IBM eServer 250 xSeries, User Reference Manual

Page: 111 / 186

Chapter 6. Solving problems
97
POST
When you turn on the server, it performs a series of tests to check the operation of
server components and some of the options installed in the 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, the first screen
of your operating system or application program appears, and the System POST
Complete (OK) light is illuminated on the operator information panel.
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 100 for more information.
Notes:
1. If you have a power-on password or administrator 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 beeps. For example, a 1-2-4 beep code sounds
like one beep, a pause, two consecutive beeps, another pause, and four more
consecutive beeps.
The possible types of beep codes that your server might emit include the following:
No beeps
If no beep occurs after your server completes POST (that is, after the System
POST Complete (OK) light on the operator information panel is illuminated),
call for service.
Continuous beep
Your startup (boot) microprocessor has failed, the processor board, I/O
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 server successfully completed POST. POST
detected no configuration or functional errors. One beep also occurs after
your server completes POST if you enter 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 100 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.