BIOS
Introduction to BIOS
BIOS ("Basic Input/Output System" is an essential component in computers, which is used for controlling hardware. It is a small software program, part of which is loaded in ROM (read-only memory, which cannot be modified), and part of which is in EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read-only memory, hence the term Flashing to indicate the action to change the EEPROM).
The POST
When a computer system is turned on or reset, the BIOS does an inventory of the hardware found on the computer and carries out a test (called POST for "Power-On Self Test") in order to verify that all of it is functioning properly.
- Testing the processor (CPU)
- Checking the BIOS
- Checking CMOS configuration
- Initialising the timer (the internal clock)
- Initialising the DMA controller
- Checking RAM and cache memory
- Installing all BIOS functions
- Checking all configurations (such as the keyboard, disk drives, and hard drives)
If the POST discovers an error, it will attempt to continue booting the computer. However, if the error is serious, the BIOS will stop loading the system and:
- display a message on the screen, if possible (as the display device might not yet have been initialized, or might be defective);
- emit a sequence of beeps, which refer to the source of the error;
- send a code (called the POST code) to the computer's serial port, which may be retrieved using special diagnostic hardware.
If everything is correct, the BIOS will usually play a short beep to report that there are no errors.
| Meaning of beeps in recent Award BIOS systems | ||
|---|---|---|
| # of beeps | Meaning | How to resolve the problem |
| 1 short beep | PC is booting normally | |
| 2 short beeps | CMOS problem | Reinitialize the CMOS by removing the BIOS stack and replacing it, or by moving jumper JP4 |
| 1 long beep / 1 short beep | Problem with motherboard or RAM | Place RAM modules correctly in slot, test RAM or change it |
| 1 long beep / 2 short beeps | Problem with graphics card | Check that the graphics card is correctly placed in its slot. If need be, test with another video card. |
| 1 long beep / 3 short beeps | Problem with keyboard | Check that the keyboard is correctly plugged in, and that no keys are depressed. If need be, test with another keyboard. |
| 1 long beep / 9 short beeps | BIOS failure | The BIOS is invalid, replace it with a more recent version |
| 3 beeps | Base 64K RAM failure | RAM contains errors. Try reinserting it correctly or replacing it. |
| 4 beeps | Refresh error | RAM is not refreshing correctly. Reset the refresh values in the BIOS or reset the BIOS. |
| 5 beeps | Processor error | Check that the processor is correctly plugged in, and that the fan is working. If need be, change it. |
| 6 beeps | Problem with keyboard | Check that the keyboard is correctly plugged in, and that no keys are depressed. If need be, test with another keyboard. |
| 8 beeps | Problem with graphics card | Check that the graphics card is correctly placed in its slot. If need be, test with another video card. |
| Long incessant beeps | RAM error | Place RAM modules correctly in slot, test RAM or change it |
| Short incessant beeps | Power supply error | Check that all power cables are correctly connected to the motherboard, test with another power supply, or change them |
| Meaning of beeps for an AMI BIOS | ||
|---|---|---|
| # of beeps | Meaning | How to resolve the problem |
| 1 | Refresh failure | RAM is not refreshing correctly. Reset the refresh values in the BIOS or reset the BIOS. Place RAM modules correctly in slot, or change them. |
| 2 | Parity Error | Place RAM modules correctly in slot, or change them. Test the RAM. |
| 3 | Base 64K RAM failure | Place RAM modules correctly in slot, or change them. If need be, update the BIOS. |
| 4 | System timer not operational | The motherboard must be sent for repairs. |
| 5 | Processor Error | Check that the processor is correctly plugged in, and that the fan is working. If need be, change it. |
| 6 | Gate A20 failure | Check that the keyboard is correctly plugged in, and that no keys are depressed. If need be, test with another keyboard. |
| 7 | Processor exception interrupt error | The motherboard must be sent for repairs. |
| 8 | Display memory read/write failure | Check that the graphics card is correctly placed in its slot. If need be, test with another video card. |
| 9 | ROM checksum error | The BIOS chip must be replaced or updated. |
| 10 | CMOS shutdown register read/write error | The motherboard must be sent for repairs. |
| 11 | Cache memory problem | Check that the processor is correctly plugged in, and that the fan is working. If need be, change it. Place the RAM modules correctly in their slots, or replace them. |
| Meaning of beeps in a Phoenix BIOS | ||
|---|---|---|
| # of beeps | Meaning | How to resolve the problem |
| 1-3-1-1 | DRAM Refresh error | Place the RAM modules correctly in their slots, or replace them. |
| 1-2-2-3 | ROM checksum error | Place the RAM modules correctly in their slots, or replace them. |
| 1-3-1-3 | Keyboard Controller Error | Place the keyboard correctly in its slot, or replace it. |
| 1-3-4-1 | RAM error | Place the RAM modules correctly in their slots, or replace them. |
| 1-3-4-3 | RAM error | Place the RAM modules correctly in their slots, or replace them. |
| 1-4-1-1 | RAM error | Place the RAM modules correctly in their slots, or replace them. |
| 2-2-3-1 | Unexpected interrupt | |
For an Award BIOS, only video-related errors will trigger beeps. Other errors are sent as POST codes and are displayed onscreen.
For example, a long beep, followed by two short beeps, indicates an error in a video device (graphics card). In such a case, you will have to try to place the video card in its slot correctly, or replace it altogether. Any other beep indicates a memory-based error.
Here is the list of POST codes, and the meaning of beep sequences for each of the three main BIOS manufacturers:
- Phoenix - Phoenix BIOS POST code
- AMIBIOS - AMIBIOS POST code
- Award - BIOS Award POST code
BIOS setup
Most BIOSes have a setup program for modifying basic system configurations. This kind of information is stored in self-powered memory (using a battery) so that the data remains saved even when the computer is off (RAM is reinitialized each time the system boots).
Each machine has several BIOSes:
- The motherboard BIOS
- The BIOS which controls the keyboard
- The video card BIOS
- and possibly
- the BIOS for SCSI controllers, used for booting from the SCSI device, which then communicate with the DOS without requiring an additional driver
- (The network card BIOS for booting from the network)
When the computer is turned on, the BIOS displays a copyright message on the screen, then carries out diagnostic and initialization tests. After these tests are complete, the BIOS displays a message prompting the user to press one or more keys in order to enter BIOS setup.
Depending on what brand of BIOS it is, it may be the F2 key, the F10 key, the DEL key, or one of the following key sequences:
- Ctrl+Alt+S
- Ctrl+Alt+Esc
- Ctrl+Alt+Ins
On Award BIOSes, the following message is displayed during POST:
TO ENTER SETUP BEFORE BOOT PRESS CTRL-ALT-ESC OR DEL KEY
Reinitializing the BIOS
As BIOS setup is used to edit hardware settings, changing them might cause the system to become unstable, and it might not even restart. When this happens, the changes to the BIOS must be cancelled, and the default settings must be restored.
If the computer boots up and you can access the BIOS, it will usually allow you to return to the default settings. In PhoenixBIOS, press F9 to return the configuration to the defaults set by the manufacturer. In AwardBIOS, press F9 to restore the previous settings, F6 to restore Award BIOS's default settings, and F7 to restore the defaults set by the motherboard's manufacturer.
If you cannot access the BIOS using standard procedures, most motherboards include a jumper for resetting the default values. Simply change the jumper's position, then leave it there for about ten seconds.
 | It is strongly recommended to shut off the computer's power before making these changes. Whenever doing so, refer to the manual that came with your motherboard. |
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