T r o u b l e s h o o t i n g
4/2 LS/VS550 OWNER’S HANDBOOK
Power-on self-test (POST)
Whenever the computer is turned on, the power-on self-test
(POST) routine tests various hardware components, including
memory, and compares the actual configuration of the computer
with that recorded in configuration (CMOS) memory. During this
time, BIOS sign-on and POST messages are displayed.
A configuration discrepancy could arise if you have just installed or
removed a hardware option (for example, if you have added or
replaced memory). In this case you may be diverted directly into the
BIOS Setup utility.
If POST detects a hardware fault, one or more POST error codes
and messages are displayed. A full list of these is given at the end of
‘System BIOS and Setup’. You may also be prompted to “Press the
F1 key to continue” or “Press any key when ready”.
Your first action should be to turn off the computer, wait 20 to 30
seconds, and then turn it on again to see if the error is transitory or
persistent. Persistent POST errors may indicate a fault in the system.
♦
Check that all external cables are securely connected.
♦
Try running the BIOS Setup utility to reconfigure the system.
♦
Open up the system unit and check that all internal signal and
power cables are securely connected.
If the problem persists, call your supplier or authorised maintainer.
Failure to boot
On completion of POST, the computer attempts to boot from a
system diskette or bootable hard disk partition. The table below lists
some of the messages that might appear during the boot sequence.
Boot failure message
Explanation
Non-system disk or disk error
The diskette drive contains a non-system diskette. Replace it
with a system diskette and press F1.
Diskette read failure
The diskette is either not formatted or defective. Replace it
with a system diskette and press F1.
No boot sector on fixed disk
The hard disk has no active, bootable partition or is not
