Boot Functions; Boot Block; Quickboot; Silentboot - Compaq Deskpro EP 6233 Technical Reference Manual

Chapter 7 BIOS ROM
7.2

BOOT FUNCTIONS

The system supports new system boot functions to support remote ROM flashing and PC97
requirements.
7.2.1

BOOT BLOCK

This system includes 24 KB of boot block ROM that provides a way to recover from a failed
remote flashing of the system BIOS ROM. Early during the boot process, the boot block code
checks the system ROM. If validated, the system BIOS continues the boot sequence. If the
system ROM fails the check, the boot block code provides the minimum amount of support
necessary to allow booting the system from the diskette drive (bypassing the security measures)
and re-flash the system ROM with a ROMPAQ diskette. Since the display is blank during the
initial boot sequence the boot block routine uses the keyboard LEDs to communicate status as
follows:
Num Lock
Off
On
Off
On
The boot block area of ROM is always write-protected.
7.2.2

QUICKBOOT

The QuickBoot mode (programmable through the INT 15, AX=E845h call) skips certain portions
of the POST (such as the memory count) during the boot process unless the hood has been
detected as being removed. The QuickBoot mode is programmable as to be invoked always, never
(default) or every x-number of days.
7.2.3

SILENTBOOT

When in the SilentBoot mode, the boot process skips certain audio and visual aspects of POST
(such as the speed beeps and screen messages). Error messages are still displayed. The
QuickBoot mode is programmable (through the INT 15, AX=E845h call) as to either TERSE
(default) or VERBOSE mode.
7-2 Compaq Deskpro EP Series of Personal Computers
Caps Lock Scroll Lock
On Off
Off Off
Off On
On On
First Edition - April 1998
Meaning
Administrator password required.
Boot failed. Reset required for retry.
Flash failed (set by ROMPAQ).
Flash complete (set by ROMPAQ).