Power-On Self-Test [POST]

ByShahzad Ahmad

Power-On Self-Test Definition: POST stands for Power-On Self-Test is a test inside the BIOS which is short for a basic input/output system as a computer does when you turn it on.

It must go through a test that verifies if a computer’s hardware is not faulty. Before it boots, the post will cover all necessary hardware that requires the computer to run or do basic tasks as well as a keyboard.

If there’s a problem with any of the hardware then the BIOS will show an error in sandal text. As some messages will be emitted by beeps from a small speaker on the motherboard.

Different bosses can have different beep codes for errors. So I recommend that you go and check out what the errors actually mean.

If the BIOS has corrupted, then it will not reach the post whatsoever and instead will show a message such as corrupted CMOS. Corrupted CMOS is short for complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor or alternatively, it won’t have an output at all.

How Does Power-On Self-Test [POST] Work?

The Power-On Self-Test is something that your motherboard would go through every time you turn it on. It’s a fantastic general way of figuring if there’s a problem with post displays.

And if it doesn’t have a post display, it will audibly tell you in a number of beams as to what’s going on. You need to refer to your user manual to figure out exactly what the problem is.

It’s a general diagnostic tool but it’s really good. For example when you’re installing all of your hardware and you turn your computer system on. It’s an important factor in the booting process.

And if it doesn’t start, you can look at the post display or hear the number of beeps. This will point you in the right direction as to what the problem might be.

Power-On Self-Test

Issues During The POST

keep in mind that the Power On Self Test is simply: a self-test. Just like similar to another issue which stops a computer from continuing to start will prompt some kind of error message.