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Windows XP InstallationTags:Microsoft Windows xp home edition with s...windows xpWindows Vistaoperating system

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gurjeet80 April 25, 2010 at 21:02:29 Pacific

Windows Vista

Hello Guys,I installed a trial run of Vista on my comp and now the limited time is over and for continuous use of Windows I need to enter product key (What I don't want to buy). But I have Windows XP installation CD with product key. When I try to run it I can't start as my Vista operating system is blocked. Can you guide me to install XP? Is MS-DOS usful in this case if so, then how?

Can your friends help? Ask!

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Mechanix2Go April 25, 2010 at 21:08:36 Pacific

Set BIOS to boot from CD.

Put XP CD in drive and reboot.

DElete existing partitions, then install.

How to clear an unknown BIOS or CMOS password.

Question

How to clear an unknown BIOS or CMOS password.

Answer

The below steps are for a desktop computer and do not include steps on how to clear a laptop CMOS password.

If you encounter a password prompt at boot or the BIOS / CMOS setup is locked as shown below and you do not know the password you will need to clear the BIOS password using the suggestions listed below.

Clear using jumper (recommended)

When inside the computer be sure you're aware of the potential damage that can be caused by ESD.

On the computer motherboard locate the BIOS clear / password jumper or dipswitch and change its position. This jumper is often labeled CLEAR, CLEAR CMOS, JCMOS1, CLR, CLRPWD, PASSWD, PASSWORD, PSWD or PWD as shown in the picture to the right. To change the jumper remove it from the two pins its currently on so that it covers the pin that is not covered. For example, in the picture to the right pins 1 and 2 are covered, you'd remove the jumper and put it on pins 2 and 3.

Once this jumper has been changed, turn on the computer and the password should be cleared. Once cleared, turn the computer off and return the jumper or dipswitch to its original position.

The location of the jumpers or dipswitches are dependent on the manufacturer of the computer and motherboard. However, below are some general ideas on where to find it. Remember that most motherboards could have dozens of different jumpers, make sure you're changing the CMOS jumper and not something else. If these general suggestions do not help refer to your motherboard / computer documentation or skip to the next step.

1. On the edge of the motherboard - Most jumpers are located on the side of the motherboard for easy accessibility, verify by looking at all visible edges of the motherboard.

2. By the CMOS battery - Some manufactures will place the jumper to clear the CMOS / BIOS password by the actual CMOS battery.

3. By the processor - Some manufactures will place the jumpers by the processor of the computer.

4. Under the keyboard or bottom of laptop - If you are working on a laptop computer the location of the dipswitch (almost never a jumper) can be under the keyboard or on the bottom of the laptop in a compartment such as the memory compartment.

5. Other visible location - While it is possible that the jumpers / dipswitches may not be in a visible location, most manufactures try to make things easier by placing the jumpers / dipswitches in another visible location.

Generic passwords

Try using generic CMOS passwords. Note: many of these generic passwords are no longer used or only used with older computers.

Use a BIOS password utility

There are utilities designed to help bypass CMOS passwords. An example of a great utility to decrypt / bypass BIOS passwords is the PC BIOS Security and Maintenance toolkit.

Remove CMOS battery

Removing the CMOS battery like the one shown in the picture to the right will cause the system to loose all CMOS settings including the password. To do this locate and remove the CMOS battery on the motherboard for at least five-minutes. After this has been done put the battery back into the computer and turn it back on.

Jump the CMOS solder beads

Older computers and especially older laptops don't have jumpers or dipswitches and require the user to jump a pair of solder beads on a circuit board. The identification and location of these solder beads can vary and if not available in computer documentation is only obtainable through the computer manufacturer.

If you've identified the solder beads they can be jumped by placing a flat-head screwdriver over the two beads and leaving it on those beads while turning on the computer. Once the computer has booted turn off the computer and then remove the screwdriver.

Contact manufacturer

If the above solutions do not help or you are unable to locate the jumpers or solder beads, it's recommended you contact the computer manufacturer or motherboard manufacturer for the steps on clearing the computer password.

Additional information

See the CMOS definition for related links and information.

Generic BIOS password listings.

Issue

Generic BIOS password listings.

Cause

If a password is mistakenly forgotten or set without your knowledge, it may be necessary to use a generic password to bypass or change the password.

Solutions

If a BIOS or CMOS password is forgotten in some cases it may be possible to use a generic BIOS password to bypass the unknown password. By using a generic BIOS password you may be able to change the password to a different password. Below is a listing of generic passwords for each of the major BIOS manufacturers.

With today's computers it is easier to reset the BIOS or CMOS password using a jumper instead of going through and trying all the below passwords.

AMI BIOS

A.M.I.AMIAMI_SWAMI?SWBIOSHEWLITT RANDLKWPETERPASSWORDOder

AWARD BIOS

01322222589589589721595595598598aLLyaLLYALLYALFAROMEaPAf_awardAWARD SWAWARD PWAWARD_SW

AWARD?SWAWKWARDBIOSTARCONCATCondod8ondjonetHLTJ64J256J262j332j322KDDLKWPETERlkwpeterPINTpintSERSKY_FOXSYXZTTPTHAZAAADAZBAAACAZJAAADC

Russian Award Passwords:

% p%% p%

IBM APTIVA BIOS

Press both mouse buttons repeatedly during the boot

PHOENIX BIOS

phoenix

OTHER BIOS

ALFAROMEBIOSTARbiostarbiosstarCMOS

cmosLKWPETERlkwpetersetupSETUPSyxzWodj

SOME COMPUTERS WITH TOSHIBA BIOS

Hold down the Shift key as the computer is booting.

Computer has three short beeps as it starts

Question

Computer has three short beeps as it starts.

Cause

Computer RAM (memory) related issue.

Answer

Some of the below steps recommend removing physical parts within the computer. While in the computer it is highly recommend that you be aware of ESD and its potential hazards. Information about ESD and proper grounding techniques are found on our ESD help page.

Remove added memory

If you've recently added or tried to add additional memory to the computer and have started getting these beeps. Remove all new memory you've added to the computer. If the computer works fine after removing the new memory you're encountering either an incompatibility or defective new memory.

What type of computer memory to use in a memory upgrade?

Open computer and reseat memory

Sometimes when the computer is moved or over time a memory stick can become loose causing the computer to be unable to read the memory or get errors as it's reading it. Try fixing this issue

by opening the computer removing each of the memory sticks you have in the computer and then placing them back into the computer.

Swap memory location

If reseating the memory did not resolve the issue try swapping the location of the memory. If you have only one stick of memory in the computer try moving it to another slot and then boot the computer.

If you have more than one stick of memory try removing all but one stick of memory and boot the computer. If this does not resolve the issue try removing that stick of memory and try one of the other sticks of memory.

Try another computers memory

If you have access to another computer that uses the same memory, try using its known good memory in your computer.

If another computers memory works you know that you have bad memory. If another computers memory does not work and it is compatible with your computer unfortunately your motherboard or the slots on the motherboard are defective causing it to be unable to properly read the memory, which means the motherboard will have to be replaced.

Replace memory

If it is determined the memory in the computer is bad we suggest that you replace it.

What type of computer memory to use in a memory upgrade? Additional information with installing computer hardware.

Computer POST and beep codesQuick links

POST ABCsPOST troubleshootingAMI BIOS beep codesAward BIOS beep codesIBM BIOS beep codesMacintosh startup tonesPhoenix BIOS beep codesMotherboard help

POST ABCs

The computer power-on self-test (POST) tests the computer to make sure it meets the necessary system requirements and that all hardware is working properly before starting the remainder of the boot process. If the computer passes the POST the computer will have a single beep (with some computer BIOS manufacturers it may beep twice) as the computer starts and the computer will continue to start normally. However, if the computer fails the POST, the computer will either not beep at all or will generate a beep code, which tells the user the source of the problem.

If you're receiving an irregular POST or a beep code not mentioned below follow the POST troubleshooting steps to determine the failing hardware component.

Additional information on the POST and how a computer works?

AMI BIOS beep codes

Below are the AMI BIOS Beep codes that can occur. However, because of the wide variety of different computer manufacturers with this BIOS, the beep codes may vary.

Beep Code Descriptions

1 short DRAM refresh failure

2 short Parity circuit failure

3 short Base 64K RAM failure

4 short System timer failure

5 short Process failure

6 short Keyboard controller Gate A20 error

7 short Virtual mode exception error

8 short Display memory Read/Write test failure

9 short ROM BIOS checksum failure

10 short CMOS shutdown Read/Write error

11 short Cache Memory error

1 long, 3 short Conventional/Extended memory failure

1 long, 8 short Display/Retrace test failed

AWARD BIOS beep codes

Below are Award BIOS Beep codes that can occur. However, because of the wide variety of different computer manufacturers with this BIOS, the beep codes may vary.

Beep Code Description

1 long, 2 short

Indicates a video error has occurred and the BIOS cannot initialize the video screen to display any additional information

Any other beep(s)

RAM problem.

If any other correctable hardware issues, the BIOS will display a message.

IBM BIOS beep codes

Below are general IBM BIOS Beep codes that can occur. However, because of the wide variety of models shipping with this BIOS, the beep codes may vary.

Beep Code Description

No Beeps No Power, Loose Card, or Short.

1 Short Beep Normal POST, computer is ok.

2 Short Beep POST error, review screen for error code.

Continuous Beep No Power, Loose Card, or Short.

Repeating Short Beep No Power, Loose Card, or Short.

One Long and one Short Beep Motherboard issue.

One Long and Two Short Beeps Video (Mono/CGA Display Circuitry) issue.

One Long and Three Short Beeps. Video (EGA) Display Circuitry.

Three Long Beeps Keyboard / Keyboard card error.

One Beep, Blank or Incorrect Display Video Display Circuitry.

Macintosh startup tones

Tones Error

Error Tone. (two sets of different tones) Problem with logic board or SCSI bus.

Startup tone, drive spins, no video Problem with video controller.

Powers on, no tone. Logic board problem.

High Tone, four higher tones. Problem with SIMM.

Phoenix BIOS beep codes

Below are the beep codes for Phoenix BIOS Q3.07 OR 4.X

Beep Code Description / What to Check

1-1-1-3 Verify Real Mode.

1-1-2-1 Get CPU type.

1-1-2-3 Initialize system hardware.

1-1-3-1 Initialize chipset registers with initial POST values.

1-1-3-2 Set in POST flag.

1-1-3-3 Initialize CPU registers.

1-1-4-1 Initialize cache to initial POST values.

1-1-4-3 Initialize I/O.

1-2-1-1 Initialize Power Management.

1-2-1-2 Load alternate registers with initial POST values.

1-2-1-3 Jump to UserPatch0.

1-2-2-1 Initialize keyboard controller.

1-2-2-3 BIOS ROM checksum.

1-2-3-1 8254 timer initialization.

1-2-3-3 8237 DMA controller initialization.

1-2-4-1 Reset Programmable Interrupt Controller.

1-3-1-1 Test DRAM refresh.

1-3-1-3 Test 8742 Keyboard Controller.

1-3-2-1 Set ES segment to register to 4 GB.

1-3-3-1 28 Autosize DRAM.

1-3-3-3 Clear 512K base RAM.

1-3-4-1 Test 512 base address lines.

1-3-4-3 Test 512K base memory.

1-4-1-3 Test CPU bus-clock frequency.

1-4-2-4 Reinitialize the chipset.

1-4-3-1 Shadow system BIOS ROM.

1-4-3-2 Reinitialize the cache.

1-4-3-3 Autosize cache.

1-4-4-1 Configure advanced chipset registers.

1-4-4-2 Load alternate registers with CMOS values.

2-1-1-1 Set Initial CPU speed.

2-1-1-3 Initialize interrupt vectors.

2-1-2-1 Initialize BIOS interrupts.

2-1-2-3 Check ROM copyright notice.

2-1-2-4 Initialize manager for PCI Options ROMs.

2-1-3-1 Check video configuration against CMOS.

2-1-3-2 Initialize PCI bus and devices.

2-1-3-3 Initialize all video adapters in system.

2-1-4-1 Shadow video BIOS ROM.

2-1-4-3 Display copyright notice.

2-2-1-1 Display CPU type and speed.

2-2-1-3 Test keyboard.

2-2-2-1 Set key click if enabled.

2-2-2-3 56 Enable keyboard.

2-2-3-1 Test for unexpected interrupts.

2-2-3-3 Display prompt Press F2 to enter SETUP.

2-2-4-1 Test RAM between 512 and 640k.

2-3-1-1 Test expanded memory.

2-3-1-3 Test extended memory address lines.

2-3-2-1 Jump to UserPatch1.

2-3-2-3 Configure advanced cache registers.

2-3-3-1 Enable external and CPU caches.

2-3-3-3 Display external cache size.

2-3-4-1 Display shadow message.

2-3-4-3 Display non-disposable segments.

2-4-1-1 Display error messages.

2-4-1-3 Check for configuration errors.

2-4-2-1 Test real-time clock.

2-4-2-3 Check for keyboard errors

2-4-4-1 Set up hardware interrupts vectors.

2-4-4-3 Test coprocessor if present.

3-1-1-1 Disable onboard I/O ports.

3-1-1-3 Detect and install external RS232 ports.

3-1-2-1 Detect and install external parallel ports.

3-1-2-3 Re-initialize onboard I/O ports.

3-1-3-1 Initialize BIOS Data Area.

3-1-3-3 Initialize Extended BIOS Data Area.

3-1-4-1 Initialize floppy controller.

3-2-1-1 Initialize hard-disk controller.

3-2-1-2 Initialize local-bus hard-disk controller.

3-2-1-3 Jump to UserPatch2.

3-2-2-1 Disable A20 address line.

3-2-2-3 Clear huge ES segment register.

3-2-3-1 Search for option ROMs.

3-2-3-3 Shadow option ROMs.

3-2-4-1 Set up Power Management.

3-2-4-3 Enable hardware interrupts.

3-3-1-1 Set time of day.

3-3-1-3 Check key lock.

3-3-3-1 Erase F2 prompt.

3-3-3-3 Scan for F2 key stroke.

3-3-4-1 Enter SETUP.

3-3-4-3 Clear in-POST flag.

3-4-1-1 Check for errors

3-4-1-3 POST done--prepare to boot operating system.

3-4-2-1 One beep.

3-4-2-3 Check password (optional).

3-4-3-1 Clear global descriptor table.

3-4-4-1 Clear parity checkers.

3-4-4-3 Clear screen (optional).

3-4-4-4 Check virus and backup reminders.

4-1-1-1 Try to boot with INT 19.

4-2-1-1 Interrupt handler error.

4-2-1-3 Unknown interrupt error.

4-2-2-1 Pending interrupt error.

4-2-2-3 Initialize option ROM error.

4-2-3-1 Shutdown error.

4-2-3-3 Extended Block Move.

4-2-4-1 Shutdown 10 error.

4-3-1-3 Initialize the chipset.

4-3-1-4 Initialize refresh counter.

4-3-2-1 Check for Forced Flash.

4-3-2-2 Check HW status of ROM.

4-3-2-3 BIOS ROM is OK.

4-3-2-4 Do a complete RAM test.

4-3-3-1 Do OEM initialization.

4-3-3-2 Initialize interrupt controller.

4-3-3-3 Read in bootstrap code.

4-3-3-4 Initialize all vectors.

4-3-4-1 Boot the Flash program.

4-3-4-2 Initialize the boot device.

4-3-4-3 Boot code was read OK.

How can I reset CMOS / BIOS settings?

Question

How can I reset CMOS / BIOS settings?

Answer

If your computer is having issues booting, has errors during boot, after adding hardware is running into issues, or you're having other abnormal system behaviors that cannot be resolved though any other method it may be necessary to reset the CMOS settings or load the default or fail-safe defaults as explained below.

Load / Reset defaults

1. Enter CMOS setup.2. In CMOS setup look for an option to reset the CMOS values to the default setting or an

option to load the fail-safe defaults. With many CMOS setup screens there will be a function key to do this; for example, the F5, F6, F9, F11, or F12 key like shown in the picture to the right. Other setups may actually list an option that you can arrow over to using the arrow keys and press Enter.

3. When found and selected you'll likely be asked if you're sure you wish to load the defaults press Y for yes or arrow to the yes option.

4. Once the default values have been set make sure to Save and Exit and not just exit.

Reset Configuration Data

In addition to restoring the system defaults if you've recently added new hardware or resetting the default values did not help resolve your boot issues you may also want to reset the configuration data. Note: Not all CMOS setup screens will have this feature.

Under advanced

If you're working on a computer with a Phoenix BIOS that has Main - Advanced - Security - .... across the top of the screen you can get to this setting by using the right arrow to move over to Advanced and under Advanced arrow down to Reset Configuration Data and changing the value from Disabled or No to Enabled or Yes.

Once the above has been done press the F10 key and save and exit CMOS setup.

In PnP/PCI Configurations

If you're working with a Phoenix BIOS that has several different options and one of them is PnP/PCI Configuration move the cursor down to this option and press Enter. Within the PnP/PCI Configurations change the Reset Configuration Data from Disabled to Enabled.

Once the above has been done press the F10 key and save and exit CMOS setup.

Hard reset the CMOS

When inside your computer make sure you're aware of ESD and all it's potential dangers.

If the above steps do not reset the CMOS settings we suggest removing the CMOS battery for 5 minutes causing the computer to forget all settings. Removing the CMOS battery like the one shown in the picture to the right will cause the system to loose all CMOS settings including the password. To do this locate and remove the CMOS battery on the motherboard for at least five-minutes. After this has been done put the battery back into the computer and turn it back on.

If your computer does not have a CMOS battery or you're unable to find it you'll need to do a hard reset on the CMOS using a jumper or dipswitch on the motherboard. Information on finding these can be found through your computer or motherboard documentation.

Additional information

See the BIOS and CMOS definitions for further information and related links.

BIOS

Short for Basic Input/Output System, the BIOS or System BIOS is a chip located on all computer motherboards that contains instructions and setup for how your system should boot and how it operates. In the picture to the right, is an example of what a BIOS chip may look like in your computer.

The BIOS includes instructions on how to load basic computer hardware and includes a test referred to as a POST (Power On Self Test) that helps verify the computer meets requirements to boot up properly. If the computer does not pass the POST, you will receive a combination of beeps indicating what is malfunctioning within the computer.

In most PCs, the BIOS has 4 main functions as mentioned below.

1. POST - Test computer hardware, ensuring hardware is properly functioning before starting process of loading operating system. Additional information on the POST can be found on our POST and Beep Codes page.

2. Bootstrap Loader - Process of locating the operating system. If capable operating system located, BIOS will pass the control to it.

3. BIOS - Software and drivers that interface between the operating system and your hardware. When running DOS or Windows you are using complete BIOS support.

4. BIOS / CMOS Setup - Configuration program that allows you to configure hardware settings including system settings such as computer passwords, time, and date.

How to enter the BIOS or CMOS setup. Additional information and help with BIOS updates. How to clear an unknown BIOS or CMOS password. Complete computer BIOS help and support.

Also see: ACPI, BIOS shadow, BPB, CMOS, EFI, Firmware, Flash BIOS, Motherboard definitions, PROM, UEFI

What is the difference between BIOS and CMOS?

Question

What is the difference between BIOS and CMOS?

Answer

Often the BIOS and CMOS can be confused because instructions may either indicate to enter the BIOS Setup or the CMOS Setup. Although the setup for BIOS and CMOS is the same, the BIOS and CMOS on the motherboard are not.

If you have already read the above BIOS and CMOS definition links you should now know that the BIOS and CMOS are two different components on the motherboard. The BIOS on the motherboard contains the instructions on how the computer boots and is only modified or updated with BIOS updates, the CMOS is powered by a CMOS battery and contains your system settings and is modified and changed by entering the CMOS Setup.

Although the setup is often referred to as the BIOS and CMOS setup, we suggest you only refer to the setup as "CMOS Setup" as it is more appropriate. Computer Hope often refers to the setup as BIOS and CMOS Setup to help users who are looking for one instead of the other.

Additional information

How to enter the BIOS or CMOS setup. See the BIOS and CMOS definitions for further information and related links.

How to find the BIOS type, version, and date

Question

How to find the BIOS type, version, and date.

Answer

If you want to determine which BIOS you have and which version it is, there are several ways of finding this information.

View BIOS information at POSTThrough Windows System InformationIn the Windows RegistryFinding BIOS date through debug routine

View BIOS information at POST

The first way is by restarting your computer. When the initial load (also called POST) screen is displayed, the BIOS type and version is also displayed. If the load screen is displayed for only a few seconds, you may be able to press the Pause/Break key on your keyboard to stop the computer at that screen, long enough for you to find the BIOS information.

The BIOS information is typically found at or near the top of the POST screen.

You will also see information on what hard drive(s) and CD/DVD drives may be installed in your computer.

It is also at this screen where you could access the BIOS Setup itself for more information on the hardware on your computer and the various BIOS and hardware settings currently available.

To help with load times or to display a company logo this screen may not be viewable. If this is the case try the below alternate resolutions.

Through Windows System Information

The BIOS information is also shown through the Windows System Information. To open this tool click START, Programs, Accessories, System Tools, and then System Information. If you're running Windows Vista or Windows 7, type System Information in the Start search box.

This will open the System Information window, displaying information about your computer, including the type of BIOS you have and the version, under the System Summary section. As can be seen in the below picture, this computer has a DELL BIOS version 1.0.0 with a Date of 11/5/2008.

In the Windows Registry

You can also find BIOS information in the Windows System Registry. This area is a bit more dangerous to navigate around, as you can change values that could affect how Windows operates. So be careful if you choose to use this option to view your BIOS information.

To access the System Registry, click START and in the Run or Search box type regedit in the text field and press enter. In the Windows Registry navigate to the below registry directory.

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\HARDWARE\DESCRIPTION\System

Find the subkeys SystemBiosDate and SystemBiosVersion to see the BIOS and version for your motherboard. As can be seen in the below picture, the BIOS date and version are shown in these two keys.

Finding BIOS date through debug routine

Earlier computers that do not have access to the above tools can also use the MS-DOS and Windows command line debug command to view the BIOS date, as shown below.

At the C:\> type the below commands.

 debug- d FFFF:5 L 8

After typing the above command, you should receive a string similar to the below example.

FFFF:0000 30 34 2F-33 30 2F 39 38 4/30/98

The 4/30/98 would be the date of your computer BIOS.

Additional information

See our BIOS definition for additional information and related links. Listing of BIOS manufacturers.

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