BIOS ROM checksum error

Greetings, tino_tino!

The error usually indicates that the battery is going dead. Replace the battery and your computer should be fine.

Best wishes, war1

thanx john and war1 for replies. i opened up the computer, is it the lithium battery (small and round, right?)  that i should replace?

Yes, that is the battery that you should replace.

Replaced the battery, but I still get the same message

The battery being low relates to a CMOS checksum error. Your Bios Checksum error relates to the read-only BIOS - I wasnt expecting that to help. Did you try the link above to troubleshoot your motherboard issues?

John

I forgot to add that they will have full instructions for how to flash your BIOS so there should be no problems.
Just be certain to get the correct one for your system.

hmmm...
Looking over my post about CMOS & BIOS I realize I didn't go far enough with what I said.
CMOS stands for Changable Metal Oxide Semiconductor.
It is the type of chip that the BIOS was stored on. This type of chip required power to retain the programming, hence the need for the battery.
The terms CMOS & BIOS  were [once upon a time] used interchangeably.
Now the BIOS [Basic Input Output Instructions] are stored in flash memory and there is no CMOS related to the BIOS.

I disagree that RAM or any periphials will affect your checksum.
The checksum in independent of system changes or errors of that order.
Like all PROM checksums it is an integral part of the programming and can only be changed through specific programming or chip failure.
If the BIOS detects a hardware problem it reports errors like "A: drive failure" or "No hard drive" but will not give a checksum error.
That is strictly an error with the internal self-audit of the BIOS programming.

Oops!
BIOS = Basic Input Output System.

Also the C in CMOS can also stand for Complementary.

StoneG
         < Also the C in CMOS can also stand for Complementary>
  Yep, and in the UK the 'S' is for silicon !   Small point really.    ;-)        
Excellent discussion nevertheless!

:-)

Ok, i know this is a silly question, but how do i find out the maker of the motherboard.  i opened up the computer and i can't find any name.i see a sticker that says PhoenixBios D686 BIOS. i know that's probably not it.  If it matters, the computer is a Systemax Ascent with an AMD Athlon processor.

It may be a proprietary board for that manufacturer.
I don't have time to google for Systemax right now but you could look for them.
They may have propriety BIOS like Dell or H/P or ...
You will want to get theirs.

<not silly question...can be hard to identify mobo's>
If you can't find their web site we have other options, but try for Systemax Ascent first.

i just went to the Systemax website, and after entering the serial number if gives me the info pertaining to this computer.  
 (1) KT133 Socket A ATX Base System w/ Audio    
 (1) AMD Athlon Processor 1.2 GHz    
 (1) Windows Millennium Recovery CD    
 (1) 256 MB PC133 SDRAM    
 (1) 60GB Ultra ATA Hard Drive    
 (1) ATI All in Wonder Pro 32MB Graphics Card    
 (1) 8X Write/4X Rewrite/32X Read CDRW Drive    
 (1) 12X Max DVD-ROM Drive with Software Decoding    
 (1) 10/100 PCI Ethernet Adapter    
 (1) Creative Labs SoundBlaster Live 5.1 PCI Sound Card    
 (1) 56K V.90 Modem    
 (1) Internet Enhanced Keyboard PS/2    
 (1) Microsoft Intellimouse Web PS/2    
 (1) 24 Title Software Bundle from The Learning Company    
 (1) Corel Wordperfect 2000    
 (1) Cyber Accoustics Headset with Microphone    
 (1) Systemax PC Branding Pack    
 (1) Inland Basic Surge Strip    

also, i'm not an expert like most of you probably are,i just started computer programming this fall, and this is my sister's computer too. i don't know much about computer hardware so i'm a bit hesitant to remove parts of the motherboard unless there's no other option than doing that.

I wouldn't remove anything.
As I said, the checksum error is not related to any hardware issue except, maybe, a bad chip on the motherboard.
That is not something most techs would even think about working with.
Since you have found their web site look for "Downloads" and look for "BIOS Update" or "BIOS Flash".
If there is nothing  [just to be on the safe side...flashing the wrong BIOS can kill a motherboard] I would email their tech support and ask about flashing the BIOS. [where can I get a BIOS update...how do I flash the BIOS]
They should have a downloadable data file & application for this...or can tell you where to get it.
[always save all communications with tech support. I case they give you the wrong information [it happens] you have the proof & can work to get them to replace things damaged.  ;-)  ]

A thought: If this computer is still under warranty this is something THEY need to fix. Probably a new motherboard.

Just a thought, but are you able to get into your BIOS?  Usually you will see a message at the bottom of the screen that says "Press F2 to enter setup" or something like that..it could be F1, F2, F10, Del, or another combo depending on the system.  If you can, then take notes of as many settings as you can, and see if you can find an option to reset to defaults, then "save and exit".  That may take care of your issue.

Good luck,
adler77

hrm. you almost certainly have your answer in here somewhere, how about just closing out this question? its getting a bit old.

John

It HAS been a while.
tino_tino> did my comments [or anyone else's] help here?

I don't know where the author is on this but the question was asked and answered. the error is strictly related to a checksum error in the bios. The most likely fix should have been floashing/replacing the BIOS chip. The link I provided for troublshooting this is a step by step procedure that would have culminated in either flashing or replacing the BIOS or replacing the motherboard. The author seems to have been reluctant to address the BIOS failure directly. Understandable, BIOS issues can seem daunting to the un-initiated.

The only recommendation not made here that would have fixed the issue is to have the computer serviced by a qualified repair technician.

John
Applied Computer Science

I disagree that  jobrienct answered the question as his comments indicated that he believed the error was external to the BIOS and was caused by other hardware such as memory, video card, "...anything else that remains attached to your motherboard".
This is an incorrect assumption, as I have stated,  and was a misdirection of the troubleshooting procedure.
My clarification of the issue was correct as he now admits in the above post.

LOL, Whatever. There are many things that could cause the same error to occur, including memory cache failure where the BIOS checksum is being compared, an overheated CPU or a CPU with only slight damage. You don't think the comparison for the BIOS checksum is done inside the BIOS chip do you? It has to be moved around the system BUS into the CPU in order to be compared. Problems could occur at any juncture and result in the same error. My post would have resolved the issue one way or the other including a flash of the BIOS. I mentioned that it was either the BIOS or, not in any way exclusinve of. But hey, I don't need the points for anything so go ahead and give em to StoneG.

John

This is my point & has been all along:
Yes the checksum error is the result of an internal self-audit of the BIOS chip.
It is there specifically to look for corrupted BIOS data.
In all of the years I have worked on PC's the ONLY cause of BIOS checksum errors I have seen was a corrupted BIOS [due to ESD or chip failure] and I have seen a LOT of hardware issues including the ones you just mentioned.
Those things just don't result in a checksum error.

You previous comments seemed to indicate a less than complete understanding of the BIOS and how it is stored and used.
I will admit that you seem to have modified your position, somewhat, from your original comments.
That's good because the whole issue is providing correct answers.

My position hasn't been modified in the least. I'm 46 and have been in the business of repairing PCs since 1984. I don't know, or particularly care what issues you have seen in "all your years" but I've seen the issues I've mentioned as the cause of a BIOS checksum error more often then I've seen it as a result of an actual BIOS chip issue. Thats mostly because of overclocking, poor cooling, bad/msmatched/overclocked memory and bad settings on the motherboard. the BIOS chip is generally pretty stable unless attacked by a virus or flashed with a bad bit of code, and when the BIOS chip is actually defective it's generally because of an underlying issue that caused it to go bad, see above, unless it was defective in the first place, which isnt the case in a working PC.

You however start off by refering to the BIOS as "essentially the same as the CMOS" which is not now, nor has it ever been, correct in any stretch of the imagination. Then, apparently after a bit of googling, you "clarify" your position.

That said I don't care to argue credentials with you. You obviously know your stuff if you can manage to get points for such enlightened comments as "Me 2" (http://www.experts-exchange.com/Miscellaneous/Lounge/Q_20852993.html) and "Lizards" and "This is POINTless".

Why would you feel the need to attack me personally? Frankly I'd say you have a credibility problem when nearly a 3rd of your expert points are earned bantering in the lounge (don't we have any rules against that?). But then I guess thats all the more reason why you need these...  

I've already suggested to the MOD that you be issued the points. take them, be well.

John

Me attacking you?
LOL!

This was never about the points and for you to attack my choice of where I post & what I post at this site...well, that speaks for itself.

You are apparently quite knowledgeable in Access but nothing else.
Might I suggest a site such as http://www.pcguide.com/ to help you with your understanding?

At  pc-guide here is the result for a search on BIOS Checksum Error:

------------------
Internal BIOS checksum or code verification errors

Explanation: The system has detected an error within the BIOS ROM. The read-only memory (ROM) containing the BIOS program (which is what is running when you turn on the PC and what generates this error) uses a checksum value as a double-check that the ROM code is correct. This checksum is compared against the values in the ROM each time the PC is booted and if there is a mismatch, this code is generated.

Note: This error is not the same as a CMOS Checksum Error, which refers to corrupted values of the CMOS settings, the ones you set through the BIOS setup program. This error means the contents of the BIOS code itself are damaged.

Diagnosis: The BIOS ROM chip on the motherboard is probably faulty. It could also be another component on the motherboard.

Recommendation: Troubleshoot the motherboard. It is possible to replace just the BIOS ROM chip but often replacing the motherboard will make more sense for cost and simplicity reasons.
------------------

Note the following:

A. Their diagnosis is the same as mine, differing only in the weight they put on the likelyhood of it being an actual BIOS chip issue. I have no problem with that, my opinion is my own.

B. Note that they also tell you that the problem can be "another component on the motherboard"

C. Note that their recommendation for repair is to troubleshoot the motherboard. oh, and gee, thats what I said, even guiding the author to their motherboard troubleshooting page.

D. Note that they specifically gaurd against the common misconception that the CMOS is "essentially the same as" the BIOS with a warning at the top. This is because your particular brand of "years of experience" is misleading users about that so often it requires special comment to clarify.

Now from EE...

----------------
http://www.experts-exchange.com/Hardware/Q_20789497.html
Question Title: BIOS ROM checksum error

The error "BIOS ROM checksum error" comes out wheneve I add a PCI Gigabit adapter card and it runs away if I remove the card.  Could anyone help to fix the problem so that I can install the PCI gigabit card?
---------------

Note that this user has a specific error that exactly matches the authors error.
Note that this error goes away if he removes his... BIOS chip? No... Video card. amazing.

http://www.brainsideout.com/weblog/archives/000296.php
Heres a fella that apparently overheated his CPU and got a BIOS Checksum errror, until he got nothing at all...

http://www.opentechsupport.net/forums/archive/topic/19977-1.html
Heres a question on BIOS Checksum Error that was apparently caused by overclocking - where have i heard that before? The problem was resolved not by flashing the BIOS or replacingt he BIOS chip, but by reducing the FSB (front side bus) speed, reducing the amount of over-clocking.

this german fellas BIOS Checksum error was fixed when he replaced his SDRAM apparently.
http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=de&u=http://www.ga586hx.de/wwwboard2001/messages/935.html&prev=/search%3Fq%3DBIOS%2Bchecksum%2Berror%26start%3D30%26hl%3Den%26lr%3D%26ie%3DUTF-8%26oe%3DUTF-8%26safe%3Doff%26sa%3DN

There are many other instances of people clearing up their BIOS checksum error by removing agp video cards, reseating sdram chips, underclocking, etc. I've posted a few to illustrate my point. I've repaired very many more in my shop on a daily basis since since I set up ACS 17 years ago. Sure, sometimes a BIOS Checksum error is really just that... but the fact is it's very often not.

John

The BIOS  doesn't use a CMOS chip anymore. etc.

Aside from that...see what you can do when you stop the petty, meaningless attacks you obviously spent so much time compiling?

Keep up the good work.

You say the strangest things... since when did the BIOS stop using CMOS ?

To my knowledge current motherboards still use CMOS memory to store bios configuration data.

the newest Gigabyte Mb's use a CMOS chip
Asus K8V uses a CMOS chip
K7NCR18D Pro II uses a CMOS chip

If there is a replacement for the CMOS technology which provides low voltage memory Im not seeing it taking over the market. I see a single article that says that current motherboards dont use CMOS memory, and several posts that quote that article. I wouldn't take that as gospel. All the manufacturers specs refer to CMOS memory. Regardless of the symantics the BIOS uses volatile memory to store its settings. this memory is powered by an onboard battery. this is the CMOS. It is different from the BIOS and serves the same purpose of as CMOS always has.

anyway, dead thread for me. can't see wasting amymore time with it.

unsubscribed.

John

I just solved this problem - after reformatting HDD I had this error.

After reading I was about to download flash, but I thought I would get rid of each add-on device first.

First device to remove was my PCI soft-modem - and then it would boot up!
So points should have only gone to jobrienct and thanks very much for pointing me to the most EASIEST solution.

thats too funny -)

appreciate the validation. glad it finally worked out.

John

Guys I just did a search on this topic and Google gave me this site. I have just subscribed to get the answer and I must say (amid all the quarrels) it has really help me. Before I was told that my Mobo was dead and that was it. at least now I have a few things I can try out. I didn't realise that add-on devices could cause this error or that the bios chip could actually be replaced. I intend to dig out that old mobo with this error and experiment. Thanks very much all (especially jobrienct who dealt with the verbal attacks very proffesionally and I must agree, whatever this point system is about, they should not have been split!) :)

yes, this thread was quite an amazing journey - even more so since it appears that I unsubscribed and yet here I am. heh. Anyway its good to see that a thread that sucked so much energy from everyone involved is at least showing paydirt.

The point system is EE's way of validating thier "experts". People with alot of points presumably know alot. I think I stopped being an EE regular around the time this post went bad in fact.

Good luck with your mobo.

John

Hi guys, have tried all of the above, removed all perpherals, swapped out RAM video cards, etc, at one stage I got a "missing operating system" after a full POST. I then set my BIOS to deaults, now I get " ROM BIOS checksum error" the full circle.
I don't think this is hardware as the original error was caused by Norton Ghost "serious internal error" all was fine and dandy until I tries a clone backup with Ghost. No their bootdisk does not revive my machine. Over to the experts.

Hi guys, Just wanted to let everyone know that I had the same error recently, and the problem occured from adding 1 GB of ram to the 3rd bay (bay #2). This 1 GB of ram was larger than the two sticks of memory in bays 0 and 1. Once I removed the 1 GB stick and placed it in bay 0, with the other ram in bay 1 and 2, the computer booted up perfectly.