Appendix A Error Messages and Codes
Compaq Personal Computers
Changed - November 2000
A-2
A.3 POWER-ON SELF TEST (POST) MESSAGES
Table A–2. Power-On Self Test (POST) Messages
Table A-2.
Power-On Self Test (POST) Messages
Error Message Probable Cause
Invalid Electronic Serial Number  Chassis serial number is corrupt. Use Setup to enter a valid number. 
Network Server Mode Active (w/o 
kybd) 
System is in network mode. 
101-Option ROM Checksum Error  A device’s  option ROM has failed/is bad. 
102-system Board Failure  Failed ESCD write, A20, timer, or DMA controller. 
150-Safe POST Active  An option ROM failed to execute on a previous boot. 
162-System Options Not Set  Invalid checksum, RTC lost power, or invalid configuration. 
163-Time & Date Not Set  Date and time information in CMOS is not valid. 
164-Memory Size Error  Memory has been added or removed. 
201-Memory Error  Memory test failed. 
213-Incompatible Memory Module  BIOS detected installed DIMM(s) as being not compatible. 
216-Memory Size Exceeds Max  Installed memory exceeds the maximum supported by the system. 
301-Keyboard Error  Keyboard interface test failed (improper connection or stuck key). 
303-Keyboard Controller Error  Keyboard buffer failed empty (8042 failure or stuck key). 
304-Keyboard/System Unit Error  Keyboard controller failed self-test. 
404-Parallel Port Address Conflict  Current parallel port address is conflicting with another device. 
510-Slpash Image Corrupt  Corrupted splash screen image. Restore default image w/ROMPAQ. 
601-Diskette Controller Error  Diskette drive removed since previous boot. 
912-Computer Cover Removed 
Since Last System Start Up 
Cover (hood) removal has been detected by the Smart Cover 
Sensor. 
917-Expansion Riser Not Detected  Expansion (backplane) board not seated properly. 
1720-SMART Hard Drive Detects 
Imminent Failure 
SMART circuitry on an IDE drive has detected possible equipment 
failure. 
1721-SMART SCSI Hard Drive 
Detects Imminent Failure 
SMART circuitry on a SCSI drive has detected possible equipment 
failure. 
1801-Microcode Patch Error  A processor is installed for which the BIOS ROM has no patch. 
Check for ROM update. 
1998-Master Boot Record Backup 
Has Been Lost 
Backup copy of the hard drive master boot record is corrupted. Use 
Setup to restore the backup from the hard drive. 
1999-Master Boot Record Has 
Changed. Press Any Key To Enter 
Setup to Restore the MBR. 
If Master Boot Record Security is enabled, this message indicates 
that the MBR has changed since the backup was made.  
2000-Master boot Record hard drive 
has changed 
The hard drive has been changed. Use Setup to create a backup of 
the new hard drive.