Wait: Fanuc Starting System Software Please

The Tale of the "Master": Inside FANUC's Starting System Software

In the world of precision automation, FANUC is often seen as the "Goliath"—a company whose bright yellow robots and CNC machines dominate factory floors from Detroit to Tokyo. But behind the mechanical precision of a robotic arm or the hum of a CNC spindle lies a digital heart that few outside the engineering world truly appreciate: FANUC Starting System Software.

This is the story of how a machine wakes up, and the critical, often invisible role the Starting System plays in that moment. fanuc starting system software please wait

c) Hardware Failure

• Failing Main CPU Board.
• Defective DRAM on the main board.
• Faulty FROM/SRAM module (on older 0i models).

6. Recovery Options

| Scenario | Recovery Method | |----------|----------------| | Dead battery, lost parameters | Reload from paper tape or PC backup using IPL → SRAM download. | | Corrupted ladder (PMC) | Reload PMC from memory card via boot loader (Function 1: Load from memory card). | | Corrupted system software | Reload entire FANUC system software using FANUC BOOT CD or memory card (requires FANUC factory tools). | | Hardware failure | Replace main board (A20B series) or send to FANUC repair center. |

2. What Is Happening During “Please Wait”

When a FANUC CNC (e.g., Series 0i, 30i, 31i, 35i) powers on, its embedded Windows Embedded or FANUC proprietary real-time OS must load the CNC System Software from non-volatile storage into DRAM. The sequence is: The Tale of the "Master": Inside FANUC's Starting

1. Power-On Self Test (POST) – Basic CPU, memory, and bus checks.
2. Boot Monitor Execution – The bootstrap loader in ROM checks for a valid file system.
3. System Software Loading – The core CNC kernel, servo control algorithms, PLC ladder logic, and user data are decompressed and verified.
4. DRAM Initialization – Memory structures for tool offsets, work coordinates, and macro variables are cleared or restored.
5. Handshake with Servo Amplifiers – Communication via FANUC Serial Servo Bus (FSSB) begins.
6. Display Initialization – The screen switches from boot monitor text to the full CNC interface.

The “Starting System Software” message appears during steps 3 and 4. During this time, the control is not yet ready to accept commands, move axes, or run programs.

The Normal 90-Second Boot Cycle

A healthy FANUC CNC should cycle through the following stages in under two minutes: Failing Main CPU Board

1. Power-On Self Test (POST): The main CPU board (e.g., the master board on a 31i-A) checks RAM, ROM, and basic buses. You see a flashing cursor or a memory check count.
2. Boot Monitor Initialization: The BIOS-like FANUC Boot Monitor loads. This is the low-level firmware stored in a flash ROM on the main board.
3. System Software Load: The CNC reads its System Software (the operating system and CNC control kernel) from the high-speed flash memory (FROM/SRAM modules) into DRAM for execution.
4. SRAM Data Integrity Check: The controller verifies the static RAM containing PMC ladder logic, parameters, pitch error compensation, and tool offsets.
5. Servo and Spindle Initialization: The CNC communicates via the FSSB (FANUC Serial Servo Bus) to power up amplifiers and read encoder positions.
6. "Please Wait" Clears: The soft keys appear, and the machine transitions to the "Emergency Stop" or "Not Ready" state, awaiting operator action.

The message "FANUC STARTING SYSTEM SOFTWARE PLEASE WAIT" appears during stage #3. It indicates that the Boot Monitor has successfully handed over control to the System Software loader, but the loader is stuck—unable to complete the transition to the operational CNC state.

Step 2: Perform a "Cold Start" (Clearing dynamic memory)

1. Power off.
2. Press and hold RESET + DELETE (on MDI panel).
3. Keep holding → Power on the control.
4. Release buttons when the screen shows "CLEAR ALL SRAM?" (Press YES).

Warning: This clears all programs, parameters, offsets, and PMC data unless you have a backup.