| Start-up problems |
This document includes sequential guidelines to assist the layman in troubleshooting an inoperable Personal Computer (PC).
Computer Startup Problems are covered on this page including Power, Beep Codes, and Boot Error Messages.
For a complete listing of topics covered, see Contents.
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| Power |
If the PC has Power: if you can hear fans spin and feel airflow, if the lights on the front of the computer are lit or flash, and there is a video display, we are in great shape. Go to the next step.
If not, the problem is likely a hardware failure.
If anything was recently added, remove it.
If a component was recently changed, change it back.
If fans spin, airflow is felt, and the front panel Power light is lit after power on, the power supply is probably good.
If not, ensure that the unit is plugged in to a reliable power source, and that the power switch is actually being depressed.
(Sometimes, the switch itself becomes recessed and the front panel button is not actually making complete physical contact with the switch.)
Ensure that the wires are connected to the switch.
Depending on the make and model PC, the power switch will either be connected directly to the power supply, or grouped with other front panel wires in a plug attached to the system board.
Check this connection.
If all is connected properly, then the power supply (and/or system board) may need to be replaced. |
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| Beep Codes |
When the system is turned on, it automatically runs a series of diagnostic Power On Self Tests, a POST, which checks the following assemblies to ensure that the computer system is functioning properly:
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Keyboard
Power supply
System board
Memory
Memory expansion boards
Controllers
Diskette drives
Hard drives
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If POST finds an error in the system, an error condition is indicated by an audible and/or visual message.
If the PC Beeps at power on, count the number and remember the sequence of the Long and/or Short Beeps and refer to your PC manual for their meaning.
If the number of Beeps is normal (none, 1 or 2 beeps - depending on the brand of PC), but there is no video, check the monitor power and connections to the PC.
1 or 2 beeps may indicate a video problem or memory failure. If video is provided via a separate adapter, reseat it and reseat memory as well.
For general information on Beep Codes, Click Here.
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| For detailed info on Award BIOS POST (Power On Selt Test) Codes, Click here. |
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If there are no Beeps (and the monitor is verified working), the speaker may not be connected or is bad, or a component on the system board, connected to the system board, or the system board itself is likely faulty.
A technician would remove all connections from the system board, all adapter cards, and power to all internal devices, leaving only the basics: system board, CPU, & minimal memory modules to determine what IS or IS NOT causing the problem. (Divide and Conquer method)
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| Boot Error Message |
If the monitor displays an error message at boot up, the Power On Self Test detected a device failure or configuration error. Most error messages are self-explanatory. Certain models provide an extended explanation of the error codes in a help window.
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General Failure Messages
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10x
16x
17x
20x
21x
30x
40x
50x
60x
70x
115x
16xx
17xx
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System board failure
System Options Not Set / Configuration incorrect
Adapter failure, Jumper, or Configuration
Memory or Cache
Cache or Processor
Keyboard
Parallel port or Video Controller
Display (Video) Adapter
Floppy Diskette drives
Co-Processor
Com (Serial) Port
Internal Temperature, Fan, or Power Supply
Hard Disk Drive, CD-ROM, Tape, or Controller
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Refer to your PC Manual for the meaning and correct the problem.
Alternately, visit your PC Manufacturer's Web Site.
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