Ami bios beeps. Sound signals bios: award bios

The topic of this article will be the BIOS. First, we will deal with the question of what the BIOS is and what does it serve for? And then as soon as possible, we describe the BIOS audio signals.

BIOS (Basic Input-Output System, basic system  input-output) - this is a special program that is stored in the ROM chip (permanent memory). Often there is the English designation of this type of memory - Read Only Memory, or abbreviated as ROM. In practice, for a long time, instead of the usual ROM chips, flash memory is used, which is rewritable, which allows the user to independently update BIOS versions.

BIOS functions

As for the functions of the BIOS, they are very extensive.

First, as soon as the power of the PC turns on, control immediately transfers to the BIOS. This program performs initial testing of the components of the system unit. After successful verification, the BIOS transfers control of the computer to the next program, which is written to the boot sector (boot sector) located on the boot disk (as boot disk  can perform hDD, CD-ROM, floppy disk, flash drive, etc.). The procedure for the initial testing of equipment is called POST (Power-On Self Test - self-test after power-up).

Secondly, thanks to the BIOS in a special CMOS chip, the hardware configuration of the computer is preserved. During power-up, the PC compares the current hardware configuration and that stored in the chip. If the program has found differences between these two configurations, then the CMOS-memory data will be updated and, if necessary, you will be asked to enter the BIOS Setup to indicate the new parameters of the detected equipment. If differences in the configurations are not detected, or the configuration update can be performed without user intervention, then the program makes the necessary settings (configuration) of the hardware components of the computer.

CMOS memory (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) is a small, in terms of its RAM size, a microcircuit (RAM or Random Access Memory). But since there is a need to preserve information in it even after turning off the power, the CMOS memory is additionally powered by its own battery. There are several problems with this very battery. One of them is a limited lifetime, which is 5-6 years. After the expiration of this period of time, the battery can no longer provide the necessary level of power, which leads to the loss of stored information in the chip. Although this problem is solved quite simply - a new battery is being installed.

Thirdly, with the help of a special bIOS programs  Setup user can set various parameters and select operation modes for individual PC components. Here the user can disable the equipment that is not used, or its use is undesirable in order to ensure the safety of the computer. Fourth, with bIOS help  processing of I / O operations. Actually for the sake of this originally developed this system. Due to the presence of a BIOS, for example, a hard disk understands that the head needs to be placed on a specific track or read a certain sector, etc.

If all programs had to contain instructions of this kind, then they would have been enormous, and their work would be very inefficient. In addition, with the advent of each new device they would have to undergo modifications. Therefore, in order to avoid such problems, a significant part of the work related to processing I / O operations was entrusted to the BIOS. Naturally, the work of the BIOS did not remove absolutely all the problems, however, it significantly simplified the solution of most of them. It is worth noting that today it is not as important as in the days of the MS-DOS operating system. Modern operating systems, such as Windows XP, Windows vista  or Windows Seven barely uses BIOS capabilities to handle I / O operations. But here it is necessary to say that everything said is very conditional. In fact, all tasks are performed by the operating system in close cooperation with the BIOS, complementing each other functionally.

The average user is often faced with the part of the BIOS, which is called BIOS Setup. BIOS Setup is a special routine that allows you to customize the operation of individual hardware components of the computer. The main difficulty of its configuration lies in the incomprehensible names of options, which can tell a little to a not very advanced user. In addition, the problem is aggravated by an insufficient amount of reference material on these settings. And if you look at the whole, then nothing special BIOS Setup from itself is not, the only thing that distinguishes it from other programs, is a rather archaic interface in comparison with modern operating systems. All settings made by the user during computer setup via BIOS Setup are stored in a CMOS memory chip, where they are stored along with data about the hardware configuration of the system.

How to reset BIOS settings

Below we present several ways that help solve problems with resetting BIOS, that is, returning it to initial statein which all settings will be as they were before the changes made by the user. Often, such a simple operation, such as resetting BIOS settings, allows you to eliminate a number of problems with starting a computer, and also helps to avoid visiting a service center.

Method 1

We return the BIOS to the factory default settings using the interface BIOS setupthat will allow us not to disassemble the system block once again. It should be noted that this method  feasible in cases where the BIOS is loaded. To reset the BIOS, you need to find the load bios defaults item in the menu or load setup defaults, as shown in the figure and press Enter.

Method 2

Reset bIOS settings  using a battery. Before you begin, you should completely disconnect the power from the computer. After you make sure that all the cords from the sockets are removed, you need to remove the side cover of the system unit. Then find that very battery and take it out for 5-10 minutes. After this period, you can return it to the place. BIOS should reset.

Method 3

Reset the BIOS settings with a jumper (jumper). Find a jumper on the motherboard is simple, it is almost always next to the battery. It is designated as Clear CMOS or Clear RTS. Sometimes, to facilitate access to it, motherboard manufacturers place it at the edge of the board. To reset the BIOS settings you need to rearrange the jumper for a few seconds from position 1-2 to position 2-3, and then return it to its place.

If everything is done correctly, then after turning on the computer after a few seconds, one short signal will be heard - this indicates that the system is in order and then the operating system will start loading. If there are hardware problems in the system, the signal will look different. By the type of signal, it is possible to determine what kind of malfunction was detected, and what further actions should be taken. All BIOS signals (given by the speaker) are distinguished depending on its version and, of course, depending on the nature of the detected fault. The BIOS version is determined based on the documentation that comes with motherboard. If there are no documents for any reason, then you can determine the BIOS version using special utilities that are in excess available on the Internet. Still bIOS version  usually displayed on the monitor when starting the computer in the lower left corner. Of all the BIOS makers on the market, there are two main competitors: software  which is equipped with the vast majority of modern PCs. These are two well-known brands such as American Megatrends (AMI) and Award Software. So, first consider the AMI sound alarm.

Beeps BIOS: AMI BIOS

• - Two short signals of the speaker indicate any malfunction in the computer’s RAM. Troubleshooting options: you need to remove the memory module from the slot, wipe it with a dry brush and insert the module in place, if the signals are repeated after starting the PC, then you may need further memory testing or its full replacement;
• - Three consecutive short signals from the speaker indicate an error in reading the first 64 Kbytes of the main memory of the PC. Troubleshooting options: you need to remove the memory module from the slot, if there is dust, wipe the bar with a dry brush and insert the module in place. If you repeat the signals, you may need further memory testing or its full replacement;

• - Four consecutive short beeps from the speaker indicate a problem with the system timer. Troubleshooting options: reboot the PC, and if the signals are repeated, then repair or replace the motherboard;
• - Five consecutive short signals from the speaker indicate a malfunction of the CPU Troubleshooting options: restarting the PC again; when repeating signals, replacing the processor;
• - Six consecutive short tones from the speaker indicate a malfunction of the keyboard controller. Troubleshooting options: check the cable and keyboard connection to system block, check the keyboard on another computer. If, after checking, it turns out that the keyboard is in good condition, then there remains the option of repairing the motherboard or replacing it;
• - Seven consecutive short signals from the speaker indicate a malfunction of the motherboard. Troubleshooting options: perform a reboot, and if the signals are repeated, you will need to repair or purchase a new motherboard;
• - Eight consecutive short signals from the speaker indicate a memory failure. graphic card. Troubleshooting options: when repeating signals after a reboot, you will need to either repair the old one or buy new video card;
• - Nine consecutive short beeps indicate a BIOS chip itself is faulty. Troubleshooting options: flashing the microcircuit or replacing it completely;
• - Ten consecutive short signals from the speaker indicate the impossibility of recording in CMOS memory. Troubleshooting options: clearing the CMOS memory with one of the above options. If, after setting the BIOS values ​​to the default, the signals recur, it is necessary to replace the CMOS memory module;
• - Eleven consecutive short signals from the speaker indicate a malfunction of the RAM. Troubleshooting options: you need to remove the memory module from the slot, if there is dust, wipe the bar with a dry brush and insert the module in place. If you repeat the signals, you may need to further test the memory or replace it completely;
• - One long and three short signals of the speaker as well as one long and eight short signals again indicate a video card malfunction. Troubleshooting options are the same as in the previous case.
• - Lack of speaker signals may indicate a power supply failure. Troubleshooting options: check the fastening of the power supply plugs to the connectors on the motherboard, clean the power supply from dust. In case these actions failed, if possible try to test the PSU on another computer. With such symptoms, you will need to either repair it or buy a new power supply.

Beeps BIOS: Award BIOS

• - One short signal from the speaker means there are no errors in the system and the computer is in a fully operational state;
• - Two consecutive short signals from the speaker indicate the detection of "minor" errors. Troubleshooting options: you need to check the reliability of fastening components and cables to system board  PC, then try to set default BIOS values;

• - The speaker’s short repeating signal indicates a power supply fault. Troubleshooting options: check the fastening of the power supply plugs to the connectors on the motherboard, clean the power supply from dust. In case these actions failed, if possible try to test the PSU on another computer. With such symptoms, you will need to either repair it or buy a new power supply;
• - The speaker’s long repeating signal indicates a memory fault. Troubleshooting options: you need to remove the memory module from the slot, if there is dust, wipe the bar with a dry brush and insert the module in place. If you repeat the signals, you may need further memory testing or its full replacement;
• - Three long speaker signals indicate a keyboard controller malfunction. Troubleshooting options: check the cable and keyboard connection to the system unit, check the keyboard on another computer. If, after checking, it turns out that the keyboard is in good condition, then there remains the option of repairing the motherboard, or replacing it;
• - One long and one short speaker signals indicate malfunctioning RAM. Troubleshooting options: you need to remove the memory module from the slot, if there is dust, wipe the bar with a dry brush and insert the module in place. If you repeat the signals, you may need further memory testing or its full replacement;
• - One long and two short speaker signals indicate a video card malfunction. Troubleshooting options: you need to check the cable from the video card to the monitor, if the cable is OK, remove the video card from the slot, clean it from dust, if necessary, and insert it back. If these actions have failed, then you may need to repair or purchase a new video card;
• - One long and three short beeps of the speaker indicate a malfunction of the keyboard controller. Troubleshooting options: check the cable and keyboard connection to the system unit, check the keyboard on another computer. If, after checking, it turns out that the keyboard is in good condition, then there remains the option of repairing the motherboard, or replacing it;
• - One long and nine consecutive short signals from the speaker indicate a malfunction of the BIOS chip itself. Troubleshooting options: flashing the microcircuit or replacing it completely;
• - Lack of speaker signals may indicate a power supply failure. Troubleshooting options: check the fastening of the power supply plugs to the connectors on the motherboard, clean the power supply from dust. If, as a result of the actions taken, when you try to turn on the computer again, there are no signals, repair of the power supply is necessary.

Separately, it is necessary to note the continuously varying sound signals of BIOS. This can be caused either by a faulty power supply unit or by overheating of the PC.

Computer crashes and errors