HP Business Desktops BIOS

HP BIOS Diagnostic Codes
Problem Computer Reaction
PCA failure (ROM detected failure prior to video) Power LED blinks RED 7 times, one every second, followed
by a 2-second pause. Also 7 simultaneous beeps will be
heard.
Invalid ROM based on bad checksum Power LED blinks RED 8 times, one every second, followed
by a 2-second pause. Also 8 simultaneous beeps will be
heard.
Watchdog timer alarm (no BIOS code being executed) Power LED blinks RED 9 times, one every second, followed
by a 2-second pause. Also 9 simultaneous beeps will be
heard.
The HP BIOS extensive Power-On Self Test (POST) provides exhaustive error messages to inform the
user or administrator when a computer failure has been detected. The POST is a series of diagnostic
tests that execute when the HP Business Desktop computer is turned on. If an error is detected, the
error notification displayed contains a brief problem description and recommended action, in most
cases. Typically, HP Business Desktop computers are configured to execute a reduced set of POST
tests to increase boot speed during normal power cycles. However, if a computer has been
experiencing difficulty or the customer environment demands more stringent test requirements, F10
setup provides configurable levels of POST testing. The full complement of POST tests can be set to
execute on every boot or once every 1 to 30 days. In addition, computer health information can be
viewed by a system administrator using HP Client Manager Software (see
http://www.hp.com/go/im for more information). Networked computers using HP Insight Manager,
HP Client Manager, or other system management application can receive alerts for most error
conditions from HP Business Desktop computers.
Detailed service information
The HP BIOS computer setup utility, F10 setup, is an extremely valuable service tool (see the
Computer Setup (F10) Utility Guide on the Documentation CD that shipped with the computer). The
System Information option provides detailed information including: product name, processor
type/speed/stepping, memory configuration, integrated MAC address for enabled or embedded
NIC, and asset tracking number. The F10 Setup Storage menu lists all storage devices controlled by
the HP BIOS. Depending on device type, detailed information, such as type, model, firmware version,
translation mode, transfer mode, and multi-sector transfer setting, is provided.
The
Drive Protection System (DPS) tests option is also provided for devices that support this type of built-in
self-test (see Drive Protection System, a white paper, at
ftp://ftp.compaq.com/pub/products/desktops/whitepapers/DPSWhitePaper_092299.doc). The
DPS is a valuable tool to help diagnose device problems that could result in unwarranted hard drive
replacement. During factory configuration, each installed hard drive is DPS-tested, and the permanent
record of test results is stored on the device itself. Results of each subsequent execution of the DPS test
are stored on the hard drive and compared to the original factory results. Service providers can use
this information to diagnose potential problems quickly and efficiently. During POST, capable drives
are queried for health information, which can help predict some hard disk failures before valuable
data is lost.
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