Introduction (Aptiva 2170/71/72/74/87/90 - SL-A)

Introduction

This chapter contains the check procedures used to diagnose the causes of product failures.
The diagnostic information consists of:

Start: This is the starting point for any diagnostic action. Based on high-level symptoms, the check procedure directs you to more detailed procedures to help resolve machine failures.

Index of Symptoms, Messages, Error Codes, or Beeps: The tables for BIOS Error Messages, Codes, Beeps, and Error Symptoms list symptoms along with their probable causes, and direct you to the applicable check procedures to help resolve machine failures.
These tables also list the field replaceable units (FRUs) most likely to cause a particular problem.

Check Procedures: When the Start check procedure or the Index of Symptoms, Messages, Error Codes, or Beeps tables point you to a specific check procedure, proceed to that section.
If there are any notes or instructions at the top of the page, read them before you begin with the procedure.
Carefully read each step of the check procedure and perform the steps as instructed.
If you do not remember the location of a specific part or test point, or an adjustment or removal procedure, see the chapter that contains that information.
Always return to the check procedure after you do this.
In some cases, you are referred to other check procedures to detect the cause of the failure.

Start

This is the entry point for all check procedures.
The check procedures use failure symptoms, Power-On Self Test (POST) error codes, or beeps to help determine the defective field replaceable unit (FRU).
Follow the suggested check procedures or use the diagnostics diskette to determine the problem FRU.

  -IMPORTANT- Replace FRUs ONLY when it is determined that the error is not a result of software, loose contacts, or dirty component surfaces.
Any FRU change should be verified by running a complete test ('Diagnostics - All Tests' in PC-Doctor diagnostics program).

This book comes with a diagnostic program diskette.
This diskette should be used ONLY with 2170/2171/2172, 2174, 2187 or 2190 Service Level A (SL-A) IBM Aptiva Personal Computers, respectively. Do not use this diskette on other models.

POST error codes and error messages are displayed on the screen after the IBM logo.
Meanwhile, error beeps could be issued to help diagnose system problem.
Please refer to 'Index of Symptoms, Messages, Error Codes, or Beeps' for additional help.

All voltages in the check procedures are positive unless otherwise indicated.
Use frame ground for all voltage checks unless otherwise specified.

  -IMPORTANT- There is a Power Override switch located at the back of the machine, just above the connector for the power cable.
If the system does not power on after pressing the power button situated on the front of the machine, please check the power cable and the Power Override switch. If the Power Override switch is switched on, no power is supplied to the system.

NOTE: If the check procedures instruct you to replace a FRU and the error message persists, an option adapter card might be causing the failure.
Remove all option adapter cards, one at a time, until the error changes or the problem is no longer apparent. Replace the last option adapter card removed.

The hard disk drive contains pre-loaded software. Refer to 'Software Recovery Procedure', to reinstall the original software.
Be sure to reload the software on the primary hard disk drive (Drive C) when replacing it.

  -IMPORTANT- The drives in the system you are servicing may have been rearranged, or the drive startup sequence has 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. Ask the customer to back up any additional software from the hard disk drive before you reload the software.

How to Diagnose Combined FRUs: If an adapter or device consists of more than one FRU, any of the FRUs might cause an error code.
Before replacing the device or adapter, remove the FRUs one by one to see if the symptoms change.

If a newly replaced FRU does not correct the problem: If you have reached this point of the check procedures and were instructed to replace a FRU but doing so did not correct the problem, reinstall the original FRU and go through 'Start' again.

If you want to print a copy of a BIOS Setup Utility screen to an attached printer, press Print Screen key while the following screen is displayed.

         READ THE FOLLOWING: 
    Human Error is a cause for concern when applied to check procedures. It
    exists in every first time set of analysis procedures. It is therefore
    essential for effective and time-efficient servicing that each stage of
    every procedure be verified. (For example: When a symptom is found, or
    when a symptom appears to have been cured, the preceding steps
    should be repeated for accuracy of analysis.)

Please see the LEGAL  -  Trademark notice.
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