HP Workstation x2000 hp workstation x2000 - Technical Reference and Troublesho - Page 98

Tests and Error Messages MaxiLife Test Sequence and Error Messages • Power-On Self-Test (POST) routines, which the computer's ROM BIOS contains • Error messages and suggestions for corrective action MaxiLife Test Sequence and Error Messages When you turn on the Workstation, the system initiates the normal startup sequence, which consists of the following steps: • Basic preboot diagnostics • BIOS launch • POST phase • Operating system boot phase If the system detects any errors during the startup sequence, MaxiLife won't necessarily freeze the system. However, some critical hardware errors are fatal to the system and prevent the system from starting. (For example, CPU socket and power supply malfunctions can prevent the system from working.) The system detects non-crucial errors both during preboot diagnostics and POST, in which the BIOS boot process returns an error code. The system detects some errors only during POST sequence; these errors produce the same process. Finally, while the Workstation is working, the system can report fan and temperature controls. (For example, the system can report a fan error if a fan cable is disconnected.) This type of error disappears as soon as you fix the problem (for example, reconnect the fan cable). The next sections describe the different diagnostics. Basic Preboot Diagnostics The first diagnostic, called basic preboot diagnostics, runs to check the presence of the processors or terminators, power supply, hardware monitoring, and thermal sensors. If you have a power cord connected to the Workstation, the basic preboot diagnostics are activated. 98 Chapter 4