ROM and RAM Error Codes Explained (76922)
The information in this article applies to:
- Microsoft MS-DOS operating system 5.0
This article was previously published under Q76922 SUMMARY
In the event that a RAM or ROM chip fails, a multidigit error code
will be displayed. The error code is displayed only briefly, then
replaced by the message
PARITY CHECK x
where if x=1, the problem is on the system board or is power supply
problem, and if x=2, the problem is on one of the memory expansion
adapters.
The multidigit error codes can be used to determine where the chip
error occurred.
MORE INFORMATIONROM Error Codes
During power-on-self-test (POST), a failed ROM chip will
display an error code in the following format
xx00 ROM
-or-
xx000 ROM
where xx is the hexadecimal address of the failed ROM.
Not all problems can be identified by an error code, because some
problems will prevent the computer from booting at all.
The following table shows some of the possible error codes
and what they mean:
Error Code Computer Location of Faulty ROM
---------- -------- ----------------------
C800 ROM All Hard disk drive adapter
CC00 ROM PC,XT PC network
IO ROM CC00 XT 286,AT PC network
F600 ROM PC U29
F800 ROM PC U30
FA00 ROM PC U31
FC00 ROM PC U32
Fxxx ROM PC System board
ROM Error all System board
IO ROM xxxxxx XT 286, AT Power related
RAM Error Codes
When the last three numbers of an error code are 201, it indicates an
error in the RAM area. The numbers preceding 201 are the code that
identifies the specific chip. Error code formats appear as follows:
Computer Error Code Format
-------- -----------------
PC xxx 201
XT xxxxx xx 201
AT and PS/2 xxxxxx xxxx 201
Note: x represents hexadecimal characters.
The first one or two characters indicate the bank or expansion
adapter, and the two to four characters preceding 201 represent the
specific chip that failed.
If a chip has failed in one of the first few memory banks, the error
code may disappear very quickly. Ensure that the display is warmed-up
sufficiently to show the error code.
For more information, query on the following words:
parity error and meaning and message
parity check and error and description
REFERENCES
"The PC Configuration Handbook," John Woram, pages 259-275, Bantam,
1990
"IBM PC Troubleshooting and Repair Guide," Robert C. Brenner, H.W.
Sams & Co., 1985
Modification Type: | Major | Last Reviewed: | 11/21/1999 |
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Keywords: | KB76922 |
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