Wednesday, October 29, 2008

On-Screen Error Messages During POST

P.O.S.T
(Power On Self Test)

When you turn on the power to a PC, the
CPU begins the boot process by initializing itself
and then turning to the ROM BIOS for instructions.

The ROM BIOS then performs the
Power On Self Test or POST.

Once POST and the first pass at
assignment of resources are complete,
the next step is to load an OS



On-Screen Error Messages During POST

Error Message
  • CMOS battery failed
Possible Causes
  • Weak CMOS battery.
Course of Action
  • Load default setting in Setup and reboot the system.
  • Replace CMOS battery
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Error Message

  • CMOS checksum error
Possible Causes
  • Hardware devices are not configured properly in CMOS.
  • Weak CMOS battery
Course of Action
  • Make sure the devices (mouse, drive, keyboard, etc) are connected properly and are set correctly in BIOS setup.
  • Load default setting in setup.
  • CMOS battery might need to be replaced.
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Error Message

  • Memory size error
Possible Causes
  • Memory is not inserted properly
Course of Action
  • Make sure the DIMMs (Dual In-line Memory Module) are inserted properly.
  • This would also be displayed after upgrading the memory.
  • In this case, just enter the BIOS setup and save the new setting
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Error Message
  • Memory test failure
Possible Causes
  • Memory is not inserted properly
  • The memory is physically damaged and can no longer be used.
Course of Action
  • insert the memory module in theDIMMs (Dual In-line Memory Module) sockets properly, and then reboot the system.
  • If needed, replace memory module.
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Error Message
  • Keyboard error or no keyboard present
Possible Causes
  • Keyboard is disconnected or defective.
  • This can also be caused by a depressed key during a POST (either due to an object place on top of the keyboard or a stuck key).
Course of Action
  • Make sure the keyboard is connected properly and is set correctly in BIOS setup.
  • Replace keyboard if defective or repair defective key.
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Error Message
  • FLOPPY DISK(S) failure(80)
Possible Causes
  • Unable to reset floppy subsytem.
Course of Action
  • Check floppy drive cable and for defective floppy drive.
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Error Message
  • FLOPPY DISK(S) failure(40)
Possible Causes
  • Floppy type mismatch
Course of Action
  • Check BIOS setup on floppy disk type
  • Check for defective floppy drive
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Error Message
  • Hard disk(s) Diagnosis failure
Possible Causes
  • Hard drive may be physically damaged
  • Hard drive cables may not be properly attached.
Course of Action
  • Make sure that the hard disks are set correctly in CMOS setup.
  • Check the hard disk drive cable and connection.
  • If needed, replace the hard drive.
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Error Message
  • Primary master hard disk failure
  • Primary slave hard disk failure
  • Secondary master hard disk failure
  • Secondary slave hard disk failure
Possible Causes
  • Hard disk may be physically damaged.
  • Hard drive cables may not be properly attached.
Course of Action
  • A warning message to indicate a need fopr change in IDE Primary (Secondary) Channel Master (Slave) device.
  • Load default setting in CMOS setup. Check IDE drive jumper, the power connection and file drive cable and connections.
  • If needed, replace the hard driver/s.
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Error Message
  • Mouse error or no mouse present
Possible Causes
  • Mouse is not connected properly or defective mouse.
Course of Action
  • Make sure the mouse is connected properly and is set correctly in CMOS setup.
  • Check for defective mouse.

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