Bios Password Cracking - Default BIOS Passwords List

Bios Password Cracking - Default BIOS Passwords List

How to Bypass BIOS Passwords

BIOS passwords can be add extra layer of security for desktop and laptop computers, and are used to either prevent a user from changing the BIOS settings or to prevent the PC from booting without a password. BIOS passwords can also be a liability if a user forgot their passwords, or if a malicious user changes the password. Sending the unit back to the manufacturer to have the BIOS reset can be expensive and is usually not covered in an a typical warranty. However, there are a few known backdoors and other tricks of the trade that can be used to bypass or reset the BIOS password on most systems.

Backdoor Passwords

Many BIOS manufacturers have provided backdoor passwords that can be used to access the BIOS setup in the event you have lost your password. These passwords are case sensitive, so you may wish to try a variety of combinations.

WARNING: Some BIOS configurations will lock you out of the system completely if you type in an incorrect password more than 3 times. Read your manufacturers documentation for the BIOS setting before you begin typing in passwords.

Award BIOS backdoor passwords:

ALFAROME		BIOSTAR		KDD		ZAAADA
ALLy		CONCAT		Lkwpeter		ZBAAACA
aLLy		CONDO		LKWPETER		ZJAAADC
aLLY		Condo		PINT		01322222
ALLY		d8on		pint		589589
aPAf		djonet		SER		589721
_award		HLT		SKY_FOX		595595
AWARD_SW		J64		SYXZ		598598
AWARD?SW		J256		syxz
AWARD SW		J262		shift + syxz
AWARD PW		j332		TTPTHA
AWKWARD		j322
awkward

AMI BIOS Backdoor Passwords:

AMI		BIOS		PASSWORD		HEWITT RAND
AMI?SW		AMI_SW		LKWPETER		CONDO

Phoenix BIOS Backdoor Passwords:

phoenix

PHOENIX

CMOS

BIOS

Misc. Common Passwords

ALFAROME		BIOSTAR		biostar		biosstar
CMOS		cmos		LKWPETER		lkwpeter
setup		SETUP		Syxz		Wodj

Other BIOS Passwords by Manufacturer

Manufacturer	Password
VOBIS & IBM	merlin
Dell	Dell
Biostar	Biostar
Compaq	Compaq
Enox	xo11nE
Epox	central
Freetech	Posterie
IWill	iwill
Jetway	spooml
Packard Bell	bell9
QDI	QDI
Siemens	SKY_FOX
TMC	BIGO
Toshiba	Toshiba

Toshiba BIOS

Most Toshiba laptops and some desktop systems will bypass the BIOS password if the left shift key is held down during boot

IBM Aptiva BIOS

Press both mouse buttons repeatedly during the boot

Using the Motherboard “Clear CMOS” Jumper or Dipswitch settings

Many motherboards feature a set of jumpers or dipswitches that will clear the CMOS and wipe all of the custom settings including BIOS passwords. The locations of these jumpers / dipswitches will vary depending on the motherboard manufacturer and ideally you should always refer to the motherboard or computer manufacturers documentation. If the documentation is unavailable, the jumpers/dipswitches can sometimes be found along the edge of the motherboard, next to the CMOS battery, or near the processor. Some manufacturers may label the jumper / dipswitch CLEAR – CLEAR CMOS – CLR – CLRPWD – PASSWD – PASSWORD – PWD. On laptop computers, the dipswitches are usually found under the keyboard or within a compartment at the bottom of the laptop.

Please remember to unplug your PC and use a grounding strip before reaching into your PC and touching the motherboard. Once you locate and rest the jumper switches, turn the computer on and check if the password has been cleared. If it has, turn the computer off and return the jumpers or dipswitches to its original position.

Removing the CMOS Battery

The CMOS settings on most systems are buffered by a small battery that is attached to the motherboard. (It looks like a small watch battery). If you unplug the PC and remove the battery for 10-15 minutes, the CMOS may reset itself and the password should be blank. (Along with any other machine specific settings, so be sure you are familiar with manually reconfiguring the BIOS settings before you do this.) Some manufacturers backup the power to the CMOS chipset by using a capacitor, so if your first attempt fails, leave the battery out (with the system unplugged) for at least 24 hours. Some batteries are actually soldered onto the motherboard making this task more difficult. Unsoldering the battery incorrectly may damage your motherboard and other components, so please don’t attempt this if you are inexperienced. Another option may be to remove the CMOS chip from the motherboard for a period of time.

Note: Removing the battery to reset the CMOS will not work for all PC’s, and almost all of the newer laptops store their BIOS passwords in a manner which does not require continuous power, so removing the CMOS battery may not work at all. IBM Thinkpad laptops lock the hard drive as well as the BIOS when the supervisor password is set. If you reset the BIOS password, but cannot reset the hard drive password, you may not be able to access the drive and it will remain locked, even if you place it in a new laptop. IBM Thinkpads have special jumper switches on the motherboard, and these should be used to reset the system.

 

Information Originally provided by http://www.uktsupport.co.uk/reference/biosp.htm

Please give them a look for more information.

How to Access the CMOS or BIOS (Basic Input Output System of your Computer)

How to Access the CMOS or BIOS (Basic Input Output System of your Computer)

Accessing the computer’s BIOS can vary depending on the Brand and Model of your computer, as well as the type  of BIOS they use. In this article we will discuss how to access the computer’s BIOS based on the Brand, Make, Model and even Year of the Computer.

This is a popular screen commonly found while working with the Award BIOS Menu.

BIOS is the Basic Input Output System and menu-ing system used to define and interface with the various hardware components of your computer: such as Hard Drives, DVD ROMS, as well as Video, LAN and Audio Cards.

The manufacturer typically installs all of this for you but by using the BIOS we can turn these devices ON or OFF or even change their default settings completely to allow for hardware upgrades and greater compatibility.

CMOS – pronounced see-moss, is a  Complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor chip that holds information saved by the menu-ing system of the BIOS. The CMOS retains this information (normally) as longs as a standard PC battery, is charged and in place on the motherboard of the computer.

The CMOS Battery is technically referred to as the CR2032 or Three Volt Watch Battery

In some cases when the BIOS or CMOS is password protected, you should simply remove this battery to reset the chip to its default settings and thus remove the password completely or reset the password to a default manufacturer’s password as outlined by the makes and model list below.

While replacing the CMOS battery in a Desktop is really very easy; Special care should be taken before trying to remove the same type of battery in a notebook or Laptop.

Special thanks to the Author “kuttus” at MalwareTips.com for providing this list.

FOR Windows 8 and 8.1 user please refer to this demonstration video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qlQh1SB_Oj0

FOR ALL OTHER Operating Systems Please Review

Acer – Aspire, Power, Veriton, Extensa, Ferrari, TravelMate, Altos​

• Press Del or F2 immediately after powering on.


• The BIOS on the Acer Altos 600 server uses the Ctrl+Alt+Esc key and the F1 key for advanced options.


• Older Acer computers may use also use the F1 or Ctrl+Alt+Esc keys to access BIOS.

Compaq – Presario, Prolinea, Deskpro, Systempro, Portable​

• Press F10 while the cursor in the top right corner of the screen is blinking.


• Older Compaq computers may use the F1, F2, F10, or Del key to give access to BIOS.

Dell – XPS, Dimension, Inspiron, Latitude. OptiPlex, Precision, Vostro​

• Press F2 when the Dell logo appears. Press every few seconds until the message Entering Setup appears.


• Older Dell desktops and laptops may instead use Ctrl+Alt+Enter or Del to enter BIOS.


• Older Dell laptops may use Fn+Esc or Fn+F1.

 

eMachines – eMonster, eTower, eOne, S-Series, T-Series​

• Press Tab or Del while the eMachine logo displays on screen.


• Other eMachine computers may use F2 to enter BIOS.

Fujitsu – LifeBook, Esprimo, Amilo, Tablet, DeskPower​

• Press F2 once the Fujitsu logo appears.

Gateway – DX, FX, One, GM, GT, GX, Profile, Astro​

• Press the F1 key repeatedly after restarting the computer.


• Some older Gateway computers use F2 to access the BIOS Setup utility.

Hewlett-Packard (HP) – Pavilion, TouchSmart, Vectra, OmniBook, Tablet​

• Press the F1, F10, or F11 key after restarting the computer.


• HP Tablet PCs may use F10 or F12.


• Other HP computers may allow access to BIOS using the F2 or Esc keys.

IBM – PC, XT, AT​

• Press F1 immediately after powering on the computer.


• Older IBM computers (including some laptops) may utilize the F2 key for BIOS entry.

Lenovo (formerly IBM) – ThinkPad, IdeaPad, 3000 Series, ThinkCentre, ThinkStation​

• Press F1 or F2 after powering on the computer.


• Older Lenovo products allow access to BIOS using Ctrl+Alt+F3, Ctrl+Alt+Ins, or Fn+F1.

Micron (MPC Computers) – ClientPro, TransPort​

• Press F1, F2 or Del immediately after powering on the PC.

NEC – PowerMate, Versa, W-Series​

• Press F2 to enter the BIOS Setup.

Packard Bell – 8900 Series, 9000 Series, Pulsar, Platinum, EasyNote, imedia, iextreme​

• Press F1, F2, or Del to enter BIOS.

Sharp – Notebook Laptops, Actius UltraLite​

• Press F2 after the computer starts.


• Some very old Sharp PCs require a Setup Diagnostics Disk to access BIOS.

Shuttle – Glamor G-Series, D’vo, Prima P2-Series, Workstation, X Mini XPC, Surveillance​

• Press F2 or Del on startup.

Sony – VAIO, PCG-Series, VGN-Series​

• Press F1, F2 or F3 after turning on the computer.

Toshiba – Portégé, Satellite, Tecra, Equium​

• Press F1 or Esc after powering on to access BIOS.


• Press F12 on a Toshiba Equium.

Microsoft Officially Declares the Windows 7 Operating System Closed

Microsoft Officially Declares the Windows 7 Operating System Closed

Windows 7 Officially Dead According to Microsoft Coincidentally enough this date falls on October 31st, 2014 (AKA Halloween)

As noted by Network World, Microsoft will stop selling Windows 7 licenses to PC makers this Friday. So no more new PCs with Windows 7, with the exception of existing inventory. Windows 7 Professional will remain on sale as a standalone product for a very limited time.

What does this mean for the vast number of Windows users? Apparently, not much. New machines are equipped with Windows 8 andWindows 10 is just around the corner. We can now see Windows 7 for what it was: a placeholder designed to assuage the hordes of critics who did not like Vista.

For more information please read the entire PC Magazine Article @ http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2471126,00.asp

What is the difference between a VIRUS, Spyware, Malware or Trojan Horses?

What is the difference between a VIRUS, Spyware, Malware or Trojan Horses?

What is the difference between VIRUS, Spyware, Malware or Trojan Horses?

Well by simple definition a COMPUTER VIRUS is a piece of code that is capable of copying or replicating itself and typically has a harmful effect, such as corrupting the Windows Operating System or Destroying a User’s Personal Data Files such as Pictures, Documents or Emails.

The main conceptual difference between a virus and spyware or malware is the fact that the “virus” can spread from computer to computer without the user’s knowledge and the other two can not.

Fake AntiVirus Program WinDefender 2008/2010/2012/2014, Spyware Malware

Fake PC Optimizer Pro is used to tell you that you have fake problems and they are there to help you fix them FOR A PRICE!

Spyware AND MALWARE however, is usually found in the form of a downloadable program from the Internet. Most often disguising itself in the form of a product or service meant to enhance your PC or Life Style experience; such as speeding up or “fixing” your computer problems, playing games for free online or all the porn you can handle.

SPYWARE typically appeals to spontaneous and impulse buyers and can present itself in the form of a TOTALLY FREE weight loss program, get rich quick scheme, improve your love life, live longer, look younger, and make you breakfast in the morning kind of program

MALWARE (Also Known as a TROJAN HORSE) install themselves in the same way but rather than logging user activities they simply cut important data files from your system or install other spyware programs without your knowledge or permission.

Fake Registry Optimizer is a form of malware just to collect your money

Once the SPYWARE OR MALWARE PROGRAM downloads and installs itself on your computer; It typically changes many of your web browser configuration settings such as your home page and favorite search engine. Sometimes even your default browser completely. The spyware then lives up to its namesake by logging the user’s activities of your PC (usually for advertising purposes), ranging from what sites you typically visit to recording credit card information and online banking transactions.

SPYWARE CAN SLOW YOUR SYSTEM DOWN BECAUSE… The installed program runs in the background, monitoring AND LOGGING user’s activities to the hijackers own web server/database. After the information is logged, the program THEN REDIRECTS your browser to the intended location or site you expected to go to in the first place and sometimes takes you to a site that states your computer “is infected” or needs “to be fixed”.

The spyware will then take the form of a REGISTRY OPTIMIZER, PC PERFORMANCE ENHANCER, FAKE VIRUS REMOVAL PROGRAM and then ask the user to pay a certain amount of money to “fix it”.

 

 

FAKE GOVERNMENT/FBI/CIA SEIZED COMPUTER VIRUS

 

SOME OF THE HARDER TO GET RID OF SPYWARE AND MALWARE PROGRAMS take the form of Government Agencies stating that the PC was seized by the FBI or CIA for Child Pornography or some other illegal activity such as File Sharing or Movie Viewing. Appealing to the vanity and embarrassment of the PC USER. (I’ve had priests calling me saying please help in this matter) THE FAKE SEIZED COMPUTER PROGRAM WILL NORMALLY ASK FOR MONEY IN THE FORM OF A MONEYPAK! As it is harder to trace or get your money back with this type of payment method.

FAKE GOVERNMENT/FBI/CIA SEIZED COMPUTER VIRUS

FAKE GOVERNMENT/FBI/CIA SEIZED COMPUTER VIRUS

Please come back in a few weeks as I embellish and update this article with how to get rid of a virus for free tutorial, add links to definitions, anti-virus programs and include more information for free to save you time, money and frustration.
Future articles are:

• What is the Difference between Software, Shareware, Freeware, Adware and nagware,


• PLUS OPEN SOURCE SOFTWARE What is it and what does it mean to windows and the FREE SOFTWARE FEDERATION!!!?

 

 

 

 

Feel free to call me at anytime (843-575-1300 and ask me ANY QUESTIONS.
PLEASE Post, comment or share this article in any way you deem fit. 
BUT MOST OF ALL! SHARE THE KNOWLEDGE AND PAY IT FORWARD!!!

Why did Microsoft skip Windows 9 and goto version 10?

Why did Microsoft skip Windows 9 and goto version 10?

IN SHORT:
Many modern applications Start Up and Install with an Operating System version compatibility check for old operating system such as Windows 95 and 98

Which in a simplified form starts with

if(version.StartsWith(“Windows 9″)) /* 95 and 98 */ else { SHOW INCOMPATIBLE ERROR MESSAGE FAIL

and that this was the pragmatic solution to avoid that.

For more information please read the whole article at:

http://www.cnet.com/news/is-this-why-microsoft-named-it-windows-10/

Why did windows skip Windows 9 and go to Windows 10?

"TAKE COMMAND" IS THE BEST KEPT SECRET IN THE COMPUTER PROGRAMMING INDUSTRY!

"TAKE COMMAND" IS THE BEST KEPT SECRET IN THE COMPUTER PROGRAMMING INDUSTRY!

I remember when I was a kid, waking up every Saturday morning excited to see the new cartoons that had just come out for new season. AND That is exactly how I feel about JPsoft and their “Take Command” product line. Every year I ask myself “How can they possibly take a totally perfect product and make it an even better product.” But yet, every single year JPsoft delivers and brings back that same warm fuzzy feeling of watching a brand new Saturday matinee I had as a child.

SO EXACTLY WHAT IS “TAKE COMMAND”?
That question is better answered by asking what “Take Command” isn’t…

Most people think that Take Command is just a powerful CMD (Command Line) replacement tool for the DOS box of yester year.

BUT I SAY NO!!!
“Take Command” is a Microsoft Integrated Windows Command Line Operating System, a Swiss Army Knife of Batch File Programming Utilities and Artificially Intelligent System Automation Tools all wrapped up in one AND has been the Holy Grail of Programmers and Network Administrators from all walks of life for over the last 23 years.

“Take Command” turns the average Internet Programmer into a Super Human Coding Machine. It will take the newbie Network Administrator and makes him an Intranet-Networking Master. AND if Bill Gates had a bought the rights from JPsoft a few years ago we would all be looking through the Microsoft World Domination Portal instead of the Google + Search Box right NOW!

SO, WHAT CAN I DO WITH TAKE COMMAND?
Okay okay, I get it Nathan, but “What can I do with Take Command?”
ANYTHING AND EVERYTHING!!!
Here is a Basic Example and List of stuff I have used Take Command for:

Take Command Simple Screen Shot from Batch File Programming – MakeSmipleThumbnail-1

A collection of my own input and data has produced the following Web Page below:

JPSoft Take Command MakeSmipleThumbnail output from MakeSimpleThumbnail Web Page Command

 

NOW! I don’t want this article to be about me but I want YOU to know everything you can do with “Take Command” and all of its possibilities. Realistically, you just have to use your imagination and “Take Command” will make it happen. This is just a small sample of how I have used it to makes hundreds of thousands of dollars and saved numerous companies Time and Money!

• In 1990 I used Take Command (4dos 3.0 at the time) to start programs like pkunzip with my computer specific parameters, manipulate files and automate the directories and file management system of my hard drive and computer systems. (I used this in conjunction with Xtree Gold and Norton Utilities) 


• In 1994 I took ALL the records from a major Insurance Company that had their Database stored in EBCDIC on a main frame server and translated the database into a standard comma delimited ASCII file capable of being imported into any Windows Database using less than 100 lines of code. 


• In 1996 I took my in adeptness of the World Wide Web Programming Languages and made “Take Command” my go-to crutch. If I was unable to perform a specific function in C, perl, or BASH I simply interfaced across the network with “Take Command” and passed the routine off to my next best friend  


• In 1998 I was promoted to Director and co-owner of a web site design firm and local ISP. I then found myself using “Take Command” to automate my entire network by adding staff users and permissions to the NT user Database and automating scripts on our Linux servers to add domain names and virtual directories of Internet users. 


• From 2001 to the Present I have used “Take Command” to automate everything from USB hardware interface devices to making Thumbnailed Web Page Presentations of every single picture on a client’s hard drive. I have used it for Police Forensics and Data Manipulation and helping the handicapped to automate life dependent procedures with a few syllables out of their mouth.

I believe with “Take Command” I could operate the Space Shuttle with no human being involved!

To get started as both a Programmer and Network Administrator DOWNLOAD Take Command now from the http://JPsoft.com web site!

Just remember! Not everyone is a soldier so… You’ll either be a part of the “Take Command” army or not! Don’t be dis- appointed; as it is not for everyone, but I think this is the quickest way for the Novice User to become a Super Computing Veteran!

Please Note! I have no affiliations, business revenue or commercial dealings with JPsoft directly. I am just a big fan of their product and would like more people to start using it as a standard in this chaotic world of Internet Automation and personal computing endeavors!

Sincerely Nathan A. Culp 

Programs I recommend that work well with Take Command:
UltraEdit.com (All Editions  by IDM)
Total Commander (written by Christian Ghisler)

Automatically Log into Your Windows 7 Account Without Typing in Your Windows Password

Automatically Log into Your Windows 7 Account Without Typing in Your Windows Password

ARE YOU TIRED OF TYPING IN YOUR PASSWORD EVERY TIME YOU TURN YOUR COMPUTER ON? 

Check out this article from the Microsoft Press book Windows 7 Resource Kit by Mitch Tulloch, Tony Northrup, Jerry Honeycutt, Ed Wilson, and the Windows 7 team.

I take no credit for writing this article. Beaufort Computer Repair is providing this article as a Public Service and the Enhanced Screen Shots for Clarity sake.

Configure a User Account to Log On Automatically on Windows 7

Requiring the user to enter credentials when his computer starts is an important part of Windows security. If a user account automatically logs on, anyone who has physical access to the computer can restart it and access the user’s files. Nonetheless, there are scenarios where a computer is physically secure and automatic logon might be desired. To configure a workgroup computer (you cannot perform these steps on a domain member) to automatically log on, follow these steps:

1. Click Start, type netplwiz, and then press Enter.

2. In the User Accounts dialog box, click the account you want to automatically log on to.If it is available, clear the Users Must Enter A User Name And Password To Use This Computer check box.
3. Click OK.
4. In the Automatically Log On dialog box, enter the user’s password twice and click OK.

The next time you restart the computer, it will automatically log on with the local user account you selected. Configuring automatic logon stores the user’s password in the registry unencrypted, where someone might be able to retrieve it.

Press Start and type in netplwiz into the Command Line

 

Select your Account and Uncheck the Box to require a User Name and Password

Enter your Password twice into the “Automatically Log On” Confirmation Box
And Press OK

 

 

Video Tutorial - What To Do When Your Computer Won"t Start, Turn On or Power Up

Video Tutorial - What To Do When Your Computer Won"t Start, Turn On or Power Up

What To Do When Your Computer Won’t Start, Turn On, or Power Up?

This is a very long In Depth Video Tutorial that I would advise any “newbie” Tech to watch from beginning to end. It provides a wealth of information that is one of the first things us Veterans Techs would walk through immediately with in the first two to three minutes of diagnosing a power on or start up problem common to many Personal Computers.

This document was orginally published courtesy of: Hewlett Packard at:

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?docname=bph07107&cc=us&dlc=en&lc=en#N331

And is published with the intention of helping Compaq and Hewlett Packard customers..

HP Consumer Support

Computer Does Not Start and Emits an LED or Beep Code

• 
  
  
  


• 
  
  
  

  
  

  
  

   Feedback

  
  

  
  

  
  
  
  

What to do when beep codes occur

Beep and LED code descriptions

Testing memory

Finding service

This document pertains to HP and Compaq Desktop computers.

If your computer makes one or two short beeps before starting, this is normal and your computer is telling you that BIOS startup was successful. If your computer beeps and does not start, a more serious hardware issue is likely occurring. This support document contains information that can help you learn more about the issue and how to resolve the problem.

What to do when beep codes occur

An LED or beep code usually means a basic function was unable to start. A basic function might be reading memory, displaying video, or being able to send information to a hard drive. The most common problems that cause LED and beep codes are memory and heat-related failures caused by a build-up of dust in critical cooling areas.

Use the following steps when your computer emits an LED code or beep code:

Step 1: Remove dust from cooling areas

If your computer is new and has never been used before, you can skip this step.

Over time, dust can collect in the cooling vents of your computer. Too much dust can block airflow, causing sensitive components to overheat and fail. Before troubleshooting for startup codes, it is important to remove any dust that may have accumulated.

While wearing eye protection, use canned air or the end of a vacuum cleaner to remove dust from vents, preferrably outdoors.

Figure 1: Vacumming dust from air vents

Step 2: Perform a power reset

If your computer does not start, first reset all power to device. Hopefully, the problem is temporary and can be fixed by performing the following steps:

1. 
   
   Disconnect all peripheral devices such as printers, USB storage devices and media cards.
   
   


2. 
   
   Disconnect the power cord from the computer.
   
   


3. 
   
   Press and hold the power button for at least 15 seconds until the power LED on the power supply is off.
   
   


4. 
   
   Reconnect the power cord, and press the Power button .
   
   


5. 
   
   Listen for sounds of drives and fans turning.
   
   


6. 
   
   If the computer still fails to start and emits beeping sounds, continue to the next section.
   
   

Step 3: Write down the LED condition or beep code

Use the following steps to write down the error conditions onto a piece of paper.

1. 
   
   Press the power button to turn on the computer.
   
   


2. 
   
   Look at the Power button on your computer’s case and note its condition. If the light blinks, count the number of times it blinks between pauses.
   
   


3. 
   
   Listen to your computer for any loud beeping noises. If your computer makes a beeping noise, note the type and number of beeps between pauses. For example: two long beeps followed by one short beep.
   
   


4. 
   
   On a piece of paper, write down what you have noted to remember the error when doing the next steps.
   
   

NOTE:Boot or post codes have changed over time. Earlier computers use a series of beeps. The number and type of beeps depend on the age of the computer as well as the manufacturer of the motherboard and BIOS. With the development of the Extensible Firmware Interface (EFI) environment, many HP Pavilion and Compaq Presario computers built in 2011 or later can use blinking LEDS to identify hardware component reporting an error during startup. These codes are not valid for earlier models.

Step 4: Match the code to a suspected hardware component

Consult the Beep code descriptions section in this support document to try and find the component that is having a problem. You can use this information in the next step when performing the troubleshooting. Or, in the event your computer requires service, you can use this code and information when talking with the service personell.

Step 5: Isolate and fix the problem

HP recommends that these steps be performed only by someone with experience in working on computer hardware. Incorrectly handling sensitive internal components can further damage the computer and can introduce the risk of personal injury.

WARNING:Using the correct environment for working on computers (ESD precautions and tools), use the following steps to isolate and fix the problem:

1. 
   
   Turn on the computer.
   
   


2. 
   
   Check the system fan and power cable:
   
   
   1. 
      
      Turn off the computer by holding the power button for five seconds.
      
      
   
   
   2. 
      
      Disconnect the power cord and then disconnect all external cords from the computer.
      
      
   
   
   3. 
      
      Remove the side panel to open the computer.
      
      
   
   
   4. 
      
      If the system fan was not spinning, make sure the system fan power cable is connected to the correct pins on the motherboard. Replace the fan if it was making excessive noise or was not spinning.
      
      
      If you had to plug in or replace the fan, replace the side panel, plug in the power cord and turn on the computer. If the beeps continue, continue to the next step.
      
      
   
   


3. 
   
   Disconnect the power cord and remove the side panel and perform each of the following tasks, in order, until the beeping stops:
   
   
   Before starting each task, unplug the power cord and remove the side panel.
   
   
   After completing a task, replace the side panel, connect the power cord, turn on the computer, and listen for a beep code.
   
   
   
   

   

   
   

   NOTE:If removing or disconnecting a hardware component prevents the beep code, that component is probably causing the problem. However, a failed motherboard might produce beep codes associated with a component other than the motherboard.

   
   
   
   
   Clean internal cooling components that have become clogged with dust. If beeping continues, continue to the next step.
   
   
   Remove a memory module.
   
   
   If the computer stops beeping, the memory module might be bad, is the wrong type of memory for the motherboard, or was not fully seated or connected. Reinsert the memory into the socket to see if a connection was the problem; otherwise replace the module.
   
   
   Remove each memory module, replacing the one that was previously removed. If beeping continues after checking all the memory modules, continue to the next step.
   
   
   If the computer has a graphics adapter, remove it.
   
   
   If the beep code changes or continues with the same beep pattern after removing the graphics adapter, the adapter might still be good. Reseat the graphics adapter into its socket and continue to the next step.
   
   
   If the beep code goes away, the graphics adapter might be bad. Try reseating the graphics adapter, making sure it is fully locked into the connector on the motherboard. If problems continue, replace the adapter.
   
   
   Remove a PCI card.
   
   
   If the beep code goes away, the card might be bad. Try reseating the card into its connector on the motherboard. If problems continue, replace the card.
   
   
   Remove each PCI card, replacing the one that was previously removed. After checking all cards, if beeping continues, continue to the next step.
   
   
   Disconnect each hard drive and CD or DVD drive cable (IDE and ATA) from the motherboard socket. Disconnect each drive cable, replacing the one that was previously disconnected, until all cables have been checked.
   
   
   If the beep code goes away, the cable or socket is probably bad. Look for bent pins inside the IDE socket on the motherboard and straighten any bent pins. Try reseating the cables into the connectors. If problems continue, the drive itself might be bad and might need replacing.
   
   
   After checking all connections, if beeping continues, continue to the next step.
   
   
   At this point, the problem is probably the motherboard or processor. Make sure any jumpers on the motherboard have not fallen off their pins and into the case. Make sure jumpers are set correctly. Otherwise, have the computer serviced by HP or by a qualified service center.
   
   

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Beep and LED code descriptions

Beep code tables are provided in the following sections of this document to help you isolate and understand the issue. This might reduce the time required to solve the problem. Read one of the following sections.

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Flashing light codes

On some computers, the motherboard can flash or change the color of lights on the outside of the case, such as the power button LED and the hard drive activity LED. For computers that support this technology, lights blink and and provide a beep to indicate a failure condition.

LED and beep condition	Description
Power button LED blinks 4 times with 4 beeps	Power Supply
Power button LED blinks 5 times with 5 beeps	Memory
Power button LED blinks 6 times with 6 beeps	Video Card or Graphics
Power button LED blinks 7 times with 7 beeps	Motherboard or System Board failure
Power button LED blinks 8 times with 8 beeps	BIOS or CMOS problem (ROM)

Example of LED conditions: click a menu item to view the condition

Beep codes common to HP and Compaq Desktop PCs

The following beep codes are common to many HP and Compaq desktop computers. Use these codes before referring to the other codes when they occur.

Beeps	Description
1 short beep and 1 long beep	Memory problem
2 short beeps and 1 long beep (repeats 5 times)	Unable to initialize video or video card required but not installed
3 short beeps and 1 long beep	CPU configuration error or CPU type is not compatible

The following beep codes are common to many HP and Compaq desktop computers that can occurwhile restoring, flashing or updating the BIOS :

Beeps	Description
1 short beep	Legacy floppy drive or CD/DVD drive not detected
2 short beeps	Floppy diskette or compact disc not detected
3 short beeps	Unable to start flashing (such as when missing a utility or BIOS image)
4 short beeps	Flashing failed (checksum error, corrupted image, etc.)
5 short beeps	BIOS recovery successful

Beep codes for American Megatrends, Inc (AMI) BIOS

The following AMI beep codes can occur when there is a problem during the attempt of a normal system startup. You can use these codes to help troubleshoot issues related to system startup. When troubleshooting further, please refer to the section What to do when beep codes occur .

NOTE:The following codes can vary depending on BIOS version.

Beeps	Description
1	Memory timing failure
2	Memory parity error
3	Memory read or write failure
4, 5, 6, 7	Fatal errors related to the operation of critical motherboard components – such as the CPU.
8	Video memory

The following table lists AMI beep codes that can occur when attempting to flash or recover the BIOS. You can use these codes to help troubleshoot problems related to system startup or flashing BIOS memory (such as in BIOS upgrades).

NOTE:The following codes can vary depending on BIOS version.

Number of beeps	Post code
1	No media detected
2	ROM file not found in root directory
3	Insert next media volume
4	Flash Programming successful
5	Failure while reading file
7	Flash EPROM not detected
10	Failure while erasing flash memory
11	Flash program error
12	Problem with ROM file size
13	ROM image does not match BIOS requirements

Beep codes for Award BIOS

Most Award post codes are displayed to screen. If a beep code occurs the problem is likely occurring before the system can display video (check the video card or memory).

NOTE:The following codes can vary depending on BIOS version.

Beeps	Description
1 short beep	POST process completed successfully – normal startup
1 long beep followed by 2 or 3 short beeps	Unable to initialize video (to display the post code)
Continuous beeping without pause	Serious system related issue such as CPU overheating
Other beep conditions	Memory errors.

Beep codes for Phoenix BIOS (for older PCs)

You can use these codes to help troubleshoot issues related to system startup or flashing BIOS memory (such as in BIOS upgrades). When troubleshooting further, please refer to the sectionWhat to do when beep codes occur .

Four series of beeps indicate a fatal error; that is, a problem exists which prevents the computer from starting. For example, there might be two beeps, a short pause, one beep, a short pause, one beep, a short pause, and then three beeps; this is represented as 2-1-1-3 in the chart below.

NOTE:The following codes can vary depending on BIOS version.

Beeps	Post Code	Description of failure
One short beep	0	POST process completed successfully – normal startup
1-1-1-3	02h	Verify real mode
1-1-2-1	04h	Get CPU type
1-1-2-3	06h	Initialize system hardware
1-1-3-1	08h	Initialize chipset registers with initial POST values
1-1-3-2	09h	Set in POST flag
1-1-3-3	0Ah	Initialize CPU registers
1-1-4-1	0Ch	Initialize cache to initial POST values
1-1-4-3	0Eh	Initialize I/O
1-2-1-1	10h	Initialize Power Management
1-2-1-2	11h	Load alternate registers with initial POST values
1-2-1-3	12h	Jump to UserPatch0
1-2-2-1	14h	Initialize keyboard controller
1-2-2-3	16h	BIOS ROM checksum
1-2-3-1	18h	8254 timer initialization
1-2-3-3	1Ah	8237 DMA controller initialization
1-2-4-1	1Ch	Reset Programmable Interrupt Controller
1-3-1-1	20h	Test DRAM refresh
1-3-1-3	22h	Test 8742 Keyboard Controller
1-3-2-1	24h	Set ES segment register to 4 GB
1-3-3-1	28h	Autosize DRAM
1-3-3-3	2Ah	Clear 512K base RAM
1-3-4-1	2Ch	Test 512 base address lines
1-3-4-3	2Eh	Test 512K base memory
1-4-1-3	32h	Test CPU bus-clock frequency
1-4-2-1	34h	CMOS RAM read/write failure
1-4-2-4	37h	Reinitialize the chipset
1-4-3-1	38h	Shadow system BIOS ROM
1-4-3-2	39h	Reinitialize the cache
1-4-3-3	3Ah	Autosize cache
1-4-4-1	3Ch	Configure advanced chipset registers
1-4-4-2	3Dh	Load alternate registers with CMOS values
2-1-1-1	40h	Set Initial CPU speed
2-1-1-3	42hs	Initialize interrupt vector
2-1-2-1	44h	Initialize BIOS interrupts
2-1-2-3	46h	Check ROM copyright notice
2-1-2-4	47h	Initialize manager for PCI Options ROMs
2-1-3-1	48h	Check video configuration against CMOS
2-1-3-2	49h	Initialize PCI bus and devices
2-1-3-3	4Ah	Initialize all video adapters in system
2-1-4-1	4Ch	Shadow video BIOS ROM
2-1-4-3	4Eh	Display copyright notice
2-2-1-1	50h	Display CPU type and speed
2-2-1-3	52h	Test keyboard
2-2-2-1	54h	Set key click if enabled
2-2-2-3	56h	Enable keyboard
2-2-3-1	58h	Test for unexpected interrupts
2-2-3-3	5Ah	Display prompt “Press F2 to enter SETUP”
2-2-4-1	5Ch	Test RAM between 512 and 640k
2-3-1-1	60h	Test expanded memory
2-3-1-3	62h	Test extended memory address lines
2-3-2-1	64h	Jump to UserPatch1
2-3-2-3	66h	Configure advanced cache registers
2-3-3-1	68h	Enable external and CPU caches
2-3-3-2	69h	Initialize SMI handler
2-3-3-3	6Ah	Display external cache size
2-3-4-1	6Ch	Display shadow message
2-3-4-3	6Eh	Display non-disposable segments
2-4-1-1	70h	Display error messages
2-4-1-3	72h	Check for configuration errors
2-4-2-1	74h	Test real-time clock
2-4-2-3	76h	Check for keyboard errors
2-4-4-1	7Ch	Set up hardware interrupts vectors
2-4-4-3	7Eh	Test coprocessor if present
3-1-1-1	80h	Disable onboard I/O ports
3-1-1-3	82h	Detect and install external RS232 ports
3-1-2-1	84h	Detect and install external parallel ports
3-1-2-3	86h	Re-initialize onboard I/O ports
3-1-3-1	88h	Initialize BIOS data area
3-1-3-3	8Ah	Initialize extended BIOS data area
3-1-4-1	8Ch	Initialize floppy controller
3-2-1-1	90h	Initialize hard-disk controller
3-2-1-2	91h	Initialize local-bus hard-disk controller
3-2-1-3	92h	Jump to UserPatch2
3-2-2-1	94h	Disable A20 address line
3-2-2-3	96h	Clear huge ES segment register
3-2-3-1	98h	Search for option ROMs
3-2-3-3	9Ah	Shadow option ROMs
3-2-4-1	9Ch	Set up Power Management
3-2-4-3	9Eh	Enable hardware interrupts
3-3-1-1	A0h	Set time of day
3-3-1-3	A2h	Check key lock
3-3-3-1	A8h	Erase F2 prompt
3-3-3-3	Aah	Scan for F2 key stroke
3-3-4-1	AChP	Enter SETUP
3-3-4-3	Aeh	Clear in-POST flag
3-4-1-1	B0h	Check for errors
3-4-1-3	B2h	POST done–prepare to boot operating system
3-4-2-1	B4h	One beep
3-4-2-3	B6h	Check password (optional)
3-4-3-1	B8h	Clear global descriptor table
3-4-4-1	BCh	Clear parity checkers
3-4-4-3	Beh	Clear screen (optional)
3-4-4-4	BFh	Check virus and backup reminders
4-1-1-1	C0h	Try to boot with INT 19
4-2-1-1	D0h	Interrupt handler error
4-2-1-3	D2h	Unknown interrupt error
4-2-2-1	D4h	Pending interrupt error
4-2-2-3	D6h	Initialize option ROM error
4-2-3-1	D8h	Shutdown error
4-2-3-3	Dah	Extended Block Move
4-2-4-1	DCh	Shutdown error
4-2-4-3	Deh	Keyboard Controller Failure
4-3-1-3	E2h	Initialize the chipset
4-3-1-4	E3h	Initialize refresh counter
4-3-2-1	E4h	Check for Forced Flash
4-3-2-2	E5h	Check HW status of ROM
4-3-2-3	E6h	BIOS ROM is OK
4-3-2-4	E7h	Do a complete RAM test
4-3-3-1	E8h	Do OEM initialization
4-3-3-2	E9h	Initialize interrupt controller
4-3-3-3	Eah	Read in bootstrap code
4-3-3-4	Ebh	Initialize all vectors
4-3-4-1	Ech	Boot the Flash program
4-3-4-2	Edh	Initialize the boot device
4-3-4-3	Eeh	Boot code was read OK

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Testing memory

If the computer can access part of the memory, it may be possible to access the BIOS Setup Utility display and perform a memory self test to identify other memory issues. If the computer cannot boot to the BIOS Utility, try removing and reseating the memory and the hard drive, and then repeat the following steps to perform the memory self test.

1. 
   
   Plug the AC adapter into the computer.
   
   


2. 
   
   Turn off the computer.
   
   


3. 
   
   Press the Power button to start the computer and repeatedly press the f10 key to enter the BIOS Setup menu.
   
   


4. 
   
   In the BIOS Setup Utility, use the Right Arrow or Left Arrow keys to navigate through the menu selection to locate the Diagnostics .
   
   


5. 
   
   Use the Down Arrow or Up Arrow keys to select Memory Test .
   
   


6. 
   
   Press Enter , and then Yes to perform memory test.
   
   


7. 
   
   After test completes, press f10 key to Save and Exit , and then press Enter key to Exit Saving Changes .
   
   

If the test fails, one or more of the memory modules may not be seated properly. Check for and reseat loose memory modules.

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Finding service

Many of the problems associated with LED or beep codes require service or parts replacement. To find an HP authorized service provide, go to www.hp.com/go/support .

Windows 8.1 - How to Access the Windows 8.1 Control Panel

Voice Support: 843-575-1300

Several times a week I am asked to help a client over the phone with a quick and easy fix that often takes a little less than five minutes to fix but many people using Windows 8 often have  a hard time getting to the Control Panel which is normally where us techs like to begin. So here is a short Video Tutorial to help you get to the Windows 8 Control Panel quickly and efficiently…

Windows 8.1 – How to Access the Windows 8.1 Control Panel

http://cnet.co/108RDm7

The Windows Start menu may be gone, but there are several easy ways to pull up the Windows 8 Control Panel. Donald Bell offers seven quick options to do just that. Original Video Published at:

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CATEGORY VIEW See the “View by Category” and triangle arrow we need to change this to Small Icon View

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Windows 8.1 - How to Access the Windows 8.1 Control Panel

Windows 8.1 - How to Access the Windows 8.1 Control Panel

Voice Support: 843-575-1300

Several Tims a week I am asked to help a client over the phone with a quick and easy fix that often takes a little less than five minutes to fix but many people using windows 8 often have  hard time getting to he Control Panel which is normally where us techs like to begin so here is a short tutorial to help you get to the Windows 8 Control Panel Quickly and efficiently…

Published on Mar 15, 2013

http://cnet.co/108RDm7

The Windows Start menu may be gone, but there are several easy ways to pull up the Windows 8 Control Panel. Donald Bell offers seven quick options to do just that. Original Video Published at:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M-5EuBQfxA8&list=PLccaKUUMw3O7dupQzciVhsWvYsMeGkHAO&index=1

 

CATEGORY VIEW See the “View by Category” and triangle arrow we need to change this to Small Icon View

SMALL ICON VIEW THIS IS WHAT WE PREFER

Windows 8.1 - How to Access the Windows 8.1 Control Panel

Test Post from Beaufort Computer Repair

Test Post from Beaufort Computer Repair http://beaufortcomputerrepair.com