TECHNOLOGY AND LIVELIHOOD EDUCATION

COMPUTER SYSTEM SERVICING 2. Make sure all fans are running in the computer. If a fan has failed
(especially the heat sink fan for the CPU) your computer could be
WEEK 1: POWER-ON SELF-TEST (POST) overheating and/or detecting the fan failure causing the computer
not to boot.
When a PC is first switched on, restart or reset it performs a 3. Disconnect the IDE, SATA or other data cables of the CD-ROM,
special diagnostic test called a POST (Power-On Self-Test), to check all hard drive, and floppy drive from the Motherboard. If this resolves
components in the PC, the POST program sends out a signal to each your irregular POST or you now get an error message attempt to
device initializing each device's built-in self test procedure. re-connect each device one at a time to determine which device
The POST (power-on self-test) feature checks the and/or cable is causing the issue. In some situations it can simply
computer’s internal hardware to ensure compatibility and be a loose cable connection.
connection before the actual boot occurs. If the computer boots 4. Disconnect the IDE, SATA or other data cables of the CD-ROM,
properly, it may give one sound signal (some computers are hard drive, and floppy drive from the Motherboard. If this resolves
supposed to give it twice) as it starts and continues to boot. your irregular POST or you now get an error message attempt to
However, if the computer breaks down, it will either give no signal re-connect each device one at a time to determine which device
at all or give a special signal indicating a certain problem. and/or cable is causing the issue. In some situations it can simply
be a loose cable connection.
POST Two Stage Process 5. Reseat the CPU by removing it and putting it back into the
1. First, it will check all the basic components including among other computer.
things the system clock, the processor, RAM, the keyboard
controller and the video.
2. After the components have been tested the BIOS will then indicate ERROR BEEP CODES
any errors encountered by displaying either a numeric code, text
message on the screen or series of beep sounds. Problem Beep codes Solution
1 Long, 2 Short
The computer POST (Power-On Self-Test) tests the computer, Video Card Error Reseat the video card.
Beeps
ensuring that it meets the necessary system requirements and that all No Video card or 1 Long, 3 Short
hardware is working properly before starting the boot process. Replace the video card
Bad Video card Beeps
 Passed – Single Beep Check for improperly
 Failed – Beep Codes (Irregular POST) Repeating seated or missing
Memory Error
(endless loop) memory. Reseat the
RESOLVING IRREGULAR POST memory card.
1. If any new hardware has been recently added to the computer,
remove that hardware to make sure it is not the causing the issue. Note: Beep codes may differ due to big variety of manufacturers who
If after removing the new hardware and your computer works, it's produce computers with different types of BIOS.
likely that the computer is either not compatible with the new
hardware device or a system setting needs to be changed to work
with the new hardware.
CHS – Learner’s Material, 1st Edition 2014