Pheonix BIOS Problems

[_kill__bill]

I'm trying to replace the motherboard on an ancient computer. However, when booting up, the bios gives me basic diagnostic messages, then freezes on "Verifying DMI". I let it run for overnight, no change. Does anyone have any suggestions?

[Orethrius]

You might try tracking down a watch battery of the same type and size that stores BIOS settings and replace it, but beyond that I can't think of a thing.

[H_TeXMeX_H]

Google it yo:

http://www.duxcw.com/faq/computer/dmi.html

Computer Hangs at "Verifying DMI Pool Data"
                      Last updated: 3/9/04

                   Q. During bootup my computer hangs at "Verifying DMI pool data." What is it and how do I fix it?

                   A. DMI or DesktopManagement Interface (pdf) is a layer of abstraction between system components and the software that manages them. The                        System Management BIOS  (SMBIOS) is an extension of the Basic Input Output System (BIOS) that formulates and delivers this information to the operating system. The pool data is the information. In short, when the BIOS is "Verifying DMI pool data" it is verifying the table of data it sends to the operating system (Windows, etc.). If it isn't sucessful, it should return an error. Wait a reasonable period of time for it to finish. It may make take some time or it may be stuck. Possible fixes:

                   1. If you changed the hardware just before this problem occurred (e.g., installed a new hard disk drive), unchange it.

                   2. If you installed a new hard disk drive, set the motherboard CMOS Setup to Auto for the drive type. You may have to disconnect the drive first.

                   3. Enable "Reset Configuration Data" (may be "Force Update ESCD" in some CMOS Setuups) in the motherboard CMOS Setup PNP/PCI configuration. (Rebooting will automatically disabled it after it has done its thing.)

                   4. The CMOS may be corrupted. Clear it.

                   5. Disconnect all drives not required to boot the computer. If this fixes it, reconnect one at time.

                   6. The floppy drive may be bad or not connected properly.

                   7. Reseat all expansion boards.

                   8. Pull all boards not required to boot the computer.

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http://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla%3Aen-US%3Aofficial_s&hl=en&q=Verifying+DMI&btnG=Google+Search

[pofnlice]

They forgot to say to verify that all jumpers were in place. I had a dmi hang because the jumper that told the bios what the make of the cpu was missing. Once I replaced it, it fired right up...well, not quite that easy, I had to clear the cmos as well.and reset all the jumpers. But I still had the manual, that helped out a lot.