IBM eServer 130 xSeries, User Reference Manual

Page: 99 / 156

Chapter 7. Solving problems
85
POST
When you turn on the appliance server, it performs a series of tests to check the
operation of appliance server components and some of the options that are installed
in the appliance server. This series of tests is called the power-on self-test, or POST.
If POST finishes without detecting any problems, a single beep sounds, and the first
screen of your operating system or application program appears.
If POST detects a problem, more than one beep sounds, and an error message
appears on your screen. See “POST beep code descriptions” and “POST error
messages” on page 88 for more information.
Notes:
1. If you have a power-on password set, you must type the password and press
Enter, when prompted, before POST will continue.
2. A single problem might cause several error messages. When this occurs, work to
correct the cause of the first error message. After you correct the cause of the first
error message, the other error messages usually will not occur the next time you
run the test.
POST beep code descriptions
Beep codes are sounded in a series of long and short beeps. The possible types of
beep codes that your appliance server might emit include the following:
No beeps
If no beep occurs after your appliance server completes POST, call for
service.
Continuous beep
Your startup (boot) microprocessor has failed, or your system board or
speaker subsystem might contain a failing component. If the system
continues through POST with no errors, call for service. If no video appears,
the startup processor has failed; replace the startup processor.
One short beep
One beep indicates that your appliance server successfully completed POST.
POST detected no configuration or functional errors. One beep also occurs
after your appliance server completes POST if you type an incorrect power-on
password.
Two short beeps
POST encountered an error. The Configuration/Setup Utility program will
display additional information; follow the instructions that appear on the
screen. See “POST error messages” on page 88 for descriptions of the text
messages that might appear.
Three short beeps
A system memory error has occurred. This combination occurs only if the
video basic input/output system (BIOS) cannot display the error message.
Replace the failing memory module.