Lenovo 3231 Personal Computer User Manual


 
Chapter 4. General checkout
Attention
The drives in the computer you are servicing might have been rearranged or the drive startup sequence
changed. Be extremely careful during write operations such as copying, saving, or formatting. Data or
programs can be overwritten if you select an incorrect drive.
General error messages appear if a problem or conict is found by an application program, the operating
system, or both. For the explanation of these messages, refer to the information supplied with that software
package.
Before replacing any FRUs, ensure that the latest level of BIOS is installed on the system. A down-level BIOS
might cause false errors and unnecessary replacement of the system board. For more information on how to
determine and obtain the latest level BIOS, see “BIOS levels” on page 559
.
Notes: For computer models that do not have an internal hard disk drive and use a remote hard disk drive
accessed through the Secure Managed Client - Storage Array (SMC - Storage Array):
You might receive the error message “No operating system found. Press F1 to repeat boot sequence.” In
this case, press Ctrl+Alt+Delete instead of F1 to establish a connection to the storage area network where
your operating system is stored. Verify that the user name is not logged on in another location.
If the SMC login prompt disappears before you log in and then a black screen displays, contact your
administrator.
Use the following procedure to help determine the cause of the problem:
1. Power-off the computer and all external devices.
2. Check all cables and power cords.
3. Set all display controls to the middle position.
4. Power-on all external devices.
5. Power-on the computer.
Look for displayed error codes
Listen for beep codes
Look for readable instructions or a main menu on the display.
If you did not receive the correct response, proceed to step 6 on page 35
.
If you do receive the correct response, proceed to step 7 on page 35.
6. Look at the following conditions and follow the instructions:
If you hear beep codes during POST, go to “Beep symptoms” on page 65.
If the computer displays a POST error, go to “POST error codes” on page 66.
If the computer hangs and no error is displayed, turn off the computer and the power. Then, turn the
power and the computer back on, continue at step 7 on page 35.
7. Run the Diagnostic programs. See Chapter 5 “Diagnostic programs” on page 37.
If you receive an error, replace the part that the diagnostic program calls out or go to “Diagnostic
error codes” on page 48
.
If the test stops and you cannot continue, replace the last device tested.
© Copyright Lenovo 2008, 2012
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