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Power-On Self-Test (POST)



Power-On Self-Test (POST) 

Each time you power-on the system, it performs a series of tests that check the operation of the system and some options. This series of tests is called the power-on self-test, or POST. POST does the following:

Check (e.g. Server 704) the indicator lights on the front of the server and the back of the power supplies. Verify that all server devices are operating properly. If a device is not operating properly, ensure that it is not defective and is installed correctly. Replace defective devices and reinstall any device that is not installed correctly.

If the POST finishes without detecting any problems, a single beep sounds and the first screen of your operating system or application program appears. If no operating system is installed, the system prompts you to insert a startable diskette.

If POST detects a problem, an error message appears on the screen. A single problem can cause several error messages to appear. When you correct the cause of the first error message, the other error messages probably will not appear on the screen the next time you turn on the system.

POST Beep Codes 

The Power On Self-Test generates a beeping sound to indicate successful completion of POST or to indicate that the tests detect an error.

One beep and the appearance of text on the display indicates successful completion of the POST. More than one beep indicates that the POST detects an error.

Test Programs 

The AQPlus/PRO test programs, developed by DiagSoft for IBM , are the primary method of testing the PC Server. You can use them to test the IBM components of the system and some external devices. The amount of time required to test all components depends on the number of components. The more optional adapters and devices you have attached to your system, the longer the testing takes.

The test programs on the Diagnostic Diskette include the following features:

Feature Description
Advanced Diagnostic Tests Identifies most problems associated
with the following major components:
° System board
° Hard disk drives
° Diskette drives
° CD-ROM drives
° RAM
° Serial and parallel ports
° Video adapter
° Printer
° Keyboard
° Mouse
Flexible Test Control Allows you to:
° Run groups of tests in batch
° Specify parameters to use for each test
(for example, video modes, disk
cylinders, and port addresses
and so on)
° Specify the number of passes you want to run
(one to continuous)
° Log the test results to a text dBase (DBF)
format file
° Save all test settings for future use
° View System Information
° View the server's configuration information.
(For example, you can view the IRQ/DMA assignments
memory usage, and device drivers)
° Select System Utilities
° Run a low-level format also contains system
utilities.
° Format a diskette


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