Some users have reported getting a Blue screen of death where they are suggested to disable BIOS Cache or BIOS Shadowing. This post will help you understand the message and also help you resolve it.
What is BIOS Cache or Shadowing?
Motherboards have a fixed or read-only storage called ROM. It houses the firmware which runs the chips or hardware on the computer. However, the ROMs are slow, and OEMs offer a method where the ROM is loaded into RAM to execute commands faster. This happens when the computer boots. The section of RAM that holds the ROM codes is called shadow RAM.
How to disable BIOS Cache or Shadowing
Most of the PC manufacturers have this option as default. While it works most of the time, some users have reported getting BSOD. The good thing is that this can be turned off from the BIOS. While you can follow the steps below, it may differ as every OEM has its own way of implementing it.
Restart the computer, and press the F2 or Del key to get into the BIOS.
Then go to Advanced Section, and look for the memory option. It is commonly marked as Caching or Shadowing. Please turn it off, and restart the computer. Once done, you should not get any blue screen of death.
That said, it is important to know that changing the options in BIOS may result in more problems.
While you won’t lose all the data, make sure you know what you are about to change. If you don’t feel confident enough, contact tech support to change it.
I hope the post helped you understand BIOS cache or shadowing and how it helps the computer get things done faster on the hardware level. However, the impact may not be great, and turning it off may not significantly impact performance.
Should I disable memory caching?
Keeping memory caching enabled on an SSD is recommended as it enhances performance and efficiency. Using a UPS and proper system settings ensures data protection against power outages. Disabling caching can lead to slower data access and affect overall system responsiveness.
How to disable BIOS memory options such as caching or shadowing?
To disable BIOS memory options such as caching or shadowing, first restart your computer and access the BIOS setup by pressing the appropriate key, often F2, DEL, or ESC, during boot. Then, navigate to the Advanced or Memory settings section. Locate options related to caching or shadowing and disable them. Save the changes and exit the BIOS.
How do I fix BIOS shadowing?
To fix BIOS shadowing, perform a hard reboot: remove the battery, disconnect the AC adapter, and hold down the power button for 20 seconds. If the problem persists, access the BIOS settings and restore them to default. This can help resolve any conflicts due to BIOS shadowing.