Understanding Computer POST codes

Here some general information for using a POST card to troubleshoot laptop systems, although it also applies to desktop systems provided the right card configuration is used.

In laptop machines, the Mini Card PCI Express (PCI-E) replaces the Mini PCI card standard slot
design, which is a small internal card functionally identical to standard desktop computer PCI cards.
Mini Card PCI-E and Mini PCI cards are used mainly to add communications functions to portable
laptop computers that are built- or customized-to-order. The Mini Card PCI Express is half the size
of the Mini PCI cards. This allows system designers to include one or two cards, depending on the
size constraints of a particular portable computer. Our Diagnostic Card has BOTH SLOT TYPES
to allow for this technology transition.

A Diagnostic Card is a powerful diagnostic tool for technicians and administrators to
troubleshoot various problems of IBM compatible PCs.
With Diagnostic Cards in hand, you no longer have to go through tedious and time
consuming process of trying to figure out what is wrong with your PC hardware. The Diagnostic
Card will tell you exactly what is wrong with your PC in just seconds. It saves you time and
money.

Since new motherboards are always coming out, in order to keep up to date it's recommended
to visit the bios manufacturer's website, and download the
latest codes per bios revision. Or visit http://www.bioscentral.com for an online reference.

DUAL SLOT designs diagnostic cards are compatible with older Mini PCI slots as well as the new Mini Card ½ size
slot lead by Dell Computers. It is not necessary to install memory chips to perform analysis.
“POST Codes” can be displayed through the hexadecimal display panel on the Diagnostic Card
itself.

Follow the instructions of your particular POST card for intallation and recommended use.

It may be required the removal of a wireless card in expansion slot of motherboard
service port located on the bottom access door of most laptops.

-Install the Diagnostic Card in the Mini Card PCI-E slot or Mini PCI slot.
-Power on the machine.
-Observe POST CODE from bois.

POST Codes
When the machine is turned on, the hexadecimal display should show the various POST codes as
the system executes (unless it has a rare BIOS that does not display POST codes).
If the machine does not boot, system POST has detected a fatal fault and stopped. The number
showing in the hexadecimal display on the Diagnostic Card is the number of the test in which
POST failed.

Tips on using a diagnostic card

Sometimes your computer will not boot.Use the diagnostic card to see the POST (power on self test) codes that the BIOS commands the
motherboard to perform. Each motherboard has a BIOS chip which is a device that initializes all
hardware components on the motherboard such as CPU, memory, video card, etc. During the boot
up sequence, your BIOS will also generate what is called POST80 code. Each code can be
referenced in a manual supplied to help determine the problem with the motherboard. If your code
is NOT LISTED in your manual, chances are you have a newer motherboard. Visit the manufacturer
of your BIOS and download the manual of your BIOS direct. In most cases, where the last post
code is displayed on the POST card is generally the problem area. For example: If you have an
Award Bios on your motherboard, and you install this card. Turn on the power to your computer.
Your computer stops booting, but the POST card shows a code of “01 . This could mean you have
a faulty CPU on your motherboard because the BIOS told the CPU to start, but the CPU did not
respond. If a piece of hardware does not respond during a boot sequence, then the motherboard
will not finish POSTing.