Interpreting POST diagnostic front panel LEDs
This section covers the front panel LED codes as well as the audible codes that may occur before or during
POST that do not necessarily have an error code or text message associated with them.
WARNING!
When the computer is plugged into an AC power source, voltage is always applied to the system
board. To reduce the risk of personal injury from electrical shock and/or hot surfaces, be sure to disconnect
the power cord from the wall outlet and allow the internal system components to cool before touching.
NOTE:
If you see flashing LEDs on a PS/2 keyboard, look for flashing LEDs on the front panel of the
computer and refer to the following table to determine the front panel LED codes.
Recommended actions in the following table are listed in the order in which they should be performed.
Not all diagnostic lights and audible codes are available on all models.
Table 10-2
Diagnostic front panel LEDs and audible codes
Activity
Beeps
Possible Cause
Recommended Action
White Power LED On.
None
Computer on.
None
White Power LED flashes every
two seconds.
None
Computer in Suspend to
RAM mode (some models
only) or normal Suspend
mode.
None required. Press any key or move the mouse to
wake the computer.
Red Power LED flashes two
times, once every second,
followed by a two second pause.
Beeps stop after fifth iteration
but LEDs continue until problem
is solved.
2
Processor thermal
protection activated:
A fan may be blocked or not
turning.
OR
The heat sink/fan assembly
is not properly attached to
the processor.
1.
Ensure that the computer air vents are not
blocked and the processor cooling fan is
running.
2.
Remove access panel, press power button, and
see if the fan spins. If the fan is not spinning,
make sure the fan's cable is plugged onto the
system board header.
3.
If fan is plugged in, but is not spinning, then
replace fan assembly.
4.
Contact an authorized reseller or service
provider.
Red Power LED flashes five
times, once every second,
followed by a two second pause.
Beeps stop after fifth iteration
but LEDs continue until problem
is solved.
5
Pre-video memory error.
CAUTION:
To avoid damage to the SODIMMs or the
system board, you must unplug the computer power
cord before attempting to reseat, install, or remove a
SODIMM module.
1.
Reseat SODIMMs.
2.
Replace SODIMMs one at a time to isolate the
faulty module.
3.
Replace third-party memory with HP memory.
4.
Replace the system board.
Red Power LED flashes six times,
once every second, followed by a
two second pause. Beeps stop
after fifth iteration but LEDs
continue until problem is solved.
6
Pre-video graphics error.
Replace the system board.
Red Power LED flashes seven
times, once every second,
followed by a two second pause.
Beeps stop after fifth iteration
7
System board failure (ROM
detected failure prior to
video).
Replace the system board.
Interpreting POST diagnostic front panel LEDs 109
