Compaq AP500 - Manual (Page 78)

4-2 Diagnostic Tools
Power-On Self-Test (POST)
POST is a series of diagnostic tests that run automatically when the system is turned on. After
the computer is turned on, POST checks the following assemblies to make sure the computer
system is functioning properly:
■ Keyboard
■ Memory
■ Graphics controller
■ Diskette drives
■ IDE CD-ROM drive
■ Hard drives
■ Processors
■ Controllers
POST also detects the type of SCSI mass storage devices installed in the workstation.
NOTE: If the Power-On Password is set, a key icon ( ) displays on the screen while POST is
running. You will need to enter the password before continuing. See Chapter 5 for information on
deleting or bypassing the Power-On Password.
If POST finds an error in the system, an audible and/or visual message occurs. For explanations
of the error codes and a recommended course of action, see Table 4-1 in the next section.