Chapter 4. General checkout
Attention
The drives in the computer you are servicing might have been rearranged or
the drive startup sequence changed. Be extremely careful during write
operations such as copying, saving, or formatting. Data or programs can be
overwritten if you select an incorrect drive.
General error messages appear if a problem or conflict is found by an application
program, the operating system, or both. For the explanation of these messages,
refer to the information supplied with that software package.
Before replacing any FRUs, ensure that the latest level of BIOS is installed on the
system. A down-level BIOS might cause false errors and unnecessary replacement
of the system board. For more information on how to determine and obtain the
latest level BIOS, see “BIOS levels” on page 309.
Note: For computer models that do not have an internal hard disk drive and use a
remote hard disk drive accessed through the Secure Managed Client - Storage
Array (SMC - Storage Array):
v You might receive the error message “No operating system found. Press F1 to
repeat boot sequence.” In this case, press Ctrl+Alt+Delete instead of F1 to
establish a connection to the storage area network where your operating system
is stored. Verify that the user name is not logged on in another location.
v If the SMC login prompt disappears before you log in and then a black screen
displays, contact your administrator.
Use
the following procedure to help determine the cause of the problem:
1. Power-off the computer and all external devices.
2. Check all cables and power cords.
3. Set all display controls to the middle position.
4. Power-on all external devices.
5. Power-on the computer.
v Look for displayed error codes
v Listen for beep codes
v Look for readable instructions or a main menu on the display.
If
you did not receive the correct response, proceed to step 6.
If you do receive the correct response, run the diagnostics. .See “Running
diagnostics from the disc” on page 46.
6. Look at the following conditions and follow the instructions:
v If you hear beep codes during POST, go to “Beep symptoms” on page 73.
v If the computer displays a POST error, go to “POST error codes” on page 74.
v If the computer hangs and no error is displayed, go to “Checking for power
problems” on page 42.
© Copyright Lenovo 2008, 2009 41
