Asked By
chesterhunt
330 points
N/A
Posted on - 05/30/2011
Problem / Question:
I am just making a simple reboot then restarted my unit then ended up with receiving this error: "Unknown BIOS Error : FFFF". This happened after changing my power supply unit after detecting a power failure with my old power supply. I can still reach the BIOS settings but this error keeps showing upon startup.
My Operating System is Windows XP Service Pack 3 with ASUS A7V880 motherboard and I installed two hard disk but never had any problems running it at the same time before. I am not a pro when in terms of any computer related problems so I am really confused on what to do. But I do try recovering my system by using the disk, it won't work well. My question is, can I restore or update my BIOS settings, will it help? I did not do anything yet, except for loading the BIOS to its default setting. But that still don't resolve the issue.
And also what does CMOS has to do with BIOS? Is that the same matter? Because I've seen in some site about checking the CMOS first before declaring that the BIOS is corrupted or something.
My BIOS information:
PHOENIX AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility
Primary IDE Master: [HL DT STDVD RAM]
Primary IDE Slave: [None]
Secondary IDE Master: [None]
Secondary IDE Slave:[None]
SATA 1 – ST380811AS
SATA 2 – WDC WD32000AAJS_0
HDD Smart Monitoring: Disabled
Error: Unknown BIOS Error:FFFF
Please help me.
Unknown BIOS Error=FFFF. What is this?
Upon reviewing your problem, I notice that you have already done some troubleshooting yourself. Great job on that. If I also got it correctly, the system still boots up and loads the operating system. You are probably getting some message that says press f2 to continue or none at all, but in any case, the system still go straight to windows and you only keep on getting this error message during start up. If all my assumptions are correct, then most probably this will not be as hard to fix and hopefully by in a few very simple steps this problem will be resolved.
Since you have already tried loading the default settings in the BIOS. My first advise is to reset the extended system configuration data in the bios. Go to the system BIOS and look for it under PNP/PCI configuration. Set Reset Configuration Data to enable. The ESCD contains information about non-plug and play devices and the configuration of the system the last time it was booted. You mentioned you replaced your power supply so this may help.
With regards to your question regarding bios updates, you can update your bios is there is an available update and recommended update from the motherboard manufacturer. The thing is, most bios update comes with a disclaimer that if you do not do it properly, it may harm your system.
The CMOS memory or sometimes called NVRAM (which stands for non-volatile random access memory) basically remembers system configuration even after you switch it off. It is powered by a small battery in your motherboard that can be sometimes easily replaced if there is a battery failure. However in your case I don’t see any problem with the CMOS battery yet since your system seems to be still remembering the old setting or configuration.
Try this as well. Unplug the power chord from the back of the tower. Press the power button for a few seconds. Plug the power chord back. Then turn on your computer. This is not essential but might somehow help. We just need to make sure to cycle down the power or any residual electrical charges are completely out of the system. A simple trick sometimes helps.
If clearing the ESCD would not work, another potential solution to the problem is by clearing the NVRAM using the jumper method. Basically there is a jumper (miniscule, very tiny) in most motherboard that you can access to drain the CMOS memory by draining the power. There are 3 small pins, but the two pins by default are connected by a rubber/plastic jumper. So if it is currently connecting the first two pins, remove the jumper and connect the second and third pin. Give it a minute or so, then replace the jumper back to its original position. Consult motherboard specification for more details and the location of the jumper if any.
Hopefully all these will help fix the problem.
Unknown BIOS Error=FFFF. What is this?
Thanks for your help! I am really 'noob' when it comes to some serious pc problems. But with your solution, I can easily understand the problem now. And followed your advice instantly. Thanks again.
Unknown BIOS Error=FFFF. What is this?
That’s a sign that your BIOS is corrupt or damaged probably caused by the sudden power outage. The best way to fix this is to reset the BIOS and there are three ways to do this. First method is to load the BIOS setup defaults. Start your CPU then press DEL on your keyboard to go to the BIOS.
Refer to your computer for the right button to access the BIOS. On the BIOS screen, try loading one of the options that has the “Defaults” in the name. Normally, you can find “Load Fail-Safe Defaults” and “Load Optimized Defaults.” Try one of the two options then save the setting and then restart the CPU. See if this works.
Second method to reset the BIOS is to simply remove the CMOS battery. Shut down your computer then open the CPU case. Locate the battery on the motherboard and remove it. The CMOS battery is a 3V, round, flat watch battery (CR2032). Remove it from the battery compartment and then connect it back. This should automatically remove the BIOS settings and then reverts to the default one.
Start your CPU then see if it works. The third method to reset the BIOS is to change the jumper setting for the password in the motherboard. Refer to the prints you see on your motherboard for the right setup and locate the jumper for the password.
