ECS GQ Notebook, User Manual

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The Power-On Self Test (POST) runs every time you turn on or reset the Mobile
PC. The POST checks memory, the main system board, the display, the keyboard,
the disk drives, and other installed options.
A few seconds after you turn on your computer, a copyright message appears on
your display screen. A memory test message appears next; as the test continues,
memory size increases until all installed memory is tested. Normally, the only test
routine visible on the screen will be the memory test.
Two classifications of malfunctions can be detected during the POST:
• Error messages that indicate a failure with either the hardware, the
software, or the
Basic Input/Output System (BIOS). These critical
malfunctions prevent the computer from operating at all or could cause
incorrect and apparent results. An example of a critical error is
microprocessor malfunction.
• Messages that furnish important information on the power-on and boot
processes (such as memory status). These
non-critical malfunctions are
those that cause incorrect results that may not be readily apparent. An
example of a non-critical error would be a memory chip failure.
In general, if the POST detects a system board failure (a critical error), the
computer halts and generates a series of beeps. If failure is detected in an area
other than the system board (such as the display, keyboard, or an adapter card)
an error message is displayed on the screen and testing is stopped. It is important
to remember that the POST does not test all areas of the computer, only those
that allow it to be operational enough to run diagnostic programs.
If your system does not successfully complete the POST, but displays a blank
screen, emits a series of beeps, or displays an error code, consult your dealer.
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