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AST RESEARCH TECHNICAL BULLETIN TB-0002 4-16-84
POWER-ON SELF TEST ERROR ON XT AND PORTABLE COMPUTERS
When the IBM-XT or portable computer is powered-on, the system
BIOS initializes a Power-On Self Test (POST). In the upper left-
hand corner of the screen, the progress of the POST is displayed
in the format:
XXX KB OK
The number (XXX) should continue to increase until it equals the
amount of memory installed in the system. Normally, this test
takes 23 to 90 seconds to complete, depending on the amount of
memory installed. Upon completion, the system will attempt to
boot the diskette in drive A.
However, if switch 1 of the switch system board switch block is
"ON", the POST will re-initialize and start over. This will
continue in an endless loop.
This problem can be resolved by removing power from the system,
positioning switch 1 in the "OFF" position and then re-applying
power to the system.
The IBM Guide to Operations refers to this switch only as "Normal
operation; always off".