COMPUTER BEEP CODES

POST ABCs
The computer power-on self-test (POST) tests the computer to make sure it meets
the necessary system requirements and that all hardware is working properly before
starting the remainder of the boot process. If the computer passes the POST the
computer will have a single beep (with some computer BIOS manufacturers it may
beep twice) as the computer starts and the computer will continue to start normally.
However, if the computer fails the POST, the computer will either not beep at all or
will generate a beep code, which tells the user the source of the problem.
The steps of a POST
Each time the computer boots up the computer must past the POST.
Below is the common steps a POST performs each time your computer starts.
Step 1.
Test the power supply to ensure that it is turned on and that it
releases its reset signal.
Step 2.
CPU must exit the reset status mode and thereafter be able to
execute instructions.
Step 3.
BIOS checksum must be valid, meaning that it must be readable.
Step 4.
CMOS checksum must be valid, meaning that it must be
readable.
Step 5.
CPU must be able to read all forms of memory such as the
memory controller, memory bus, and memory module.
The first 64KB of memory must be operational and have the capability to be read
and written to and from, and capable of containing the POST code.

I/O bus / controller must be accessible.

I/O bus must be able to write / read from the video subsystem and be able to
read all video RAM.

If the computer does not pass any of the above tests, your computer will receive an
irregular POST.
An irregular POST is a beep code that is different from the standard one or two
beeps. This could be either no beeps at all or a combination of different beeps
indicating what is causing the computer not to past the POST.
If you're receiving an irregular POST contains all the steps a user can do to resolve
the issue or help determine what hardware has failed in the computer so it can be
replaced.
If you're getting a beep code the remainder of this page contains a listing of each of
the major manufacturers beep codes and what they each mean.
AMI BIOS Beep Codes
Below are the AMI BIOS Beep codes that can occur. However, because of the wide
variety of different computer manufacturers with this BIOS, the beep codes may
vary.

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Beep Code

Descriptions

1 short

DRAM refresh failure

2 short

Parity circuit failure

3 short

Base 64K RAM failure

4 short

System timer failure

5 short

Process failure

6 short

Keyboard controller Gate A20 error

7 short

Virtual mode exception error

8 short

Display memory Read/Write test failure

9 short

ROM BIOS checksum failure

10 short

CMOS shutdown Read/Write error

11 short

Cache Memory error

1 long, 3 short

Conventional/Extended memory failure

1 long, 8 short

Display/Retrace test failed

AWARD BIOS beep codes

Below are Award BIOS Beep codes that can occur. However, because of the wide
variety of different computer manufacturers with this BIOS, the beep codes may
vary.
Beep Code

Description

1 long, 2 short

Indicates a video error has occurred and the BIOS cannot

initialize the video screen to display any additional
information

Any other beep(s)

RAM problem.

If any other correctable hardware issues, the BIOS will display a message.
IBM BIOS beep codes
Below are IBM BIOS Beep codes that can occur. However, because of the wide
variety of models shipping with this BIOS, the beep codes may vary.
Beep Code

Description

No Beeps

No Power, Loose Card, or Short.

1 Short Beep

Normal POST, computer is ok.

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2 Short Beep

POST error, review screen for error code.

Continuous Beep

No Power, Loose Card, or Short.

Repeating Short Beep

No Power, Loose Card, or Short.

One Long and one Short

Beep

Motherboard issue.

One Long and Two Short

Beeps

Video (Mono/CGA Display Circuitry) issue.

One Long and Three Short

Beeps.

Video (EGA) Display Circuitry.

Three Long Beeps

Keyboard / Keyboard card error.

One Beep, Blank or Incorrect

Display

Video Display Circuitry.

Macintosh startup tones

Tones

Error

Error Tone. (two sets of different tones)

Problem with logic board or SCSI bus.

Startup tone, drive spins, no video

Problem with video controller.

Powers on, no tone.

Logic board problem.

High Tone, four higher tones.

Problem with SIMM.

Phoenix BIOS beep codes

Below are the beep codes for PHOENIX BIOS Q3.07 OR 4.X
Beep Code

Description / What to Check

1-1-1-3

Verify Real Mode.

1-1-2-1

Get CPU type.

1-1-2-3

Initialize system hardware.

1-1-3-1

Initialize chipset registers with initial POST values.

1-1-3-2

Set in POST flag.

1-1-3-3

Initialize CPU registers.

1-1-4-1

Initialize cache to initial POST values.

1-1-4-3

Initialize I/O.

1-2-1-1

Initialize Power Management.

1-2-1-2

Load alternate registers with initial POST values.

1-2-1-3

Jump to UserPatch0.

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1-2-2-1

Initialize keyboard controller.

1-2-2-3

BIOS ROM checksum.

1-2-3-1

8254 timer initialization.

1-2-3-3

8237 DMA controller initialization.

1-2-4-1

Reset Programmable Interrupt Controller.

1-3-1-1

Test DRAM refresh.

1-3-1-3

Test 8742 Keyboard Controller.

1-3-2-1

Set ES segment to register to 4 GB.

1-3-3-1

28 Autosize DRAM.

1-3-3-3

Clear 512K base RAM.

1-3-4-1

Test 512 base address lines.

1-3-4-3

Test 512K base memory.

1-4-1-3

Test CPU bus-clock frequency.

1-4-2-4

Reinitialize the chipset.

1-4-3-1

Shadow system BIOS ROM.

1-4-3-2

Reinitialize the cache.

1-4-3-3

Autosize cache.

1-4-4-1

Configure advanced chipset registers.

1-4-4-2

Load alternate registers with CMOS values.

2-1-1-1

Set Initial CPU speed.

2-1-1-3

Initialize interrupt vectors.

2-1-2-1

Initialize BIOS interrupts.

2-1-2-3

Check ROM copyright notice.

2-1-2-4

Initialize manager for PCI Options ROMs.

2-1-3-1

Check video configuration against CMOS.

2-1-3-2

Initialize PCI bus and devices.

2-1-3-3

Initialize all video adapters in system.

2-1-4-1

Shadow video BIOS ROM.

2-1-4-3

Display copyright notice.

2-2-1-1

Display CPU type and speed.

2-2-1-3

Test keyboard.

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2-2-2-1

Set key click if enabled.

2-2-2-3

56 Enable keyboard.

2-2-3-1

Test for unexpected interrupts.

2-2-3-3

Display prompt Press F2 to enter SETUP.

2-2-4-1

Test RAM between 512 and 640k.

2-3-1-1

Test expanded memory.

2-3-1-3

Test extended memory address lines.

2-3-2-1

Jump to UserPatch1.

2-3-2-3

Configure advanced cache registers.

2-3-3-1

Enable external and CPU caches.

2-3-3-3

Display external cache size.

2-3-4-1

Display shadow message.

2-3-4-3

Display non-disposable segments.

2-4-1-1

Display error messages.

2-4-1-3

Check for configuration errors.

2-4-2-1

Test real-time clock.

2-4-2-3

Check for keyboard errors

2-4-4-1

Set up hardware interrupts vectors.

2-4-4-3

Test coprocessor if present.

3-1-1-1

Disable onboard I/O ports.

3-1-1-3

Detect and install external RS232 ports.

3-1-2-1

Detect and install external parallel ports.

3-1-2-3

Re-initialize onboard I/O ports.

3-1-3-1

Initialize BIOS Data Area.

3-1-3-3

Initialize Extended BIOS Data Area.

3-1-4-1

Initialize floppy controller.

3-2-1-1

Initialize hard-disk controller.

3-2-1-2

Initialize local-bus hard-disk controller.

3-2-1-3

Jump to UserPatch2.

3-2-2-1

Disable A20 address line.

3-2-2-3

Clear huge ES segment register.

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3-2-3-1

Search for option ROMs.

3-2-3-3

Shadow option ROMs.

3-2-4-1

Set up Power Management.

3-2-4-3

Enable hardware interrupts.

3-3-1-1

Set time of day.

3-3-1-3

Check key lock.

3-3-3-1

Erase F2 prompt.

3-3-3-3

Scan for F2 key stroke.

3-3-4-1

Enter SETUP.

3-3-4-3

Clear in-POST flag.

3-4-1-1

Check for errors

3-4-1-3

POST done--prepare to boot operating system.

3-4-2-1

One beep.

3-4-2-3

Check password (optional).

3-4-3-1

Clear global descriptor table.

3-4-4-1

Clear parity checkers.

3-4-4-3

Clear screen (optional).

3-4-4-4

Check virus and backup reminders.

4-1-1-1

Try to boot with INT 19.

4-2-1-1

Interrupt handler error.

4-2-1-3

Unknown interrupt error.

4-2-2-1

Pending interrupt error.

4-2-2-3

Initialize option ROM error.

4-2-3-1

Shutdown error.

4-2-3-3

Extended Block Move.

4-2-4-1

Shutdown 10 error.

4-3-1-3

Initialize the chipset.

4-3-1-4

Initialize refresh counter.

4-3-2-1

Check for Forced Flash.

4-3-2-2

Check HW status of ROM.

4-3-2-3

BIOS ROM is OK.

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4-3-2-4

Do a complete RAM test.

4-3-3-1

Do OEM initialization.

4-3-3-2

Initialize interrupt controller.

4-3-3-3

Read in bootstrap code.

4-3-3-4

Initialize all vectors.

4-3-4-1

Boot the Flash program.

4-3-4-2

Initialize the boot device.

4-3-4-3

Boot code was read OK.

COMPUTER PROBLEMS QUESTIONS AND CAUSE

1. Computer has three short beeps as it starts
Question:
Computer has three short beeps as it starts.
Cause:
Computer RAM (memory) related issue.

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Answer:
Warning: Some of the below steps recommend removing physical parts
within the computer.
While in the computer it is highly recommend that you be aware of ESD
(Electro Static Discharge) and its potential hazards.
1. Remove added memory
If you've recently added or tried to add additional memory to the computer
and have started getting these beeps. Remove all new memory you've added
to the computer. If the computer works fine after removing the new memory
you're encountering either an incompatibility or defective new memory.
2. Open computer and reseat memory
Sometimes when the computer is moved and/or over time a memory stick
can become loose causing the computer to be unable to read the memory or
get errors as it's reading it. Try fixing this issue by opening the computer
removing each of the memory sticks you have in the computer and then
placing them back into the computer.
3. Swap memory location
If reseating the memory did not resolve the issue try swapping the location of
the memory. If you have only one stick of memory in the computer try
moving it to another slot and then boot the computer.
If you have more than one stick of memory try removing all but one stick of
memory and boot the computer. If this does not resolve the issue try
removing that stick of memory and try one of the other sticks of memory.
4. Try another computers memory
If you have access to another computer that uses the same type of memory
try using its known good memory in your computer.
If another computers memory works you know that you have bad memory.
If another computers memory does not work and it is compatible with your
computer unfortunately your motherboard and/or the slots on the
motherboard are defective causing it to be unable to properly read the
memory, which means the motherboard will have to be replaced.
5. Replace memory
If you've determined or believe that the memory in y our computer is bad I
suggest that you replace it.

2. POST troubleshooting steps.

Question:

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POST troubleshooting steps.

Additional information:
This document is intended to help users who are experiencing issues with the
POST and may have any of the below symptoms.
a. Computer beeps irregularly when the computer is turned on.
b. Computer turns on but does not boot.
c. Turn on the computer but doesn't do anything.
Note: Not all computers have beep codes, some of the newer computers
have LED's that light up that indicate the error or have a sound file to indicate
the error.
Cause:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.

This issue can be caused by any of the below situations.

New hardware conflicting with old hardware.
Bad or failing hardware device.
Connections not connected or connected properly.
Recent electrical storm that caused a surge that damaged
computer.
Other hardware issue.

Answer:
Note: Make sure your computer is turning on, if you press the power
button and nothing happens (no lights, no sound, no fans, etc.) then
this issue is not a NO POST but is a power related issue.
Warning: Some of the below steps recommend removing physical parts
within the computer.
While in the computer it is highly recommend that you be aware of ESD
(Electrostatic Discharge) and its potential hazards.
1. Remove new hardware
If any new hardware has been recently added to the computer, remove that
hardware to make sure it is not the cause of your issue. If after removing the
new hardware your computer works it's likely the computer is either not
compatible with the new hardware or a system setting needs to be changed
to work with the new hardware device.
2. Remove any disks or USB devices
Remove any disks, CD's, DVD's that are in the computer and if any USB
devices (ipods, drives, phones, etc) are connected disconnect all of them as
well. Reboot the computer and see if anything changes.
3. Disconnect external devices
Remove everything from the back of the computer except the power cable.
Turn on the computer and see if it beeps normally. If the computer has never
beeped keep the monitor or display connected to see if any change occurs.

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4. Identify beep code

If you are receiving a sequence of beeps see our beep code page for a listing
of different beep codes and their explanation and/or your motherboard or
computer documentation. These beep codes are meant as a method of
quickly identifying what computer component is failing or bad.
5. Check all fans
Make sure all fans are running in the computer. If a fan has failed (especially
the heat sink fan for the CPU) your computer could be overheating and/or
detecting the fan failure causing the computer not to boot.
6. Check all cables
Verify that all the cables are properly connected at that there are no loose
cables by firmly pressing in each cable.
All disk drives should have a data cable and power cable connected to them.
Your power supply should have at least one cable going to the motherboard.
Many motherboards may also have additional cables connected to them to
supply power to the fans.
7. Disconnect all expansion cards
If the above recommendations still have not resolved the irregular POST
attempt to disconnect the Riser board (if applicable) and/or each of the
expansion cards. If this resolves the issue or allows the computer to POST
connect one card at a time until you determine what card is causing the
issue.
8. Disconnect all drives
If you were unable to determine by the beep code what is failing or do not
have a beep code disconnect the IDE, SATA, SCSI, or other data cables from
the CD-ROM, hard drive, and floppy drive from the Motherboard.
If this resolves your irregular post or you now get an error message attempt
to re-connect each device one at a time to determine which device and or
cable is causing the issue. In some situations it can also be simply a loose
cable connection that causes the issue.
9. Remove the RAM
If you continue to receive the same problem with all the above hardware
removed attempt to disconnect the RAM from the Motherboard and turn on
the computer. If the computer has a different beep code or if your computer
was not beeping and is now beeping turn off your computer and try the next
suggestions. Making sure to turn off the computer each time you're adding
and removing the memory and then turning the computer back on to see if
the suggestion resolves the issue.
10.Re-insert the memory into the same slot.
If you have more than one stick of memory remove all but one stick of
memory, try rotating through each stick.

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11.Try one stick of memory in each slot.

If you're able to get the computer to boot with one or more of the sticks of
memory it's likely you're dealing with some bad memory. Try to identify which
stick of memory is bad and replace it.
If you're able to get memory to work in one slot but not another slot. You're
motherboard is defective you can either workaround the issue by running the
memory in a different slot or replace the motherboard.
12.Power cycle the computer
In some situations a computer may have power related issues often caused
by either the power supply and/or the motherboard. To help determine if this
is the cause of your issue try turning the computer on, off, and back on as
fast as possible, making sure the computer power light goes on and off each
time. In some situations you may be able to temporarily get the computer to
boot.
This should only be used as a temporary workaround if you're able to get this
to work. Often this is good for users who may have not done a backup and
need to get the computer up one more time to copy files before starting to
replace hardware.
13.Disconnect and reconnect the CPU
For users who are more comfortable working with the inside of their computer
or who have built their computer one last recommendation before assuming
hardware is bad is to reseat the CPU by removing it and putting it back into
the computer.
14.Bad motherboard, CPU, RAM, and/or power supply
If after doing all of the above recommendations you continue to have the
same issue. Unfortunately, it is likely that you have bad Motherboard, PSU,
CPU, and/or RAM. The next step would be either to replace these components
and/or have the computer serviced. If you plan on doing the repairs yourself
or you are a repair shop it is suggested that you replace the Motherboard
first, RAM, CPU, and then power supply in that order and/or try swappable
parts from other computers.

3. A20 error.

Issue:
A20 error.
Cause:
Issue related to the keyboard and/or keyboard controller.

Answer:

Ensure the keyboard is connected to the proper port on the back of the
computer.

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Turn off the computer and disconnect the keyboard and verify there are no
bent, burnt or broken pins on the keyboard connector or on the keyboard
connector on the back of the computer.
1. Try a different keyboard on the computer.
Unfortunately, if all of the above recommendations do not resolve your issue,
it is very likely that the motherboard may have a bad controller.

4. How to replace the CMOS battery

Issue:
How to replace the CMOS battery.
Cause:
Like any battery the computer CMOS battery can fail or lose its charge.
Answer:
If your computer is losing its time or date settings, or you are receiving a
message CMOS Read Error, CMOS checksum error, or CMOS Battery
Failure, first attempt to leave the computer on for 24 hours. In some cases
this can charge the battery and resolve your issue. This often resolves CMOS
battery related issues when a computer has been left off for several months.
If this does not resolve your issue follow the below steps.
1. Write down all system settings
Ensure that the information within your CMOS, if not already lost, is written
down. If you're getting a CMOS error message or your time is not being saved
your settings are already lost.
2. Locate your CMOS battery
Open the computer case and find the battery on the computer motherboard,
verify that it will be accessible and that it can be removed. Most computers
today use a coin cell CMOS battery as shown in the image to the right.
If you are unable to locate your CMOS battery you will need to refer to your
motherboard or computer documentation and/or contact your computer
manufacturer for additional assistance in locating it.

3. Obtain battery information

Unfortunately, most manufacturers will not list the exact type and model of
your CMOS battery; therefore, once you have located the battery, write down

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all information about the battery (Voltage, chemistry, wiring, and packaging).
If possible, remove the battery and take it to the location you plan on
purchasing a new battery from.
4. Removing the battery
Caution: While in the computer make sure you're aware of ESD (Electro
Static Discharge), your computer is off, and that you're properly grounding
yourself. Especially before removing the battery.
If you're computer is using a coin cell battery similar to the above example
picture. Removing the battery is relatively simple. Simply use your fingers to
grab on the edge of the battery and pull it up and out of the container holding
it. Some motherboards have a clip holding the battery down. If your computer
has this clip you may need to use one had to move the clip up and the other
hand to pull the battery out.
Unfortunately, not all CMOS batteries are removable; some manufactures will
only allow a replacement battery to be added. If you're not using a coin cell
battery and are not able to determine how to remove it refer to your
motherboard or computer documentation and/or contact your computer
manufacturer for additional assistance in removing the battery or how to
insert a new replacement battery.
Users with computers that do not have removable batteries only options to
install a new battery will most likely also need to set a jumper when adding
the new battery into their computer.
5. Insert the new battery
Once you have purchased a new battery, remove the old battery (as
instructed above) and replace it with the new battery.
6. Enter CMOS values
Once the battery is replaced turn on the computer and enter all values back
into CMOS or set the values back to the default settings.
After the values have all been entered make sure to save the settings before
exiting. Many CMOS setups allow you to press a key (such as F10) to save
values and exit all in one action.
If after following all the above steps you continue to experience the same
error when your computer starts and/or your computer is still unable to keep
the stored values it's likely that you're experiencing a more serious issues.
Most likely causes are bad power supply or bad motherboard.

5. No power or computer does not turn on.

Issue:

No power or computer does not turn on.

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Cause:

No power from the computer can be caused by any of the below

possibilities.
Connections not connected properly.
Third-party hardware.
Bad power cable.
Incorrect power supply.
Bad battery.
Bad power supply, power button, and/or power board or inverter.
Answer:
If you are uncertain if the computer is turning on or not, this can be easily
checked by locating any fans in the computer or visible from the outside of
the computer. If these fans are spinning, the computer is receiving power and
this document may not apply to your issue.
1. Connections not connected properly
Verify that the power connection is connected properly to the wall and the
back of the computer. If the connections appear to be connected properly,
attempt to disconnect and reconnection both ends of the cable.
If you have a power strip (surge protector) or switch used to turn everything
on at once, temporarily disconnect the computer from that switch and
connect that cable directly to the wall. This will help verify that the strip or
switch is not bad.
Verify that the outlet works by connecting a different component to that
switch.
2. Third-party hardware
If additional hardware has been recently added to the computer it is
recommend that you temporarily disconnect that device or devices from the
computer to verify they are not preventing your computer from turning on.
Note: If the computer was working fine before you added the new hardware,
removing the third-party hardware did not resolve the issue, and the
computer is not beeping but is turning on.
3. Bad Power cable
Verify that the cable supplying your computer is not bad or damaged by using
another power cable. If you have a standard CRT monitor, this cable can be
used in place of the computer power cable.
If you have a portable computer or laptop, when the cables are plugged into
the laptop you should see a power light or battery charge light. If this light is
seen, this is a good indication that the power cable is good.
4. Incorrect power supply
If you are building your own computer or if the computer has never turned on
since you purchased it, it is possible you are using a power supply that does

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not supply enough power and/or the incorrect type of power supply. Verify
your power supply meets the requirements of your motherboard and
processor.
5. Bad battery
If your computer is a laptop or portable computer that utilizes a battery for
mobility it is possible that the battery may be causing your issue.
If your computer powers on when the cable is connected to the portable
computer but not when it is disconnected, we recommend you purchase a
new battery.
If your computer does not power on when the battery is connected and when
the power cable / charger cable is connected, try removing the battery and
seeing if the computer can power on with only the power cable connected. If
no power is still received, skip to the final section.
6. Bad Power Supply, power button, and/or power board or inverter
If, after following the above sections, your computer still receives no power, it
is likely that a hardware component in the computer has failed. It is most
likely that the power supply has failed. If you do not plan on replacing the
power supply yourself or if you have a portable computer, we recommend
having the computer serviced by your computer manufacturer or a local
computer repair shop.
If you have a desktop computer and plan on trying to repair the computer
yourself, we recommend you replace the components in your computer in the
below order.
First open the computer and verify the power connections. You may also wish
to consider disconnecting the main power cable and reconnecting the power
cable to make sure it has not become loose. Also verify the power button
cable is correctly connected to the Motherboard.
7. Replace the power supply with a new power supply.
Replace the motherboard.

6. Keyboard error at boot.

Issue:
Keyboard error at boot.
Cause:
An error with the keyboard can be caused by any of the below
possibilities.
Keyboard is not connected properly.
Stuck key
Bad keyboard
Bad PS/2 or AT port

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Answer:
1. Keyboard is not connected properly
Verify that the keyboard is connected properly to the computer by turning off
your computer and then disconnecting and reconnecting the keyboard to the
computer.
2. Stuck key
Ensure that there are no stuck keys on the keyboard. If all keys appear to be
ok and you have a standard desktop computer with keyboard, attempt to turn
keyboard over and gently hit the back of the keyboard to loosen any dirt or
hair that may be stuck in the keyboard.
3. Bad keyboard
Try another keyboard on the computer to verify that the keyboard has not
gone bad.
4. Bad PS/2 or AT port
If all of the above solutions are not able to resolve your issue it is likely that
the port on the back of the computer may be bad and the motherboard or I/O
board may need to be replaced.

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