IBM Aptiva, Hardware Maintenance Manual, Page: 61 / 282

2-8
Index of Symptoms, Messages, Error Codes, or
Beeps
How to Use Error Messages: Use the messages, error codes, 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 to false messages, error codes, or beeps. If you did not
receive any messages, error codes, or beeps, see if the symptom is listed in
Table 2-2, "Error Symptoms List” on page 2-17.
ATTENTION: When you have deemed it necessary to replace an FRU, and
did 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. See “Startup Options” on page 1-27.
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.
NOTE: 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 codes, messages, and beeps to their possible
causes, table 2-2 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 "