PC Hardware A Beginner’s Guide

(^624) PC Hardware: A Beginner’s Guide
Unless the system has taken a strong electrical hit, this problem should only
show up if a BIOS update failed.
 Check with the motherboard or BIOS manufacturer for any known
problems.
 The BIOS may need to be updated.
Deciphering BIOS error messages A BIOS error message displayed on the monitor, regard-
less of the BIOS manufacturer, means that there is a serious problem with a system FRM
that is preventing the startup of the PC. The following are some of the more common error
messages displayed during the boot cycle (the messages vary by manufacturer slightly):

BIOS ROM checksum error—system halted This is a serious error and you
need to contact the motherboard or BIOS manufacturer for recovery procedures,
if any. This could be caused by an incomplete faulty flash upgrade and there
may be recovery procedures available.
 CMOS battery failed The CMOS battery is dead and needs to be replaced.
Remember that with the CMOS battery dead, the Setu p program’s configuration
data will be reset to its default values and you will need to re-enter the system
configuration from your manual records.
 CMOS checksum error—defaults loaded This message indicates that the
CMOS has become corrupt and the Setup configuration data has been reset to
the default values. The cause is likely a weak CMOS battery that needs to be
replaced and the CMOS data reentered from your records.
TIP: If the system clock is losing time, the cause is likely a dying CMOS battery. Like the batteries in
your room’s smoke detectors, the CMOS battery should be checked regularly and replaced when weak.
 Display switch is set incorrectly Many older motherboards have a jumper
that sets the type of video display being supported. If this error displays, the
video jumper setting and the video configuration in CMOS are at odds. Adjust
the jumper or the CMOS data accordingly.
 Floppy disk failure The BIOS POST is looking for a floppy disk controller
(FDC) that is indicated in the CMOS. If the PC does not have a floppy disk
drive, you need to change the Diskette Drive value to None (or Auto) in the
Setup configuration data. If the FDC is included in the chipset, make sure
the floppy disk drive’s cables are properly connected.
 Hard disk failure The BIOS POST cannot find or initialize a hard disk
controller (HDC) included in the CMOS configuration. Make sure the adapter
card, if any, is seated snuggly and that the drive cables are properly connected.