IBM Aptiva 2174, Hardware Maintenance Service

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Check Procedures 35
Index of Symptoms, Messages, or Beeps
How to Use Error Messages: Use the messages, and beeps combinations
that occur to diagnose failures. If more than one failure occurs, begin the
diagnosis from the first failure that appeared. The cause of the first failure can
result in false messages, or beeps. If you did not receive any messages, or
beeps, see if the symptom is listed in “Table 2-3 Error Symptoms List” on page
40.
CAUTION: When you have deemed it necessary to replace a FRU, and have
done so, you must run a total system check to ensure that no other
activity has been affected by the change. This system check can be
done through the diagnostics program (Select Diagnostics, then select
and execute All Tests from PC-Doctor).
POST: Some diagnostic aids are resident in the machine, such as the Power-
On Self Test (POST). The machine performs the POST each time it is powered
on. Use this information throughout the diagnostic procedures. The POST is a
series of system checks and initializations that verify the correct operation of
the base system.
After a successful POST, the system attempts to load operating system. The
system can be customized for different startup (boot) methods by the BIOS
Setup Utility. “Startup Options” on page 18.
The system's default startup sequence automatically looks for the operating
system files in the hard disk if these files are not found in the diskette.
WARNING: Remember that POST does not test all areas, but only those that
allow the system to operate well enough to run the diagnostics program.
Table 2-1 lists BIOS error messages, to their possible causes. table 2-2 lists
BIOS beeps to their possible causes. Table 2-3 lists error symptoms and their
possible causes. The most likely cause is listed first. Make sure you complete
all items in the cause or “Action/FRU” column. When servicing a system,
always begin with “Start” on page 31.
If you are unable to correct the problem using these two index tables, go to
“Undetermined Problems” on page 66.
NOTE:
1. If an error message and incorrect audio response occur, diagnose the error
message first.
2. If you cannot run the diagnostics program tests but did receive a POST error
message , use “Table 2-1 POST Error Messages List” on page 36 to
diagnose system problems.
3. If you cannot run the diagnostics program tests but did receive a POST error