71
144811(B)
Appendix B – Power-On Self-Test Messages
POST Messages
During the Power-On Self-Test (POST) if the BIOS detects an error, it will either
sound a beep code or display a message.
If a message is displayed, it will be accompanied by:
PRESS F1 TO CONTINUE, CTRL-ALT-ESC OR DEL TO ENTER SETUP
POST Beep
There are two kinds of beep codes in BIOS:
Single long beep followed by three short beeps—This code indicates that a video
error has occurred and the BIOS cannot initialize the video screen to display any
additional information.
Repeating long beep—This code indicates that a DRAM error has occurred.
Error Messages
One or more of the following messages may be displayed if the BIOS detects an error
during the POST. This list includes messages for both the ISA and the EISA BIOS.
Table B–1. Error Messages
Error Messages
Cause/Solution
CMOS BATTERY HAS FAILED
CMOS battery is no longer functional. It should be replaced.
CMOS CHECKSUM ERROR
Checksum of CMOS is incorrect. A weak battery may have caused this error;
replace if necessary. It may also indicate that CMOS has become corrupt.
DISK BOOT FAILURE, INSERT
SYSTEM DISK AND PRESS
ENTER
No boot device was found. This could mean that either a boot drive was not
detected or the drive does not contain proper system boot files. Insert a
system disk (formatted as a boot device) into Drive A: and press Enter. If you
assumed the system would boot from the hard drive, make sure the
controller is inserted correctly and all cables are properly attached, then
reboot the system.
DISKETTE DRIVES OR TYPES
MISMATCH ERROR - RUN SETUP
Type of diskette drive installed in the system is different from the CMOS
definition. Run Setup to reconfigure the drive type correctly.
DISPLAY SWITCH IS SET
INCORRECTLY
The display switch on the motherboard 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.
DISPLAY TYPE HAS CHANGED
SINCE LAST BOOT
Since the last powering off the system, the display adapter has been
changed. You must configure the system for the new display type.
