Power-On Self-Test (POST)

^{IBM-AUSTRIA - PC-HW-Support 30 Aug 1999}

Power-On Self-Test (POST)

Power-On Self-Test (POST)

Each time you power-on the system, it performs a series of tests that check the operation of the system and some options. This series of tests is called the power-on self-test, or POST. POST does the following:

Checks some basic system-board operations
Checks the memory operation
Starts the video operation
Detects and initializes ISA devices
Detects and initializes EISA devices
Detects and initializes PCI devices
Verifies that the diskette drive, hard disk drive is working and other installed devices are working

Check (e.g. Server 704) the indicator lights on the front of the server and the back of the power supplies. Verify that all server devices are operating properly. If a device is not operating properly, ensure that it is not defective and is installed correctly. Replace defective devices and reinstall any device that is not installed correctly.

If the POST finishes without detecting any problems, a single beep sounds and the first screen of your operating system or application program appears. If no operating system is installed, the system prompts you to insert a startable diskette.

If POST detects a problem, an error message appears on the screen. A single problem can cause several error messages to appear. When you correct the cause of the first error message, the other error messages probably will not appear on the screen the next time you turn on the system.

POST Beep Codes

The Power On Self-Test generates a beeping sound to indicate successful completion of POST or to indicate that the tests detect an error.

One beep and the appearance of text on the display indicates successful completion of the POST. More than one beep indicates that the POST detects an error.

Test Programs

The AQPlus/PRO test programs, developed by DiagSoft for IBM , are the primary method of testing the PC Server. You can use them to test the IBM components of the system and some external devices. The amount of time required to test all components depends on the number of components. The more optional adapters and devices you have attached to your system, the longer the testing takes.

The test programs on the Diagnostic Diskette include the following features:

Feature Description Advanced Diagnostic Tests Identifies most problems associated with the following major components: ° System board ° Hard disk drives ° Diskette drives ° CD-ROM drives ° RAM ° Serial and parallel ports ° Video adapter ° Printer ° Keyboard ° Mouse Flexible Test Control Allows you to: ° Run groups of tests in batch ° Specify parameters to use for each test (for example, video modes, disk cylinders, and port addresses and so on) ° Specify the number of passes you want to run (one to continuous) ° Log the test results to a text dBase (DBF) format file ° Save all test settings for future use ° View System Information ° View the server's configuration information. (For example, you can view the IRQ/DMA assignments memory usage, and device drivers) ° Select System Utilities ° Run a low-level format also contains system utilities. ° Format a diskette

Feature	Description
Advanced Diagnostic Tests	Identifies most problems associated with the following major components: ° System board ° Hard disk drives ° Diskette drives ° CD-ROM drives ° RAM ° Serial and parallel ports ° Video adapter ° Printer ° Keyboard ° Mouse
Flexible Test Control	Allows you to: ° Run groups of tests in batch ° Specify parameters to use for each test (for example, video modes, disk cylinders, and port addresses and so on) ° Specify the number of passes you want to run (one to continuous) ° Log the test results to a text dBase (DBF) format file ° Save all test settings for future use ° View System Information ° View the server's configuration information. (For example, you can view the IRQ/DMA assignments memory usage, and device drivers) ° Select System Utilities ° Run a low-level format also contains system utilities. ° Format a diskette

Back to

More INFORMATION / HELP is available at the IBM-HelpCenter

Please see the LEGAL - Trademark notice.
Feel free - send a for any BUG on this page found - Thank you.