Troubleshooting and Repair 6-3
System BIOS Related Problems
This section provides you with information on how the BIOS handles errors
encountered during POST (Power On Self Test) and translates them into beep
codes and error messages. Refer to this whenever you encounter error messages
or beep codes generated by the computer during startup.
POST Messages
The following is a summary of the Phoenix BIOS startup error messages that is
displayed on the notebook’s screen. These messages help you to understand
notebook problems that may be corrected by entering the BIOS SETUP program
and checking the original values.
POST Error Messages
Message
Possible Cause
Action
Diskette drive A failure
The drive failed or is
missing.
Check the drive to determine
the problem.
Diskette read failure - press
F1 to retry boot, F2 for
SETUP utility
The diskette is either not
formatted or is defective.
Replace the diskette with a
bootable diskette and retry.
Display adapter failed, using
alternate
The primary video adapter
failed.
Check the primary video
adapter.
Gate A20 failure
The keyboard controller is
not accepting commands,
specifically, the enable and
disable A20 command.
Check the keyboard
controller and system board.
Turn the power off, then
back on again. If the
problem persists contact
qualified service personnel.
Fixed disk configuration error
The specified configuration
is not supported or doesn't
match the actual hardware
installed.
Correct the fixed disk
configuration.
Fixed disk controller failure
The fixed disk may be
defective.
Try rebooting. If that doesn't
work, replace the fixed disk.
Fixed disk read failure- press
F1 to retry boot, F2 for
SETUP utility
The fixed disk may be
configured incorrectly or is
defective.
Check the drive type
selected in SETUP. Try
rebooting. If that does not
work, replace the fixed disk.
Pointer device failure
The PS/2-style mouse failed.
Try rebooting. If problem
persists, check the mouse,
it's cable and connector.
No boot device available -
press F1 to retry boot, F2 for
SETUP utility
Either diskette drive A:, the
fixed disk, or both the
diskette and fixed disk are
defective.
Try rebooting. If problem
persists, replace the diskette
or the fixed disk.
No boot sector on fixed disk -
press F1 to retry boot, F2 for
SETUP utility
The C: drive is not formatted
or is not bootable.
Format the C: drive and
make it bootable.