SEARCHCONTACT USSUPPORTSERVICESPRODUCTSSTORE
United States    
COMPAQ STORE | PRODUCTS | SERVICES | SUPPORT | CONTACT US | SEARCH
 

Power-On Self-Test Messages

When you switch on your system, it runs a series of diagnostic tests, collectively called the Power-on Self-Test (POST). POST makes sure the following computer parts are functioning properly:

  • Keyboard
  • Power supply
  • System board
  • System memory
  • Memory modules
  • Controllers
  • Graphics system
  • Diskette drives
  • Hard drives

    • POST also detects the type of mass storage devices installed in the computer. If POST finds an error in the system, it reports the error condition by an audible and/or visual message.

    The computer will show an error message if POST determines a potential problem. The following table lists the POST messages, the audible (beep) message, probable cause, and recommended action.

    Power-On Self-Test Messages

    Message Beeps Probable Cause Recommended Action
    101 - ROM Error 1 Long, 1 short System ROM Checksum
    1. Inspect the ROM Placement.
    2. Verify the correct ROM.
    3. Replace the ROM
    101 - I/0 ROM Error None Option ROM checksum
    1. Inspect the ROM Placement.
    2. Verify the correct ROM.
    3. Replace the ROM
    102 - System Board Failure None DMA, Timers, etc. Replace the system board
    162 - System Options Error 2 Short No diskette drive or mismatch in drive type Run Computer Setup.
    162 - System Options Not Set 2 Short Configuration incorrect Run Computer Setup
    163 - Time & Date Not Set 2 Short Invalid time or date in configuration memory Run Computer Setup
    164 - Memory Size Error 2 Short Memory configuration incorrect Run Computer Setup
    174 - ISA Configuration /Slot Mismatch 1 Short Plug & Play ISA board not found Run the Configuration and Diagnostics Utility
    175 - ISA Configuration /Slot Mismatch 1 Short Plug & Play ISA board added, configuration not updated Run the Configuration and Diagnostics Utility
    178 - Processor Configuration Invalid None Processor type or step do not match configuration memory Run Computer Setup
    201 - Memory Error None RAM failure
    1. Run Computer Setup.
    2. Replace the memory modules.
    3. Replace system board.
    203 - Memory Address Error None RAM failure 1. Run Computer Setup.

    2. Replace the memory module(s) (if any).

    3. Replace system board.

    205 - Memory Error None Cache memory error Run the Configuration and Diagnostics Utilities.
    206 - Secondary cache controller Failure None Cache memory controller or RAM failure Run the Configuration and Diagnostics Utilities
    301 - Keyboard Error None Keyboard failure Reconnect keyboard with computer turned off.
    301 - Keyboard Error or Text Fixture Installed None Keyboard failure Replace the keyboard.
    303 - Keyboard Controller Error None I/O board keyboard controller Replace the system board.
    304 - Keyboard or System Unit Error None Keyboard
    1. Replace the keyboard.
    2. Replace the system board.
    40X - Parallel Port X Address Assignment Conflict 2 Short Both external and internal ports are assigned to parallel port X Run Computer Setup.
    402 - Monochrome Adapter Failure 1 Long, 2 Short Monochrome display controller. Replace the monochrome display adapter.
    501 - Display Adapter Failure 1 Long, 1 Short Video display controller Replace the video board.
    601 - Diskette Controller Error None Diskette controller circuitry.
    1. Check and/or replace cables.
    2. Replace the system board.
    602 - Diskette Boot None Diskette in drive A not bootable Replace the diskette.
    605 - Diskette Drive Error. 2 Short Mismatch in drive type Run Computer Setup.
    611 - Primary Floppy Port Address Assignment Conflict 2 Short Configuration error Run Computer Setup.
    612 - Secondary Floppy Port Address Assignment Conflict 2 Short Configuration error Run Computer Setup.
    702 - A Coprocessor Has Been Detected That Is Not Reported In CMOS None Configuration error Run Computer Setup.
    703 - CMOS Reports a Coprocessor That Has Not Been Detected By POST 2 Short Configuration error Run Computer Setup.
    1151 - COM Port 1 Address Assignment Conflict 2 Short Both external and internal serial ports are assigned to COM1 Run Computer Setup.
    1152 - COM Port 2 Address Assignment Conflict 2 Short Both external and internal serial ports are assigned to COM2 Run Computer Setup.
    1153 - COM Port 3 Address Assignment Conflict 2 Short Both external and internal serial ports are assigned to COM3 Run Computer Setup.
    1154 - COM Port 4 Address Assignment Conflict 2 Short Both external and internal serial ports are assigned to COM4 Run Computer Setup.
    1720 - IntelliSafe Hard Drive detects imminent failure None Hard drive is about to fail Backup contents and replace hard drive.
    1771 - Primary Disk Port Address Assignment Conflict 2 Short Internal and External hard drive controllers are both assigned to primary address Run Computer Setup
    1772 - Secondary Disk Port Address Assignment Conflict 2 Short Internal and External hard drive controllers are both assigned to secondary address Run Computer Setup
    1780 - Disk 0 Failure None Hard drive/format error Run the Configuration and Diagnostics Utilities.
    1781 - Disk 1 Failure None Hard drive/format error Run the Configuration and Diagnostics Utilities.
    1782 - Disk Controller failure None Hard drive circuitry error Run the Configuration and Diagnostics Utilities.
    1790 - Disk 0 Failure None Hard drive or wrong drive type Run the Configuration and Diagnostics Utilities.
    1791 - Disk 1 Failure None Hard drive or wrong drive type Run the Configuration and Diagnostics Utilities.
    1800 - Temperature Alert None Internal temperature exceeds specification Check that computer air vents are not blocked and cooling fan is running.
    XX000Y ZZ parity Check 2 None Parity RAM Failure Run the Configuration and Diagnostics Utilities.
    Hard Drive Parameter Table or BIOS Error System Halted 3 Long Configuration or hardware failure Run the Configuration and Diagnostics Utilities.
    IOCHECK Active Slot X None Defective board in slot X Run the Configuration and Diagnostics Utilities.
    Bus Master Timeout Slot X None Defective board in slot X Run the Configuration and Diagnostics Utilities.
    Audible 1 Short Power-on successful None.
    Audible 2 Short Power-on successful None.
    (RESUME = F1 KEY) None As indicated to continue Press the F1 key.
     
    1.800.AT.COMPAQ
     
    privacy statement
    legal notices