Startup Errors - HP Vectra XE320 Troubleshooting Manual

Startup Errors

Power-on Self Test
When your PC starts up it performs a Power-on Self Test (POST) to test your hardware configuration for
any problems. If a problem is detected during the POST, either an error is displayed on your PC's monitor
or a series of beeps can be heard. The following section describes what to do if your PC encounters one
of these errors.
Pre-boot Diagnostics (beep codes)
If, however, your PC is unable to display an error message (for example, when you graphics controller
has failed), it will emit a buzzing sound. This is the pre-boot diagnostics feature. Immediately after the
buzzing sound, a series of beeps is emitted.
If you hear a series of beeps, you should count them as this will help you detect the cause of the problem.
Number
of Beeps
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Please note that for Memory (code 3), Video Card (code 4), and PnP/PCI (code 5) errors, pre-boot
diagnostics will only detect them after a 15-second timeout.
If you miss the beep code, turn off the PC by pressing the on/off power button for five seconds or more,
then listen for the signal again.
The pre-boot diagnostics, as well as emitting a beep sequence, also encodes troubleshooting information
(such as the PC models, serial number, and failing component) into a coded audio signal. During a
support call, this coded signal can then be decoded by the HP Service Provider to provide immediate and
effective assistance.
For more information on BIOS beep codes and BIOS error codes, refer to the Technical Reference
Manual for the HP Vectra XE320 PC, available in PDF (Adobe Acrobat) format on the HP support web
site at: www.hp.com/go/vectrasupport .
If you hear the buzzing audio signal: system OK
•
No buzzing audio signal: no power, PC is unplugged, power supply is down or system board has failed.
•
Processor absent, not correctly connected or processor socket not closed
Power supply is in protected mode. Check that there are no short circuits inside the PC. Remove the power cord
from the back of the PC to deactivate the protection, then reinsert it.
No memory, bad memory modules, incompatible memory module
Video hardware problem. If using a graphics card, check the card is correctly inserted in its slot by removing and
replacing it.
PnP/PCI initialization problem
Corrupted BIOS. You need to activate crisis recovery procedure (refer to "Updating Your PC's BIOS" on page 33).
Defective system board
Meaning
If You Have a Problem
21 Troubleshooting Guide