Elitegroup A929 (V2.0) - Manual (Page 71)

alike. The wiring inside the cable may be different.
4. 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 DeskNote. 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 either with 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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