BIOS Error messages and beep codes

Speaker Beep Codes (AMI)

1	Refresh Failure	The memory refresh circuitry on the baseboard is fault.
2	Parity Error	Parity error in the first 64KB of memory.
3	Base 64KB Memory Failure	Memory failure in the first 64KB of memory.
4	Timer Not Operational	Memory failure in the first 64KB of memory, or Timer 1 on the baseboard is not functioning.
5	Processor Error	The CPU on the baseboard generated an error.
6	8042 - Gate A20 Failure	The Keyboard controller (8042) may be bad. The BIOS cannot switch to protected mode.
7	Processor Exception Interrupt Error	The CPU generaed an exception interrupt.
8	Display Memory Read/Write Error	The system video adapter is either missing or its memory is faulty. This is not a fatal error.
9	ROM Checksum Error	ROM checksum value does not match the value encoded in BIOS.
10	CMOS Shutdown Register Read/Write Error	The shutdown register for CMOS RAM failed.
11	Cache Error / External Cache Bad	The external cache is faulty.

Speaker Beep Codes (Award)

1 long, 2 short	Video adapter error	Either video adapter is bad or is not seated properly.
1 long, 3 short	No video card or bad video RAM	Either video adapter or video RAM is bad or not seated properly.
Repeating	Memory error	Main memory is bad or not seated properly.
Repeating High/Low	CPU error	Either the CPU is not seated properly or damaged.

Note: High frequency beeps while running means the CPU is overheating.

Error Messages (AMI)

8042 Gate - A20 Error	Gate A20 on the keyboard controller (8042) is not working. Replace the 8042.
Address Line Short!	Error in the address decoding circuitry on the baseboard.
Cache Memory Bad, Do Not Enable Cache!	Cache memory is defective. Relace it.
CH-2 Timer Error	Most AT systems include two timers. There is an error in timer 2.
CMOS Battery State Low	CMOS RAM is powered by a battery. The battery power is low. Replace the battery.
CMOS Checksum Failure	After CMOS RAM values are saved, a checksum value is generated for error checking. The previous value is different from the current value. Run the BIOS Setup.
CMOS System Option Not Set	The values stored in CMOS RAM are either corrupt or nonexistent. Run BIOS Setup.
CMOS Display Type Mismatch	The video type in CMOS does not match the type detected by the BIOS. Run BIOS Setup.
CMOS Memory Size Mismatch	The amount of memory on the baseboard is different than the amount in CMOS RAM. Run BIOS Setup.
CMOS Time and Date Not Set	Run Standard CMOS Setup to set the date and time in CMOS RAM.
Diskette Boot Failure	The boot disk in floppy drive A: is corrupt, it cannot be used to boot the system. Use another boot disk and follow the screen instructions.
Display Switch Not Proper	Some systems require a video switch on the baseboard be set to either color or monochrome. Turn the system off, set the switch, then power on.
DMA Error	Error in the DMA controller.
DMA #1 Error	Error in the first DMA channel.
DMA #2 Error	Error in the second DMA channel.
FDD Controller Failure	The BIOS cannot communicate with the floppy disk drive controller. Check all appropriate connections after the system is powered down.
HDD Controller Failure	The BIOS cannot communicate with the hard disk drive controller. Check all appropriate connections after the system is powered down.
INTR #1 Error	Interrupt channel 1 failed POST.
INTR #2 Error	Interrupt channel 2 failed POST.
Invalid Boot Diskette	The BIOS can read the disk in floppy A:, but cannot boot the system. Use another boot disk.
Keyboard Is Locked… Unlock It	The keyboard lock on the system is engaged. The system must be unlocked to continue.
Keyboard Error	There is a timing problem with the keyboard. Set the Keyboard option in Standard CMOS Setup to Not Installed to skip the keyboard POST routines.
KB/Interface Error	There is an error in the keyboard connector.
Off Board Parity Error	Parity error in memory installed in an expansion slot.
On Board Parity Error	Parity error in baseboard memory.
Parity Error ????	Parity error in system memory at an unknown address.