Ami bios one long. AMI beeps

The theme of this article is BIOS. First, we'll figure out what the BIOS is and what it's for? And after as much as possible we will describe sound bIOS signals.

BIOS (Basic Input-Output System, basic system  I / O) is a special program that is stored in a ROM chip (read-only memory). Frequently there is an English-speaking designation of this type of memory - Read Only Memory, or abbreviated ROM. In practice, for a long time, instead of regular ROMs, flash memory is used, which is rewritable, which allows the user to independently update BIOS versions.

BIOS functions

As for the BIOS functions, they are very extensive.

First, as soon as the PC power is turned on, the control immediately goes directly to the BIOS. This program performs initial testing of the components of the system unit. After a successful check, the BIOS transfers control of the computer to the next program that is written to the boot sector (the boot sector) on the boot disk (as the boot disk  can act hDD, CD-ROM, floppy disk, flash drive, etc.). The procedure for initial testing of equipment is called POST (English Power-On Self Test - power-on self test).

Secondly, thanks to the BIOS in the special CMOS chip, the hardware configuration of the computer remains. During the power-up of the PC, the current hardware configuration is compared and stored in the chip. If the program has found differences between these two configurations, then the CMOS data will be updated and, if necessary, will be prompted to enter the BIOS Setup to specify the new parameters of the detected equipment. If no differences in configurations are found, or the configuration can be updated without user intervention, the program performs the necessary configuration (configuration) of the hardware components of the computer.

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

Thirdly, with the help of a special the BIOS  Setup, the user can set various parameters and select operating modes for individual PC components. Here, the user can turn off equipment that is not used, or its use is undesirable in order to ensure the safety of the computer. Fourthly, with help with BIOS I / O operations are processed. Actually, for this purpose, this system was originally developed. Due to the presence of the BIOS, for example, the hard disk understands that the head needs to be placed on a specific track or counted as a certain sector, etc.

If all programs had to include instructions of this kind in their composition, then they would be huge, and their work was very inefficient. In addition, with the advent of each new device, they would have to be modified. Therefore, in order to avoid such problems, a significant part of the work related to the processing of I / O operations was assigned to the BIOS. Naturally, the BIOS did not completely remove all the problems, but greatly simplified the solution of most of them. It is worth noting that today it is not as relevant as it was in the days of the MS-DOS operating system. Modern operating systems, such as Windows XP, Windows Vista  or Windows Seven practically do not use the BIOS capabilities to handle I / O operations. But here we must necessarily say that all that is said is very conditional. In fact, all tasks are performed by the operating system in close interaction with the BIOS, complementing each other functionally.

An ordinary user often has to deal with that part of the BIOS, which is called the BIOS Setup. BIOS Setup is a special subroutine that allows you to configure the operation of individual hardware components of the computer. The main difficulty of its configuration lies in the incomprehensible names of options, which little can be said about the not-too-advanced user. In addition, the problem is aggravated by a lack of reference material on these settings. And if you look at the whole, nothing special about BIOS Setup is representative of itself, the only thing that distinguishes it from other programs is its rather archaic interface compared to modern operating systems. All the settings made by the user during setup of the computer through the BIOS Setup are saved to the CMOS memory chip, where they are stored together with the information about the hardware configuration of the system.

How to reset BIOS settings

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

Method 1

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

Method 2

Reset bIOS settings  with the help of a battery. Before starting, you should completely disconnect the power from the computer. After you make sure that all cords from the sockets are removed, you need to remove the side cover of the system unit. Next, find the same battery and take it out for 5-10 minutes. After this period you can return it to the place. The BIOS should be 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, the jumper must be reset for a few seconds from position 1-2 to position 2-3, and then return it to its place.

If everything is done correctly, after turning on the computer after a few seconds, one short signal will be heard - this indicates that the system is OK and then the operating system will start to boot. If the system has hardware problems, the signal will have a different appearance. By type of signal, you can determine what kind of character the fault is detected, and what further actions should be taken. All BIOS signals (provided by the speaker) are distinguished depending on the version and, of course, depending on the nature of the detected malfunction. The BIOS version is determined based on the documentation that comes with the motherboard. If documents are missing for some reason, you can determine the version of BIOS with the help of special utilities, which are available in surplus on the Internet. Another version of the BIOS is usually displayed on the monitor screen when the computer starts in the lower left corner. Of all the BIOS vendors on the market, there are two main competitors, software  which is equipped with the vast majority of modern PCs. These are two such well-known brands, such as American Megatrends (AMI) and Award Software. So, first consider the sound alarm AMI.

Beeps BIOS: AMI BIOS

• - Two short signals of the speaker mean any malfunction in the computer's RAM. Troubleshooting options: it is necessary to remove the memory module from the slot, wipe it with a dry brush and insert the module into place, if after the PC starts the signals are repeated, it may be necessary to further test the memory or completely replace it;
• - Three consecutive short speaker signals mean a reading error of the first 64 KB of main memory of the PC. Troubleshooting options: it is necessary to remove the memory module from the slot, if there is dust, wipe the bar with a dry brush and insert the module into place, when repeating the signals, it may be necessary to further test the memory or completely replace it;

• - Four consecutive short speaker signals indicate a malfunction of the system timer. Troubleshooting options: restart the PC, and if the signals are repeated, then repair or replace the system board;
• - Five consecutive short speaker signals indicate a malfunction of the CPU. Options for troubleshooting: restart the PC, when repeating the signals - CPU replacement;
• - Six consecutive short speaker signals indicate a malfunction of the keyboard controller. Troubleshooting options: check cable and keyboard connection to the system unit, check the keyboards on another computer. If after checking that the keyboard is working, then there is a version of the motherboard repair, or its replacement;
• - Seven consecutive short speaker signals indicate a malfunction of the motherboard. Troubleshooting options: reboot again and if the signals are repeated, you will need to repair or purchase a new motherboard;
• - Eight consecutive short speaker signals indicate a memory fault graphics card. Troubleshooting options: if you repeat the signals after a reboot, you will either need to repair the old one or purchase new video card;
• - Nine consecutive short signals indicate a malfunction of the BIOS chip itself. Options for troubleshooting: flashing the chip or replacing it completely;
• - Ten consecutive short speaker signals indicate the impossibility of recording in the CMOS memory. Troubleshooting options: Clear CMOS memory with one of the above options. If, after setting the BIOS default values, the signals are repeated, the CMOS memory module must be replaced;
• - Eleven consecutive short speaker signals indicate a malfunction of the RAM. Troubleshooting options: it is necessary to remove the memory module from the slot, if there is dust, wipe the bar with a dry brush and insert the module into place, when repeating the signals, it may be necessary to further test the memory or completely replace it;
• - One long and three short signals of the speaker as well as one long and eight short signals again indicate a failure of the video card. The options for troubleshooting are the same as in the previous case.
• - The absence of speaker signals may indicate a malfunction of the power supply. Troubleshooting options: check the attachment of the power supply plugs to the connectors on the motherboard, clean the power unit of the dust. In case these actions do not work, try to test the PSU on another computer if possible. With such symptoms, you will either need to repair it, or purchase a new power supply.

BIOS audio signals: Award BIOS

• - One short signal of the speaker means no errors in the system and the computer is in a fully functional state;
• - Two consecutive short speaker signals indicate the detection of "non-essential" errors. Troubleshooting options: it is necessary to check the reliability of mounting components and cables to the PC board, then try to set the BIOS default values;

• - A short repeating speaker signal indicates a failure of the PSU. Troubleshooting options: check the attachment of the power supply plugs to the connectors on the motherboard, clean the power unit of the dust. In case these actions do not work, try to test the PSU on another computer if possible. With such symptoms, you will either need to repair it or purchase a new power supply;
• - A long repeating speaker signal indicates a malfunction of the RAM. Troubleshooting options: it is necessary to remove the memory module from the slot, if there is dust, wipe the bar with a dry brush and insert the module into place, when repeating the signals, it may be necessary to further test the memory or completely replace it;
• - Three long speaker signals indicate a malfunction of the keyboard controller. Troubleshooting options: check cable and keyboard connection to the system unit, check the keyboards on another computer. If after checking that the keyboard is working, then there is a version of the motherboard repair, or its replacement;
• - One long and one short speaker signals indicate a malfunction of the RAM. Troubleshooting options: it is necessary to remove the memory module from the slot, if there is dust, wipe the bar with a dry brush and insert the module into place, when repeating the signals, it may be necessary to further test the memory or completely replace it;
• - One long and two short signals of the speaker indicate a malfunction of the video card. Troubleshooting options: you need to check the cable from the video card to the monitor, if the cable is OK, you need to remove the video card from the slot, wipe it off if necessary, and insert it back. If these actions do not work, you may need to repair or purchase a new video card;
• - One long and three short speaker signals indicate a malfunction of the keyboard controller. Troubleshooting options: check cable and keyboard connection to the system unit, check the keyboards on another computer. If after checking that the keyboard is working, then there is a version of the motherboard repair, or its replacement;
• - One long and nine consecutive short speaker signals indicate a malfunction of the BIOS chip itself. Options for troubleshooting: flashing the chip or replacing it completely;
• - The absence of speaker signals may indicate a malfunction of the power supply. Troubleshooting options: check the attachment of the power supply plugs to the connectors on the motherboard, clean the power unit of the dust. If, as a result of the actions taken, there are no signals when trying to turn on the computer again, the power supply unit needs repair.

Separately, it is necessary to note the continuous sound signals of the BIOS, which vary in tone. This can be caused by either a faulty PSU or overheating of the PC.

Computer crashes and errors