Improvement Note

As the 2-bit code cards diagnose the mainboard by BIOS (refer to the
“SYNOPSIS” in chapter 1), the code should not be displayed in such
following cases；

1. The card is inserted on the mainboard without CPU, or the CPU is

not running.

2. When the RST LED is lit up (the tested mainboard is resetting).

In any case above, the card and LED doesn’t light up or light up
briefly; rule out the “original code”. If the code is not displayed beside
cases above, the card is not compatible with the mainboard which is
being tested. You just need a more advanced post card like PI0050.
 CONTENT

[Link] …………………………………………………………………………………(1)

[Link] content …………………………………………………………………(1)

[Link] character table ………………………………………………………………(2)

[Link] of LED displays ………………………………………………………………(2)

[Link] chart ……………………………………………………………………………………(3)

[Link] code table ……………………………………………………………………………(4)

[Link] of beep code ………………………………………………………………… (24)

(1) AMI BIOS beep codes (fatal error) ……………………………………………………(24)

(2) AMI BIOS beep codes (Non-fatal error) ……………………………………………. (24)

(3) Award BIOS beep codes ……………………………………………………………… (24)

(4) Phoenix BIOS beep codes …………………………………………………………… (25)

(5) IBM BIOS beep codes ……………………………………………………………… (27)

[Link] Action ………………………………………………………………………… (27)

(1) If I forget the password,what can I do ? ……………………………………………… (27)

① Omnipotent password …………………………………………………………………(27)

Ⅰ. AMI password …………………………………………………………………………(27)

Ⅱ. Award password …………………………………… …………………………………(28)

Ⅲ. Others …………………………………………………………………………………(28)

② Discharge by software …………………………………………………………………(28)

③ Hardware jumper discharge to CMOS BIOS ………………………………………(29)

④ Get help from your dealer …………………………………………………………(29)

(2).How to enter CMOS SETUP? ……………………………………………………… (29)

[Link] the code is not included in the book,what can I do ? ………………………………(30)

[Link] of frequently- asked questions ………………………………………………(30)

Introduce of run LEDS ……………………………………………………………………(31)

[Link]

The card is named POST (Power On Self Test ) card too. It could display error code by the
result of POST. Then you would soon determine the error in code table. Especially when the PC
can’t boot operating system, blank screen or the card and motherboard couldn’t issue an audible
beep. It is a powerful diagnostic tool. Now just use it. You’ll get the result twice with half the effort.
When the power is turned on, the BIOS would have a strict test with system circuit,
memorizer, keyboard video hard disc and floppy drive. Then it would analyze the system
configuration, initializing the basic I/O setup that already configured. Next, boot the operating
system.
By the trait of the card, you can determine the error easily like this. If the error occurs during
the test of pivotal parts, it will halt the work and nothing appears on the screen. If the pivotal parts
is OK, you can test the parts that’s unimportant, this may not halt the work even if any error
occurs. And the system reports an error message at the same time. Now when the computer goes
wrong, especially the fateful error, and there is nothing appears on the screen, you can insert the
card into the expansion slot. Refer to the error code table and the trouble is clear.

[Link] CONTENT

① The error code table is in the order of the code value that from small to big. The sequence that
the code displays is decided by BIOS of the motherboard.
② Code that hasn’t been defined is not included in table.
③ For the different BIOS (such as AMI, Award, Phoenix), a code has different meanings. Refer to
the user’s guide, or see it on the BIOS IC on the motherboard.
④ There is only some codes displayed when you insert the card into the PCI slot on a few
motherboards, but when it is plugged into the ISA slot, all the codes will be displayed. At present,
it has been discovered that code is displayed when you insert the card into the PCI slot of several
computers which has registered trade mark, but not ISA. So you’d better try it on the other slot if
the code is not displayed. In addition, on the different PCI slots of a board, some can display the
code, for example, the code is displayed and goes from “00” to “FF” when you insert the card into
the PCL slot, which is near the CPU on motherboard DELL810, but if in the other slot, the code
would stop at the port “38”.
⑤ The time that reset message output needed is not always in –phase, so sometimes the code is
displayed when in the card in the ISA , but it is stopped at the original code when in the PCI.
⑥ As there are more and more kinds motherboards, and the code of BIOS POST is updated
ceaselessly, so the meanings of error codes are just for reference.

1
 ⑦ According to experience: 2-bits code card is available in testing mainboard below
Pil300, but not available in mainboard above Pil300, so it’s better to buy 4-bits Pi0050
card. Furthermore, we haven’t received any undesirable feedback from our buyer.

3. Hexadecimal character table.

Decimalist 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Hexadecimal 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 A B C D E F
The POST
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 A B C D E F
card display

[Link] of LED displays

LED Type Description

If the LED lights, the mainboard has worked, no
RUN Bus pulse
matter if the code changes.
Lights when the power is applied to the empty board
CLK Bus clock
(even without CPU),or else there is no message.
Basic input/ LED that turns on and off when the board is powered
BIOS
output read on, as CPU is reading to BIOS.
IRDY Manager is ready LED that turns on and off when there is a message.
Lights when the board is powered on, or else the
OSC oscillation crystal oscillation circuit is broken, and has no OSC
message.
Lights all the time. Turn on and off only when there is
FRAME Frame periods
a circular frame message.
Lights only for one half second when you slide the
power switch or the reset switch. If it is lit all the time,
RST Reset
please check the following: make sure that the reset
pin is plugged properly, or the reset circuit is broken.
Lights once the board is powered on. If it is not lit,
12V Power which means the short circuit occurs on
motherboard, or the voltage can not up to 12V.
-12V Power The same as “12V”
5V Power The same as “12V”
-5V Power The same as “12V”(-5V is output only in ISA slot.)
Lights once the board is powered on, only in PCL slot
3V3 Power there will be 3V3 output. As some motherboards’
voltage can’t up to 3V, it could not light.

2
 5. Flow chart

Power off; remove all the cards that have

been plugged in expansion slot.

Insert the card into ISA or PCL slot. (Notice: the

component side should face to the power pin, if it is
plugged in the wrong direction, it could affect the proper
functioning of motherboard although the card and
motherboard is not broken.)

Power on; make sure Refer to “Description of LED

the LED runs properly. displays”

Whether the error code is

displayed

According to the error code

table

Power off, insert the display card, I/O card, keyboard hard disk drive and
expansion card.

Power on, whether the error code is Power off, check the error according to the
displayed. error code table.

If it can’t boot the operating system even though the result of the test is
correct, may be the software, disc drive, disk controller, DMA or circuit is at
fault.

3
 6. Error code table

Phoenix4.O/
Code Award AMI
Tandy3000
Code copying to
specific areas is
00 done. Passing
control to INT 19h
boot loader next.
Processor Test 1, Processor CPU is testing the
status (1FLAGS) [Link] register inside or
the following processor status failed, please
flags: carry, zero, sign, overflow. change the CPU and
01
The BIOS sets each flag, verifies check it.
that they are set. Then turns
each flag off and verifies whether
it is off.
Test All CPU Registers Except Verify Real Mode
02 SS, SP and BP with Data FF and
00.
Disable NMI , PIE, AIE, UEI and Disable NMI, PIE, Disable Non-
SQWV. AIE UEI and SQ. Maskable
Disable video, parity checking, The NMI is disabled. Interrupt(NMI)
DMA. Next, check for a
soft reset or a power
Reset math coprocessor.
on condition.
Clear all page registers, CMOS,
shutdown byte.
Initialize timer 0, 1, and 2,
03
including setting EISA timer to a
known state.
Initialize DMA controllers 0 and
1.

Initialize interrupt controllers 0

and 1.
Initialize EISA extended
registers.
RAM must be periodically Get CPU type
refreshed to keep the memory
04
from decaying. This refresh
function is working properly.

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Keyboard Controller The BIOS stack has been DMA Initialization
05 Initialization built. Next disable cache in progress or
memory. failure
Reserved Then uncompress the Initialized system
06
POST code . hardware
Verifies CMOS is Working Next, initializing the CPU Disable shadow
07 Correctly. Detects Bad and the CPU data area and execute code
Battery. from the ROM
Early chip set initialization The CMOS checksum Initialize chipset
Memory presence test calculation with initial POST
values
OEM chip set routines
08 Clear low 64k memory
Test first 64k memory
Cyrix CPU Initialization
Cache Initialization
Cyrix CPU Initialization Set IN POST flag
09
Cache Initialization
Initialize first 120 interrupt The CMOS checksum Initialize CPU
vectors with SPURIOUS- calculation is done. registers
0A INT-HDLR and initialize INT Initializing the CMOS status
00h-1Fh according to INT- register for date and time
TBL next.

Test CMOS RAM The CMOS status register Enable CPU

Checksum. If Bad, or INS is Initialized. Next, perform cache
0B Key Pressed, Load Defaults any required initialization
before the keyboard BAT
command is issued.
Detect the type of keyboard The keyboard controller Initialize caches to
controller and input butter is free. initial POST
0C Next, issue the BAT values
Set NUM LOCK Status command to the keyboard
controller.
Detect CPU Clock
Read CMOS location 14h to
find out the type of video in
0D
use.
Detect and initialize video
adapter

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Test Video Memory, The keyboard controller BAT Initialize 1/0
and write a sign-on command result has been verified. component
message to screen Next, perform any necessary
0E
Setup shadow RAM. initialization after the keyboard
Enable shadow controller BAT command test.
according to setup.
Test DMA Cont.0; The initialization after the keyboard Initialize the
BIOS Checksum controller BAT command test is local bus IDE
0F Test done. The keyboard command byte
Keyboard Detection is written next.
and Initialization.

Test DMA Test DMA. The keyboard controller Initialize Power

Controller1 commend byte is written. Next, issue Management
10
the Pin 23 and 24 blocking and
unblocking command.
Test DMA Page Next, check if ﹤End﹥ or ﹤Ins﹥ Load alternate
Registers keys were pressed during power on. registers with
Initialization CMOS RAM in every initial POST
11
boot AMIBIOS POST option was set values
in AMIBCP or the ﹤End﹥ key was
pressed.
Reserved Next, disable DMA controllers 1 and Restore CPU
2 and interrupt controllers 1 and 2. control word
12
during warm
boot
Reserved The video display has been disabled. Initialize PCL
13 Port B has been initialized. Next, Bus Mastering
initialize the chipset. devices
Test 8254 Timer 0 The 8254 timer test will begin next. Initialize
14 Counter 2 keyboard
controller
Verify 8259 Channel
1 Interrupts by
15
Turning Off and On
the interrupt Lines
Verify 8259 Channel BIOS ROM
2 Interrupts by checksum
16
Turning Off and On
the interrupt Lines

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Turn Off interrupts, then verify Initialize cache before
17 No Interrupt Mask Register is memory Auto size
On
Force an Interrupt and Verify 8524 timer
18
the Interrupt Occurred initialization
Test Stuck NMI Bits; Verify The 8254 timer test is
NMI Can Be Cleared over, starting the
19
memory refresh test
next
Display CPU clock The memory refresh 8237 DMA controller
line is toggling. Check initialization
1A
the 15 microseconds
on/off time next
1B Reserved
Reserved Reset Programmable
1C
Interrupt Controller
1D Reserved
1E Reserved
If EISA non-volatile memory
checksum is good, then
execute EISA initialization
If not, execute ISA tests an
clear
1F
EISA mode flag
Test EISA configuration
memory
Integrity (checksum &
communication interface)
Initialize Slot O (System Test DRAM refresh
20
Board)
21 Initialize Slot 1

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Code Award AMI Phoenix4.0/Tandy3000
Initialize Slot 2 Test 8742 keyboard
22
controller
Initialize Slot 3 Read the 8042 input port and
disable the MEGAKEY Green
PC feature. Next make the BIOS
23 code segment writable and
perform any necessary
configuration before initializing
the interrupt vectors.
Initialize Slot 4 The configuration is required Set ES segment
before the interrupt of vector register to 4 GB
24 initialization has completed.
Interrupting vector initialization is
about to begin.
Initialize Slot 5 Interrupt vector initialization is
25 done. Clear the password if the
POST DIAG switch is on.
1. Test the 1. Enable A20 address
exceptional line, check the A20
situation of pins of memory
protected mode, controlling chips, and
check the memory check circuit,
of CPU and correlated to pins. In
mainboard. memory slot, may be
2. No fateful trouble, A20pin and memory
VGA displayed pins are not in contact,
normally. If non- or memory A20 pins
26
fateful troubles are bad.
occurred, then 2 .Refer to the left.
display error
messages in VGA
otherwise boot
operating system,
and code “26” is
OK code, no any
other codes to
display.
Initialize Slot7 Any initialization before seething
27
video mode will be done next.
Initialize Slot 8 Initialization before setting the Auto size DRAM
28
video mode is complete.

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Initialize Slot 9 Initialize POST
29
Memory Manager
Initialize Slot 10 Initialize the different bus system, Clear 512 KB base
2A static, and output devices, if RAM
present
Initialize Slot11 Passing control to the video ROM
to perform any required
2B
configuration before the video
POM test.
Initialize Slot 12 All necessary processes before RAM failure on
passing control to the video ROM address line××××*
2C
are done. Next, look for the video
ROM and pass control to it.
Initialize Slot 13 The video ROM has returned
control to BIOS POST. Performing
2D
any required processing after the
video ROM had control.
Initialize Slot 14 Completed pest-video ROM test RAM failure on
processing. If the EGA/VGA data bits ××××* of
2E controller is not found performing memory bus
the display memory Read/ write
test next.
Initialize Slot 15 The EGA/VGA controller was not Enable cache
2F found. The display memory read / before system
Write test is about to begin. BIOS shadow
Size Base Memory The display memory read /write
From 256k to 640k test6 passed. Look for retrace
30
and Extended checking next.
Memory Above 1MB
Size Base Memory The display memory read /write test
From 256k to 640k or retrace checking failed. Next,
31
and Extend Memory perform the alternate display
Above 1MB memory read/write test.
If EISA Mode, Test The alternate display memory Test CPU Bus-
EISA Memory Found read/write test passed. Next, look clock frequency
32
in slots Initialization for alternate display retrace
checking.
Reserved Initialize Phoenix
33
Dispatch manager

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Reserved Video display checking is over. Set
34
the display mode next.
35 Reserved
Reserved Warm start and
36
shut down
Reserved The display mode is set. Display the
37
power on message next.
Reserved Initialize the bus input, IPL, general Shadow system
38
devices next, if present. BLOS ROM
Reserved Display bus initialization error
39
messages.
Reserved The new cursor position has been Auto size cache
3A read and saved. Display the Hit
(DEL) message next.
Reserved The new (DEL) message is
3B displayed. The protected mode
memory test is about to start.
Setup Enabled Advanced
3C configuration of
chipset registers
Detect if Mouse is Load alternate
present Initialize Registers with
3D
Mouse, Install CMOS values
interrupt Vectors
Initialize Floppy Disk
3E Drive Controller and
Any Drives
3F Reserved

Display virus Protest Preparing the4 descriptor tables

40
Disable or Enable next.
Initialize Hard Floppy Initialize
Disk Drive Controller extended
41
and Any Drives memory for
Rompilot
Initialize Hard Disk The descriptor tables are prepared Disk Drive
Controller and Any Enteling protected mode for the Controller and
42
Drives memory test next. Any Drives
interrupt vectors
43 Detect and initialize Enter Protected mode. Enable
Serial & Parallel interrupts for diagnostics mode next.

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Reserved Interrupts have been enabled(If the diagnostics
44 switch is on, then Initialize date to check
memory wraparound at 0:0)

Detect and Date initialized. Check for memory wraparound POST device
initialize at 0:0 and finding the total system memory initialization
45
Math size.
Coprocessor
Reserved The memory wraparound text is done, Memory Check ROM
46 size has been calculated, which will be written copyright notice
into the patterns to test memory.
Reserved The memory pattern has been written to Initialize 120
47 extended memory. Write patterns to the base support
640KB memory next.
Reserved Patterns written in base memory. Determine Check video
48 the amount of above 1MB next. configuration
against CMOS
Reserved The amount of memory below 1MB has been Initialize PCI
49 found and verified. Determine the amount of bus and
memory above 1 MB next. devices
Reserved Initialize all
4A video adapters
in system
Reserved The amount of memory above 1MB has been QuletBoot start
found verified. Check for a soft reset and clear (optional)
4B the memory below 1MB for the soft reset. If this
is a checkpoint situation, then go to checkpoint
4Eh.
Reserved The memory below 1MB has been cleared via Shadow video
4C a soft reset. Clear the memory above 1 MB BIOS ROM
next.
Reserved The memory above 1 MB has been cleared via
4D a soft reset. Save the memory size next. Then
going to checkpoint 52h.

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Reboot if Manufactruring The memory test started. but not as Display BIOS
Mode, if not Display the result of a soft reset. Display the copyright
4E
Messages and Enter first 64KB memory size next. notice
Setup
Ask Password Security The memory size display has started. Initialize
(optional) The display is updated during the Multiboot
4F
memory test. Perform the sequential
and random memory test next.
Write all CMOS Values The memory below 1MB has been Display CPU
back to RAM and clear tested and initialized. Adjust the type and
50
displayed memory size for relocation speed
and shadowing next.
Enable parity checker. The memory size display was adjusted Initialize EISA
51 Enable NMI and enable for relocation and shadowing next. board
cache before boot
Initialize Option ROMs The memory above 1MB has been Test keyboard
from C8000h to EFFFFh tested and initialized. Save the
52
or if FSCAN Enabled to F memory size information next.
7FFFh
Initialize Time Value in The memory size information and the
53 40h: BIOS Area CPU registers are saved. Enter real
mode next.
Shutdown was successful. The CPU is Set key click if
54 in real mode. Disable the Gate A20 enabled
line parity and the NMI next.
Enable USB
56
devices
The A20 address line, parity and the
NMI are disabled. Depending on
57
relocation and shadowing, adjust the
memory size next.
The memory size was adjusted for Test for
58 relocation and shadowing. Clear the unexpected
Hit (DEL)message next. interrupts

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The Hit <DEL> message is Initialize POST
cleared. The <WAIT...> display service
59 message is displayed. Next
start the DMA and interrupt
controller test.
Display prompt F2
5A
to enter SETUP
5B Disable CPU cache
Test RAM between
5C
512KB and 640KB
Setup virus protection The DMA page register test Test extended
(boot sector protection) is passed. Perform the DMA memory
60
functionality according to Controller 1 base register
setup setting test next.
Try to turn on level 2
cache (IF L2 cache
already turned on in post
3D, this part will be
skipped)
Set to boot up speed
according to setup setting
61 Last chance for chipset
initialization
Last chance for power
management initialization
(Green BIOS Only)
Show the system for
power configuration table

Setup NUM Lock Status The DMA controller 1 base Test extended
According to Setup Values register test is passed. memory address
Perform the DMA controller lines
62 Program the NUM lock the DMA controller 2 base
typematic rate & typematic register test next.
speed according to setup
setting

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If there is any changes
in the hardware
configuration, please
update the ESCD
information (PnP BIOS
63
only )
Clear memory that
have been used
Boot system via INT
19h
Jump to User
64
Patch1
The DMA controller 2 base
register test passed.
65
Programming DMA controllers
1 and 2 next.
Completed programming Configure
DMA controllers 1 and 2 advanced cache
66
initializing the 8259 interrupt registers
controller initialization.
Completed 8259 interrupt Initialize Multi
67
controller initialization. Processor APIC
Enable external
68
and CPU cache
Setup system
69 Management Mode
(SMM)area
Display external L2
6A
cache size
Load custom
6B
defaults (optional)
Display shadow
6C
area message
Display possible
6E high address for
UMB recovery
6F

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Code Award AMI Phoenix4.0/ Tandy3000
70 Display error message
71
72 Check for configuration
errors
76 Check for keyboard
errors
7C Set up hardware
interrupt vectors
7D Initialize Intelligent
System Monitoring
7E Initialize coprocessor if
present
7F Extended NMI source enabling is in
progress.
80 The keyboard test has started. Clear the Disable onboard super
output buffer and check for stuck keys. I/O ports and IRQs
Issue the keyboard reset command
next.
81 A keyboard reset error or stuck key was Late POST install
found. Issue the keyboard controller external RS232 ports
interface test command next.
82 The keyboard controller interface test is Detect and install
completed. Write the command byte external RS232 ports
and initialize the circular buffer next.
83 The command byte was written and Configure non-MCD
global data initialization has been IDE controllers
completed. Check for a locked key next.
84 Checking for locked key is over. Then Detect and install
check for a memory size mismatch with external parallel ports
CMOS RAM data.
85 The memory size check is done. Initialize PC-
Display a soft error and check for a compatible PnP ISA
password or bypass WINBIOS Setup devices
next.
86 The password was checked. Perform Re – initialize onboard
any required programming before I/O ports
WINBIOS setup next.

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The programming before WIN-BOIS Setup Configure
has been completed. Uncompress the Motherboard
87 WIMBOIS setup code and execute the Configurable
AMIBIOS setup or WINBFOS setup utility Devices (Optionai)
next.
Return from WINBOIS setup end clear the Initialize BIOS
88 screen. Perform any necessary programming Data Area
after WINBIOS setup next.
The programming after WINBIOS setup has Enable Non-
89 been completed. Display setup next. Maskable
Interrupts (NMIs)
Initialize Extended
8A
BIOS Data Area
The first screen message has been Test and initialize
displayed. The <WAIT...> message is PS/2 mouse
8B displayed. Perform the PS/BIOS mouse
check and extend BIOS date area allocation
check next.
Program the WINBIOS setup options next. Initialize floppy
8C
controller
The WINBIOS setup options are programmed.
8D
Reset the hard disk controller next.
The hard disk controller has been reset.
8E
Configure the floppy drive controller next.
Determine the
8F number of ATA
drives (0ptional)
Initialize hard disk
90
controllers
The floppy drive controller has been Initialize local-bus
91 configured. Configure the hard disk drive hard–disk
controller next. controllers
Jump to
92
Userpatch2
Build MPTABLE
93 for multi-processor
boards

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Initialize bus adaptor ROMs from C8000. Install CD ROM for
95
boot
Initialize before passing control to the Clear huge ES
96
adaptor ROM at C800. segment register
Initialization before the C800 adaptor Fix up multi processor
97 ROM gaining control has completed. Next TABLE
check the adaptor ROM.
The adaptor ROM had control and Search for option
returned control to BIOS POST. ROMs One long two
98
performing any required process after the short beeps on deck
option ROM returned controI A. sum failure
Any initialization required after the option Check for SMART
ROM test has been completed. Configure drive (optional)
99
the timer data area printer base address
next.
Set the timer and printer base addresses. Shadow option ROMs
9A
Set the RS-223 base address next.
Return after setting the RS 232 base
address. Perform any required
9B
initialization before the Coprocessor test
next.
Require initialization before the Set up power
9C Coprocessor test is over. Initialize the Management
Coprocessor next.
Coprocessor initialized. Perform any Initialize security
9D required initialization after the engine (optional)
Coprocessor test next.
Initialization after the Coprocessor test is Enable hardware
completed. Next check the extended interrupts
9E
Num Lock key, and issue the keyboard ID
command.
Determine number of
9F
ATA and SCSI drives
A0 Set time of day

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Code Award AMI Phoenix4.0/Tandy3000
A1 Check key lock
A2 Display any soft error next.
The soft error display has been
A3 completed. Set the keyboard typematic
rate next.
The keyboard typematic rate is set. Initialize typematic rate
A4 Program the memory into waiting
states next.
Memory wait state programming is
A5 over. Next clear the screen and enable
parity and the NMI.
NMI and parity enabled. Perform any
initialization requirement before
A7
passing control to the adaptor ROM at
E000 next.
Initialization before passing control to Erase F2 prompt
A8 the adaptor. Passing control to the
adaptor ROM at E000h next.
Return from adaptor ROM at E000h
control. Perform any initialization
A9
requirement after the E000 option ROM
had control next.
Initialization after E000 option ROM Scan for F2 key stroke
AA control has been completed. Displaying
the system configuration next
Uncompressing the DIM data and
AB
executing DIM POST initialization next.
AC Enter SETUP
AE Clear boot flag
If interrupts The system configuration is displayed. Check for error
occur in
BO protected
Mode

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If Unmasked NMI Occurs Copying any code to Inform Rom pilot
B1 Display press F1 to disable specific areas about the end of
NMI, F2 boot POST
POST done –
B2 prepare to boot
operating system
B3
1 One short beep
B4
before boot
Terminate
B5 Quietboot
(optional)
Check password
B6
(optional)
Initialize
B7
ACPIBIOS
B8
B9 Prepare Boot
BA Initialize SMBIOS
Initialize Pnp
BB
Option ROMS
Clear parity
BC
checker
Display MultiBoot
BD
menu
Program chipset register Clear screen
BE with power on BIOS (optional)
defaults
Program the rest of the Check virus and
chipset’s value according to backup reminders
setup (late setup value
program)
BF If auto configuration is
enabled, programmed the
chipset with predefined
values in the MODBINable
Auto Table

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Turn off OEM specific Try to boot with
cache shadow INT 19

Initialize standard devices

with default values; DMA
C0 controller (8237) ;
Programmable interrupt
controller (8259) ;
Programmable interval
Timer (8254); RTC chip.
OEM specific-Test to size Initialize POST
C1 On- Board Memory Error Manager
(PEM)
Initialize error
C2
logging
Test the first 256k DRAM Initialize system
error display
function
Expand the compressed
C3 codes into temporary
DRAM area including the
compresses system BIOS
8 Option ROMs.
Initialize system
C4
error handler
OEM Specific –Early PnPnd dual
C5 Shadow Enable for Fast CMOS (optional)
Boot
External cache size Initialize note dock
C6
detection (optional)
Initialize note dock
C7
late
Force check
C8
(optional)
Extended
C9 checksum
(optional0
Redirect Int 15h to
CA enable remote
keyboard

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 Phoenix4.0/
Code Award AMI
Tandy3000
Redirect lnt 13h to
memory technology
CB devices, such as
ROM ram PCMCI
and serial disk
Redirect lnt 10h to
CC enable remote serial
video
Re–map I/O and
CD memory for
PCMCIA
Initialize digitizer
CE and display
message
The NMI is disabled. Power delay is
D0 starting. Next, the initialization code
checksum will be verified.
Initialize the DMA controller. Perform
D1 the keyboard controller BAT test, and
start memory 4GB fist mode next.
D2 Unknown interrupt
D3 Start memory sizing next.
Return to real mode, execute any
D4
OEM patches and set the stack next.
Pass control to the uncompressed
code in shadow RAM at E000:000h.
D5 The initialization code is copied to
segment 0 and control will be
transferred to segment 0.

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 Phoenix4.0/
Code Award AMI
Tandy300
Control is in segment 0. Next
check if <Ctrl> and <home> was
pressed and verify the system
BOIS checksum. If either <Ctrl>
D6 and <home> was pressed or the
system bois checksum is wrong.
next go to checkpoint code Eoh.
Otherwise, go to checkpoint code
D7h.
If the onboard floppy controller is Initialize the
E0 initialized availably, then begin the chipset
base 512KB memory test.
E1 E1 Setup-Page E1 Initialize the interrupt vector table. Initialize bridge
E1 Setup-Page E2 Initialize the DMA and interrupt Initialize the CPU
E2
controllers.
E1 Setup-Page E3 Initialize system
E3
timer
E1 Setup-Page E4 Initialize system
E4
I/O
E1 Setup-Page E5 Check force
E5
recovery boot
E1 Setup-Page E6 Checksum BIOS
E6
ROM
E7 E1 Setup-Page E7 Go to BIOS
E8 E1 Setup-Page E8 Set Huge segment
E1 Setup-Page E9 Initialize Multi
E9
processor
E1 Setup-Page EA Initialize OEM
EA
special code
E1 Setup-Page EB Initialize PIC and
EB
DMA

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 Phoenix4.0/
Code Award AMI
Tandy300
EC Setup-Page EC Initialize Memory
EC
type
EC Setup-Page ED Initialize the floppy drive Initialize Memory
ED
size
EC Setup-Page EE Look for a floppy diskette in drive A; Shadow memory
EE reading the first sector of the Block
diskette.
EC Setup-Page EF A read error occurred while reading System memory
EF
the floppy drive in drive A. test
Search for the AMIBOOT. ROM fine Initialize interrupt
F0
in the root directory. vectors
The [Link] file is not in Initialize Run
F1
the root directory. Time Clock
Read and analyze the floppy Initialize video
diskette FAT to find the clusters
F2
occupied by the [Link]
file.
Read the [Link] file Initialize System
F3 cluster. Manegememt
manager
The [Link] file is not the Output one beep
F4
correct size.
Disable internal cache memory. Clear Huge
F5
segment
F6 Boot to Mini DOS
F7 Boot to Full DOS
FB Detect the type of flash ROM
FC Erase the flash ROM
FD Program the flash ROM
Int 19 Boot Attempt Flash ROM programming was
FF successful. Then restart the system
BIOS.

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7. Description of beep code
(1)AMI BIOS beep codes (fatal error)

[Link] DRAM Refresh Failure. Try reseating the memory first. If the error still
occurs, replace the memory with known good chips.
[Link] Parity Error in First 64K RAM. Try reseating the memory first. If the
error still occurs, replace the memory with known good chips.
[Link] Base 64k RAM Failure. Try reseating the memory first. If the error still
occurs, replace the memory with known good chips.
[Link] System timer failure
[Link] Process failure
[Link] Keyboard Controller 8042- Gate A20 Error. Try reseating the keyboard
controller chip. If the error still occurs, replace the keyboard chips. If
the error persists, check parts of the system relating to the keyboard,
e.g; try another keyboard, check to see if the system has a keyboard
fuse.
[Link] Processor, Virtual Mode Exception Interrupt Error
[Link] Display Memory Read/Write Test Failure (Non-fatal). Replace the video
card or the memory on the video card.
[Link] ROM BIOS Checksum(32k at F800:0) Failed. It is not likely that this
error can be corrected by reseating the chips. Consult the motherboard
supplier or an AMI product distributor for replacement part(s).
[Link] CMOS Shutdown Register Read/Write Error
[Link] Cache Memory Error
(2)AMI BIOS beep codes (Non-fatal error)

2 short POST Failure-One or more of the hardware tests has failed.

1 long 2 short An error was encountered in the video BIOS ROM, or a horizontal
retrace failure has been encountered.
1 long 3 short Conventional /Extended memory failure .
1 long 8 short Display/Retrace test failed.
(3)Award BIOS beep codes

1 short No error during POST

2 short Any non-fatal error, enter CMOS SETUP to reset.
1 long 1 short RAM of motherboard error
1 long 2 short Video error, cannot initialize screen to display any information.
1 long 3 short Keyboard controller error
1 long 9 short Flash RAM/EPROM (which on the motherboard0 error(BIOS error).
Long beep Memory bank is not plugged well, or broken.

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(4)Phoenix BIOS beep codes

Beep Code Description / What to Check

1-1-1-3 Verify Real Mode
1-1-2-1 Get CPU type
1-1-2-3 Initialize system hardware
1-1-3-1 Initialize chipset registers with initial POST values
1-1-3-2 Set in POST flag
1-1-3-3 Initialize CPU registers with initial POST values
1-1-4-1 Initialize cache to initial POST values
1-1-4-3 Initialize I/O
1-2-1-1 Initialize Power Management
1-2-1-2 Load alternate registers with initial POST values
1-2-1-3 Jump to User Patch0
1-2-2-1 Initialize keyboard controller
1-2-2-3 BIOS ROM checksum
1-2-3-1 8254 timer initialization
1-2-3-3 8237 DMA controller initialization
1-2-4-1 Reset programmable interrupt controller
1-3-1-1 Test DRAM refresh
1-3-1-3 Test 8742 Keyboard controller
1-3-2-1 Set ES segment to register to 4GB
1-3-3-1 28 Autosize DRAM
1-3-3-3 Clear 512k base RAM
1-3-4-3 Test 512K base address ;lines
1-4-1-3 Test CPU bus –clock frequency
1-4-2-4 Reinitialize the chipset
1-4-3-1 Shadow system BIOS ROM
1-4-3-2 Reinitialize the cache
1-4-3-3 Autosize cache
1-4-4-1 Configure advanced chipset registers
1-4-4-2 Load alternate registers with CMOS values

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2-1-1-1 Set initial CPU speed
2-1-1-3 Initialize interrupt vectors
2-1-2-1 Initialize BIOS interrupt
2-1-2-3 Check ROM copyright notice
2-1-2-4 Initialize manage for PCI Options ROMs
2-1-3-1 Check video configuration against CMOS
2-1-3-2 Initialize PCL bus and devices
2-1-3-3 Initialize all video adapters in system
2-1-4-1 Shadow video BIOS ROM
2-1-4-3 Display copyright notice
2-2-1-1 Display CPU type and speed
2-2-1-3 Test keyboard
2-2-2-1 Set key click if enable
2-2-2-3 56 Enable keyboard
2-2-3-1 Test for unexpected interrupts
2-2-3-3 Display prompt “Press F2 to enter SETUP”
2-2-4-1 Test RAM between 512 and 640K
2-3-1-1 Test extended memory
2-3-1-3 Test extended memory address lines
2-3-2-1 Jump to User Path1
2-3-2-3 Configure advanced cache registers
2-3-3-1 Enable external and CPU caches
2-3-3-3 Display external cache size
2-3-4-1 Display shadow message
2-4-1-3 Check for keyboard errors
2-4-2-1 Set up hardware interrupts vectors
2-4-4-3 Test real –time clock
2-4-2-3 Check for keyboard errors
2-4-4-1 Set up hardware interrupts vectors
2-4-4-3 Test real time clock
2-4-2-3 Check for keyboard errors
2-4-4-1 Set up hardware interrupts vectors
2-4-4-3 Test coprocessor ot present
3-1-1-1 Disable onboard I/O ports
3-1-1-3 Detect and install external Rs232 ports
3-1-2-1 Detect and install external parallel ports
3-1-2-3 Reinitialize BIOS Data Area
3-1-3-3 Initialize Extended BIOS Data Area
3-1-4-1 Initialize floppy controller

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 3-2-1-1 Initialize hard disk controller
3-2-1-2 Initialize local bus hard–disk controller
3-2-1-3 Jump to User Patch2
3-2-2-1 Disable A20 address line
3-2-2-3 Clear huge Es segment register
3-2-3-1 Search for option ROMs
(5)IBM BIOS beep codes

Beep Code Description

No Beeps No Power, Loose Card or short
[Link] Beep Normal POST, computer is OK
[Link] Beep POST error, review screen for error code
Continuous Beep No power Loose card or short
Repeating short Beep No power, LOOSE card or short
One Long and one short Beep Motherboard issue
One Long and two short Beeps Video (Mono/CGA Display Circuitry) issue
One Long and Three short Beeps Video (EGA)Display circuitry
Three Long Beeps Keyboard /keyboard card error
One Beep, Blank or incorrect Display Video display Circuitry

8. Corrective Action

(1) If I forget the password, what can I do ?

If you forgot your password, don’t worry. The following will help you:
① Omnipotent password
For the BIOS from different manufacturer, their password is different too. Both omnipotent password and password
are able to unlock the computer. Try the abbreviation of manufacture or the character string which formed by the first
letter of each word.. May be is the omnipotent password, for example:

I. AMI password

AMI AMI Bios310 AMI SW KILLCMOS

A.M.L 589589 SMOSPWD AMISETUP Ami. kew
BIOS ammii AMI SW ami? [Link]
AMI SW amipswd Amidecod amiami
PASSWORD LKWPETER BIOSPASS AMIPSWD

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 II. Award password

PASSWORD HLT biostar ?award djonet

AWARD SW ALFAROME Jo9F 1EAAh G6pJ
AWARD ? SW 256256 J256 admin HELGA-S
AWARD SW 589721 LKWPETER ally HLT

III. Others

Phoenix BIOS Phoenix Megastar : star

Biostar Biostar:Q54arwms Micron: sjdkj 754xyzall
Compag : compag Micronies : dn 04rie
CTX international:CTX-123 Packard Bell: bell9
Dell:Dell Siemets Nixdort:SKY FOX
HP Vectra;hewipack Tinys :tiny
IBM:IBM MBIUO sertafu TMC:BIGO

② Discharge by software
CMOS ROM can be discharged by software way. Then help you to solve the password problem. Follow these method,
use the prompt De BUG, and all things will be easy.

Ⅰ. Clear Award password

C:\>DEBUQ
-0 70 34↙ or -0 70 11↙
-0 71 34↙ -0 71 ff↙
-q↙ -q↙

Ⅱ. Clear AMI BIOS password

C:\>DEBUG
-0 70 16↙or -0 70 10↙
-071 16↙ -0 71 0↙
-q↙ -q↙

Note: the setup of CMOS BIOS will be erased during the discharge so the computer is able to run until you reset it. If it
is a COMPAQ computer, get a floppy disk which store CMOS program first ,then do the discharge, or else it is easy to
discharge but hard to recover.

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9. If the code is not included in the book, what can I do ?
As the mainboard manufacturer defines the code, some codes haven’t been defined so you
can get in touch with your dealer and find them. Also if you have the new code meaning, you
can write them down in the following table:

CODE Description BIOS type(√)

Award AMI Phoenix

10. Answers of frequently –asked questions

NOTE:
1. Don’t go against the rules in motherboard quality guaranty during repairing the board.
[Link] only when the power off.

Error0 description solutions

Memory Bank Memory bank is bad Replace and try again
Pin of memory bank is dirty Clean it with student eraser and try
again
It is not match the other bank Insert the right memory bank
Plugged in the wronng direction Insert it property

Memory slot The slot is dirty or something in it Clean it

or extended Metallic spring stice in the slot is Refit it’s shape or replace it
slot out shape or ruptured
Metallic spring stice in the slot is
Wash with the pure alcohol inserts it
rusty or mouldy and pull it out frequently after it is dry
CPU CPU is bad Replace it .(Touch it to check if it
does not generate heat or
overheated)
The jumper setup or CMOS setup Check the jumper, insert and
of CPU is error pull out it frequency of CPU
CPU pin is dirty Clean it with a small brush, insert
the card and pull it out many times
CPU is not plugged in wrong slot Check the CPU pin

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③ Hardware jumper discharge to CMOS BIOS
All the computers could discharge to CMOS BIOS by switch or jumper, and clear any prompt (system booting prompt
CMOS setup prompt, key lock clears any prompt) / There are examples for the particularity of CMOS of some original
packaging computers:
The discharge of COMPAQ and AST is finished by closing/ opening the switch but except the state power off, please
follow these steps:
a. When the external power is turned off, push SW1-2 to on .
b. External power is turned on restart the computer.
c. Turn off the computer after 1 to 5 minutes.
d. Push SW1 and SW1-2to off .
e. Turn on the computer, and enter CMOS setup to reset it.
Most of motherboard discharge to CMOS by jumper, and for the different board, the pin is different. During the
discharge, read the user s guide of motherboard first, and if the state of CMOS discharge jumper pin is not included
in it, check that whether there are sighs on the motherboard, such as Exit Batter , Clean CMOS, CMOS ROM Reset. If
you find these sign, connect the pin of switch, or else, remove the battery.
④. Get help from your dealer.
If the problem is not solved still, please get in touch with you dealer.

(2)How to enter CMOS SETUP?

BIOS Key Screen instruction
AMI (Del) or (ESC) Displayed
Award (Del) or (Ctrl)+(Alt)+(ESC) Displayed
MR (Del) or (Ctrl)+(Alt)+(ESC) NONE
Quadtel (F2) Displayed
COMPAQ Press (F10) when the cursor display on NONE
top right screen
AST (Del)+(Alt)+(S) NONE
Phoenix (Del)+(Alt)+(S) NONE
Hewlett (F2) NONE
Packard(HP)

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 The pin is dirty Clean it with small br, insert tz
the card and pull it out many times
Error of The POST card id plugged in Distinguish carefully between ISA
POST card or wrong slot slot and PCL slot
it plugged by It is plugged in the wrong Make sure the component side
error direction should face to the power pin
The POST card is bad Get in touch from your dealer,

Power on, the The POST card is bad Check the power and CPU jumper
code is
stopped The is no code export to the bus Try the other slot. (see “Obligatory
slot in which the POST card insert content”)
POST tails Motherboard error According to error codes
minaway The motherboard send the error Connect the video display.
code to video display According to the message on the
screen to check the error, then try
again.

Introduce of run LEDS

Only by some units and a few mainboard slot message, it could runs normally, and it has
a low error percentage. If the card is plugged into the bad slot, the code stop changing ,
or the other LEDs are not on, but the run LED is quite possible to run normally. You can
solve the following problems by the result of “if the run LED has lighted, the mainboard
has ever ran”:
1. The code of the card is bad.
2. The card is not fit for the mainboard which you are using.
3. PCI slot or ISA slot is bad.
4. The card is plugged incorrectly or pins of card are dirty, or pins in slot are rusted.
5. The mainboard stops working.
6. The mainboard is working on programs which is out of relation to codes.

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