HP Portable 386 Compaq Portable 386 Personal Computer Maintenance and Service - Page 15

Power On Self Test (POST)/Problem Isolation, Introduction, POST

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Chapter 3. Power On Self Test (POST)/Problem Isolation Chapter 3.0 Introduction This chapter lists the assemblies checked by the Power On Self Test (POST) and briefly describes the types of error codes that can occur. The chapter also includes problem isolation procedures and a flowchart for quick reference. Chapter 3.1 POST POST is a series of diagnostic tests that automatically run on the COMPAQ PORTABLE 386 Personal Computer when the system is turned on. POST checks the following assemblies to ensure that the computer system is functioning properly: o Keyboard o Power supply o System board o Display controller board o Memory expansion boards o Memory o Diskette drives o Fixed disk drives POST also detects the type of mass storage devices installed in the computer. If POST finds an error in the system, an error code results. The error code can be audible, visual, or both. See Chapter 6, "Error Messages and Codes," for an explanation of error codes. Chapter 3.2 Preliminary Steps to Problem Isolation If you encounter an error condition, complete the following steps before starting problem isolation procedures: 1. Turn off the computer. 2. Disconnect the AC power cord from the AC outlet. 3. Disconnect the signal cables of any peripheral devices from the computer. 4. Remove any boards not manufactured by Compaq. 5. Install a loopback plug connector in both the parallel interface and the serial interface. If you have a COMPAQ Internal Modem, install a modem terminating plug in the modem RJ11 jack. NOTE: To test your printer during the printer test or log errors to a

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Chapter 3. Power On Self Test (POST)/Problem Isolation
Chapter 3.0 Introduction
This chapter lists the assemblies checked by the Power On Self Test (POST) and
briefly describes the types of error codes that can occur. The chapter also
includes problem isolation procedures and a flowchart for quick reference.
Chapter 3.1 POST
POST is a series of diagnostic tests that automatically run on the COMPAQ
PORTABLE 386 Personal Computer when the system is turned on.
POST checks the following assemblies to ensure that the computer system is
functioning properly:
o Keyboard
o Power supply
o System board
o Display controller board
o Memory expansion boards
o Memory
o Diskette drives
o Fixed disk drives
POST also detects the type of mass storage devices installed in the computer.
If POST finds an error in the system, an error code results. The error code
can be audible, visual, or both. See Chapter 6, "Error Messages and Codes,"
for an explanation of error codes.
Chapter 3.2 Preliminary Steps to Problem Isolation
If you encounter an error condition, complete the following steps before
starting problem isolation procedures:
1. Turn off the computer.
2. Disconnect the AC power cord from the AC outlet.
3. Disconnect the signal cables of any peripheral devices from the
computer.
4. Remove any boards not manufactured by Compaq.
5. Install a loopback plug connector in both the parallel interface and the
serial interface. If you have a COMPAQ Internal Modem, install a modem
terminating plug in the modem RJ11 jack.
NOTE: To test your printer during the printer test or log errors to a