The power-on self test (post) – Asus W6F User Manual

Page 24

Getting Started

Powering ON the Notebook PC

The Notebook PC’s power-ON message appears on the screen when you turn it ON. If necessary, you

may adjust the brightness by using the hot keys. If you need to run the BIOS Setup to set or modify the

system configuration, press [F2] upon bootup to enter the BIOS Setup. If you press [Tab] during the

splash screen, standard boot information such as the BIOS version can be seen. Press [ESC] and you will

be presented with a boot menu with selections to boot from your available drives.

IMPORTANT! To protect the hard disk drive, always wait at least 5 seconds after turn-

ing OFF your Notebook PC before turning it back ON.

NOTE: Before bootup, the display panel flashes when the power is turned ON. This is

part of the Notebook PC’s test routine and is not a problem with the display.

WARNING! DO NOT carry or cover a Notebook PC that is powered ON with any materi-

als that will reduce air circulation such as a carrying bag.

The Power-On Self Test (POST)

When you turn ON the Notebook PC, it will first run through a series of software-controlled diagnos-

tic tests called the Power-On Self Test (POST). The software that controls the POST is installed as a

permanent part of the Notebook PC’s architecture. The POST includes a record of the Notebook PC’s

hardware configuration, which is used to make a diagnostic check of the system. This record is created

by using the BIOS Setup program. If the POST discovers a difference between the record and the exist-

ing hardware, it will display a message on the screen prompting you to correct the conflict by running

BIOS Setup. In most cases the record should be correct when you receive the Notebook PC. When the

test is finished, you may get a message reporting “No operating system found” if the hard disk was not

preloaded with an operating system. This indicates that the hard disk is correctly detected and ready for

the installation of a new operating system.
The S.M.A.R.T. (Self Monitoring and Reporting Technology) checks the hard disk drive during POST and

gives a warning message if the hard disk drive requires servicing. If any critical hard disk drive warning

is given during bootup, backup your data immediately and run Windows disk checking program. To run

Window’s disk checking program: (1) right-click any hard disk drive icon in “My Computer”, (2) choose

Properties, (3) click the Tools tab, (4) click Check Now, (5) select a hard disk drive, (6) select Thorough to

also check for physical damages, and (7) click Start. Third party disk utilities such as Symantec’s Norton

Disk Doctor can also perform the same functions but with greater ease and more features.

IMPORTANT! If warnings are still given during bootup after running a software disk

checking utility, you should take your Notebook PC in for servicing. Continued use

may result in data loss.