BIO cache memory

[ms]

This desktop is unknown, had not been used for awhile.

Typically on turn on, get the bios error I will describe.

But on another turn on, it may boot into W98, displays normal desktop.
Not enough time to get into DM, etc., as had to reboot to enable mouse,
then got bios screen.

At the next boot up, it will again stop at the initial Award bios screen,
cursor blinking at Cache Memory, blank entry.

On one boot, I went into bios, the only item seemed abnormal was the 1998
date as if the battery may be bad. Otherwise, RAM memory was detected,
drives were detected.

When it stops at the initial screen, if I shut down with the front
button, it flashes off, 3 beeps, screen returns. I have to use the back
power switch.

Does the above cache memory showing nothing indicate a memory problem?

If other symptoms are indicated, does the bios date have to get set
first, or can that be set after the other issues are addressed?

Advice?

ms

 

[ms]

ms <ms@invalid.com> wrote in news:5nfbq2FhdgpgU1@mid.individual.net:

> This desktop is unknown, had not been used for awhile.
>
> Typically on turn on, get the bios error I will describe.
>
> But on another turn on, it may boot into W98, displays normal desktop.
> Not enough time to get into DM, etc., as had to reboot to enable
> mouse, then got bios screen.
>
> At the next boot up, it will again stop at the initial Award bios
> screen, cursor blinking at Cache Memory, blank entry.
>
> On one boot, I went into bios, the only item seemed abnormal was the
> 1998 date as if the battery may be bad. Otherwise, RAM memory was
> detected, drives were detected.
>
> When it stops at the initial screen, if I shut down with the front
> button, it flashes off, 3 beeps, screen returns. I have to use the
> back power switch.
>
> Does the above cache memory showing nothing indicate a memory problem?
>
> If other symptoms are indicated, does the bios date have to get set
> first, or can that be set after the other issues are addressed?
>
> Advice?
>
> ms
>

Header should read BIOS, not BIO

ms

 

[Jeff Richards]

BIOS POST is a hardware test - any halt during POST indicates a hardware
problem - either a fault or a configuration issue. The Award site should
have an indication of the likely causes of each type of halt.
--
Jeff Richards
MS MVP (Windows - Shell/User)
"ms" <ms@invalid.com> wrote in message
news:5nfbq2FhdgpgU1@mid.individual.net...
> This desktop is unknown, had not been used for awhile.
>
> Typically on turn on, get the bios error I will describe.
>
> But on another turn on, it may boot into W98, displays normal desktop.
> Not enough time to get into DM, etc., as had to reboot to enable mouse,
> then got bios screen.
>
> At the next boot up, it will again stop at the initial Award bios screen,
> cursor blinking at Cache Memory, blank entry.
>
> On one boot, I went into bios, the only item seemed abnormal was the 1998
> date as if the battery may be bad. Otherwise, RAM memory was detected,
> drives were detected.
>
> When it stops at the initial screen, if I shut down with the front
> button, it flashes off, 3 beeps, screen returns. I have to use the back
> power switch.
>
> Does the above cache memory showing nothing indicate a memory problem?
>
> If other symptoms are indicated, does the bios date have to get set
> first, or can that be set after the other issues are addressed?
>
> Advice?
>
> ms

 

[ms]

"Jeff Richards" <JRichards@msn.com.au> wrote in
news:#U2mXMqDIHA.1168@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl:

> BIOS POST is a hardware test - any halt during POST indicates a
> hardware problem - either a fault or a configuration issue. The Award
> site should have an indication of the likely causes of each type of
> halt.

Thanks, Jeff.

ms

 

[Buffalo]

"ms" <ms@invalid.com> wrote in message
news:5nfbq2FhdgpgU1@mid.individual.net...
> This desktop is unknown, had not been used for awhile.
>
> Typically on turn on, get the bios error I will describe.
>
> But on another turn on, it may boot into W98, displays normal desktop.
> Not enough time to get into DM, etc., as had to reboot to enable mouse,
> then got bios screen.
>
> At the next boot up, it will again stop at the initial Award bios screen,
> cursor blinking at Cache Memory, blank entry.
>
> On one boot, I went into bios, the only item seemed abnormal was the 1998
> date as if the battery may be bad. Otherwise, RAM memory was detected,
> drives were detected.
>
> When it stops at the initial screen, if I shut down with the front
> button, it flashes off, 3 beeps, screen returns. I have to use the back
> power switch.
>
> Does the above cache memory showing nothing indicate a memory problem?
>
> If other symptoms are indicated, does the bios date have to get set
> first, or can that be set after the other issues are addressed?
>
> Advice?
>
> ms

If the 3 beeps are 1 long and 2 short, a vid card problem is indicated.
Otherwise it may indicate a ram problem.
In either case, remove case cover, remove and reseat vid card and do the
same to the ram sticks.
While you're in there, make sure the cpu fan works well and the cpu heatsink
is not totally clogged with dirt.
You should only do this if you feel comfortable.
When you're in there you should be able to see the brand,and Model # of the
MotherBoard. (look next to the PCI slots)

When you get into the BIOS, reset the date, etc.
Try holding in the front power button in for 5 sec to see if it shuts down
properly.
Most MB batteries are under $4 and very easy to replace.

 

[ms]

"Buffalo" <Eric@nada.com.invalid> wrote in
news:hpKdnd5jh-G7D4_anZ2dnUVZ_hisnZ2d@comcast.com:

>
> "ms" <ms@invalid.com> wrote in message
> news:5nfbq2FhdgpgU1@mid.individual.net...
>> This desktop is unknown, had not been used for awhile.
>>
>> Typically on turn on, get the bios error I will describe.
>>
>> But on another turn on, it may boot into W98, displays normal
>> desktop. Not enough time to get into DM, etc., as had to reboot to
>> enable mouse, then got bios screen.
>>
>> At the next boot up, it will again stop at the initial Award bios
>> screen, cursor blinking at Cache Memory, blank entry.
>>
>> On one boot, I went into bios, the only item seemed abnormal was the
>> 1998 date as if the battery may be bad. Otherwise, RAM memory was
>> detected, drives were detected.
>>
>> When it stops at the initial screen, if I shut down with the front
>> button, it flashes off, 3 beeps, screen returns. I have to use the
>> back power switch.
>>
>> Does the above cache memory showing nothing indicate a memory
>> problem?
>>
>> If other symptoms are indicated, does the bios date have to get set
>> first, or can that be set after the other issues are addressed?
>>
>> Advice?
>>
>> ms
>
> If the 3 beeps are 1 long and 2 short, a vid card problem is
> indicated. Otherwise it may indicate a ram problem.
> In either case, remove case cover, remove and reseat vid card and do
> the same to the ram sticks.
> While you're in there, make sure the cpu fan works well and the cpu
> heatsink is not totally clogged with dirt.
> You should only do this if you feel comfortable.
> When you're in there you should be able to see the brand,and Model #
> of the MotherBoard. (look next to the PCI slots)
>
> When you get into the BIOS, reset the date, etc.
> Try holding in the front power button in for 5 sec to see if it shuts
> down properly.
> Most MB batteries are under $4 and very easy to replace.
>
>
Thanks, it is 3 quick beeps, after much searching one site says on Award
that means problem in 64 KB RAM area. I will find info on that.

I will try your advice, post back.

ms

 

[Buffalo]

"ms" <ms@invalid.com> wrote in message
news:5nfkhnFhtvi5U2@mid.individual.net...
> "Buffalo" <Eric@nada.com.invalid> wrote in
> news:hpKdnd5jh-G7D4_anZ2dnUVZ_hisnZ2d@comcast.com:
>
> >
> > "ms" <ms@invalid.com> wrote in message
> > news:5nfbq2FhdgpgU1@mid.individual.net...
> >> This desktop is unknown, had not been used for awhile.
> >>
> >> Typically on turn on, get the bios error I will describe.
> >>
> >> But on another turn on, it may boot into W98, displays normal
> >> desktop. Not enough time to get into DM, etc., as had to reboot to
> >> enable mouse, then got bios screen.
> >>
> >> At the next boot up, it will again stop at the initial Award bios
> >> screen, cursor blinking at Cache Memory, blank entry.
> >>
> >> On one boot, I went into bios, the only item seemed abnormal was the
> >> 1998 date as if the battery may be bad. Otherwise, RAM memory was
> >> detected, drives were detected.
> >>
> >> When it stops at the initial screen, if I shut down with the front
> >> button, it flashes off, 3 beeps, screen returns. I have to use the
> >> back power switch.
> >>
> >> Does the above cache memory showing nothing indicate a memory
> >> problem?
> >>
> >> If other symptoms are indicated, does the bios date have to get set
> >> first, or can that be set after the other issues are addressed?
> >>
> >> Advice?
> >>
> >> ms
> >
> > If the 3 beeps are 1 long and 2 short, a vid card problem is
> > indicated. Otherwise it may indicate a ram problem.
> > In either case, remove case cover, remove and reseat vid card and do
> > the same to the ram sticks.
> > While you're in there, make sure the cpu fan works well and the cpu
> > heatsink is not totally clogged with dirt.
> > You should only do this if you feel comfortable.
> > When you're in there you should be able to see the brand,and Model #
> > of the MotherBoard. (look next to the PCI slots)
> >
> > When you get into the BIOS, reset the date, etc.
> > Try holding in the front power button in for 5 sec to see if it shuts
> > down properly.
> > Most MB batteries are under $4 and very easy to replace.
> >
> >
> Thanks, it is 3 quick beeps, after much searching one site says on Award
> that means problem in 64 KB RAM area. I will find info on that.
>
> I will try your advice, post back.
>
> ms

More on 3 beeps here: http://www.pcguide.com/ts/x/sys/beep/amiB3-c.html
I would sure try reseating the vid card and the ram anyways.

 

[Buffalo]

"ms" <ms@invalid.com> wrote in message
news:5nfbq2FhdgpgU1@mid.individual.net...
> This desktop is unknown, had not been used for awhile.
>
> Typically on turn on, get the bios error I will describe.
>
> But on another turn on, it may boot into W98, displays normal desktop.
> Not enough time to get into DM, etc., as had to reboot to enable mouse,
> then got bios screen.
>
> At the next boot up, it will again stop at the initial Award bios screen,
> cursor blinking at Cache Memory, blank entry.
>
> On one boot, I went into bios, the only item seemed abnormal was the 1998
> date as if the battery may be bad. Otherwise, RAM memory was detected,
> drives were detected.
>
> When it stops at the initial screen, if I shut down with the front
> button, it flashes off, 3 beeps, screen returns. I have to use the back
> power switch.
>
> Does the above cache memory showing nothing indicate a memory problem?
>
> If other symptoms are indicated, does the bios date have to get set
> first, or can that be set after the other issues are addressed?
>
> Advice?
>
> ms

The following is for the Award BIOS:
AWARD BIOS BEEP CODES

The following are Award BIOS Beep Codes that can occur. However because of
the wide variety of different computer manufacturers with this BIOS the beep
codes may vary.

Beep Code Description
1 long, 2 short Indicates a video error has occurred and the BIOS
cannot initialize the video screen to display any additional information
Any other beep(s) RAM problem.

If any other correctable hardware issues the BIOS will display a message.

 

[ms]

"Buffalo" <Eric@nada.com.invalid> wrote in
news:hpKdnd5jh-G7D4_anZ2dnUVZ_hisnZ2d@comcast.com:

>
> "ms" <ms@invalid.com> wrote in message
> news:5nfbq2FhdgpgU1@mid.individual.net...
>> This desktop is unknown, had not been used for awhile.
>>
>> Typically on turn on, get the bios error I will describe.
>>
>> But on another turn on, it may boot into W98, displays normal
>> desktop. Not enough time to get into DM, etc., as had to reboot to
>> enable mouse, then got bios screen.
>>
>> At the next boot up, it will again stop at the initial Award bios
>> screen, cursor blinking at Cache Memory, blank entry.
>>
>> On one boot, I went into bios, the only item seemed abnormal was the
>> 1998 date as if the battery may be bad. Otherwise, RAM memory was
>> detected, drives were detected.
>>
>> When it stops at the initial screen, if I shut down with the front
>> button, it flashes off, 3 beeps, screen returns. I have to use the
>> back power switch.
>>
>> Does the above cache memory showing nothing indicate a memory
>> problem?
>>
>> If other symptoms are indicated, does the bios date have to get set
>> first, or can that be set after the other issues are addressed?
>>
>> Advice?
>>
>> ms
>
> If the 3 beeps are 1 long and 2 short, a vid card problem is
> indicated. Otherwise it may indicate a ram problem.
> In either case, remove case cover, remove and reseat vid card and do
> the same to the ram sticks.

The video card is onboard, nothing to change there.

I removed/reseated the single RAM stick, (it only has 32 MB).

> While you're in there, make sure the cpu fan works well and the cpu
> heatsink is not totally clogged with dirt.

Must not have been used much, fan is clean, runs fine.

> You should only do this if you feel comfortable.
> When you're in there you should be able to see the brand,and Model #
> of the MotherBoard. (look next to the PCI slots)
>
Couldn't get to it, but see below.

> When you get into the BIOS, reset the date, etc.

Put in correct date.

> Try holding in the front power button in for 5 sec to see if it shuts
> down properly.

That works, shuts it off.

> Most MB batteries are under $4 and very easy to replace.
>
>
While originally, it several times booted into W98, mostly it stayed in
the bios screen. Now, it always stays in the bios screen, with the cursor
at cache memory, blank entry.

The links you gave me indicate memory failure issues for the beeps, and
the bios entry seems to indicate that.

With only 31 MB RAM and a 300 MHZ processor, it is not much use to me
anyway.

If there is something else to look at, please advise.

Regardless, thanks for the help.

ms