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BC 4030
Appendix A - BIOS Error Beep Codes


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BIOS Error Beep Codes


BIOS Error Beep Codes

During the POST (Power On Self Test) routines, which are performed each time the system is booted, errors may occur. Nonfatal errors are those which, in most cases, allow the system to continue the boot process. The error messages normally appear on the screen. See Appendix B for BIOS Error Messages.

Fatal errors are those which will not allow the system to continue the boot procedure. If a fatal error occurs, consult Cubix Technical Support for possible repairs. These fatal errors are usually communicated through a series of audible beeps. The number of beeps corresponds to the error number in the following list. All errors except of #8 are fatal errors.

1 Beep - Refresh Failure

The memory refresh circuitry of the motherboard is faulty.

2 Beeps - Parity Error

A parity error was detected in the base memory (the first block of 64 KB) of the system.

3 Beeps - Base 64 KB Memory Failure

A memory failure occurred within the first 64 KB of memory.

4 Beeps - Timer Not Operational

Timer #1 on the system board has failed to function properly.

5 Beeps - Processor Error

The CPU (Central Processing Unit) on the system board has generated an error.

6 Beeps - 8042 Gate A20 Failure

The keyboard controller (8042) contains the Gate A20 switch which allows the CPU to operate in virtual mode. This error message indicates that the BIOS is not able to switch the CPU into protected mode.

7 Beeps - Processor Exception Interrupt Error

The CPU on the motherboard has generated an exception interrupt.

8 Beeps - Display Memory Read/Write Error

The system video adapter is either missing or its memory is faulty. This is not a fatal error.

9 Beeps - ROM Checksum Error

The ROM checksum value does not match the value encoded in the BIOS.

10 Beeps - CMOS Shutdown Register Read/Write Error

The shutdown register for the CMOS memory has failed.



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