of testing the major
components of the computer. The diagnostic programs are stored on a hidden
partition on the hard disk. See "Diagnostic programs, error codes, and
messages" on page 40 for more information.
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