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Service Hints & Tips

Document ID: DETR-44SPWQ

Aptiva - 2144-S15 Diagnostics - Start

Applicable to: Canada, United States

This is the entry point for all check procedures. The check procedures use failure symptoms, POST error codes, or beeps to help determine the failing field replaceable unit (FRU). Follow the suggested check procedures or use the Advanced Diagnostics diskettes to determine the problem FRU.

The Advanced Diagnostics program comes on one diskette supplied with this book. Use only this diskette for all Service Level G IBM Aptiva Personal Computers.

The Advanced Diagnostics program is intended to test only IBM products. Non-IBM products, prototype cards, or modified options can give false errors and invalid system responses.

All voltages in the check procedures are positive unless otherwise shown. And, use frame ground for all voltage checks unless otherwise specified.

Note: If the check procedures instruct you to replace a FRU and the error message remains the same, an option adapter card may 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 preloaded software. Refer to "Software Installation Procedure" on page 4-21 to reinstall the original software. Be sure to reload the software on the primary hard disk drive (drive C) when replacing it.

Note: The drives in the system you are servicing might have been re-arranged 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. Ask the customer to back up any additional software from the hard disk drive before you take any action.

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

If you have been directed here from another check procedure and were instructed to replace the system board, and that does not correct the problem, reinstall the original system board and go through "Start" again.

POST Error Codes: A POST error code can occur in three ways:
1. Under the System Memory count at the upper-left corner of the screen.

Note: A memory error can appear without the memory count as a 203 address error.

2. After two beeps, followed by an error code and/or explanatory message.

3. As a sequence of beeps with no other messages or error codes displayed.

Note: It may take a minute or more for the system to respond with error messages or beeps.

If you have an XX62 error with no other error codes, run the Configuration/Setup Utility (see ôStarting the Configuration/Setup Utilityö on page 1-14) and note any flagged options. Note the XX62 error or flagged option and try to add it from the Configuration Utility screen. If the option cannot be added, go to "Index of Symptoms, Messages, Error Codes, or Beeps" on page 2-10 for additional help.

If you want to print a copy of a Configuration/Setup Utility screen on an attached printer, press Print Screen while the screen is displayed.

How to Use Error Messages: Use the messages, error codes, and beep combinations that occur to diagnose failures. If more than one failure occurs, diagnose the first failure first. The cause of the first failure can result in false messages, error codes, or beeps. If you did not receive any messages, error codes, or beeps, see if the symptom is listed in "Index of Symptoms, Messages, Error Codes, or Beeps" on page 2-10.


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Document Category

Diagnostics

Date Created

04-02-99

Last Updated

04-02-99

Revision Date

Brand

IBM Aptiva

Product Family

Aptiva

Machine Type

2144

Model

S15

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