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Desktop Boards Troubleshooting BIOS issues

General information

What is BIOS When to update the BIOS Where to get BIOS updates How to update the BIOS BIOS settings How to enter the BIOS setup BIOS language BIOS splash screens BIOS configuration jumper Fast Boot feature

Troubleshooting

BIOS update errors System wont boot after BIOS update BIOS loses date and time (or changed settings not saved) BIOS updates may fail on Intel AMT systems Forgot BIOS password BIOS menus do not display properly

General information What is BIOS BIOS stands for Basic Input/Output System. The BIOS (sometimes called CMOS) is the program that controls a computer's boot process. The purpose of the BIOS is to identify and initialize processor, memory, hard drives, optical drives and other hardware.

When to update the BIOS Update the BIOS on your computer only if the newer BIOS version specifically solves a problem you have. We do not recommend BIOS updates for computers that do not need it. You can view all BIOS changes in the Release Notes included with the BIOS updates in Download Center. Where to get BIOS updates All BIOS updates are available in Intels Download Center. How to update the BIOS There are up to six methods of updating an Intel Desktop Board BIOS to the latest version. The number of options available for any particular board model varies, depending on drive support and BIOS update file size. Refer to BIOS Update Instructions. BIOS settings For a list of BIOS settings along with their purpose and options, refer to the BIOS Settings Glossary. How to enter the BIOS setup The BIOS Setup program can be used to view and change the BIOS settings for the computer. You can access the BIOS Setup program by pressing the <F2> key after the Power-On Self-Test (POST) memory test begins and before the operating system boot begins. If any problems occur after making BIOS settings changes (poor performance, intermittent issues, etc.), reset the desktop board to default values: 1. During boot, enter the BIOS setup by pressing F2. 2. Press F9 to set defaults. 3. Press F10 to Save and Exit. If the system locks or wont boot after making BIOS settings changes, perform a BIOS recovery. BIOS language The BIOS Setup program and help messages are supported in US English. Additional languages are available in the Intel Integrator Toolkit utility. BIOS splash screens During POST, an Intel splash screen is displayed by default. This splash screen can be augmented with a custom splash screen. The Intel Integrator Toolkit or Intel Integrator Assistant can be used to create a custom splash screen. Depending on your hardware configuration (processor and memory), the systems

boot time may be so quick that the splash screen is not visible. To resolve this, you can add a delay to the boot sequence: 1. 2. 3. 4. Press F2 during boot to enter the BIOS Setup. Go to the Advanced > Drive Configuration menu. Increase the time in the Hard Disk Pre-Delay setting. Press F10 to Save and Exit.

BIOS configuration jumper The three-pin BIOS jumper block enables all board configurations to be done in the BIOS Setup program.

The following table shows the jumper settings for the BIOS Setup program modes.

Jumper Setting

Mode Normal (default) (1-2)

Description The BIOS uses the current configuration and passwords for booting.

Configure (2-3)

After the Power-On Self-Test (POST) runs, the BIOS displays the Maintenance Menu.

Recovery (none)

The BIOS recovers data in the event of a failed BIOS update.

Fast Boot feature Fast Boot is a feature in BIOS that can help to reduce the time it takes to boot Intel Desktop Boards. The Fast Boot option has three optimization settings which allow General, USB and Video Optimization to be turned on or off separately. By default, all Fast Boot options are DISABLED. For complete instructions, refer to Using Fast Boot to reduce boot time. Troubleshooting BIOS update error If you have downloaded the wrong BIOS (one for a different board model), when you try to update the BIOS, you may get one of the following error messages: This program is unable to continue. The BIOS you are trying to update to is invalid for your system. BIOSIDs do not match Currently installed BIOS ID: Attempting to install BIOS ID: Error: Flash update was unsuccessful. Remove diskette and reboot your system to continue. Be sure youve downloaded the correct BIOS for your board. You can view a list of BIOS IDs (with links to Download Center) at List of BIOS Identifier Codes. If your board is not on the list, you most likely have a board that was manufactured for a specific OEM board and you should contact that OEM for board support. System wont boot after BIOS update If the system will not boot up after updating the BIOS, the BIOS may have become corrupted during the update process. Try the following:

Clear the CMOS Clearing the CMOS memory will cause you to lose all customized settings in the BIOS. Make sure that you only do this if it is absolutely necessary. Before beginning, make a note of all BIOS settings on your system. To clear CMOS: 1. Turn off all peripheral devices connected to the computer. Disconnect the computers power cord from the AC power source (wall outlet or power adapter). 2. Remove the computer cover. 3. Locate the battery on the board.

4. With a medium flat-bladed screwdriver, gently pry the battery free from its connector. Note the orientation of the + and - on the battery. 5. Leave the battery out for 10 - 15 minutes, for the CMOS to lose the settings. 6. Replace the battery in the connector, orienting the + and - correctly. 7. Replace the computer cover. 8. Turn the system back on. You will need to reset the date and time in the BIOS Setup after clearing the CMOS. Perform a BIOS Recovery If clearing the CMOS does not resolve a no-boot situation, try performing a BIOS recovery. Refer to Troubleshooting System Boot Issues If clearing the CMOS and performing a BIOS recovery do not resolve a no-boot situation, refer to Troubleshooting System Boot Issues for additional troubleshooting tips. BIOS loses date and time (or changed settings not saved) A coin-cell battery (CR2032) powers the real-time clock and CMOS memory. When the voltage of the CMOS battery drops below a certain level, the BIOS Setup program settings stored in CMOS RAM (for example, the date and time) might not be accurate. If you find that date and time is incorrect or if you make BIOS setting changes but they are not saved, replace the battery with an equivalent one.

Risk of explosion if the battery is replaced with an incorrect type. Caution Batteries should be recycled where possible. Disposal of used batteries must be in accordance with local environmental regulations.

To replace the battery, follow these steps: 1. Turn off all peripheral devices connected to the computer. Disconnect the computers power cord from the AC power source (wall outlet or power adapter). 2. Remove the computer cover. 3. Locate the battery on the board.

4. With a medium flat-bladed screwdriver, gently pry the battery free from its connector. Note the orientation of the + and - on the battery. 5. Install the new battery in the connector, orienting the + and - correctly. 6. Replace the computer cover. BIOS updates may fail on Intel AMT systems Multiple security enhancements and Intel Manageability Engine (Intel ME) updates may have altered the BIOS update process for Intel Desktop Boards DQ965CO, DQ965GF and DQ965WC. Refer to BIOS updates may fail on Intel AMT systems for details. Forgot BIOS password If a User Password has been set in BIOS, you must enter the password to boot the system. If you have forgotten the password, you will need to clear the BIOS password in BIOS setup. Refer to Clearing BIOS Passwords for instructions. If clearing passwords in BIOS Setup does not work, you may need to clear the CMOS.

BIOS menus do not display properly Certain older CRT monitors may not properly display BIOS menu items (black bars will display). However, when using arrow keys to navigate within the BIOS menus, the BIOS menu and selections will be highlighted. To resolve this, we suggest that you try a different CRT monitor or use an LCD monitor. This applies to:

Intel Desktop Board D102GGC2 Intel Desktop Board D201GLY Intel Desktop Board D201GLY2 Intel Desktop Board D945GBO Intel Desktop Board D945GCCR Intel Desktop Board D945GCL Intel Desktop Board D945GCNL Intel Desktop Board D945GCPE Intel Desktop Board D945GCZ Intel Desktop Board D945GNT Intel Desktop Board D945GPM Intel Desktop Board D945GRW Intel Desktop Board D945GTP Intel Desktop Board D945PDK Intel Desktop Board D945PLNM Intel Desktop Board D945PLRN Intel Desktop Board D945PSN Intel Desktop Board D945PVS Intel Desktop Board D945PWM Intel Desktop Board D946GZAB Intel Desktop Board D946GZIS Intel Desktop Board D946GZTS Intel Desktop Board D975XBX Intel Desktop Board D975XBX2 Intel Desktop Board DB43LD Intel Desktop Board DB65AL Intel Desktop Board DG31GL Intel Desktop Board DG31PR Intel Desktop Board DG33BU Intel Desktop Board DG33FB Intel Desktop Board DG33TL Intel Desktop Board DG35EC Intel Desktop Board DG41AN Intel Desktop Board DG41BI Intel Desktop Board DG41CN

Intel Desktop Board DG965WH Intel Desktop Board DH55HC Intel Desktop Board DH55PJ Intel Desktop Board DH55TC Intel Desktop Board DH57DD Intel Desktop Board DH57JG Intel Desktop Board DH61AG Intel Desktop Board DH61BE Intel Desktop Board DH61CR Intel Desktop Board DH61DL Intel Desktop Board DH61SA Intel Desktop Board DH61WW Intel Desktop Board DH67BL Intel Desktop Board DH67CF Intel Desktop Board DH67CL Intel Desktop Board DH67GD Intel Desktop Board DH67VR Intel Desktop Board DP35DP Intel Desktop Board DP43BF Intel Desktop Board DP43BFL Intel Desktop Board DP43TF Intel Desktop Board DP45SG Intel Desktop Board DP55KG Intel Desktop Board DP55SB Intel Desktop Board DP55WB Intel Desktop Board DP55WG Intel Desktop Board DP67BA Intel Desktop Board DP67BG Intel Desktop Board DP67DE Intel Desktop Board DP965LT Intel Desktop Board DQ35JO Intel Desktop Board DQ35MP Intel Desktop Board DQ43AP Intel Desktop Board DQ45CB Intel Desktop Board DQ45EK

Intel Desktop Board DG41KR Intel Desktop Board DG41MJ Intel Desktop Board DG41RQ Intel Desktop Board DG41TX Intel Desktop Board DG41TY Intel Desktop Board DG41WV Intel Desktop Board DG43GT Intel Desktop Board DG43NB Intel Desktop Board DG43RK Intel Desktop Board DG45FC Intel Desktop Board DG45ID Intel Desktop Board DG965MQ Intel Desktop Board DG965MS Intel Desktop Board DG965OT Intel Desktop Board DG965PZ Intel Desktop Board DG965RY Intel Desktop Board DG965SS

Intel Desktop Board DQ57TM Intel Desktop Board DQ57TML Intel Desktop Board DQ67EP Intel Desktop Board DQ67OW Intel Desktop Board DQ67SW Intel Desktop Board DQ963FX Intel Desktop Board DQ965CO Intel Desktop Board DQ965GF Intel Desktop Board DQ965WC Intel Desktop Board DX38BT Intel Desktop Board DX48BT2 Intel Desktop Board DX58OG Intel Desktop Board DX58SO Intel Desktop Board DX58SO2 Intel Desktop Board DZ68BC Intel Desktop Board DZ68DB Intel Desktop Board DZ68ZV

Solution ID: CS-028780 Date Created: 28-Jan-2008 Last Modified: 04-Oct-2011

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