Fanuc Starting System Software Please Wait Exclusive Guide
This guide is designed to help operators and technicians troubleshoot the "Starting System Software Please Wait" message on FANUC CNC controls.
This message appears during the boot process. If the screen stays on this message for more than a few minutes, it indicates that the CNC control is unable to load the system software from the memory card or Flash ROM.
Guide: Troubleshooting "Starting System Software Please Wait"
3. Common Causes of a "Please Wait" Hang
If the system stays on "Please Wait" indefinitely: fanuc starting system software please wait
The "System 0" and the Modern Evolution
The history of this software is fascinating. In the days of the FANUC System 6 and System 0 (legendary CNC systems), the "Starting System" was rigid. It was burned onto chips. If you needed to upgrade the boot software, you physically replaced computer boards.
Today, with controllers like the Series 30i or the R-30i Plus, the Starting System has evolved into a sophisticated operating environment. It now supports features like: This guide is designed to help operators and
- Dual-check Safety: The software loads a separate safety monitor during the start-up to ensure the robot cannot move unexpectedly.
- Ethernet Initialization: Before the operator even logs in, the Starting System has already requested an IP address from the factory server, allowing for remote diagnostics.
Common causes
- Corrupted system software or ROM/flash image
- Failed or slow boot from internal storage (battery-backed RAM, flash, or HDD/SSD)
- Faulty or weak battery for parameter/clock backup
- Hardware fault (memory, CPU board, I/O board)
- Recent power interruption or brownout that left files inconsistent
- Improperly installed option cards or I/O modules
- Network boot or external drive delays (if configured)
- Old firmware needing reinitialization after changes
4. Hardware Hang – Main CPU Board or Peripheral Conflict
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.
- Broken servo amplifier feedback: If the CNC initializes the FSSB before completing the system software load (a rare sequence bug), a failed servo drive board on the I/O link can cause a deadlock.
- Faulty flush-mount CF card or USB drive: Some FANUC models (31i-B, 0i-D) check removable media during boot. A corrupted USB stick inserted in the front port can stall the loader.
For FANUC 16/18/21 Series (Older Controls)
- Power on while pressing the "7" and "9" keys simultaneously on the MDI (for some versions, "." and "-"). This enters BOOT MONITOR.
- The screen will show "BOOT SYSTEM."
- Insert a PCMCIA SRAM card or Compact Flash with the system software (file names like
SYS.000,SYS.001). - Navigate to "System Data Load" and select the source.
- Load the CNC system software, then load the PMC (PLC) ladder.
- Reboot.
6. Preventive Measures
| Action | Frequency | |--------|-----------| | Replace SRAM battery | Every 1–2 years (or per machine manual) | | Full SRAM backup (PCMCIA or RS-232) | After any parameter/program change | | Document software version (displayed at boot) | Once, keep in maintenance log | | Keep a copy of OEM parameters and ladder | With machine documentation | Dual-check Safety: The software loads a separate safety
Part 1: What Does "Starting System Software" Actually Mean?
To understand the error, you must first understand the FANUC boot hierarchy. FANUC CNC controls (Series 0i, 15, 16, 18, 21, 30i, 31i, 35i) are specialized industrial computers running a real-time operating system (OS). When you power on the control, it undergoes a specific, layered boot process:
- Hardware Power-On Self Test (POST): The main CPU, RAM, and basic I/O are checked.
- Boot Monitor Execution: The BIOS-like firmware (FANUC Boot Monitor) reads the boot sequence.
- System Software Load: The control locates the system software stored in Flash ROM or SRAM.
- Startup Sequence: The CNC executive, PLC (PMC), and servo software are loaded into DRAM.
- Display Initialization: The operator screen refreshes, and soft keys become active.
The message "FANUC STARTING SYSTEM SOFTWARE PLEASE WAIT" appears during step 3 or 4. Under normal conditions, this text is visible for only 5 to 20 seconds. If it persists for more than 2 minutes, the boot process has stalled.
Key insight: This is not an "alarm" per se. Alarms (ex: SV001, PS0000) appear after the software loads. This message indicates the control cannot finish loading its own operating system.
