Chapter 5. Solving Problems; Post Beep Code Descriptions - IBM eServer xSeries 255 Installation Manual

Chapter 5. Solving problems

This section provides basic troubleshooting information to help you resolve some
common problems that might occur while setting up your server.
If you cannot locate and correct the problem using the information in this section, see
the Hardware Maintenance Manual and Troubleshooting Guide on the IBM xSeries
Documentation CD and the "Server Support" flowchart in the front of this booklet.

POST beep code descriptions

POST emits one beep to signal successful completion. If POST detects a problem
during startup, other beep codes might occur. You can use the following beep code
descriptions to help identify and resolve problems that are detected during startup.
Note: See the "Solving problems" section of the Hardware Maintenance Manual and
Table 4. POST beep code descriptions
Beep code
No beep Call for service.
Continuous If no video appears, the startup microprocessor failed. Verify that the startup microprocessor is
installed correctly. If it is, replace the startup microprocessor. If the problem remains, call for service.
One short POST completed successfully. One beep also occurs after POST if you enter an incorrect password.
Two short Follow the instructions that appear on the screen.
Three short POST detected a system memory error. Verify that the memory is installed correctly. If it is, replace
the failing memory module.
Important: In some memory configurations, the 3-3-3 beep code might sound during POST
followed by a blank monitor screen. If this occurs and the Boot Fail Count feature in the Start
Options menu of the Configuration/Setup Utility program is set to Enabled (its default setting), you
must restart the server three times to force the system BIOS to reset the memory connector or pair
or quad of connectors from Disabled to Enabled.
Repeating The system board might contain a failing component.
short
1. Verify that the keyboard and pointing devices are connected properly.
2. Ensure that nothing is resting on the keyboard.
3. Disconnect the pointing device; then, restart the server. If the problem goes away, replace the
pointing device. If the problem remains, call for service.
One long and If the video controller on the system board is being used, call for service. If you installed an optional
one short video adapter, replace the failing adapter
One long and A video I/O adapter ROM is not readable, or the video subsystem is defective. If you installed an
two short optional video adapter, replace the failing adapter. If the problem remains, call for service.
One long and The system-board video subsystem has not detected a monitor connection to the server. Ensure
three short that the monitor is connected to the server. If the problem remains, replace the monitor.
Two long and POST does not support the optional video adapter. Replace the optional video adapter with one that
two short is supported by the server or use the integrated video controller.
All other beep 1. Verify that the system memory modules are installed correctly.
codes 2. Turn off the server; then, restart the server. If the problem remains, call for service.
© Copyright IBM Corp. 2002
Troubleshooting Guide on the IBM xSeries Documentation CD for more infor-
mation about the POST beep codes.
Descriptions of the POST beep codes
35