89719037 Tech Ref 7/26/99 12:30 PM Page 39

IBM BIOS Beep and Alphanumeric Error Codes 39

POST Code Meaning

1Ah

1Dh

2Fh

IBM BIOS Beep and Alphanumeric Error

Codes
After completing the POST, an audio code indicates either a normal condition or that one of sev-
eral errors has occurred.

Table 18 IBM POST Audio Error Codes

Audio Code Sound Graph Description
1 short beep • Normal POST—system OK
2 short beeps •• POST error—error code on display
No beep Power supply, system board
Continuous beep ————— Power supply, system board
Repeating •••••• Power supply, system board
short beeps
1 long, –• System board
1 short beep
1 long, –•• Video adapter (MDA/CGA)
2 short beeps
1 long, –••• Video adapter (EGA/VGA)
3 short beeps
3 long beeps ––– 3270 keyboard card
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40 Technical Reference

IBM has developed a system in which the first part of the error code indicates the device the error
involves, and the last part indicates the exact error meaning. One of the biggest problems with
these error codes is that IBM does not publish a complete list of the errors in any single publica-
tion; instead, it details specific error codes in many different publications. I have researched these
codes for many years; the following table represents all the codes I have found meanings for.
These codes have been selected from a number of sources, including all IBM’s technical-reference
and hardware-maintenance service manuals.

Table 19 IBM POST and Diagnostics Error Codes

Code Description

1xx System Board Errors

101 System board interrupt failure (unexpected interrupt).
102 System board timer failure.
102 PS/2; real-time clock (RTC)/64 byte CMOS RAM test failure.
103 System board timer interrupt failure.
103 PS/2; 2KB CMOS RAM extension test failure.
104 System board protected mode failure.
105 System board 8042 keyboard controller command failure.
106 System board converting logic test failure.
107 System board non-maskable interrupt (NMI) test failure; hot NMI.
108 System board timer bus test failure.
109 System board memory select error; low MB chip select test failed.
110 PS/2 system board parity check error (PARITY CHECK 1).
111 PS/2 I/O channel (bus) parity check error (PARITY CHECK 2).
112 PS/2 Micro Channel Arbitration error; watchdog time-out (NMI error).
113 PS/2 Micro Channel Arbitration error; DMA arbitration time-out (NMI error).
114 PS/2 external ROM checksum error.
115 Cache parity error, ROM checksum error or DMA error.
116 System board port read/write failure.
118 System board parity or L2-cache error during previous power-on.
119 “E” Step level 82077 (floppy controller) and 2.88MB drive installed (not supported).
120 Microprocessor self-test error.
121 256KB ROM checksum error (second 128KB bank).
121 Unexpected hardware interrupts occurred.
131 PC system board cassette port wrap test failure.
131 Direct memory access (DMA) compatibility registers error.
132 Direct memory access (DMA) extended registers error.
133 Direct memory access (DMA) verify logic error.
134 Direct memory access (DMA) arbitration logic error.
151 Battery or CMOS RAM failure.
152 Real-time clock or CMOS RAM failure.
160 PS/2 system board ID not recognized.
161 CMOS configuration empty (dead battery).
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IBM BIOS Beep and Alphanumeric Error Codes 41

Code Description

1xx System Board Errors

162 CMOS checksum error or adapter ID mismatch.
163 CMOS error; date and time not set (clock not updating).
164 Memory size error; CMOS setting does not match memory.
165 PS/2 Micro Channel adapter ID and CMOS mismatch.
166 PS/2 Micro Channel adapter time-out error (card busy).
167 PS/2 CMOS clock not updating.
168 CMOS configuration error (math coprocessor).
169 System board and processor card configuration mismatch. Run Setup.
170 ASCII setup conflict error.
170 PC Convertible; LCD not in use when suspended.
171 Rolling-bit-test failure on CMOS shutdown address byte.
171 PC Convertible; base 128KB checksum failure.
172 Rolling-bit-test failure on NVRAM diagnostic byte.
172 PC Convertible; diskette active when suspended.
173 Bad CMOS/NVRAM checksum.
173 PC Convertible; real-time clock RAM verification error.
174 Bad configuration.
174 PC Convertible; LCD configuration changed.
175 Bad EEPROM CRC #1.
175 PC Convertible; LCD alternate mode failed.
176 Tamper evident.
177 Bad PAP (privileged-access password) CRC.
177 Bad EEPROM.
178 Bad EEPROM.
179 NVRAM error log full.
180x Sub Address data error, where x = the slot number that caused the error.
181 Unsupported configurations.
182 Privileged-access switch (JMP2) is not in the write-enable position.
183 PAP is needed to boot from the system programs.
183 Privileged-access password required.
184 Bad power-on password checksum—erase it.
184 Bad power-on password.
185 Bad startup sequence.
186 Password-protection hardware error.
187 Serial number error.
188 Bad EEPROM checksum CRC #2.
189 Excessive incorrect password attempts.
191 82385 cache controller test failure.
194 System board memory error.
199 User indicated INSTALLED DEVICES list is not correct.

(continues)
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42 Technical Reference

Table 19 Continued
Code Description

2xx Memory (RAM) Errors

20x Memory error.
201 Memory test failure; error location might be displayed.
202 Memory address error; lines 00–15.
203 Memory address error; lines 16–23 (ISA) or 16–31 (MCA).
204 Memory remapped due to error (run diagnostics again).
205 Base 128KB memory error; memory remapped.
207 ROM failure.
210 System board memory parity error.
211 PS/2 memory; base 64KB on system board failed.
212 Watchdog time-out error (reported by NMI interrupt handler).
213 DMA bus arbitration time-out (reported by NMI interrupt handler).
215 PS/2 memory; base 64KB on daughter/SIP 2 failed.
216 PS/2 memory; base 64KB on daughter/SIP 1 failed.
221 PS/2 memory; ROM to RAM copy failed (ROM shadowing).
225 PS/2 memory; wrong-speed memory on system board, unsupported SIMM.
230 Overlapping adapter and planar memory (Family 1).
231 Non-contiguous adapter memory installed (Family 1).
231 2/4-16MB Enhanced 386 memory adapter; memory module 1 failed.
235 Stuck data line on memory module, microprocessor or system board.
241 2/4-16MB Enhanced 386 memory adapter; memory module 2 failed.
251 2/4-16MB Enhanced 386 memory adapter; memory module 3 failed.

3xx Keyboard Errors

301 Keyboard reset or stuck key failure (SS 301, SS = scan code in hex).
302 System unit keylock is locked.
303 Keyboard-to-system board interface error; keyboard controller failure.
304 Keyboard or system board error; keyboard clock high.
305 Keyboard +5v dc error; PS/2 keyboard fuse (on system board) error.
306 Unsupported keyboard attached.
341 Keyboard error.
342 Keyboard cable error.
343 Keyboard LED card or cable failure.
365 Keyboard LED card or cable failure.
366 Keyboard interface cable failure.
367 Keyboard LED card or cable failure.
4xx Monochrome Display Adapter (MDA) Errors

4xx PS/2 System Board Parallel Port Errors

401 Monochrome memory, horizontal sync frequency, or video test failure.
401 PS/2 system board parallel port failure.
408 User indicated display attributes failure.
89719037 Tech Ref 7/26/99 12:30 PM Page 43

IBM BIOS Beep and Alphanumeric Error Codes 43

Code Description

4xx PS/2 System Board Parallel Port Errors

416 User indicated character set failure.
424 User indicated 80525 mode failure.
432 Parallel port test failure; monochrome display adapter.

5xx Color Graphics Adapter (CGA) Errors

*501 CRT error.
501 CGA memory, horizontal sync frequency, or video test failure.
503 CGA adapter controller failed.
508 User indicated display attribute failure.
516 User indicated character set failure.
524 User indicated 80×25 mode failure.
532 User indicated 40×25 mode failure.
540 User indicated 320×200 graphics mode failure.
548 User indicated 640×200 graphics mode failure.
556 User indicated light-pen test failed.
564 User indicated paging test failure.

6xx Floppy Drive/Controller Errors

601 Floppy drive/controller POST failure; disk drive or controller error.
602 Diskette boot sector is not valid.
603 Diskette size error.
604 Non-media sense.
605 Diskette drive locked.
606 Diskette verify test failure.
607 Write-protect error.
608 Drive-command error.
610 Diskette initialization failure; track 0 bad.
611 Drive time-out error.
612 Controller chip (NEC) error.
613 Direct memory access (DMA) error.
614 Direct memory access (DMA) boundary overrun error.
615 Drive index timing error.
616 Drive speed error.
621 Drive seek error.
622 Drive cyclic redundancy check (CRC) error.
623 Sector not found error.
624 Address mark error.
625 Controller chip (NEC) seek error.
626 Diskette data compare error.
627 Diskette change error.
628 Diskette removed.
630 Index stuck high; drive A:.

(continues)
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44 Technical Reference

Table 19 Continued
Code Description

6xx Floppy Drive/Controller Errors

631 Index stuck low; drive A:.
632 Track 0 stuck off; drive A:.
633 Track 0 stuck on; drive A:.
640 Index stuck high; drive B:.
641 Index stuck low; drive B:.
642 Track 0 stuck off; drive B:.
643 Track 0 stuck on; drive B:.
645 No index pulse.
646 Drive track 0 detection failed.
647 No transitions on read data line.
648 Format test failed.
649 Incorrect media type in drive.
650 Drive speed error.
651 Format failure.
652 Verify failure.
653 Read failure.
654 Write failure.
655 Controller error.
656 Drive failure.
657 Write-protect stuck protected.
658 Changeline stuck changed.
659 Write-protect stuck unprotected.
660 Changeline stuck unchanged.

7xx Math Coprocessor Errors

701 Math coprocessor presence/initialization error.
702 Exception errors test failure.
703 Rounding test failure.
704 Arithmetic test 1 failure.
705 Arithmetic test 2 failure.
706 Arithmetic test 3 (80387 only) failure.
707 Combination test failure.
708 Integer load/store test failure.
709 Equivalent expressions errors.
710 Exception (interrupt) errors.
711 Save state (FSAVE) errors.
712 Protected mode test failure.
713 Special test (voltage/temperature sensitivity) failure.
9xx Parallel Printer Adapter Errors
901 Printer adapter data register latch error.
902 Printer adapter control register latch error.
89719037 Tech Ref 7/26/99 12:30 PM Page 45

IBM BIOS Beep and Alphanumeric Error Codes 45

Code Description

9xx Parallel Printer Adapter Errors

903 Printer adapter register address decode error.
904 Printer adapter address decode error.
910 Status line(s) wrap connector error.
911 Status line bit 8 wrap error.
912 Status line bit 7 wrap error.
913 Status line bit 6 wrap error.
914 Status line bit 5 wrap error.
915 Status line bit 4 wrap error.
916 Printer adapter interrupt wrap error.
917 Unexpected printer adapter interrupt.
92x Feature register error.
10xx Alternate Parallel Printer Adapter Errors
1001 Printer adapter data register latch error.
1002 Printer adapter control register latch error.
1003 Printer adapter register address decode error.
1004 Printer adapter address decode error.
1010 Status line(s) wrap connector error.
1011 Status line bit 8 wrap error.
1012 Status line bit 7 wrap error.
1013 Status line bit 6 wrap error.
1014 Status line bit 5 wrap error.
1015 Status line bit 4 wrap error.
1016 Printer adapter interrupt wrap error.
1017 Unexpected printer adapter interrupt.
102x Feature register error.

11xx Primary Async Communications (Serial COM1:) Errors

1101 16450/16550 chip error; serial port A error.
1102 Card selected feedback error.
1102 PC Convertible internal modem test failed.
1103 Port 102h register test failure.
1103 PC Convertible internal modem dial tone test 1 failed.
1104 PC Convertible internal modem dial tone test 2 failed.
1106 Serial option cannot be put to sleep.
1107 Cable error.
1108 Interrupt request (IRQ) 3 error.
1109 Interrupt request (IRQ) 4 error.
1110 16450/16550 chip register failure.
1111 Internal wrap test of 16450/16550 chip modem control line failure.
1112 External wrap test of 16450/16550 chip modem control line failure.
1113 16450/16550 chip transmit error.

(continues)
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46 Technical Reference

Table 19 Continued
Code Description

11xx Primary Async Communications (Serial COM1:) Errors

1114 16450/16550 chip receive error.
1115 16450/16550 chip receive error; data not equal to transmit data.
1116 16450/16550 chip interrupt function error.
1117 16450/16550 chip baud rate test failure.
1118 16450/16550 chip receive external data wrap test failure.
1119 16550 chip first-in/first-out (FIFO) buffer failure.
1120 Interrupt enable register error; all bits cannot be set.
1121 Interrupt enable register error; all bits cannot be reset.
1122 Interrupt pending; stuck on.
1123 Interrupt ID register; stuck on.
1124 Modem control register error; all bits cannot be set.
1125 Modem control register error; all bits cannot be reset.
1126 Modem status register error; all bits cannot be set.
1127 Modem status register error; all bits cannot be reset.
1128 Interrupt ID error.
1129 Cannot force overrun error.
1130 No modem status interrupt.
1131 Invalid interrupt pending.
1132 No data ready.
1133 No data available interrupt.
1134 No transmit holding interrupt.
1135 No interrupts.
1136 No received sine status interrupt.
1137 No receive data available.
1138 Transmit holding register not empty.
1139 No modem status interrupt.
1140 Transmit holding register not empty.
1141 No interrupts.
1142 No interrupt 4.
1143 No interrupt 3.
1144 No data transferred.
1145 Maximum baud rate error.
1146 Minimum baud rate error.
1148 Time-out error.
1149 Invalid data returned.
1150 Modem status register error.
1151 No data set ready and delta data set ready.
1152 No data set ready.
1153 No delta data set ready.
1154 Modem status register not clear.
1155 No clear to send and delta clear to send.
89719037 Tech Ref 7/26/99 12:30 PM Page 47

IBM BIOS Beep and Alphanumeric Error Codes 47

Code Description

11xx Primary Async Communications (Serial COM1:) Errors

1156 No clear to send.
1157 No delta clear to send.

Alternate Async Communications (Serial COM2:, COM3:, and

12xx COM4:) Errors
1201 16450/16550 chip error.
1202 Card selected feedback error.
1203 Port 102h register test failure.
1206 Serial option cannot be put to sleep.
1207 Cable error.
1208 Interrupt request (IRQ) 3 error.
1209 Interrupt request (IRQ) 4 error.
1210 16450/16550 chip register failure.
1211 Internal wrap test of 16450/16550 chip modem control line failure.
1212 External wrap test of 16450/16550 chip modem control line failure.
1213 16450/16550 chip transmit error.
1214 16450/16550 chip receive error.
1215 16450/16550 chip receive error; data not equal to transmit data.
1216 16450/16550 chip interrupt function error.
1217 16450/16550 chip baud rate test failure.
1218 16450/16550 chip receive external data wrap test failure.
1219 16550 chip first-in first-out (FIFO) buffer failure.
1220 Interrupt enable register error; all bits cannot be set.
1221 Interrupt enable register error; all bits cannot be reset.
1222 Interrupt pending; stuck on.
1223 Interrupt ID register; stuck on.
1224 Modem control register error; all bits cannot be set.
1225 Modem control register error; all bits cannot be reset.
1226 Modem status register error; all bits cannot be set.
1227 Modem status register error; all bits cannot be reset.
1228 Interrupt ID error.
1229 Cannot force overrun error.
1230 No modem status interrupt.
1231 Invalid interrupt pending.
1232 No data ready.
1233 No data available interrupt.
1234 No transmit holding interrupt.
1235 No interrupts.
1236 No received sine status interrupt.
1237 No receive data available.
1238 Transmit holding register not empty.
1239 No modem status interrupt.

(continues)
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48 Technical Reference

Table 19 Continued
Code Description

Alternate Async Communications (Serial COM2:, COM3:, and

12xx COM4:) Errors
1240 Transmit holding register not empty.
1241 No interrupts.
1242 No interrupt 4.
1243 No interrupt 3.
1244 No data transferred.
1245 Maximum baud rate error.
1246 Minimum baud rate error.
1248 Time-out error.
1249 Invalid data returned.
1250 Modem status register error.
1251 No data set ready and delta data set ready.
1252 No data set ready.
1253 No delta data set ready.
1254 Modem status register not clear.
1255 No clear to send and delta clear to send.
1256 No clear to send.
1257 No delta clear to send.

13xx Game Control Adapter Errors

1301 Game control adapter test failure.
1302 Joystick test failure.

14xx Matrix Printer Errors

1401 Printer test failure.
1402 Printer not ready error.
1403 Printer no-paper error.
1404 System board time-out.
1405 Parallel adapter failure.
1406 Printer presence test failed.

Synchronous Data Link Control (SDLC) Communications Adapter

15xx Errors
1501 SDLC adapter test failure.
1510 8255 Port B failure.
1511 8255 Port A failure.
1512 8255 Port C failure.
1513 8253 Timer #1 did not reach terminal count.
1514 8253 Timer #1 stuck on.
1515 8253 Timer #0 did not reach terminal count.
1516 8253 Timer #0 stuck on.
1517 8253 Timer #2 did not reach terminal count.
89719037 Tech Ref 7/26/99 12:30 PM Page 49

IBM BIOS Beep and Alphanumeric Error Codes 49

Code Description

Synchronous Data Link Control (SDLC) Communications Adapter

15xx Errors
1518 8253 Timer #2 stuck on.
1519 8273 Port B error.
1520 8273 Port A error.
1521 8273 command/read time-out.
1522 Interrupt Level 4 failure.
1523 Ring Indicate stuck on.
1524 Receive Clock stuck on.
1525 Transmit Clock stuck on.
1526 Test Indicate stuck on.
1527 Ring Indicate not on.
1528 Receive Clock not on.
1529 Transmit Clock not on.
1530 Test Indicate not on.
1531 Data Set Ready not on.
1532 Carrier Detect not on.
1533 Clear to Send not on.
1534 Data Set Ready stuck on.
1535 Carrier Detect stuck on.
1536 Clear to Send stuck on.
1537 Interrupt Level 3 failure.
1538 Receive interrupt results error.
1539 Wrap data compare error.
1540 Direct memory access Channel 1 error.
1541 Direct memory access Channel 1 error.
1542 8273 error-checking or status-reporting error.
1547 Stray interrupt Level 4.
1548 Stray interrupt Level 3.
1549 Interrupt presentation sequence time-out.
16xx Display Station Emulation Adapter (DSEA) Errors (5520, 525x)
1604 DSEA or twinaxial network error.
1608 DSEA or twinaxial network error.
1624 DSEA error.
1634 DSEA error.
1644 DSEA error.
1652 DSEA error.
1654 DSEA error.
1658 DSEA error.
1662 DSEA interrupt level error.
1664 DSEA error.
1668 DSEA interrupt level error.

(continues)
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50 Technical Reference

Table 19 Continued
Code Description

16xx Display Station Emulation Adapter (DSEA) Errors (5520, 525x)

1669 DSEA diagnostics error; use 3.0 or higher.
1674 DSEA diagnostics error; use 3.0 or higher.
1674 DSEA station address error.
1684 DSEA device address error.
1688 DSEA device address error.

17xx ST-506/412 Fixed Disk and Controller Errors

1701 Fixed disk general POST error.
1702 Drive/controller time-out error.
1703 Drive seek error.
1704 Controller failed.
1705 Drive sector not found error.
1706 Write fault error.
1707 Drive track 0 error.
1708 Head select error.
1709 Error correction code (ECC) error.
1710 Sector buffer overrun.
1711 Bad address mark.
1712 Internal controller diagnostics failure.
1713 Data compare error.
1714 Drive not ready.
1715 Track 0 indicator failure.
1716 Diagnostics cylinder errors.
1717 Surface read errors.
1718 Hard drive type error.
1720 Bad diagnostics cylinder.
1726 Data compare error.
1730 Controller error.
1731 Controller error.
1732 Controller error.
1733 BIOS undefined error return.
1735 Bad command error.
1736 Data corrected error.
1737 Bad track error.
1738 Bad sector error.
1739 Bad initialization error.
1740 Bad sense error.
1750 Drive verify failure.
1751 Drive read failure.
1752 Drive write failure.
1753 Drive random read test failure.
1754 Drive seek test failure.
89719037 Tech Ref 7/26/99 12:30 PM Page 51

IBM BIOS Beep and Alphanumeric Error Codes 51

Code Description

17xx ST-506/412 Fixed Disk and Controller Errors

1755 Controller failure.
1756 Controller error-correction code (ECC) test failure.
1757 Controller head-select failure.
1780 Seek failure; drive 0.
1781 Seek failure; drive 1.
1782 Controller test failure.
1790 Diagnostic cylinder read error; drive 0.
1791 Diagnostic cylinder read error; drive 1.

18xx I/O Expansion Unit Errors

1801 I/O expansion unit POST failure.
1810 Enable/disable failure.
1811 Extender card wrap test failure; disabled.
1812 High-order address lines failure; disabled.
1813 Wait state failure; disabled.
1814 Enable/disable could not be set on.
1815 Wait state failure; disabled.
1816 Extender card wrap test failure; enabled.
1817 High-order address lines failure; enabled.
1818 Disable not functioning.
1819 Wait request switch not set correctly.
1820 Receiver card wrap test failure.
1821 Receiver high order address lines failure.
19xx 3270 PC Attachment Card Errors

20xx Binary Synchronous Communications (BSC) Adapter Errors

2001 BSC adapter test failure.
2010 8255 Port A failure.
2011 8255 Port B failure.
2012 8255 Port C failure.
2013 8253 Timer #1 did not reach terminal count.
2014 8253 Timer #1 stuck on.
2015 8253 Timer #2 did not reach terminal count.
2016 8253 Timer #2 output stuck on.
2017 8251 data set ready failed to come on.
2018 8251 clear to send not sensed.
2019 8251 data set ready stuck on.
2020 8251 clear to send stuck on.
2021 8251 hardware reset failure.
2022 8251 software reset failure.
2023 8251 software “error reset” failure.
2024 8251 transmit ready did not come on.

(continues)
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52 Technical Reference

Table 19 Continued
Code Description

20xx Binary Synchronous Communications (BSC) Adapter Errors

2025 8251 receive ready did not come on.
2026 8251 could not force “overrun” error status.
2027 Interrupt failure; no timer interrupt.
2028 Interrupt failure; transmit; replace card or planar.
2029 Interrupt failure; transmit; replace card.
2030 Interrupt failure; receive; replace card or planar.
2031 Interrupt failure; receive; replace card.
2033 Ring indicate stuck on.
2034 Receive clock stuck on.
2035 Transmit clock stuck on.
2036 Test indicate stuck on.
2037 Ring indicate stuck on.
2038 Receive clock not on.
2039 Transmit clock not on.
2040 Test indicate not on.
2041 Data set ready not on.
2042 Carrier detect not on.
2043 Clear to send not on.
2044 Data set ready stuck on.
2045 Carrier detect stuck on.
2046 Clear to send stuck on.
2047 Unexpected transmit interrupt.
2048 Unexpected receive interrupt.
2049 Transmit data did not equal receive data.
2050 8251 detected overrun error.
2051 Lost data set ready during data wrap.
2052 Receive time-out during data wrap.

21xx Alternate Binary Synchronous Communications (BSC) Adapter Errors

2101 BSC adapter test failure.
2110 8255 Port A failure.
2111 8255 Port B failure.
2112 8255 Port C failure.
2113 8253 Timer #1 did not reach terminal count.
2114 8253 Timer #1 stuck on.
2115 8253 Timer #2 did not reach terminal count.
2116 8253 Timer #2 output stuck on.
2117 8251 Data set ready failed to come on.
2118 8251 Clear to send not sensed.
2119 8251 Data set ready stuck on.
2120 8251 Clear to send stuck on.
2121 8251 Hardware reset failure.
89719037 Tech Ref 7/26/99 12:30 PM Page 53

IBM BIOS Beep and Alphanumeric Error Codes 53

Code Description

21xx Alternate Binary Synchronous Communications (BSC) Adapter Errors

2122 8251 Software reset failure.
2123 8251 Software “error reset” failure.
2124 8251 Transmit ready did not come on.
2125 8251 Receive ready did not come on.
2126 8251 Could not force “overrun” error status.
2127 Interrupt failure; no timer interrupt.
2128 Interrupt failure; transmit; replace card or planar.
2129 Interrupt failure; transmit; replace card.
2130 Interrupt failure; receive; replace card or planar.
2131 Interrupt failure; receive; replace card.
2133 Ring indicate stuck on.
2134 Receive clock stuck on.
2135 Transmit clock stuck on.
2136 Test indicate stuck on.
2137 Ring indicate stuck on.
2138 Receive clock not on.
2139 Transmit clock not on.
2140 Test indicate not on.
2141 Data set ready not on.
2142 Carrier detect not on.
2143 Clear to send not on.
2144 Data set ready stuck on.
2145 Carrier detect stuck on.
2146 Clear to send stuck on.
2147 Unexpected transmit interrupt.
2148 Unexpected receive interrupt.
2149 Transmit data did not equal receive data.
2150 8251 detected overrun error.
2151 Lost data set ready during data wrap.
2152 Receive time-out during data wrap.
22xx Cluster Adapter Errors

23xx Plasma Monitor Adapter Errors

Enhanced Graphics Adapter (EGA) or Video Graphics Array (VGA)

24xx Errors
2401 Video adapter test failure.
2402 Video display error.
2408 User indicated display attribute test failed.
2409 Video display error.
2410 Video adapter error; video port error.
2416 User indicated character set test failed.

(continues)
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54 Technical Reference

Table 19 Continued
Code Description

Enhanced Graphics Adapter (EGA) or Video Graphics Array (VGA)

24xx Errors
2424 User indicated 80×25 mode failure.
2432 User indicated 40×25 mode failure.
2440 User indicated 320×200 graphics mode failure.
2448 User indicated 640×200 graphics mode failure.
2456 User indicated light-pen test failure.
2464 User indicated paging test failure.

25xx Alternate Enhanced Graphics Adapter (EGA) Errors

2501 Video adapter test failure.
2502 Video display error.
2508 User indicated display attribute test failed.
2509 Video display error.
2510 Video adapter error.
2516 User indicated character set test failed.
2524 User indicated 80×25 mode failure.
2532 User indicated 40×25 mode failure.
2540 User indicated 320×200 graphics mode failure.
2548 User indicated 640×200 graphics mode failure.
2556 User indicated light-pen test failure.
2564 User indicated paging test failure.

XT or AT/370 370-M (Memory) and 370-P (Processor) Adapter

26xx Errors
2601 370-M adapter error.
2655 370-M adapter error.
2657 370-M adapter error.
2668 370-M adapter error.
2672 370-M adapter error.
2673 370-P adapter error.
2674 370-P adapter error.
2677 370-P adapter error.
2680 370-P adapter error.
2681 370-M adapter error.
2682 370-P adapter error.
2694 370-P adapter error.
2697 370-P adapter error.
2698 XT or AT/370 diagnostic diskette error.
27xx XT or AT/370 3277-EM (Emulation) Adapter Errors
2701 3277-EM adapter error.
2702 3277-EM adapter error.
2703 3277-EM adapter error.
89719037 Tech Ref 7/26/99 12:30 PM Page 55

IBM BIOS Beep and Alphanumeric Error Codes 55

Code Description

28xx 3278/79 Emulation Adapter or 3270 Connection Adapter Errors

29xx Color/Graphics Printer Errors

30xx Primary PC Network Adapter Errors

3001 Processor test failure.
3002 ROM checksum test failure.
3003 Unit ID PROM test failure.
3004 RAM test failure.
3005 Host interface controller test failure.
3006 ±12v test failure.
3007 Digital loopback test failure.
3008 Host detected host interface controller failure.
3009 Sync failure and no Go bit.
3010 Host interface controller test okay and no Go bit.
3011 Go bit and no command 41.
3012 Card not present.
3013 Digital failure; fall through.
3015 Analog failure.
3041 Hot carrier; not this card.
3042 Hot carrier; this card!
31xx Secondary PC Network Adapter Errors
3101 Processor test failure.
3102 ROM checksum test failure.
3103 Unit ID PROM test failure.
3104 RAM test failure.
3105 Host interface controller test failure.
3106 [p/m]12v test failure.
3107 Digital loopback test failure.
3108 Host detected host interface controller failure.
3109 Sync failure and no Go bit.
3110 Host interface controller test okay and no Go bit.
3111 Go bit and no command 41.
3112 Card not present.
3113 Digital failure; fall through.
3115 Analog failure.
3141 Hot carrier; not this card.
3142 Hot carrier; this card!

32xx 3270 PC or AT Display and Programmed Symbols Adapter Errors

33xx Compact Printer Errors

(continues)
89719037 Tech Ref 7/26/99 12:30 PM Page 56

56 Technical Reference

Table 19 Continued
Code Description

35xx Enhanced Display Station Emulation Adapter (EDSEA) Errors

3504 Adapter connected to Twinaxial cable during offline test.
3508 Workstation address error.
3509 Diagnostic program failure.
3540 Workstation address invalid.
3588 Adapter address switch error.
3599 Diagnostic program failure.

36xx General-Purpose Interface Bus (GPIB) Adapter Errors

3601 Adapter test failure.
3602 Serial poll mode register write error.
3603 Adapter address error.
3610 Adapter listen error.
3611 Adapter talk error.
3612 Adapter control error.
3613 Adapter standby error.
3614 Adapter asynchronous control error.
3615 Adapter asynchronous control error.
3616 Adapter error; cannot pass control.
3617 Adapter error; cannot address to listen.
3618 Adapter error; cannot unaddress to listen.
3619 Adapter error; cannot address to talk.
3620 Adapter error; cannot unaddress to talk.
3621 Adapter error; cannot address to listen with extended addressing.
3622 Adapter error; cannot unaddress to listen with extended addressing.
3623 Adapter error; cannot address to talk with extended addressing.
3624 Adapter error; cannot unaddress to talk with extended addressing.
3625 Write to self error.
3626 Generate handshake error.
3627 Cannot detect Device Clear message error.
3628 Cannot detect Selected Device Clear message error.
3629 Cannot detect end with end of identify.
3630 Cannot detect end of transmission with end of identify.
3631 Cannot detect end with 0-bit end of string.
3632 Cannot detect end with 7-bit end of string.
3633 Cannot detect group execute trigger.
3634 Mode 3 addressing error.
3635 Cannot recognize undefined command.
3636 Cannot detect remote, remote changed, lockout, or lockout changed.
3637 Cannot clear remote or lockout.
3638 Cannot detect service request.
3639 Cannot conduct serial poll.
3640 Cannot conduct parallel poll.
89719037 Tech Ref 7/26/99 12:30 PM Page 57

IBM BIOS Beep and Alphanumeric Error Codes 57

Code Description

36xx General-Purpose Interface Bus (GPIB) Adapter Errors

3650 Adapter error; direct memory access (DMA) to 7210.
3651 Data error; error on direct memory access (DMA) to 7210.
3652 Adapter error; direct memory access (DMA) from 7210.
3653 Data error on direct memory access (DMA) from 7210.
3658 Uninvoked interrupt received.
3659 Cannot interrupt on address status changed.
3660 Cannot interrupt on address status changed.
3661 Cannot interrupt on command output.
3662 Cannot interrupt on data out.
3663 Cannot interrupt on data in.
3664 Cannot interrupt on error.
3665 Cannot interrupt on device clear.
3666 Cannot interrupt on end.
3667 Cannot interrupt on device execute trigger.
3668 Cannot interrupt on address pass through.
3669 Cannot interrupt on command pass through.
3670 Cannot interrupt on remote changed.
3671 Cannot interrupt on lockout changed.
3672 Cannot interrupt on service request In.
3673 Cannot interrupt on terminal count on direct memory access to 7210.
3674 Cannot interrupt on terminal count on direct memory access from 7210.
3675 Spurious direct memory access terminal-count interrupt.
3697 Illegal direct memory access configuration setting detected.
3698 Illegal interrupt level setting detected.
37xx System Board SCSI Controller Error

38xx Data Acquisition Adapter Errors

3801 Adapter test failure.
3810 Timer read test failure.
3811 Timer interrupt test failure.
3812 Delay; binary input 13 test failure.
3813 Rate; binary input 13 test failure.
3814 Binary output 14; interrupt status—interrupt request test failure.
3815 Binary output 0; count-in test failure.
3816 Binary input strobe; count-out test failure.
3817 Binary output 0; binary output clear to send test failure.
3818 Binary output 1; binary input 0 test failure.
3819 Binary output 2; binary input 1 test failure.
3820 Binary output 3; binary input 2 test failure.
3821 Binary output 4; binary input 3 test failure.
3822 Binary output 5; binary input 4 test failure.
3823 Binary output 6; binary input 5 test failure.

(continues)
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58 Technical Reference

Table 19 Continued
Code Description

38xx Data Acquisition Adapter Errors

3824 Binary output 7; binary input 6 test failure.
3825 Binary output 8; binary input 7 test failure.
3826 Binary output 9; binary input 8 test failure.
3827 Binary output 10; binary input 9 test failure.
3828 Binary output 11; binary input 10 test failure.
3829 Binary output 12; binary input 11 test failure.
3830 Binary output 13; binary input 12 test failure.
3831 Binary output 15; analog input CE test failure.
3832 Binary output strobe; binary output GATE test failure.
3833 Binary input clear to send; binary input HOLD test failure.
3834 Analog input command output; binary input 15 test failure.
3835 Counter interrupt test failure.
3836 Counter read test failure.
3837 Analog output 0 ranges test failure.
3838 Analog output 1 ranges test failure.
3839 Analog input 0 values test failure.
3840 Analog input 1 values test failure.
3841 Analog input 2 values test failure.
3842 Analog input 3 values test failure.
3843 Analog input interrupt test failure.
3844 Analog input 23 address or value test failure.

39xx Professional Graphics Adapter (PGA) Errors

3901 PGA test failure.
3902 ROM1 self-test failure.
3903 ROM2 self-test failure.
3904 RAM self-test failure.
3905 Cold start cycle power error.
3906 Data error in communications RAM.
3907 Address error in communications RAM.
3908 Bad data reading/writing 6845-like register.
3909 Bad data in lower E0h bytes reading/writing 6845-like registers.
3910 Graphics controller display bank output latches error.
3911 Basic clock error.
3912 Command control error.
3913 Vertical sync scanner error.
3914 Horizontal sync scanner error.
3915 Intech error.
3916 Look-up table address error.
3917 Look-up table red RAM chip error.
3918 Look-up table green RAM chip error.
3919 Look-up table blue RAM chip error.
89719037 Tech Ref 7/26/99 12:30 PM Page 59

IBM BIOS Beep and Alphanumeric Error Codes 59

Code Description

39xx Professional Graphics Adapter (PGA) Errors

3920 Look-up table data latch error.
3921 Horizontal display error.
3922 Vertical display error.
3923 Light-pen error.
3924 Unexpected error.
3925 Emulator addressing error.
3926 Emulator data latch error.
3927 Base for error codes 3928–3930 (Emulator RAM).
3928 Emulator RAM error.
3929 Emulator RAM error.
3930 Emulator RAM error.
3931 Emulator horizontal/vertical display problem.
3932 Emulator cursor position error.
3933 Emulator attribute display problem.
3934 Emulator cursor display error.
3935 Fundamental emulation RAM problem.
3936 Emulation character set problem.
3937 Emulation graphics display error.
3938 Emulation character display problem.
3939 Emulation bank select error.
3940 Adapter RAM U2 error.
3941 Adapter RAM U4 error.
3942 Adapter RAM U6 error.
3943 Adapter RAM U8 error.
3944 Adapter RAM U10 error.
3945 Adapter RAM U1 error.
3946 Adapter RAM U3 error.
3947 Adapter RAM U5 error.
3948 Adapter RAM U7 error.
3949 Adapter RAM U9 error.
3950 Adapter RAM U12 error.
3951 Adapter RAM U14 error.
3952 Adapter RAM U16 error.
3953 Adapter RAM U18 error.
3954 Adapter RAM U20 error.
3955 Adapter RAM U11 error.
3956 Adapter RAM U13 error.
3957 Adapter RAM U15 error.
3958 Adapter RAM U17 error.
3959 Adapter RAM U19 error.
3960 Adapter RAM U22 error.
3961 Adapter RAM U24 error.

(continues)
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60 Technical Reference

Table 19 Continued
Code Description

39xx Professional Graphics Adapter (PGA) Errors

3962 Adapter RAM U26 error.
3963 Adapter RAM U28 error.
3964 Adapter RAM U30 error.
3965 Adapter RAM U21 error.
3966 Adapter RAM U23 error.
3967 Adapter RAM U25 error.
3968 Adapter RAM U27 error.
3969 Adapter RAM U29 error.
3970 Adapter RAM U32 error.
3971 Adapter RAM U34 error.
3972 Adapter RAM U36 error.
3973 Adapter RAM U38 error.
3974 Adapter RAM U40 error.
3975 Adapter RAM U31 error.
3976 Adapter RAM U33 error.
3977 Adapter RAM U35 error.
3978 Adapter RAM U37 error.
3979 Adapter RAM U39 error.
3980 Graphics controller RAM timing error.
3981 Graphics controller read/write latch error.
3982 Shift register bus output latches error.
3983 Addressing error (vertical column of memory; U2 at top).
3984 Addressing error (vertical column of memory; U4 at top).
3985 Addressing error (vertical column of memory; U6 at top).
3986 Addressing error (vertical column of memory; U8 at top).
3987 Addressing error (vertical column of memory; U10 at top).
3988 Base for error codes 3989–3991 (horizontal bank latch errors).
3989 Horizontal bank latch errors.
3990 Horizontal bank latch errors.
3991 Horizontal bank latch errors.
3992 RAG/CAG graphics controller error.
3993 Multiple write modes, nibble mask errors.
3994 Row nibble (display RAM) error.
3995 Graphics controller addressing error.

44xx 5278 Display Attachment Unit and 5279 Display Errors

45xx IEEE Interface Adapter (IEEE-488) Errors

A Real-Time Interface Coprocessor (ARTIC) Multiport/2 Adapter

46xx Errors
4611 ARTIC adapter error.
4612 Memory module error.
89719037 Tech Ref 7/26/99 12:30 PM Page 61

IBM BIOS Beep and Alphanumeric Error Codes 61

Code Description

A Real-Time Interface Coprocessor (ARTIC) Multiport/2 Adapter

46xx Errors
4613 Memory module error.
4630 ARTIC adapter error.
4640 Memory module error.
4641 Memory module error.
4650 ARTIC interface cable error.

48xx Internal Modem Errors

49xx Alternate Internal Modem Errors

50xx PC Convertible LCD Errors

5001 LCD display buffer failure.
5002 LCD font buffer failure.
5003 LCD controller failure.
5004 User indicated PEL/drive test failed.
5008 User indicated display attribute test failed.
5016 User indicated character set test failed.
5020 User indicated alternate character set test failure.
5024 User indicated 80×25 mode test failure.
5032 User indicated 40×25 mode test failure.
5040 User indicated 320×200 graphics test failure.
5048 User indicated 640×200 graphics test failure.
5064 User indicated paging test failure.

51xx PC Convertible Portable Printer Errors

5101 Portable printer interface failure.
5102 Portable printer busy error.
5103 Portable printer paper or ribbon error.
5104 Portable printer time-out.
5105 User indicated print-pattern test error.

56xx Financial Communication System Errors

70xx Phoenix BIOS/Chipset Unique Error Codes

7000 Chipset CMOS failure.
7001 Chipset shadow RAM failure.
7002 Chipset CMOS configuration error.

71xx Voice Communications Adapter (VCA) Errors

7101 Adapter test failure.
7102 Instruction or external data memory error.
7103 PC to VCA interrupt error.
7104 Internal data memory error.
7105 Direct memory access (DMA) error.

(continues)
89719037 Tech Ref 7/26/99 12:30 PM Page 62

62 Technical Reference

Table 19 Continued
Code Description

71xx Voice Communications Adapter (VCA) Errors

7106 Internal registers error.
7107 Interactive shared memory error.
7108 VCA to PC interrupt error.
7109 DC wrap error.
7111 External analog wrap and tone-output error.
7112 Microphone to speaker wrap error.
7114 Telephone attachment test failure.

73xx 3 1/2-Inch External Diskette Drive Errors

7301 Diskette drive/adapter test failure.
7306 Disk changeline failure.
7307 Diskette is write-protected.
7308 Drive command error.
7310 Diskette initialization failure; track 0 bad.
7311 Drive time-out error.
7312 Controller chip (NEC) error.
7313 Direct memory access (DMA) error.
7314 DMA boundary overrun.
7315 Drive index timing error.
7316 Drive speed error.
7321 Drive seek error.
7322 Drive cyclic redundancy check (CRC) error.
7323 Sector not found error.
7324 Address mark error.
7325 Controller chip (NEC) seek error.

74xx IBM PS/2 Display Adapter (VGA Card) Errors

74xx 8514/A Display Adapter Errors

7426 8514 display error.
7440 8514/A memory module 31 error.
7441 8514/A memory module 30 error.
7442 8514/A memory module 29 error.
7443 8514/A memory module 28 error.
7444 8514/A memory module 22 error.
7445 8514/A memory module 21 error.
7446 8514/A memory module 18 error.
7447 8514/A memory module 17 error.
7448 8514/A memory module 32 error.
7449 8514/A memory module 14 error.
7450 8514/A memory module 13 error.
7451 8514/A memory module 12 error.
7452 8514/A memory module 06 error.
89719037 Tech Ref 7/26/99 12:30 PM Page 63

IBM BIOS Beep and Alphanumeric Error Codes 63

Code Description

74xx 8514/A Display Adapter Errors

7453 8514/A memory module 05 error.
7454 8514/A memory module 02 error.
7455 8514/A memory module 01 error.
7460 8514/A memory module 16 error.
7461 8514/A memory module 27 error.
7462 8514/A memory module 26 error.
7463 8514/A memory module 25 error.
7464 8514/A memory module 24 error.
7465 8514/A memory module 23 error.
7466 8514/A memory module 20 error.
7467 8514/A memory module 19 error.
7468 8514/A memory module 15 error.
7469 8514/A memory module 11 error.
7470 8514/A memory module 10 error.
7471 8514/A memory module 09 error.
7472 8514/A memory module 08 error.
7473 8514/A memory module 07 error.
7474 8514/A memory module 04 error.
7475 8514/A memory module 03 error.
76xx 4216 PagePrinter Adapter Errors
7601 Adapter test failure.
7602 Adapter error.
7603 Printer error.
7604 Printer cable error.

84xx PS/2 Speech Adapter Errors

85xx 2MB XMA Memory Adapter or XMA Adapter/A Errors

850x Adapter error.
851x Adapter error.
852x Memory module error.
8599 Unusable memory segment found.

86xx PS/2 Pointing Device (Mouse) Errors

8601 Pointing device error; mouse time-out.
8602 Pointing device error; mouse interface.
8603 Pointing device or system-bus failure; mouse interrupt.
8604 Pointing device or system board error.
8611 System bus error—I/F between 8042 and TrackPoint II.
8612 TrackPoint II error.
8613 System bus error or TrackPoint II error.

89xx Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) Adapter Errors

(continues)
89719037 Tech Ref 7/26/99 12:30 PM Page 64

64 Technical Reference

Table 19 Continued
Code Description

IBM 3363 Write-Once Read Multiple (WORM) Optical Drive/Adapter

91xx Errors

96xx SCSI Adapter with Cache (32-Bit) Errors

100xx Multiprotocol Adapter/A Errors

10001 Presence test failure.
10002 Card selected feedback error.
10003 Port 102h register rest failure.
10004 Port 103h register rest failure.
10006 Serial option cannot be put to sleep.
10007 Cable error.
10008 Interrupt request (IRQ) 3 error.
10009 Interrupt request (IRQ) 4 error.
10010 16550 chip register failure.
10011 Internal wrap test of 16550 chip modem control line failure.
10012 External wrap test of 16550 chip modem control line failure.
10013 16550 chip transmit error.
10014 16550 chip receive error.
10015 16550 chip receive error; data not equal to transmit data.
10016 16550 chip interrupt function error.
10017 16550 chip baud rate test failure.
10018 16550 chip receive external data wrap test failure.
10019 16550 chip first-in/first-out (FIFO) buffer failure.
10026 8255 Port A error.
10027 8255 Port B error.
10028 8255 Port C error.
10029 8254 timer 0 error.
10030 8254 timer 1 error.
10031 8254 timer 2 error.
10032 Binary sync data set ready response to data terminal ready error.
10033 Binary sync clear to send response to ready to send error.
10034 8251 hardware reset test failed.
10035 8251 function error.
10036 8251 status error.
10037 Binary sync timer interrupt error.
10038 Binary sync transmit interrupt error.
10039 Binary sync receive interrupt error.
10040 Stray interrupt request (IRQ) 3 error.
10041 Stray interrupt request (IRQ) 4 error.
10042 Binary sync external wrap error.
10044 Binary sync data wrap error.
10045 Binary sync line status/condition error.
10046 Binary sync time-out error during data wrap test.
89719037 Tech Ref 7/26/99 12:30 PM Page 65

IBM BIOS Beep and Alphanumeric Error Codes 65

Code Description

100xx Multiprotocol Adapter/A Errors

10050 8273 command acceptance or results ready time-out error.
10051 8273 Port A error.
10052 8273 Port B error.
10053 SDLC modem status change logic error.
10054 SDLC timer interrupt request (IRQ) 4 error.
10055 SDLC modem status change interrupt request (IRQ) 4 error.
10056 SDLC external wrap error.
10057 SDLC interrupt results error.
10058 SDLC data wrap error.
10059 SDLC transmit interrupt error.
10060 SDLC receive interrupt error.
10061 Direct memory access (DMA) channel 1 transmit error.
10062 Direct memory access (DMA) channel 1 receive error.
10063 8273 status detect failure.
10064 8273 error detect failure.
101xx 300/1200bps Internal Modem/A Errors
10101 Presence test failure.
10102 Card selected feedback error.
10103 Port 102h register test failure.
10106 Serial option cannot be put to sleep.
10108 Interrupt request (IRQ) 3 error.
10109 Interrupt request (IRQ) 4 error.
10110 16450 chip register failure.
10111 Internal wrap test of 16450 modem control line failure.
10113 16450 transmit error.
10114 16450 receive error.
10115 16450 receive error data not equal transmit data.
10116 16450 interrupt function error.
10117 16450 baud rate test failure.
10118 16450 receive external data wrap test failure.
10125 Modem reset result code error.
10126 Modem general result code error.
10127 Modem S registers write/read error.
10128 Modem turn echo on/off error.
10129 Modem enable/disable result codes error.
10130 Modem enable number/word result codes error.
10133 Connect results for 300 baud not received.
10134 Connect results for 1200 baud not received.
10135 Modem fails local analog loopback test at 300 baud.
10136 Modem fails local analog loopback test at 1200 baud.
10137 Modem does not respond to escape/reset sequence.
10138 S-Register 13 does not show correct parity or number of data bits.
(continues)
89719037 Tech Ref 7/26/99 12:30 PM Page 66

66 Technical Reference

Table 19 Continued
Code Description

104xx ESDI or MCA IDE Fixed Disk or Adapter Errors

10139 S-Register 15 does not reflect correct bit rate.
10450 Read/write test failed.
10451 Read verify test failed.
10452 Seek test failed.
10453 Wrong drive type indicated.
10454 Controller sector buffer test failure.
10455 Controller invalid failure.
10456 Controller diagnostic command failure.
10461 Drive format error.
10462 Controller head select error.
10463 Drive read/write sector error.
10464 Drive primary defect map unreadable.
10465 Controller; error-correction code (ECC) 8-bit error.
10466 Controller; error-correction code (ECC) 9-bit error.
10467 Drive soft seek error.
10468 Drive hard seek error.
10469 Drive soft error count exceeded.
10470 Controller attachment diagnostic error.
10471 Controller wrap mode interface error.
10472 Controller wrap mode drive select error.
10473 Read verify test errors.
10480 Seek failure; drive 0.
10481 Seek failure; drive 1.
10482 Controller transfer acknowledge error.
10483 Controller reset failure.
10484 Controller; head select 3 error.
10485 Controller; head select 2 error.
10486 Controller; head select 1 error.
10487 Controller; head select 0 error.
10488 Controller; read gate—command complete 2 error.
10489 Controller; write gate—command complete 1 error.
10490 Diagnostic area read error; drive 0.
10491 Diagnostic area read error; drive 1.
10492 Controller error, drive 1.
10493 Reset error, drive 1.
10499 Controller failure.

107xx 5 1/4-Inch External Diskette Drive or Adapter Errors

112xx SCSI Adapter (16-bit without Cache) Errors

113xx System Board SCSI Adapter (16-Bit) Errors

89719037 Tech Ref 7/26/99 12:30 PM Page 67

IBM BIOS Beep and Alphanumeric Error Codes 67

Code Description

129xx Processor Complex (CPU Board) Errors

129005 DMA error.
12901 Processor board; processor test failed.
12902 Processor board; cache test failed.
12904 Second level cache failure.
12905 Cache enable/disable errors.
12907 Cache fatal error.
12908 Cache POST program error.
12912x Hardware failure.
12913x Micro channel bus time-out.
12914x Software failure.
12915x Processor complex error.
12916x Processor complex error.
12917x Processor complex error.
12918x Processor complex error.
12919x Processor complex error.
12940x Processor complex failure.
12950x Processor complex failure.
129900 Processor complex serial-number mismatch.
149xx P70/P75 Plasma Display and Adapter Errors
14901 Plasma display adapter failure.
14902 Plasma display adapter failure.
14922 Plasma display failure.
14932 External display failure.

152xx XGA Display Adapter/A Errors

164xx 120MB Internal Tape Drive Errors

165xx 6157 Streaming Tape Drive or Tape Attachment Adapter Errors

16520 Streaming tape drive failure.
16540 Tape attachment adapter failure.

166xx Primary Token-Ring Network Adapter Errors

167xx Alternate Token-Ring Network Adapter Errors

180xx PS/2 Wizard Adapter Errors

18001 Interrupt controller failure.
18002 Incorrect timer count.
18003 Timer interrupt failure.
18004 Sync check interrupt failure.
18005 Parity check interrupt failure.
18006 Access error interrupt failure.
18012 Bad checksum error.

(continues)
89719037 Tech Ref 7/26/99 12:30 PM Page 68

68 Technical Reference

Table 19 Continued
Code Description

180xx PS/2 Wizard Adapter Errors

18013 Micro Channel interface error.
18021 Wizard memory compare or parity error.
18022 Wizard memory address line error.
18023 Dynamic RAM controller failure.
18029 Wizard memory byte enable error.
18031 Wizard memory-expansion module memory compare or parity error.
18032 Wizard memory-expansion module address line error.
18039 Wizard memory-expansion module byte enable error.

185xx DBCS Japanese Display Adapter/A Errors

194xx 80286 Memory-Expansion Option Memory-Module Errors

200xx Image Adapter/A Errors

208xx Unknown SCSI Device Errors

209xx SCSI Removable Disk Errors

210xx SCSI Fixed Disk Errors

210PLSC “PLSC” codes indicate errors
P = SCSI ID number (Physical
Unit Number or PUN)
L = Logical unit number
(LUN, usually 0)
S = Host Adapter slot number
C = SCSI Drive capacity:
A = 60MB
B = 80MB
C = 120MB
D = 160MB
E = 320MB
F = 400MB
H = 1,024MB (1GB)
I = 104MB
J = 212MB
U = Undetermined or Non IBM OEM Drive

211xx SCSI Tape Drive Errors

212xx SCSI Printer Errors

213xx SCSI Processor Errors

214xx SCSI Write-Once Read Multiple (WORM) Drive Errors

215xx SCSI CD-ROM Drive Errors

216xx SCSI Scanner Errors

217xx SCSI Magneto Optical Drive Errors

89719037 Tech Ref 7/26/99 12:30 PM Page 69

IBM BIOS Beep and Alphanumeric Error Codes 69

Code Description

218xx SCSI Jukebox Changer Errors

219xx SCSI Communications Errors

243xxxx XGA-2 Adapter/A Errors

I998xxxx Dynamic Configuration Select (DCS) Information Codes

I998001x Bad integrity of DCS master boot record.
I988002x Read failure of DCS master boot record.
I988003x DCS master boot record is not compatible with the planar ID.
I988004x DCS master boot record is not compatible with the model/submodel byte.
I988005x Bad integrity of CMOS/NVRAM (or internal process error).
I988006x Read failure of header/mask/configuration record.
I988007x Bad integrity of header/mask/configuration record.
I988008x Hard disk does not support the command to set the maximum RBA.
I988009x DCS master boot record is older than system ROM.
I9880402 Copyright notice in E000 segment does not match the one in DCS MBR.
I9880403 DCS MBR is not compatible with the system board ID or model/submodel byte.
I99900xx Initial Microcode Load (IML) Error
I999001x Invalid disk IML record.
I999002x Disk IML record load error.
I999003x Disk IML record incompatible with system board.
I999004x Disk IML record incompatible with processor/processor card.
I999005x Disk IML not attempted.
I999006x Disk stage II System Image load error.
I999007x Disk stage II image checksum error.
I999008x IML not supported on primary disk drive.
I999009x Disk IML record is older than ROM.
I99900x1 Invalid diskette IML record.
I99900x2 Diskette IML record load error.
I99900x3 Diskette IML record incompatible with system board.
I99900x4 Diskette IML record incompatible with processor card.
I99900x5 Diskette IML recovery prevented (valid password and CE override not set).
I99900x6 Diskette stage II image load error.
I99900x7 Diskette stage II image checksum error.
I99900x9 Diskette IML record older than ROM.

I99903xx No Bootable Device, Initial Program Load (IPL) Errors

I9990302 Invalid disk boot record, unable to read IPL boot record from disk.
I9990303 IML system partition boot failure.
I9990304 No bootable device with ASCII console.
I9990305 No bootable media found.
I9990306 Invalid SCSI Device boot record.

(continues)
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70 Technical Reference

Table 19 Continued
Code Description

I99904xx IML-to-System Mismatch

I9990401 Unauthorized access (manufacturing boot request with valid password).
I9990402 Missing ROM IBM copyright notice.
I9990403 IML boot record incompatible with system board/processor card.

I99906xx IML (boot) Errors

Disk Software Interfaces and Error Codes

The operating system has to talk to the disk drives through the BIOS. Normally the OS calls on
the BIOS via a standard software interface called INT13h. INT13h represents a series of functions
that the BIOS can perform, regardless of the type of drive. This allows the same operating systems
software to work on different types of drives such as IDE or SCSI, even though at a hardware and
direct software command level their interfaces are different. The device drivers for the respective
drives or controllers translates the INT13h commands into the low-level commands that actually
operate the drive. Figure 3 shows a representation of the relationship between different disk soft-
ware interfaces at work in a typical PC system. This figure shows the chain of command from the
hardware, which is the actual drive controller, to the BIOS, OS, and, finally, the application pro-
grams.

Disk Interfaces:

Application Program

OS
OS
INT 21h
INT 25/26h
ROM BIOS/Device Drivers
INT 13h
Disk Controller/Host Adapter I/O Ports
CCB/SCB (Command/Subsystem Control Block) Commands
Floppy XT IDE Primary ATA-IDE Secondary ATA-IDE
3F0-3F7 320-323 1F0-1F7 170-177
Floppy Hard Disk
Drives Drives

Figure 3 Disk software interface levels and relationships.

INT13h provides several standard functions which the operating system (or in some cases appli-
cations that require more direct disk access) can use. Table 20 shows the different functions avail-
able at the Interrupt 13h BIOS interface. Some functions are available to floppy drives or hard
drives only, and others are available to both types of drives.

Table 20 Int13h BIOS Disk Functions

Function Floppy Disk Hard Disk Description
00h ✓ ✓ Reset disk system
01h ✓ ✓ Get status of last operation
02h ✓ ✓ Read sectors
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IBM BIOS Beep and Alphanumeric Error Codes 71

Function Floppy Disk Hard Disk Description

03h ✓ ✓ Write sectors
04h ✓ ✓ Verify sectors
05h ✓ ✓ Format track
06h ✓ Format bad track
07h ✓ Format drive
08h ✓ ✓ Read drive parameters
09h ✓ Initialize drive characteristics
0Ah ✓ Read long
0Bh ✓ Write long
0Ch ✓ Seek
0Dh ✓ Alternate hard disk reset
0Eh ✓ Read sector buffer
0Fh ✓ Write sector buffer
10h ✓ Test for drive ready
11h ✓ Recalibrate drive
12h ✓ Controller RAM diagnostic
13h ✓ Controller drive diagnostic
14h ✓ Controller internal diagnostic
15h ✓ ✓ Get disk type
16h ✓ Get floppy disk change status
17h ✓ Set floppy disk type for format
18h ✓ Set media type for format
19h ✓ Park hard disk heads
1Ah ✓ ESDI—Low-level format
1Bh ✓ ESDI—Get manufacturing header
1Ch ✓ ESDI—Get configuration

Often, diagnostics programs use the INT13h interface to talk more directly to the drive, bypassing
the operating system and working directly with the BIOS. An example of this type of program
would be hard disk low-level format programs or the DiskEdit program that comes with the
Norton Utilities, and which allows direct editing of disk sectors, file allocation tables, directories,
etc. This type of access is accomplished by sending INT13h commmands directly instead of work-
ing with the higher level INT21h operating system commands. INT21h commands are file-
oriented, while INT13h commands are cylinder, head, and sector oriented.

Anytime a program uses INT13h commands, an error status is returned after each command. If
an error occurs, the status will be reported as a number other than 00h, and most programs will
then attempt to display this error to the user. Table 21 shows the error codes that might be
returned by the BIOS INT13h routines. In some cases you may see these codes referred to when
running a low-level format program, disk editor, or other program that can directly access a disk
drive through the BIOS.
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72 Technical Reference

Table 21 INT13h BIOS Error Codes

Code Description
00h No error
01h Bad command
02h Address mark not found
03h Write protect
04h Request sector not found
05h Reset failed
06h Media change error
07h Initialization failed
09h Cross 64KB DMA boundary
0Ah Bad sector flag detected
0Bh Bad track flag detected
10h Bad ECC on disk read
11h ECC corrected data error
20h Controller has failed
40h Seek operation failed
80h Drive failed to respond
AAh Drive not ready
BBh Undefined error
CCh Write fault
0Eh Register error
FFh Sense operation failed

Most of these errors indicate a problem with the disk media, the drive hardware, cable, or con-
troller.