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The power-on self test – Elitegroup G733G User Manual

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Check the wall outlet or power strip with an item that you know is functioning properly. A

lamp or radio is

a convenient item for checking the power. You may also need to check the fuses and breakers

in your electric box.

If the outlet is controlled by a wall switch, make sure that the switch is on.
If the outlet is controlled by a dimmer switch, use a different outlet.
If your computer is plugged into a power strip with an On/Off switch, make sure the switch is

on.

3.

4.

With the computer’s power switched off, check all cable connections. If the computer is
connected to any peripheral devices, look for loose or disconnected cables.

If the computer is too close to a wall, a cable connection may be loose or the cables may be

crimped.

Do not substitute cables for different devices (other than the manufacturer recommended

cables) even if they look exactly alike. The wiring inside the cable may be different.

When you are certain that you have power available and all connections are good, turn the
computer on again. If the computer still does not start, you may have a hardware problem.

The Power-On Self Test

The Power-On Self Test (POST) runs every time you turn on or reset the Notebook. The POST checks
memory, the main system board, the display, the keyboard, the disk drives, and other installed options.
A few seconds after you turn on your computer, a copyright message appears on your display screen. A
memory test message appears next; as the test continues, memory size increases until all installed memory
is tested. Normally, the only test routine visible on the screen will be the memory test.
Two classifications of malfunctions can be detected during the POST:

Error messages that indicate a failure with either the hardware, the software, or the Basic

Input/Output System (BIOS). These critical malfunctions prevent the computer from operating at all
or could cause incorrect and apparent results. An example of a critical error is microprocessor
malfunction.

Messages that furnish important information on the power-on and boot processes (such as memory

status). These non-critical malfunctions are those that cause incorrect results that may not be readily
apparent. An example of a non-critical error would be a memory chip failure.

In general, if the POST detects a system board failure (a critical error), the computer halts and generates a
series of beeps. If failure is detected in an area other than the system board (such as the display, keyboard,
or an adapter card) an error message is displayed on the screen and testing is stopped. It is important to
remember that the POST does not test all areas of the computer, only those that allow it to be operational
enough to run diagnostic programs.

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