Knowledge Base

BIOS Status Messages


This document outlines the possible messages displayed on the screen during post. It also details how to read and interpret the messages that occur from the System Messages.
System messages appear on the screen to notify the user of a possible problem. The following table lists the system message that can occur as of BIOS version 1.0.1.

System Messages
Message	Causes	Corrective Actions
Alert! Redundant memory disabled! Memory configuration does not support redundant memory.	Installed memory modules are not the same type and size; faulty memory module(s).	Ensure that all memory modules are of the same type and size, and that they are properly installed. Remember you can POST with one DIMM to test memory function.
Attempting to update Remote Configuration. Please wait...	Remote Configuration request has been detected and is being processed.	Wait until the process is complete.
BIOS Update Attempt Failed!	Remote BIOS update attempt failed.	Retry the BIOS update. If the problem persists, clear NVRAM and try again.
Caution! NVRAM_CLR jumper is installed on system board.	NVRAM_CLR jumper is installed. CMOS has been cleared.	Remove the NVRAM_CLR jumper.
CPUs with different cache sizes detected!	Microprocessors with different cache sizes are installed.	Ensure that all microprocessors have the same cache size, and that they are properly installed.
Decreasing available memory	Faulty or improperly installed memory modules.	Check seating and test memory.
DIMM pairs must be matched in size, speed, and technology. The following DIMM pair is mismatched: DIMM x and DIMM y.	Mismatched or unmatched DIMMs installed; faulty or improperly seated memory module(s).	Ensure that all pairs of memory modules are of the same type and size, and that they are properly installed. If the problem persists, test memory.
DIMMs must be populated in sequential order beginning with slot 1. The following DIMM is electrically isolated: DIMM x.	The specified DIMM is inaccessible to the system due to its location. DIMMs must be populated in sequential order, beginning with slot 1.	Populate 2, 4, 8, or 12 DIMMs sequentially beginning with slot 1. Only the 2900 supports 12 DIMMs.
DIMMs should be installed in pairs. Pairs must be matched in size, speed, and technology.	Mismatched or unmatched DIMMs installed; faulty or improperly seated memory module(s). The system will operate in a degraded mode with reduced ECC protection. Only memory installed in channel 0 will be accessible.	Ensure that all pairs of memory modules are of the same type and size, and that they are properly installed. If the problem persists, test memory.
Dual-rank DIMM paired with Single-rank DIMM - The following DIMM/rank has been disabled by BIOS: DIMM x Rank y	Mismatched DIMMs installed; faulty memory module(s). The system has detected a dual-rank DIMM paired with a single-rank DIMM. The second rank of the dual-rank DIMM will be disabled.	Ensure that all pairs of memory modules are of the same type and size, and that they are properly installed. If the problem persists, test memory.
Diskette drive n seek failure	Incorrect configuration settings in the System Setup program. Faulty or improperly installed diskette drive. Loose diskette drive interface cable, or loose power cable.	Run the System Setup program to correct the settings. Reseat diskette drive interface cable, or power cable. If the problem persists, test the diskette drive.
Diskette read failure	Faulty or improperly inserted diskette.	Replace the diskette. If the problem persists, test the diskette drive with known working media.
Diskette subsystem reset failed	Faulty or improperly installed diskette.	Replace the diskette. If the problem persists, test the diskette drive with known working media.
Drive not ready	Diskette missing from or improperly inserted in diskette drive.	Replace the diskette. If the problem persists, test the diskette drive with known working media.
Error: Incorrect memory configuration. DIMMs must be installed in pairs of matched memory size, speed, and technology.	Mismatched or unmatched DIMMs installed; faulty or improperly seated memory module(s).	Ensure that all pairs of memory modules are of the same type and size, and that they are properly installed.
Error: Memory failure detected. Memory size reduced. Replace the faulty DIMM as soon as possible.	Faulty or improperly seated memory module(s).	Ensure that all pairs of memory modules are properly installed. If the problem persists, test memory DIMMs.
!!*** Error: Remote Access Controller initialization failure*** RAC virtual USB devices may not be available...	Remote Access Controller initialization failure.	Ensure that the Remote Access Controller is properly installed. Checking cabling and connectors for damage.
FBD training error - The following memory branch has been disabled: Branch x	Train error on DIMMs on the matching pair. If a channel fails to train, the paired channel will be disabled as well.	Correct the training error, start by checking the memory is properly installed.
Gate A20 failure	Faulty keyboard controller; faulty system board.	Check keyboard connection. Swap with known good keyboard, SIP, or KVM cable.
General failure	The operating system is unable to carry out the command.	This message is usually followed by specific information. Note the information and take the appropriate action to resolve the problem.
Invalid NVRAM configuration, Resource Re-allocated	System detected and corrected a resource conflict.	No action is required, as the Re-allocated configuration is now correct.
Keyboard Controller failure	Faulty keyboard controller; faulty system board	Try clearing NVRAM.
Manufacturing mode detected	System is in manufacturing mode.	Reboot to take the system out of manufacturing mode. If the problem persists, clear NVRAM and reflash the BIOS/BMC.
MEMBIST failure - The following DIMM/rank has been disabled by BIOS: DIMM x Rank y	Faulty memory module(s).	Ensure the DIMM x is installed in a pair of memory modules that are of the same type and size, and that they are properly installed.
Memory address line failure at <address>, read <value> expecting <value>	Faulty or improperly installed memory modules.	Ensure that all pairs of memory modules are properly installed. If the problem persists, test memory DIMMs.
Memory double word logic failure at <address>, read <value> expecting <value>	Faulty or improperly installed memory modules.	Ensure that all pairs of memory modules are properly installed. If the problem persists, test memory DIMMs.
Memory odd/even logic failure at <address>, read <value> expecting <value>	Faulty or improperly installed memory modules.	Ensure that all pairs of memory modules are properly installed. If the problem persists, test memory DIMMs.
Memory write/read failure at <address>, read <value> expecting <value>	Faulty or improperly installed memory modules.	Ensure that all pairs of memory modules are properly installed. If the problem persists, test memory DIMMs.
Memory tests terminated by keystroke.	POST memory test terminated by pressing the spacebar.	Information only.
No boot device available	Faulty or missing optical/diskette drive subsystem, hard drive, or hard-drive subsystem, or no boot disk in drive A.	Use a bootable diskette, CD, or hard drive with a readable MBR. Also check the setting of the boot ordering in the system BIOS and/or RAID controller.
No boot sector on hard drive	Incorrect configuration settings in System Setup program, or no operating system on hard drive.	Check the hard-drive configuration settings in the System Setup program. Check boot order of RAID controller. Make sure an operating system was installed.
No timer tick interrupt	Faulty system board.	Try clearing NVRAM or reflashing BIOS and BMC.
Northbound merge error - The following DIMM has been disabled by BIOS: DIMM x	The specified DIMM was unable to establish a successful data link with the memory controller.	Ensure that all pairs of memory modules are of the same type and size, and that they are properly installed. If the problem persists, test memory.
Not a boot diskette	No operating system on diskette.	Use a bootable diskette, remove floppy, or change boot order in system BIOS.
PCIe Degraded Link Width Error: Embedded Bus<#nn>/Dev<#nn>/Func<n> Expected Link Width is <n> Actual Link Width is <n>	Faulty or improperly installed PCIe card in the specified slot.	Reseat the PCIe card in the specified slot number. If problem persists, test PCIe card.
PCIe Degraded Link Width Error: Slot <n> Expected Link Width is <n> Actual Link Width is <n>	Faulty or improperly installed PCIe card in the specified slot.	Reseat the PCIe card in the specified slot number. If problem persists, test PCIe card.
PCIe Training Error: Embedded Bus<#nn>/Dev<#nn>/Func<n> PCIe Training Error: Slot <n>	Faulty or improperly installed PCIe card in the specified slot.	Reseat the PCIe card in the specified slot number. If problem persists, test PCIe card.
PCI BIOS failed to install	PCI device BIOS (Option ROM) checksum failure is detected during shadowing. Loose cables to expansion card(s); faulty or improperly installed expansion card.	Reseat the expansion cards. Ensure that all appropriate cables are securely connected to the expansion cards. If the problem persists, test the PCI device.
Plug & Play Configuration Error	Error encountered in initializing PCI device; faulty system board.	Install the NVRAM_CLR jumper and reboot the system. If the problem persists, pull all PCI devices and clear NVRAM again.
Read fault Requested sector not found	The operating system cannot read from the diskette or hard drive, the system could not find a particular sector on the disk, or the requested sector is defective.	Replace the diskette. Ensure that the diskette and hard drive cables are properly connected. Check the boot order in system BIOS and/or RAID controller. Scan disk for media defects.
Remote configuration update attempt failed	System unable to process Remote Configuration request.	Check settings on Remote Configuration, and retry Remote Configuration.
ROM bad checksum = address	Expansion card improperly installed or faulty.	Reseat the expansion cards. Ensure that all appropriate cables are securely connected to the expansion cards. If the problem persists, test the PCI device.
Sector not found Seek error Seek operation failed	Faulty diskette or hard drive.	Replace the diskette. Ensure that the diskette and hard drive cables are properly connected. Check the boot order in system BIOS and/or RAID controller. Scan disk for media defects.
Shutdown failure	Shutdown test failure.	Ensure that all pairs of memory modules are properly installed. If the problem persists, test memory DIMMs.
The amount of system memory has changed	Memory has been added or removed, or a memory module may be faulty.	If memory has been added or removed, this message is informative and can be ignored. If memory has not been added or removed, check the SEL to determine if single-bit or multi-bit errors were detected and replace the faulty memory module.
The FBD link to the following DIMM failed to train: DIMM x	Faulty or improperly seated memory module(s). Possible faults in links between DIMMs.	Check the memory is properly installed. Swap affected channels with disabled channel of memory. Test memory one DIMM at a time.
The following DIMM pair is not compatible with the memory controller: DIMM x and DIMM y	The specified DIMM(s) are incompatible with the system.	Ensure that only ECC FBD1 memory is used. Dell recommends purchasing memory upgrade kits directly from www.dell.com or your Dell sales agent to ensure compatibility.
The following DIMMs are not compatible: DIMM x and DIMM y	The specified DIMM(s) are incompatible with the system.	Ensure that only ECC FBD1 memory is used. Dell recommends purchasing memory upgrade kits directly from www.dell.com or your Dell sales agent to ensure compatibility.
Time-of-day clock stopped	Faulty battery or faulty chip.	Test CMOS battery by setting time and unplugging system for 1 hour, then plugging system back into power source, turning it on, and checking time.
Time-of-day not set - please run SETUP program	Incorrect time or date settings; faulty system battery.	Check the time and date settings. Test CMOS battery by setting time, unplugging system for 1 hour, plugging system back into power source, turning it on, and checking time.
Timer chip counter 2 failed	Faulty system board.	Try clearing NVRAM, and flashing BIOS and BMC.
Unsupported CPU combination Unsupported CPU stepping detected	Microprocessor(s) is not supported by the system.	Try flashing to current BIOS and BMC, or install a supported microprocessor or microprocessor combination.
Utility partition not available	The <F10> key was pressed during POST, but no utility partition exists on the boot hard drive.	Use the DDDP utility to create a diagnostic CD, USB, Floppy, or image. Or create a utility partition on the boot hard drive.
Warning! No microcode update loaded for processor <n>	Microcode update failed.	Update the BIOS firmware.
Warning: Embedded RAID firmware is not present!	Embedded RAID firmware does not respond.	Check seating of RAID controller. Try updating the RAID firmware.
Warning: Embedded RAID error!	Embedded RAID firmware responds with an error.	Check seating of RAID controller. Try updating the RAID firmware.
Warning: The current memory configuration is not optimal. Dell recommends a population of 2, 4, 8, or 12 DIMMs. DIMMs should be populated sequentially starting in slot 1.	System has detected a legal but non-optimal population of DIMMs (for example, 1 DIMM, 6 DIMMs, 4 DIMMs in slots 1, 2, 5, and 6, etc.). The system will run with all memory accessible but will experience sub-optimal performance.	Populate 2, 4, 8, or 12 DIMMs sequentially beginning with slot 1. Only the PowerEdge 2900 has 12 DIMMs.
Write fault Write fault on selected drive	Faulty diskette, optical/diskette drive assembly, hard drive, or hard-drive subsystem.	Check media on drive. Try known good media on optical and diskette. Do diagnostics on controllers and drives if problem persists.

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