Abstract: A decoding algorithm for quadratic residue codes applicable to the decoding of all quadratic residue codes is provided. The decoding algorithm employs digital signals to obtain a plurality of known syndromes. These known syndromes are used to calculate a plurality of unknown syndromes. The inverse-free Berlekamp-Massey algorithm is then used to calculate the error polynomial, after which the Chien search algorithm is used to determine the error locations. Adjustments can then be made to the digital signal bits corresponding to the error locations to obtain the correct code.