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97 Chapter 4
POST Error Messages List
If you cannot run the diagnostics program tests but did receive a POST error message, use “POST Error
Messages List” to diagnose system problems. If you did not receive any error message, look for a description
of your error symptoms in “Error Symptoms List” on page 120.
NOTE: When you have deemed it necessary to replace an FRU, and have done so, you must run a total
system check to ensure that no other activity has been affected by the change. This system check can
be done through the diagnostics program.
NOTE: Check all power supply voltages, switch, and jumper settings before you replace the main board. Also
check the power supply voltages if you have a “system no-power” condition.
If you are unable to correct the problem by using the “BIOS Messages List” table and “Error Symptoms List”
table, go to “Undetermined Problems”.
To diagnose a problem, first find the BIOS error messages in the left column. If directed to a check procedure,
replace the FRU indicated in the check procedure. If no check procedure is indicated, the first Action/FRU
listed in right column is the most likely cause.
BIOS Messages Action/FRU
BIOS ROM checksum error - System halted The checksum of the BIOS code in the BIOS chip is
incorrect, indicating the BIOS code may have become
corrupt. Contact your system dealer to replace the BIOS.
CMOS Battery Failed The CMOS battery is no longer functional. Contact your
system dealer for a replacement the BIOS.
CMOS Checksum Error- defaults loaded Checksum of CMOS is incorrect, so the system loads the
default equipment configuration. A checksum error may
indicate that CMOS has become corrupt. A weak battery
may have caused this error. Check the battery and replace
if necessary.
CPU at nnnn Displays the running speed of CPU.
Display switch is set incorrectly The display switch on the motherboard can be set to either
monochrome or color. This message indicates the switch is
set to a different setting than indicated in Setup. Determine
which setting is correct, and then either turn off the system
and change the jumper, or enter Setup and change the
Video selection.
Press ESC to skip memory test The user may press Esc to skip the full memory test.
Floppy disk(s) fail Cannot find or initialize the floppy drive controller or the
drive. Make sure the controller is installed correctly, if no
floppy drives are installed, be sure the Diskette Drive
selection in Setup is set to NONE or AUTO.
HARD DISK initializing - Please wait a moment Some hard drives require extra time to initialize.
HARD DISK INSTALL FAILURE Cannot find or initialize the hard drive controller or the
drive. Make sure the controller is installed correctly. If no
hard drives are installed, be sure the Hard Drive Selection
in Setup is set to NONE.
Hard disk(s) diagnosis fail The system may run specific disk diagnostic routines. This
message appears if one or more hard disks return an error
when the diagnostics run.
Keyboard Error Or No Keyboard Present Cannot initialize the keyboard. Make sure the keyboard is
attached correctly and no keys are pressed during POST.
To purposely configure the system without a keyboard, set
the error halt condition in Setup to HALT ON ALL, BUT
KEYBOARD. The BIOS then ignores the missing keyboard
during POST.
Keyboard is locked out - Unlock the key This message usually indicates that one or more keys have
been pressed during the keyboard tests. Be sure no
objects are resting on the keyboard.