Chapter 2. General checkoutUse this general checkout procedure is for computers supported by this HardwareMaintenance Manual.Attention:The drives in the computer you are servicing might have been rearranged or the drivestartup 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.Diagnostic error messages appear when a test program finds a problem with ahardware option. For the test programs to properly determine if a test Passed, Failedor Aborted, the test programs check the error-return code at test completion. See“Diagnostics” on page 16.General error messages appear if a problem or conflict is found by an applicationprogram, the operating system, or both. For an explanation of these messages, referto the information supplied with that software package.Notes:v The default boot for this computer is to start up quiet (no beep and no memory countand checkpoint code display) when no errors are detected by POST.v To enable beep and memory count and checkpoint code display when a successful POSToccurs, do the following:1. Select Start Options in the Configuration/Setup Utility program (see “Setup Utilityprogram” on page 14.2. Set Power-On Self-Test to Enhanced.v 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 systemboard. For more information on how to determine and obtain the latest level BIOS, see“BIOS levels” on page 181.v If multiple error codes are displayed, diagnose the first error code displayed.v If the computer hangs with a POST error, go to Chapter 7, “Symptom-to-FRU index,” onpage 47.v If the computer hangs and no error is displayed, go to “Undetermined problems” onpage 87.v If an installed device is not recognized by the diagnostics program, that device might bedefective.0011. Power-off the computer and all external devices.2. Check all cables and power cords.3. Make sure the system board is seated properly.4. Set all display controls to the middle position.5. Power-on all external devices.6. Power-on the computer.7. Check for the following response:v Readable instructions or the Main Menu.© Copyright IBM Corp. 2004 3