During the power-on self test (POST), the BIOS either sounds a beep code or displays a message when it detects a correctable error.
Following is a list of POST messages for the ISA BIOS kernel. Specific chipset ports and BIOS extensions may include additional messages. An error message may be followed by a prompt to press F1 to continue or press DEL to enter Setup.
Currently the only beep code indicates that a video error has occurred and the BIOS cannot initialize the video screen to display any additional information. This beep code consists of a single long beep followed by two short beeps.
The checksum of the BIOS code in the BIOS chip is incorrect, indicating the BIOS code may have become corrupt. Contact your system dealer to replace the BIOS.
CMOS battery is no longer functional. Contact your system dealer for a replacement battery.
Checksum of CMOS is incorrect, so the system loads the default equipment configuration. A checksum error may indicate that CMOS has become corrupt. This error may have been caused by a weak battery. Check the battery and replace if necessary.
Displays the running speed of the CPU.
The display switch on the motherboard can be set to either monochrome or color. This message indicates the switch is set to a different setting than indicated in Setup. Determine which setting is correct, and then either turn off the system and change the jumper, or enter Setup and change the VIDEO selection.
The user may press Esc to skip the full memory test.
Cannot find or initialize the floppy drive controller or the drive. Make sure the controller is installed correctly. If no floppy drives are installed, be sure the Diskette Drive selection in Setup is set to NONE or AUTO.
Some hard drives require extra time to initialize.
Cannot find or initialize the hard drive controller or the drive. Make sure the controller is installed correctly. If no hard drives are installed, be sure the Hard Drive selection in Setup is set to NONE.
The system may run specific disk diagnostic routines. This message appears if one or more hard disks return an error when the diagnostics run.
Cannot initialize the keyboard. Make sure the keyboard is attached correctly and no keys are pressed during POST. To purposely configure the system without a keyboard, set the error halt condition in Setup to HALT ON ALL, BUT KEYBOARD. The BIOS then ignores the missing keyboard during POST.
This message usually indicates that one or more keys have been pressed during the keyboard tests. Be sure no objects are resting on the keyboard.
This message displays during a full memory test, counting down the memory areas being tested.
If POST detects an error during memory testing, additional information appears giving specifics about the type and location of the memory error.
If the system cannot boot using the current CMOS configuration, the BIOS can override the current configuration is a set of BIOS defaults designed for the most stable, minimal-performance system operations.
System OEMs may replace the Award BIOS POST display with their own proprietary display. Including this message in the OEM display permits the operator to switch between the OEM display and the default POST display.
POST detects an error in the primary master IDE hard drive.
POST detects an error in the secondary master IDE hard drive.
Award offers a save-to-disk feature for notebook computers. This message may appear when the operator re-starts the system after a save-to-disk shut-down. See the Press TAB ... message above for a description of this feature.
POST detects an error in the primary slave IDE hard drive.
POST detects an error in the secondary slave IDE hard drive.
Unless otherwise noted, this document and the information herein disclosed are proprietary to AWARD Software International, Inc. (Award). Any person or entity to whom this document is furnished or who otherwise has possession thereof, by acceptance agrees that it will not be copied or reproduced in whole or in part, nor used in any manner except to meet the purposes for which it was delivered.
The information in this document is subject to change without notice, and should not be considered as a commitment by Award. Although Award will make every effort to inform users of substantive errors, Award disclaims all liability for any loss or damage resulting from the use of this document or any hardware or software described herein, including without limitation contingent, special, or incidental liability.
EliteBIOS is a trademark of Award Software International Inc.
Award Software International and the Award logo are registered trademarks
of Award Software International Inc.
All other products and brand names are trademarks and registered trademarks
of their respective companies.
Copyright © 1997, Award Software International Inc. All rights reserved.
Document Revision 1.3; August 1996. Last updated 20 January 97.