Chapter 4. General Checkout; Problem Determination Tips - Lenovo ThinkCentre 3656 Hardware Maintenance Manual

Chapter 4. General Checkout

General error messages appear if a problem or conflict is found by an application
program, the operating system, or both. For an explanation of these messages, refer
to the information supplied with that software package.
Before replacing any FRUs, ensure that the latest level of BIOS is installed on the
system. A down-level BIOS might cause false errors and unnecessary replacement
of the system board. For more information on how to determine and obtain the
latest level BIOS, see "BIOS levels" on page 473.
Use the following procedure to help determine the cause of the problem:
1. Power-off the computer and all external devices.
2. Check all cables and power cords.
3. Set all display controls to the middle position.
4. Power-on all external devices.
5. Power-on the computer.
6. Look at the following conditions and follow the instructions:
7. Run the Diagnostic programs. See Chapter 5, "Diagnostics," on page 45.

Problem determination tips

Due to the variety of hardware and software combinations that can be
encountered, use the following information to assist you in problem determination.
If possible, have this information available when requesting assistance from Service
Support and Engineering functions.
v Machine type and model
v Processor or hard disk upgrades
v Failure symptom
© Copyright Lenovo 2005, 2008
Attention
The drives in the computer you are servicing might have been rearranged or
the drive startup sequence changed. Be extremely careful during write
operations such as copying, saving, or formatting. Data or programs can be
overwritten if you select an incorrect drive.
v Look for displayed error codes
v Listen for beep codes
v Look for readable instructions or a main menu on the display.
If you did not receive the correct response, proceed to step 6.
If you do receive the correct response, proceed to step 7.
v If you hear beep codes during POST, go to "Beep symptoms" on page 77.
v If the computer displays a POST error, go to "POST error codes" on page 78.
v If the computer hangs and no error is displayed, continue at step 7.
v If you receive an error, replace the part that the diagnostic program calls out
or go to "Diagnostic error codes" on page 56.
v If the test stops and you cannot continue, replace the last device tested.
– Do diagnostics indicate a failure?
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