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This is part 1 of a 2 part series about the American Megatrends BIOS, or AMIBIOS. You are introduced to what the BIOS is, the beep codes if there is a fault, and the BIOS Setup Utility.
Part 2 looks at the AMIBIOS Update process. This is not a straightforward process for the typical home computer user. However, part 2 presents the update BIOS process in easy to follow steps.
There are several pictures in this tutorial to help your understanding of the AMIBIOS. Listed below is a link to each feature that is discussed.
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Contents
What Is A BIOS?
American Megatrends BIOS, or AMIBIOS as it is commonly known, is one of the most popular BIOS' in the world.
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BIOS stands for Basic Input Output System. It is a small piece of software that sits on a chip inside your computer on its motherboard.
You often hear the BIOS be called: Firmware, System BIOS, CMOS, Flash BIOS, ROM BIOS and RAM BIOS.
Attention!
Modern computer systems come with a new type of BIOS called the Unified Extensible Firmware Upgrade (UEFI). Clickhere for more details.
The BIOS checks that all the parts inside your computer, e.g. keyboard ports, memory, graphics etc., are in working order before your operating system loads.
The initial check that takes place is called the Power On Self Test (POST). When you first switch your computer on, the POST is taking place when you see this screen (or similar):-
POST: Power On Self Test
If the POST does not detect any problems, your computer, laptop, or tablet makes a short beep noise to let you know your computer passed the POST test.
Your operating system then starts to load using the information provided by the BIOS. The 'Bootstrap Loader Program' does this automatically.
If the POST detects a problem with your hardware, it beeps to let you know. The number of beeps and the subsequent on screen message (unless it is a graphics card issue) tells you what the problem is.
There are 11 common BIOS beep codes. These are given in the table below, with some suggestions as to what they mean.
| Beep Code | Error Message | Potential Issue |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Beep | DRAM Refresh Failure | Memory or Motherboard |
| 2 Beeps | Memory Parity Error | Memory or Motherboard |
| 3 Beeps | Base 64k RAM Failure | Memory or Motherboard |
| 4 Beeps | Motherboard System Timer Failure | Motherboard |
| 5 Beeps | Processor error | Processor (CPU) |
| 6 Beeps | Gate A20 Keyboard Controller Failure | Keyboard or Motherboard |
| 7 Beeps | Process Except Interrupt Error | Processor (CPU) or Motherboard |
| 8 Beeps | Display Memory Read Write Error | Video (Graphics) Card |
| 9 Beeps | ROM BIOS Checksum Error | BIOS Chip or Motherboard |
| 10 Beeps | CMOS Shutdown Read/Write Error | Motherboard |
| 11 Beeps | Cache Memory Test Failure | Motherboard |
AMIBIOS BIOS Beep Codes
The PC Guide(Opens New Window) has some excellent material on how to troubleshoot AMIBIOS problems.
The information is quite technical. If you are unsure I would advise in this instance to take your machine to a local computer repair shop, or call your computer manufacturers support line.
BIOS Setup
The American Megatrends BIOS Setup Utility provides a lot of details about your computer hardware. You can change some of the settings if you want to, but in most cases you won't need to.
Some details are for information only, which you cannot change.
When you switch on your computer, press the Delete key to enter the BIOS Setup Utility.
There is only a small window of opportunity to do this before your computer starts to load the operating system. Therefore, keep pressing the delete key until the BIOS Setup Utility appears.
On some computers you need to press the F1 or F2 keys to access the BIOS Setup Utility. Check your computer manufacturers website for how to access the BIOS settings.
Your AMIBIOS Version may look different to the image above. However, the menu names (Main, Advanced etc.) and how you move through each option are usually consistent, as shown in the right-hand side of the image (Select Screen etc.).
The options in grey are for information only, and cannot be changed e.g. Processor Speed. The options in blue can be changed.
In the image above, you could change the system time and system date if you wish, for example, if you have an AMIBIOS laptop and you moved to another time zone.
Attention!
Today's operating systems take care of changes in time zone. Simply open your Date & Time settings and amend to the timezone you require.
You can also set up BIOS passwords in the security menu so only you and selected members of your family can change the BIOS settings.
American Megatrends BIOS | Final Thoughts
If you want to know more about how to update your BIOS to the latest version, take a look at the AMIBIOS Update page.
Most home computer users do not need the change any of the BIOS settings, however setting a password is recommended.
Don't worry if some or all of this page doesn't make too much sense to you. Treat it as information only.
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- American Megatrends BIOS Update
Author:- Stephen Harrison B.Sc., M.Sc., MBCS, CITP, MInstM
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The American Megatrends BIOS Update process is the second part in the series on the AMIBIOS.
Attention!
I strongly advise reading through this how to article first, before attempting a BIOS update.
If you are still unsure, please DO NOT attempt to update. Contact your local computer repair shop, or call your computer makers support line for advice.
Part 1 introduces you to the AMIBIOS, the beep codes if there is a fault, and the BIOS Setup Utility.
There are 3 Steps in the AMIBIOS update process. Listed below is a link to each part.
Step 5 gives you the opportunity to share your expertise of BIOS updates. Is it a good idea or not? Do you know of a better way to update computer BIOS programs? Share your knowledge!
Step 6 enables you to jump directly to the thoughts and views of other visitors to this web page. Take a look. You may find out something new!
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Contents
Introduction
An American Megatrends BIOS Update is sometimes necessary because, like any other software, improvements are made to improve stability and performance.
You should really update your computer's BIOS when a newer version is released.
This is easier to do these days (20+ years ago it was a nightmare!). AMI and other computer manufacturers provide free Flash BIOS Utilities which update your BIOS for you when you run the program (more on this later).
However, I think the AMI instructions are not very clear for typical home computer users. This tutorial aims to make the process as clear as possible for you.
There are a few things to do first before updating your computer's BIOS.
Motherboard Identification
There are different AMIBIOS products on different computer systems. Most computer makers change the AMIBIOS code to suit their own computer models.
Attention!
Modern computers now come with a new type of BIOS, called Unified Extensible Firmware Upgrade (UEFI). Click here for more details.
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The image below is from the AMI website, and shows you how to identify whether your home computer has a native AMI approved motherboard or not.
Where it says 'BIOS from 1991-Present', there is a reference to AMI and the motherboard type, if it is a AMI approved motherboard.
This reference looks something like: AMIS875-P, signifying a Series S875 AMI Motherboard (it actually says AMI123-P on the image above as an example).
If your computer does not have an AMI reference, refer to your computer providers website for guidance. If you require more details on this step, go to the AMI BIOS (Opens New Window) web page.
If you don't understand this step. Don't worry! Download the AMIBID(Opens New Window) motherboard identification tool. Simply install and run on your computer.
If the AMIBID utility fails, go to the CPUID (Opens New Window) web page, download and install the CPU-Z tool. This is another motherboard identification utility.
From the example above, this computer has an AMIBIOS, but it is not an AMI motherboard. In this instance, the home computer user must visit the ASRack website and search for the BIOS update for the ALive motherboard.
Attention!
This is Very Important! You must always use the BIOS update made available by your motherboards manufacturer.
AMIBIOS ROM And Flash Utility
If you determine you have an AMI motherboard, download the AMI Firmware Update Tool(Opens New Window).
Unzip the American Megatrends BIOS Update utility. Go to the AFUWIN folder (under the AMIBIOS parent folder), then either the 32-bit or 64-bit sub-folder. Left click AFUWIN.EXE.
Click OK if this disclaimer appears.
Click the Open Button to search for and select the ROM file you downloaded from your motherboard manufacturers website.
Attention!
Click SAVE to take a copy of your existing BIOS Settings. If anything goes wrong you have an option to restore!
Click the Flash Button. The Process tab will be displayed to show you the update BIOS process in action.
When the process is complete, exit the Flash Utility and Restart Your Computer (if it doesn't restart for you).
Your BIOS is now updated to the latest version. Refer to the AMIBIOS Support web page if further support is required.
American Megatrends BIOS Update | Final Thoughts
The American Megatrends BIOS Update process is a little complicated. I hope the information provided on this web page is useful. Good luck with your BIOS update.
A very useful link is to the AMI BIOS and UEFI Utilities page(Opens New Window). There is a form at the bottom of the page where you can request extra support from AMI direct.
Don't forget to take a look at part 1 of this tutorial series, which introduces you to the BIOS concept, AMIBIOS beep error codes and the BIOS Setup Utility.
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Is There A Better Way Than This?
Some professionals recommend you don't update your BIOS unless absolutely necessary. This is good advice if you are a true novice.
Do you agree? Do you know of a better, easier way to update your AMI BIOS than what is described in this article?
Other Visitors Opinions
Click below to see contributions from other visitors to this page...
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