Fanuc Starting System Software 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 “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.
Modern FANUC 30i/31i/32i controls feature an embedded data server or a user SD card slot. An improperly formatted SD card, a corrupted boot image on the card, or a stuck card reader can confuse the IPL (Initial Program Loader). The control may try to boot from external media before internal flash, resulting in a hang.
Less common but more severe: the main processor (often a 32-bit RISC chip like the FANUC I/O Link processor) enters an undefined state.
| Function | Key Combo (Power on while holding) |
|----------|-------------------------------------|
| Clear SRAM (cold start) | RESET + DELETE |
| IPL menu | - + . |
| Load system software | ` (backquote) + - |
| Bypass PMC (boot no ladder) | CAN + 0 (zero) |
Final Note: If "Please Wait" appears after a normal shutdown and never progresses, do not repeatedly power cycle. This can corrupt the FROM (flash memory). Use IPL mode first. Always maintain current backups – FANUC systems are robust but unforgiving of lost parameter files. fanuc starting system software please wait
Introduction
Fanuc is a renowned Japanese company that specializes in the development and manufacture of computer numerical control (CNC) systems, robots, and other industrial automation products. The Fanuc Starting System Software is a critical component of Fanuc's CNC systems, responsible for initializing and configuring the system for operation. However, some users have reported encountering an issue where the system displays "Please Wait" during the startup process, preventing the system from initializing properly. This paper aims to investigate the causes of this issue and provide potential solutions.
Background
The Fanuc Starting System Software is a complex program that performs a series of critical functions during the startup process, including:
Causes of the "Please Wait" Issue
Several factors can contribute to the "Please Wait" issue during the Fanuc Starting System Software startup process:
Troubleshooting and Solutions
To resolve the "Please Wait" issue, the following troubleshooting steps can be taken:
Best Practices for Preventing the "Please Wait" Issue
To minimize the risk of encountering the "Please Wait" issue, the following best practices can be followed: When a FANUC CNC (e
Conclusion
The "Please Wait" issue during the Fanuc Starting System Software startup process can be caused by a variety of factors, including corrupted system files, insufficient memory, incorrect configuration, and hardware issues. By understanding the causes of this issue and following best practices for preventing it, users can minimize the risk of encountering this problem and ensure that their Fanuc CNC system operates reliably and efficiently. Additionally, by following the troubleshooting steps outlined in this paper, users can quickly and effectively resolve the "Please Wait" issue and get their system up and running in a timely manner.
References
Open the CNC electrical cabinet. Locate the main board (the largest PCB with the FANUC logo). Find the two-digit, seven-segment red LED display.
FANUC System Software is stored on a flash memory device (typically a daughter card or a chip on the main board—marked FS16i, FS31i, etc.). Over time, power fluctuations, electromagnetic interference (EMI) from a nearby welding robot, or simply aging silicon can cause single-bit errors. Modern FANUC 30i/31i/32i controls feature an embedded data
Before calling a FANUC field engineer (with their $2,000+ service call minimum), follow this structured diagnostic plan. Disclaimer: Only qualified personnel should open electrical cabinets. Power down and observe LOTO procedures.