60 Chapter 4
Error Messages
The following tables describes the error messages that may appear during POST. Each message is listed with
a detailed description of the error.
Memory
Boot
Message Displayed Description
Gate20 Error The BIOS is unable to properly control the mainboard’s Gate A20 function, which
controls access of memory over 1 MB. This may indicate a problem with the
mainboard.
Multi-Bit ECC Error This message will only occur on systems using ECC enabled memory modules.
ECC memory has the ability to correct single-bit errors that may occur from faulty
memory modules.
A multiple bit corruption of memory has occurred, and the ECC memory algorithm
cannot correct it. This may indicate a defective memory module.
Parity Error Fatal Memory Parity Error. System halts after displaying this message.
RAM R/W test failed This message is displayed by the AMIBIOS8 when the RAM read/write test fails.
CMOS Memory Size
Wrong
The base memory (memory below 1MB) size that is reported in the CMOS (offset
15h) mismatches with the actual size detected. This condition may occur when the
hole is set at 512K base memory or when CMOS is corrupted.
Message Displayed Description
Boot Failure ... This is a generic message indicating the BIOS could not boot from a particular
device. This message is usually followed by other information concerning the
device.
Invalid Boot Diskette A diskette was found in the drive, but it is not configured as a bootable diskette.
Drive Not Ready The BIOS was unable to access the drive because it indicated it was not ready for
data transfer. This is often reported by drives when no media is present.
A: Drive Error The BIOS attempted to configure the A: drive during POST, but was unable to
properly configure the device. This may be due to a bad cable or faulty diskette
drive.
B: Drive Error The BIOS attempted to configure the B: drive during POST, but was unable to
properly configure the device. This may be due to a bad cable or faulty diskette
drive.
Insert BOOT diskette
in A:
The BIOS attempted to boot from the A: drive, but could not find a proper boot
diskette.
Reboot and Select proper Boot device or Insert Boot Media in selected Boot device
BIOS could not find a bootable device in the system and/or removable media drive
does not contain media.
Reboot and Select
proper Boot device or
Insert Boot Media in
selected Boot device
BIOS could not find a bootable device in the system and/or removable
media drive does not contain media.
NO ROM BASIC This message occurs on some systems when no bootable device can be detected.