BIOS FAQ
Because Phoenix supplies BIOS software to manufacturers who adapt it to their specific needs and requirements, we are unable to provide specific answers to your questions. Below are several general answers to the most frequently asked questions that Phoenix receives regarding its BIOS products. Should you require further assistance, please contact your computer/motherboard manufacturer or system supplier.
Background -- Read Me First!
Background -- Read Me First!
Before making any changes to your hardware or running BIOS Setup, you should take these important steps:
Make sure you have an owner's manual that matches your computer.
If the operating system software is not already installed, follow the manufacturer's instructions for installing it.
If possible, make copies of any software in the system software package.
Make a backup of the hard-disk drive.
Label the system-software package and the backup copies.
Store software in a safe, cool, and dry place, away from electrical or magnetic sources.
Store all the manuals in a safe place. Your manuals are an integral part of your system. Consider them as the primary source of information for general operation and troubleshooting.
Run the BIOS Setup program and write down all the current settings in the manual, especially any hard-disk numbers:
The number of cylinders (concentric tracks)
The number of heads (magnetic read and write devices)
The number of sectors per track
These numbers are very important because if any of these values are changed, all data on the disk could be unreadable.
You can fix this problem in the following ways: Go into Setup and restore the default values. If this does not work, go into Setup and enter the correct numbers that you have previously recorded.
What is the BIOS?
BIOS stands for Basic Input and Output System. It is sometimes called the ROM BIOS because it was originally stored in a Read-Only Memory (ROM) chip on the motherboard. The BIOS is the first program to run when you turn on your computer. It performs the following functions:
Initializing and testing the hardware in your computer (a process called POST, for Power On Self Test)
Loading and running your operating system
Managing Setup for making changes in your computer
Helping operating systems and application programs manage your PC hardware by means of a set of routines called BIOS Run-Time Services.
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How can I identify the company that supplied the BIOS for my computer?
During POST on most PCs, the name and version of the BIOS appears briefly on the screen. Although BIOS's from most suppliers perform similar functions, identifying the supplier of the BIOS used on your system is important to understanding the range of specific features and capabilities likely to be included with your PC.
Until September 1998, Phoenix and Award were separate companies, offering separate BIOS products to manufacturers.
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How can I determine who made my computer/motherboard?
If you can't identify the manufacturer by checking your PC owner's manual or the system's case or motherboard, you should check your computer screen immediately after the system is switched on (during POST) to see if a manufacturer's copyright notice is displayed.
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What is Setup?
Setup is an interactive BIOS program you can run at system startup to do the following:
Tell the BIOS about changes you are making to the system hardware (e.g., installing a new disk drive)
Modify the behavior of your computer (e.g., change the date or time, or turn special features on or off).
Enhance your computer's behavior (e.g., speeding up performance by turning on shadowing or caching)
Because the Setup program varies considerably from computer to computer, you should study your computer manual for directions, contact the maker of your computer, and/or review the BIOS reference documents available on this site before making any changes to system settings.
Be sure to run Setup before you make any changes to your system hardware, or if you see an error displayed during POST.
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How do I run Setup?
For information on running Setup, see your computer manual for directions, contact the maker of your computer or motherboard, and/or review the BIOS reference documents available on this site. Setup is usually run by pressing a special function key or key combination during POST, before the operating system is loaded. During POST, the BIOS usually displays a prompt such as:
Press F2 to enter Setup
If your computer does not display such a prompt, consult your owner's manual or contact the manufacturer for instructions. Your computer manufacturer may have selected a different keystroke sequence; the following sequences are commonly used:
Ctrl+Alt+S
Ctrl+Alt+Esc
Ctrl+Alt+Ins
Note: If you press the keys too early, the BIOS may display an error message.
Not every BIOS has a built-in Setup program. Some older computers, such as 286 and early 386 models, require running the setup program from a floppy disk (supplied with the system when purchased). If you have such a system, you should be able to obtain a replacement diskette from your computer manufacturer, a local computer repair shop, or from eSupport.com (for Award BIOS). Phoenix does not sell or distribute Setup disks.
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What do the options in the Setup program mean?
Many of the common fields in the Setup program, such as the date and time settings, are self explanatory. If you cannot edit a field that is displayed in Setup, then its value represents something that is determined automatically by the BIOS at system start, such as the amount of available RAM.
The most complex part of many Setup programs is based on the chipset installed on your motherboard. The chipset is one or more chips on the motherboard that serve as an interface between the CPU and other devices in your computer. The chipset provides many services, such as managing how memory is accessed by the CPU or controlling bus access. In some Setup programs, many chipset operations can be controlled.
CAUTION -- Do not change chipset settings without consulting the manufacturer or the owner's manual, for detailed descriptions of these fields and under what conditions they should be changed. Phoenix does not have information on how manufacturers customize the advanced Setup menu items to meet the requirements of a specific system.
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How can I restore default BIOS Setup values?
The following options may be used to restore default Setup values if the computer is not functioning correctly:
PhoenixBIOS -- On a computer with a PhoenixBIOS, you can press the F9 key in Setup to restore the default values specified by the manufacturer.
AwardBIOS -- The following function key options are available in AwardBIOS:
F5 -- restore old values (the values previously in use when the Setup program was invoked)
F6 -- Load BIOS defaults (the selections provided by Award to the motherboard manufacturer)
F7 -- Load Setup defaults (the selections provided by the motherboard supplier or integrator)
CAUTION -- Restoring system defaults may not correct operational problems. Previously defined changes to chipset settings may be necessary to enable booting or correct operation. Phoenix does not have information on how manufacturers or other suppliers may have customized the advanced Setup menu items to meet the requirements of a specific system.
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Where can I get a BIOS Setup manual?
Consult your system or motherboard supplier. For BIOS Setup overview information check the manuals available on this web site. Please note that computer and motherboard manufacturers modify the BIOS software to meet the particular requirements of their specific products and product lines. Because of this, your BIOS Setup may vary from the descriptions we provide.
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What is CMOS?
CMOS is a special kind of memory maintained by a small battery after you turn the computer off. The BIOS uses CMOS to store the settings you select in Setup and to maintain the internal real time clock (RTC). Every time you turn on your computer, the BIOS uses the CMOS settings to configure your computer. If the battery charge runs too low, the CMOS contents will be lost and POST will issue a "CMOS invalid" or "CMOS checksum invalid" message. If this happens, you may have to replace the battery. Contact your manufacturer for assistance. After the battery is replaced, the proper settings will need to be restored in Setup.
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What is POST?
POST is an acronym for Power On Self Test. POST is the traditional name for the routines that the BIOS uses to test and initialize the devices on your system when the PC is powered on. Its meaning has changed to include anything the BIOS does before an operating system is started.
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What are POST codes?
Each POST routine is assigned a POST code, a unique number which is sent to I/O port 080h before the routine is executed. If the computer hangs during POST, a computer technician can locate the problem by finding the last value written to IO port 080h. Lists of POST codes and associated POST test and initialization routines for PhoenixBIOS v4 and AwardBIOS v4.5 are available on this site.
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What are POST error messages/beep codes?
The BIOS usually beeps once at the end of POST to prove the speaker is working correctly (some manufacturers may modify or disable this feature). However, if an error is detected, the BIOS program will:
Display the error to the screen if possible.
Generate a POST beep code using the computer's internal speaker if it cannot access the display adaptor.
Provide a Post Code output that can be read using a special hardware tool.
NOTES:
The BIOS can print many messages on the screen during POST. If your computer has the Phoenix QuietBoot feature installed, the manufacturer's logo is displayed instead of POST messages. You can switch to the POST messages by pressing Esc. Your owner's manual should list possible POST messages printed by the BIOS, along with an explanation of what the messages mean.
Although most PC manufacturers generally do not change these codes, POST beep codes may vary because of manufacturer-specific requirements.
Add-in cards in your PC may issue beep codes during POST which are not directly associated with the BIOS.
PhoenixBIOS -- PhoenixBIOS issues a special beep code when a fatal error has occurred. A fatal error implies that an important part of the system has failed and, in general, POST has aborted and the system cannot boot. PhoenixBIOS beep codes are encoded versions of the POST codes described in the user manual. The Phoenix BIOS Post Code and Beep generic user manual lists the beep codes for versions 4.00 to 4.06 of PhoenixBIOS.
AwardBIOS -- The only AwardBIOS beep code indicates that a video error has occurred and the BIOS cannot initialize the video screen to display any additional information. This beep code consists of a single long beep followed by two short beeps. Any other beeps are probably a RAM (Random Access Memory) problem.
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Do I need a BIOS upgrade?
In most cases the only reason to get a BIOS upgrade is to add support for a new form of hardware you are adding to your system (such as a new CPU, or larger hard disk) that is not supported by your current BIOS. Most operating systems do not use the BIOS once the operating system is up and running, so you should not upgrade the BIOS in an attempt to fix a software bug unless the system/motherboard manufacturer has identified the BIOS as the cause of the problem.
Consult the computer or motherboard manufacturer or the system supplier before upgrading the BIOS, since they will best know your particular system's capabilities. They may also be able to supply a BIOS upgrade if it is needed.
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How do I get a BIOS upgrade?
The original manufacturer is the best source for a BIOS upgrade. If you are unable to contact the system/motherboard manufacturer, contact eSupport.com for assistance. Click here for more detail. This information is not available for PhoenixBIOS.
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Can I take a BIOS from one computer to another?
Generally, the answer is no. Although systems (and even motherboards) may look alike, the BIOS may have been modified to support changes made to the hardware over the period of manufacture.
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What is a Flash BIOS and is it different from a ROM BIOS?
In early PCs the BIOS was stored on a ROM (read only memory), or more likely an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable and Programmable Read-Only Memory). In the past several years a specific type of EEPROM called "Flash" is typically used to contain the BIOS program. These chips are easier to reprogram than the earlier EEPROMs, and many can be reprogrammed without being removed from the PC. The term "Flash BIOS" is used only if the motherboard can reprogram the Flash ROM containing the BIOS while it is on the motherboard. If the design requires removing the ROM to reprogram the part, it is not a Flash BIOS.
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Can I "flash" in a new BIOS?
Consult your system/motherboard manufacturer to see if a BIOS upgrade is available for your system. If an upgrade is offered, the supplier should be able to provide appropriate information and support along with the appropriate programming utility for your system.
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How do I get a new BIOS Setup program?
If you have a BIOS that includes Setup no new Setup should be required, and any upgrade for the BIOS should also include any needed Setup changes.
If you have an older computer with a separate Setup utility on disk, the manufacturer of your system may have a replacement program available for your system. If you cannot contact your manufacturer, other possible sources for AwardBIOS are eSupport.com. Because BIOS Setup programs are customized by manufacturers to meet the specific requirements of their product lines, Phoenix is unable provide specific Setup programs for these older computers.
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Do I need to replace the BIOS for my video card?
VGA BIOS is a program stored in a ROM chip that allows the video card to display ASCII text on the computer screen before the operating system is booted. A video driver is software used by the operating system required to manage the advanced capabilities of your video card and monitor. The VGA BIOS should not need replacement. However, the software video drivers for your video card may need to be updated or replaced if they are deleted or corrupted. Although Phoenix used to develop VGA BIOS software for video board manufacturers, we have not supplied video drivers. The best source of replacement or updated video drivers is the original manufacturer of your video board.
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How can I get an owner's manual for my computer?
Although general feature information is available on this site, you should contact your system supplier or motherboard manufacturer because they often modify the BIOS software to meet the particular requirements of their products.
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Does my computer support Plug and Play?
Most recent PCs support Plug and Play. You can run the program PNPBTST.EXE to test for Plug and Play support on your system. This program is available for download among the Freeware Utilities on this site. Temporarily disable any memory managers that may be running on your system, and run this program from a DOS prompt. After the program starts, press "S" to display a node summary. If any resource "nodes" are listed, then you have plug and play support in your BIOS. Press the "Esc" key to exit the program. Be very careful when using this program. It is possible to delete or change system configuration information if the foregoing instructions are not followed.
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Does my computer support PCI?
Most recent PCs include support for PCI, a bus with much higher throughput than the earlier standard ISA bus. PCI slots typically use white connectors on the motherboard. If the BIOS has PCI bus support then there may be a Setup screen that offers a bus mastering enable/disable control for each slot on the motherboard. However, this type of Setup control is not essential, and the BIOS may have PCI support even if this type of Setup screen does not exist. If you have problems with a new PCI add-on card, you probably should contact the card manufacturer first for help.
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Does my BIOS support Universal Serial Bus (USB)?
BIOS support for USB is a concern if your operating system does not offer USB device support, if you need keyboard access to modify Setup, or in order to boot USB-based devices.
Older systems with USB add-on: Because the BIOS is designed to support features and capabilities that are part of a motherboard, the BIOS generally will not support capabilities added later as options. If your system has an add-in card to support USB capabilities, then the BIOS will probably not provide support.
On-board USB: For systems which include USB capabilities on the motherboard, two BIOS features may be provided:
Keyboard/mouse emulation support - Most USB-equipped systems will allow you to use a keyboard or mouse attached through USB in place of devices attached with standard PS/2 style connectors.
Boot device support - The range of boot devices supported in the first generation of USB-based systems is limited, because these devices are still being developed and standards established. Some systems will include boot support for floppy or Zip drive. You should consult your system supplier or the motherboard manufacturer for a list of specific devices supported in your system.
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Will BIOS issues prevent my mouse from working?
Even though most BIOSes don't use the mouse directly, they do initialize mouse support and provide a BIOS level interface to the mouse. There are four different types of connections from a mouse to a PC:
A PS/2 mouse is by far the most popular, and connects to the system using a small round 6-pin PS/2 type connector usually located next to the keyboard connector (same type of connection).
A USB mouse is the newest type of mouse, and connects to the system using a small flat 4-pin USB type connector.
A serial mouse connects to the system through the computer's serial port using either a 9-pin or a 25-pin connector.
A bus mouse connects to the PC with a proprietary round connector on a special card that fits inside the system.
The first step when troubleshooting mouse problems is to verify that the mouse was correctly plugged into the appropriate connector before the system is turned on.
Some BIOS Setup programs allow PS/2 mouse support to be turned on or off. This option should be set to ENABLE to allow this function to allow PS/2 mice and USB mice that emulate PS/2 mice to work correctly.
If you are using a USB mouse, be certain to check that the "Legacy USB" option in Setup is also enabled if your Setup has this feature.
The BIOS has no other controls that would affect the operation of a serial mouse or a bus mouse.
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Can I boot the operating system from a CD-ROM?
Most recent compatible PCs (built since 1996) include the ability to boot from a CD-ROM. Your owner's manual should list CD-ROM booting as a feature if you have it, and contain any necessary BIOS Setup instructions. Contact your computer/motherboard manufacturer if you have any questions. There is no guaranteed technique that can be used to detect if your BIOS has this feature without just trying it.
Note: A CD-ROM has to be formatted in a special way and must contain an operating system to make it bootable. Bootable CD-ROMs are typically used to install new software into a system.
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How do I add a new option card to my system or change the existing configuration?
To add a new option card to the system, follow the manufacturer's directions for initial device configuration and instructions on inserting the card. You should refer to your computer owner's manual for information on how to open the system case.
Most option cards are configured by the operating system and many operating systems will recognize the addition of a new option card and ask for information about its operation (typically supplied on a separate disk or CD). The BIOS does not need to know about these cards.
However, the BIOS will need to be configured for devices required to boot the machine, such as a disk attached to a new SCSI option card. When the system is first started, use the appropriate interrupt key to go into BIOS Setup (shown on the screen shortly after start-up), and select the option that allows you to choose the boot order.
In an AwardBIOS-equipped system, this option is selected under "Advanced BIOS Features".
In PhoenixBIOS, this option is selected under the "boot" menu option.
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How do I configure my motherboard jumpers?
The jumpers on a motherboard vary considerably from one motherboard to the next. Only the manufacturer of the motherboard can tell you how to set them. Usually, you can find this information in the owner's manual. If not, you will have to contact the manufacturer of the motherboard for this information. Phoenix does not maintain a list of jumpers for any computer manufacturer.
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How do I reserve an interrupt, memory, IO, or DMA for an add-on card?
This only applies to a system that supports Plug and Play.
Run the Plug and Play configuration program appropriate for your operating system.
Windows 95/98 has a configuration manager program which can be started by right clicking on the "My Computer" icon shown on the desktop.
If you use DOS, this would be the ICU (ISA Configuration Utility).
Use these utilities to re-assign any resource assigned to a Plug and Play device or to reserve unused resources (by creating a nonexistent device). Resources used by static devices (non-Plug and Play) also known as "legacy" devices, cannot be moved using these utilities. Configure legacy devices by changing jumpers, then run the operating system configuration program to tell it the resources allocated by the jumper settings on the add-on card.
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How do I increase or change my RAM size?
The following answer applies only to system RAM, not video RAM, which is associated with a video card.
CAUTION -- Before installation, make certain the computer is completely powered down and switched off, not suspended. You should unplug the computer.
Make certain that you have an available memory socket, and that you have the correct type of memory for your computer. There are many different memory technologies, as well as sizes and speeds of memory expansion cards, and installing the wrong memory will typically prevent the system from booting. Consult your system supplier, motherboard manufacturer, or local computer store before purchasing any expansion memory modules.
Be careful when handling memory, since static electricity can damage the memory chips.
Make certain that an expansion memory is correctly inserted in a memory socket. Although memory sticks are typically "keyed" to ensure proper orientation, be careful to align them correctly, and insert them fully (there are locking latches at either end).
When the computer is first turned on, look for the additional memory to be tested during system start-up. If your system displays a manufacturer's logo or some other graphic immediately after the unit is turned on, press the ESC key to view memory test information.
If the additional memory is not tested, then the computer does not "recognize" the expansion. There may be a problem with the insertion of the memory stick or with the memory stick itself. Check to ensure that the memory is correctly inserted. If problems persist, you should check with your memory supplier.
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What CPUs can I use? How do I change to a new CPU?
You will need to do some research before selecting a new CPU for your system. You should begin by reading your owner's manual to see if the manufacturer has tested the CPU you are considering. The manual also may include instructions on how to safely make the change. If you don't have an owner's manual (or the manual does not list compatible CPUs), you should try to contact the motherboard or system manufacturer, or a professional technician, for information about what CPUs are compatible with your system. You will need to consider these issues:
Voltage -- the new CPU may require a lower voltage than your old CPU. The CPU voltage is selected with motherboard jumpers.
Clock Rate -- the clock rate written on a CPU refers to the maximum rate recommended by the CPU manufacturer. The CPU does not necessarily run at that rate. A CPU will run slower than its maximum rating if the motherboard's clock input frequency is too slow. Some CPUs can protect themselves from too high a voltage or too fast a clock rate by slowing down. Others cannot do this and may burn up after too long an exposure, even if there is active CPU cooling element, such as a fan. Motherboard jumpers specify the clock rate that is fed into the CPU.
Note on "P" Rating -- some CPU manufacturers rate their products with a "P" rating. A "P200" rating does not necessarily indicate that the CPU is running at 200 MHz; it is only a measurement of expected throughput compared to other CPUs. Contact the CPU manufacturer for an explanation of this feature.
CPU Socket -- not all CPUs use the same size and shape socket.
BIOS Support -- your BIOS may not support the type and speed of the new CPU. If you cannot get confirmation (and upgrade instructions) from the motherboard manufacturer about the CPU upgrade, then it is not advisable to change the CPU. Because BIOS is customized for individual systems, only your manufacturer can tell you for certain whether the CPU you are considering is supported or not, and if it has been tested.
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I need to add a floppy drive, what do I do?
This response covers adding standard floppy drives. If you want to add a new high capacity Zip or LS-120 type device, then you should carefully follow the device manufacturers' directions for installing these devices. If you have a question or have some difficulty, you should check with your computer supplier or a PC repair center.
The standard desktop PC can accommodate one or two standard floppy drives. To add a standard floppy drive to the computer, follow the installation instructions provided with the new floppy drive or call the manufacturer of the drive. Also consult your computer owner's manual. In general there are three steps to installing a new standard floppy drive:
Physical installation -- Begin by making certain you have an available "drive bay" and all of the needed hardware to physically install the drive as well as an available power cable from your computer's power supply (multi-colored wires terminating in a plug that attaches to the power connector of your floppy disk drive). Install the drive and make certain it is secured to the chassis.
Connect the data cable -- Data to/from the disk drive is received through a standard floppy drive cable, which has three connectors, one at the end of a longer length of cable (connects to the motherboard), and two fairly close together at the other end of the cable. On older systems this cable may have four connectors clustered at the end, two large connectors (designed for an older style connection to a 5.25" floppy disk drive) along with the two smaller ones. The physical connection of the data cable (which floppy disk drive is connected at which position) determines whether the drive will be seen as "drive A" or "drive B". By convention, only "drive A" is bootable. The connector nearest the end of the cable will be assigned as drive A, while a device attached to the middle connector(s) will be assigned as drive B.
Note: If your cable and drive are not "keyed" (meaning that the connector can only attach in one way) you will need to be careful to attach the connector correctly.
Configure Setup in the BIOS - To operate correctly, the computer (and the BIOS) need to know what type of diskette drive(s) are attached to the floppy data cable. After installation, and connecting the power and data cables to the floppy drive, power up the computer and enter setup by using the indicated key displayed when the system is first started, usually the "F2" ("Del" key in some older models). Use the arrow key to go to the menu item that allows you to select Drive A devices, and use the "PgUp" (or "+") or "PgDn" (or "-") keys to select the appropriate device as defined by the connector selected on the data cable. (Do the same thing for a second floppy drive, Drive B, if you have installed one).
CAUTION -- The BIOS tests the configuration at each system start, and will show an error and may not allow the system to start, if the floppy is not correctly configured (misidentified diskette drive type, cable not correctly attached, etc.)
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How large a hard disk does my BIOS support?
Early PCs, ones built through 1992-1994, could only recognize disks with up to 528MB (million bytes) of storage. As larger disks became available, special translation programs were needed to utilize the space beyond the supported maximum. In the early 1990s, as a result of a general agreement between PC suppliers and disk companies, the size limit for ATAPI device support (the type of disk drives generally used in most PCs) was generally expanded to as much as 8.4GB (billion bytes). Recently, disk drive limits were again expanded, to 33GB. The latest BIOS (AwardBIOS or PhoenixBIOS) supports drives up to 136GB for a 16 head system (increasing as the number of heads increases). Unfortunately, it's impossible to know how large a disk drive your system can support without actually testing it and in many cases today's high capacity drives could not be tested by your manufacturer because they were not available until some time after the system had originally shipped.
To test a new disk drive, first note the exact capacity of the new disk drive. Then:
Add the hard disk to the computer - Follow the manufacturer's installation instructions and note the physical connection of the drive (Primary Master, Primary Slave, Secondary Master, Secondary Slave)
Enter BIOS Setup (by pressing 'F2' key or 'Del' key in older systems) and use the arrow keys to move to the appropriate field to select disk drive type.
Using the "PgUp" (or "+") and "PgDn" (or "-") options (see instructions on your system for appropriate value selection keys), and select "AUTO" detection for that drive. (This will allow the system to query the drive for size and geometry information).
If the size (capacity) reported by Setup is same as size of the new disk, then the disk is supported by the BIOS. If the size reported by CMOS setup is not correct, or is substantially less than the actual size of the disk capacity, then the BIOS in your system doesn't support it. If the disk is not supported, you should contact the motherboard manufacturer or system supplier to see if there is a newer version of BIOS available for your board or system. If not, you might consider a BIOS upgrade from eSupport.com (for AwardBIOS).
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How do I add or change a hard disk?
Follow the installation instructions provided with the new drive or call the manufacturer of the drive. Your computer owner's manual also may list instructions on how to add a new hard disk to your system. Hard disks almost always have to be jumpered properly according to master/slave/single status on the IDE cable (note that some hard disks will not work properly with other hard disks in a master/slave configuration even if properly jumpered). These jumper settings are determined entirely by the drive manufacturer, so it is best to contact the manufacturer if you have questions. Most of the hard disk manufacturers have a "fax back" service or a web site that lists everything you need to know about new hard disks, as well as older models. If you cannot contact the hard disk manufacturer, return the drive to the place of purchase for assistance.
Note that SCSI hard disks are totally controlled by the SCSI interface board and are not directly controlled by the system BIOS.
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How do I add cache memory?
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If my computer isn't working correctly, what should I do?
If you are not an experienced computer user, you should probably contact your PC manufacturer or local computer store for assistance. You should not modify your BIOS Setup or other system features unless you have technical experience, and are aware of the consequences of any modifications you make.
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Why does my computer hang before the operating system starts?
First, check the power supply, making certain the system power indicator lamp is on, and checking for air movement from fans in the unit.
On most PCs the following sequence of events occurs after you power on the system:
the BIOS will run POST - several brief status and copyright messages may appear on the screen;
a single short beep will indicate the end of POST (this feature may be disabled on some systems);
you will hear the sound of the disk being accessed as the operating system starts (most PCs will attempt to boot from a floppy disk before proceeding to boot from the hard disk);
the operating system will finish loading.
If your system does not successfully begin step #3., it is likely that one or more of the following has occurred:
you did not hear the beep at the end of POST;
you heard multiple beeps or saw an error message on the screen (see the BIOS reference documents for information on interpreting error codes);
you did not see any messages printed on the screen.
Make a note of any of the above conditions, and provide the information to your manufacturer or a PC repair center for assistance.
Note that, if you see a "CMOS invalid" or "CMOS checksum invalid" message during POST, your system's CMOS is corrupted. You may need to run the BIOS Setup and restore the Default configuration values, or re-enter your hard drive configuration parameters. Seek professional assistance if your owner's manual does not provide the necessary information to do this, or if you are not familiar with Setup.
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Why does my computer hang after the operating system starts?
If your system successfully completed steps 1 and 2 as described in the answer to "Why does my computer hang before the operating system starts?", the two most likely problems are:
The operating system is corrupted - if your Setup hard disk values are correct and the system still does not boot, try various reduced functionality boot options if the operating system offers them.
If this is not successful you may re-install the operating system from the bootable disk and disks or CD that came with your computer. If you do not have operating system manuals or cannot successfully reinstall the system, contact your operating system supplier or visit their web site for assistance.
CAUTION -- Reloading the operating system can result in loss of data.
Your hard disk may have crashed - if you have confirmed that the hard-disk parameters in Setup are correct, and you are not successful in re-installing the operating system, call the system manufacturer or a PC repair store for help.
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Why does my computer hang after running a specific program?
It is not likely that a PC's inability to run a certain application is related to the BIOS. Contact the manufacturer of the program for assistance. If there is reason to believe that the BIOS is part of the problem, the manufacturer is the only one who can provide Phoenix with the information needed to resolve the problem. Phoenix does not maintain a list of programs that have problems on various computers using PhoenixBIOS or AwardBIOS.
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Why doesn't CMOS retain its settings?
During POST, if a message similar to "CMOS checksum invalid" or "Invalid configuration, run Setup" is displayed, then the CMOS battery probably needs to be changed. The type of battery used varies with the design of the system and there are several different types. Your owner's manual should describe the process. Contact your system/motherboard manufacturer or a PC repair center for help.
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Why won't my system retain the correct date between uses?
If the date is incorrect when the system is first switched on, your PC may have a date or a CMOS issue. For more information, see Possible Date Issues with AwardBIOS.
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My system runs too slowly. How can I speed it up?
A difference in the speed of your computer is usually a function of the operating system, the application(s) being run, the PC's available RAM, and the speed of the PC's processor. If you have reason to believe the slow performance relates to BIOS settings or hardware problems, try the following:
Run the BIOS Setup program and make sure the cache is turned on.
Check any "advanced" settings to make sure they match the manufacturer's recommendations (see your owner's manual).
Following your manufacturers' recommendations check all motherboard jumpers, especially around the CPU. These jumpers control the motherboard and CPU clock rates. Some CPU's automatically degrade their performance if the source voltage is incorrect (this is controlled by motherboard jumpers) or get too hot (check that the cooling fan is in place and spins when power is applied).
Make sure any disk-cache program you use is still being loaded (watch all the messages printed after a power up).
If none of these options resolve the problem, contact your computer manufacturer or a PC repair center.
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Why is the Summary Screen information wrong?
The summary information screen lists devices and configuration data performed by the BIOS during POST. If there are changes to this display, there are two likely causes:
A hardware device in the system has broken. If your computer chassis has not been opened recently and no cables have been disconnected (carefully check all cables) then it is likely that a device in your computer is no longer functioning properly. If possible, you should disable or remove the device and see if the summary screen changes. Then, reattach or enable the device. If it is still not reported in the summary screen then it is probably broken. Contact your manufacturer or a PC repair store for assistance.
A recent change to the system was performed incorrectly. If the chassis has been opened recently, recheck your work. Hard disk and floppy cables can be inadvertently attached upside down; check any that have been recently disconnected. Look for cables that are attached incorrectly, off by a pin, row, or column of pins, and recheck the pin "1" position. Lastly, contact the system manufacturer to confirm the summary screen is incorrect, or take the system to a PC repair store for assistance.
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What do I do if I forgot my password?
There are two types of password protection in many computers:
The following suggestion will work only for passwords used before the operating system boots. If you set up a password only for booting the PC, in most instances you can enter the BIOS Setup to disable the password.
If you also placed a password on Setup itself, there is no "back door" password unless the computer manufacturer modified the BIOS to have one. The password is stored in CMOS and cannot be accessed by any other means. Contact your manufacturer for assistance. If you cannot contact your manufacturer, take the PC to a computer repair shop.
If you wish to attempt disabling the password yourself, you will need to erase CMOS. You should not do this unless you already have written down or printed out of all the BIOS Setup parameters, or if you are certain that restoring the Setup default values is sufficient for operating your system. Take these steps:
clear the CMOS (remove the CMOS battery until POST displays a "CMOS checksum bad" or a similar message);
re-install the CMOS battery;
run the BIOS Setup;
restore the correct BIOS Setup settings.
NOTE: it can take up to several days for the CMOS to go bad without a battery. This is caused by capacitance in the circuit. This charge can be safely discharged by using a 10k-ohm resistor, touched to the battery connectors for a few moments (while the battery is removed).
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What does this message mean: "Miser partition lost, run PHDISK"?
PHDISK is a program that creates a partition on the hard disk large enough to store the entire state of your computer when the system is place into a full suspend state. This "Save to Disk" feature is generally used in portable PCs for Power Management. If the Power Management software in the BIOS checks for this partition during POST and can't find it, it prints the error message shown above.
There are generally two causes for the message:
The hard disk is repartitioned or changed
The memory is increased in size and the computer state will no longer fit in the existing partition.
The solution is to run the same PHDISK program (it must match the Power Management software in your BIOS) and create a new power management partition. Most computer manufacturers include the PHDISK.EXE program in the system software package supplied with the machine. The installation instructions vary with the version of PHDISK and should be listed in your owner's manual. Contact your computer manufacturer to get a replacement copy of the PHDISK program written for your system, and the proper installation instructions. Phoenix does not sell or provide replacement copies of this program or installation instructions.
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What does this message mean: "Invalid System Configuration Data"?
Extended System Configuration Data (ESCD) provides a storage space for the configuration data in a Plug and Play system. In a "Plug and Play" (PnP) system, the BIOS (as well as the operating system, if it is PnP aware) needs to know what system resources - memory space, IO space, DMA channels and IRQs - are used by add-on cards. For cards which are not PnP, the BIOS has to be told by the computer user what resources are used by these cards. Once you have configured your system properly, ESCD is used to load the same configuration each time the computer boots. If this message is displayed, an error has occurred. Take these steps:
Go into Setup and find the field labeled, "Reset configuration data;"
Set this field to "yes;"
Save and exit the Setup program. The system restarts and clears ESCD during POST;
Run whatever Plug and Play configuration tool is appropriate for your system:
If you have Windows 95/98 (which are Plug-and-Play operating systems), simply restart your computer. Windows 95/98 will automatically configure your system and load ESCD with the new data.
If you don't have Windows 95/98, run the ICU (ISA Configuration Utility).
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How do I get a new configuration utility (ICU or ECU) to update ESCD?
Most systems use configuration data supplied by an operating system configuration capability (Windows 95/98) to update Extended System Configuration Data (ESCD). There are two types of separate configuration utilities that allow the creation of ESCD.
Most ISA/PCI systems -- The Intel ICU (ISA Configuration Utility) may be used to provide the BIOS with this information. This utility is available from the Intel web site.
EISA-based systems -- Some older systems may use EISA cards which require specific configuration by a utility called the ECU (EISA Configuration Utility). See the Micro Computer Systems web site for additional details. In addition to this utility, a system-dependent configuration file is also required (these files usually have the filename extension .cfg). This CFG file was supplied by the computer manufacturer when your system was first purchased. The original computer manufacturer is the possibly the only source for a replacement of this file.
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