Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Basic input/output system (BIOS) error messages

A:
Error Message Description
Diskette drive A error Drive A is present but fails the power-on self-test (POST) disk tests. Check that the drive is defined with the proper disk type in BIOS Setup Utility and that the disk drive is installed correctly.
Extended RAM Failed at offset: nnnn Extended memory not working or not configured properly at offset nnnn.
Failing Bits: nnnn The number nnnn is a map of the bits at the random access memory (RAM) address, System, Extended, or Shadow memory, that failed the memory test. Each 1 in the map indicates a failed bit.
Fixed Disk 0 Failure or
Fixed Disk 1 Failure or
Fixed Disk Controller Failure		 Fixed Disk is not working or not configured properly. Check to see if fixed disk is installed properly. Run the BIOS Setup Utility to be sure that the fixed disk type is correctly identified.
Incorrect Drive A type-run Setup Type of floppy disk or drive A not correctly identified in the BIOS Setup Utility.
Invalid NVRAM media type Problem with non-volatile RAM (NVRAM) BIOS Setup Utility access.
Keyboard controller error The keyboard controller failed test. Try replacing the keyboard.
Keyboard error. Keyboard not working.
Keyboard error nn Basic input/output system (BIOS) discovered a stuck key and displays the scan code nn for the stuck key.
Keyboard locked-Unlock key switch Unlock the computer to proceed.
Monitor type does not match CMOS-Run Setup Monitor type not correctly identified in the BIOS Setup Utility.
Operating system not found Operating system cannot be located on either drive A or drive C. Enter the BIOS Setup Utility and see if fixed disk and drive A are properly identified.
Parity Check 1 Parity error found in the computer bus. BIOS attempts to locate the address and display it on the screen. If it cannot locate the address, it displays ????.
Parity Check 2 Parity error found in the input/output (I/O) bus. BIOS attempts to locate the address and display it on the screen. If it cannot locate the address, it displays ????.
Press F1 to resume, F2 to Setup Displayed after any recoverable error message. Press the F1 key to start the start-up process or the F2 key to enter the BIOS Setup Utility and change any settings.
Real time clock error Real-time clock fails BIOS test. May require motherboard repair.
Shadow RAM Failed at offset: nnnn Shadow RAM failed at offset nnnn of the 64-kilobytes (KB) block at which the error was detected.
System battery is dead-Replace and run Setup The complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) clock battery indicator shows the battery is dead. Replace the battery and run the BIOS Setup Utility to reconfigure the computer.
System cache error-Cache disabled RAM cache failed the BIOS test. BIOS disabled the cache.
System CMOS checksum bad-run Setup Computer CMOS RAM has been corrupted or modified incorrectly, perhaps by a program that changes data stored in CMOS. Run the BIOS Setup Utility and reconfigure the computer either by getting the default values and/or making your own selections.
System RAM Failed at offset: nnnn System RAM failed at offset nnnn of the 64-KB block at which the error was detected.
System timer error The timer test failed. Requires repair of computer motherboard.

nnnn = hexadecimal numbers