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HP and Compaq Desktop PCs - BIOS Beep Codes

This document pertains to HP and Compaq Desktop computers. If your computer makes one or two short beeps before starting, this is normal and your computer is telling you that BIOS startup was successful. If your computer beeps and does not start, a more serious hardware issue is likely occurring. This support document contains information that can help you learn more about the issue and how to resolve the problem.

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What to do when beep codes occur

A beep code usually means a basic function was unable to start. A basic function might be reading memory, displaying video, or being able to send information to a hard drive. The most common problems that cause beep codes are memory and heat-related failures caused by a build-up of dust in critical cooling areas. Use the beep code tables in this document to help find what hardware component is causing the issue. This might reduce the time required to find the hardware component that needs adjusted, reseated, or replaced. Click the heading or the accompanying plus (+) sign to expand the information.

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Isolate and fix the problem

HP recommends that these steps be performed only by someone with experience in working on computer hardware. Incorrectly handling sensitive internal components can further damage the computer and can introduce the risk of personal injury. WARNING: Using the correct environment for working on computers (ESD precautions and tools), use the following steps to isolate and fix the problem: 1. 2. Turn on the computer. Listen to the beep code and write it down. Write down the number of beeps before each pause, if the beeps are long, short, high in tone, or low in tone. You can use the other sections in this document to look up the beep code description. The beep code and its description can be used for further Internet research if needed. Note which fans are spinning, not spinning, or making strange noises. It might be possible to prevent the beep code by setting the fan speed to a higher setting in the BIOS setup utility or by cleaning the cooling fins and vents. Turn on the computer. Listen to the beep code and write it down. Write down the number of beeps before each pause, if the beeps are long, short, high in tone, or low in tone. You can use the other sections in this document to look up the beep code description. The beep code and its description can be used for further Internet research if needed. Note which fans are spinning, not spinning, or making strange noises. It might be possible to prevent the beep code by setting the fan speed to a higher setting in the BIOS setup utility or by cleaning the cooling fins and vents. Check the case fan and power cable. a. b. c. Turn off the computer by holding the power button for five seconds. Disconnect the power cord and then disconnect all external cords from the computer. Remove the side panel to open the computer.

3.

1. 2.

3.

4.

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d.

If the case fan was not spinning, make sure the case fan power cable is connected to the correct pins on the motherboard. Replace the fan if it was making excessive noise or was not spinning. If you had to plug in or replace the fan, replace the side panel, plug in the power cord and turn on the computer. If the beeps continue, continue to the next step. a. b. c. d. Turn off the computer by holding the power button for five seconds. Disconnect the power cord and then disconnect all external cords from the computer. Remove the side panel to open the computer. If the case fan was not spinning, make sure the case fan power cable is connected to the correct pins on the motherboard. Replace the fan if it was making excessive noise or was not spinning. If you had to plug in or replace the fan, replace the side panel, plug in the power cord and turn on the computer. If the beeps continue, continue to the next step.

5. i. If you had to plug in or replace the fan, replace the side panel, plug in the power cord and turn on the computer. If the beeps continue, continue to the next step. Turn off the computer by holding the power button for five seconds. Disconnect the power cord and then disconnect all external cords from the computer. Remove the side panel to open the computer. If the case fan was not spinning, make sure the case fan power cable is connected to the correct pins on the motherboard. Replace the fan if it was making excessive noise or was not spinning. If you had to plug in or replace the fan, replace the side panel, plug in the power cord and turn on the computer. If the beeps continue, continue to the next step. 6. Disconnect the power cord and remove the side panel and perform each of the following tasks, in order, until the beeping stops. Before starting each task, unplug the power cord and remove the side panel. After completing a task, replace the side panel, connect the power cord, turn on the computer, and listen for a beep code. NOTE: If removing or disconnecting a hardware component prevents the beep code, that component is probably causing the problem. However, a failed motherboard might produce beep codes associated with a component other than the motherboard. a. b. Clean cooling components that have become clogged with dust. If beeping continues, continue to the next step. Remove a memory module. If the computer stops beeping, the memory module might be bad, is the wrong type of memory for the motherboard, or was not fully seated or connected. Reinsert the memory into the socket to see if a connection was the problem; otherwise replace the module. Remove each memory module, replacing the one that was previously removed. If beeping continues after checking all the memory modules, continue to the next step. c. If the computer has a graphics adapter, remove it. If the beep code changes or continues with the same beep pattern after removing the graphics adapter, the adapter might still be good. Reseat the graphics adapter into its socket and continue to the next step.

a. b. c. d.

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If the beep code goes away, the graphics adapter might be bad. Try reseating the graphics adapter, making sure it is fully locked into the connector on the motherboard. If problems continue, replace the adapter. d. Remove a PCI card. If the beep code goes away, the card might be bad. Try reseating the card into its connector on the motherboard. If problems continue, replace the card. Remove each PCI card, replacing the one that was previously removed. After checking all cards, if beeping continues, continue to the next step. e. Disconnect hard drives and CD or DVD drive cables (IDE and ATA) from the motherboard socket. If the beep code goes away, the cable or socket is probably bad. Look for bent pins inside the IDE socket on the motherboard and straighten any bent pins. Try reseating the cables into the connectors. If problems continue, the drive itself might be bad and might need replacing. Disconnect each drive cable, replacing the one that was previously disconnected, until all cables have been checked. After checking all connections, if beeping continues, continue to the next step. f. At this point, the problem is probably the motherboard or processor. Make sure any jumpers on the motherboard have not fallen off their pins and into the case. Make sure jumpers are set correctly. Otherwise, have the computer serviced by HP or by a qualified service center.

Beep code descriptions

Beep code tables are provided in the following sections of this document to help you isolate and understand the issue. This might reduce the time required to solve the problem. Click the heading or the accompanying plus (+) sign to expand the information.

Beep codes common to HP and Compaq Desktop PCs

The following beep codes are common to many HP and Compaq desktop computers. Use these codes first before referring to the other code lists. NOTE: Not all codes are shown. Beeps 1 short beep and 1 long beep 2 short beeps and 1 long beep (repeats 5 times) 3 short beeps and 1 long beep Memory problem Unable to initialize video or video card required but not installed CPU configuration error or CPU type is not compatible Description

The following beep codes are common to many HP and Compaq desktop computers that can occur while restoring, flashing or updating the BIOS : Beeps 1 short beep 2 short beeps 3 short beeps 4 short beeps 5 short beeps Description Legacy floppy drive or CD/DVD drive not detected Floppy diskette or compact disc not detected Unable to start flashing (such as when missing a utility or BIOS image) Flashing failed (checksum error, corrupted image, etc.) BIOS recovery successful

Beep codes for American Megatrends, Inc (AMI) BIOS

The following AMI beep codes can occur when there is a problem during the attempt of a normal system startup. You can use these codes to help troubleshoot issues related to system startup. When troubleshooting further, please refer to the section What to do when beep codes occur . NOTE: The following codes can vary depending on BIOS version.

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Beeps 1 2 3 4, 5, 6, 7 8 Memory timing failure Memory parity error Memory read or write failure

Description

Fatal errors related to the operation of critical motherboard components - such as the CPU. Video memory

The following table lists AMI beep codes that can occur when attempting to flash or recover the BIOS. You can use these codes to help troubleshoot problems related to system startup or flashing BIOS memory (such as in BIOS upgrades). NOTE: The following codes can vary depending on BIOS version. Number of beeps 1 2 3 4 5 7 10 11 12 13 No media detected ROM file not found in root directory Insert next media volume Flash Programming successful Failure while reading file Flash EPROM not detected Failure while erasing flash memory Flash program error Problem with ROM file size ROM image does not match BIOS requirements Post code

Beep codes for Phoenix BIOS

You can use these codes to help troubleshoot issues related to system startup or flashing BIOS memory (such as in BIOS upgrades). When troubleshooting further, please refer to the section What to do when beep codes occur . Four series of beeps indicate a fatal error; that is, a problem exists which prevents the computer from starting. For example, there might be two beeps, a short pause, one beep, a short pause, one beep, a short pause, and then three beeps; this is represented as 2-1-1-3 in the chart below. NOTE: The following codes can vary depending on BIOS version. Beeps One short beep 1-1-1-3 1-1-2-1 1-1-2-3 1-1-3-1 1-1-3-2 1-1-3-3 1-1-4-1 1-1-4-3 1-2-1-1 1-2-1-2 1-2-1-3 1-2-2-1 1-2-2-3 Post Code 0 02h 04h 06h 08h 09h 0Ah 0Ch 0Eh 10h 11h 12h 14h 16h Description of failure POST process completed successfully - normal startup Verify real mode Get CPU type Initialize system hardware Initialize chipset registers with initial POST values Set in POST flag Initialize CPU registers Initialize cache to initial POST values Initialize I/O Initialize Power Management Load alternate registers with initial POST values Jump to UserPatch0 Initialize keyboard controller BIOS ROM checksum

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1-2-3-1 1-2-3-3 1-2-4-1 1-3-1-1 1-3-1-3 1-3-2-1 1-3-3-1 1-3-3-3 1-3-4-1 1-3-4-3 1-4-1-3 1-4-2-1 1-4-2-4 1-4-3-1 1-4-3-2 1-4-3-3 1-4-4-1 1-4-4-2 2-1-1-1 2-1-1-3 2-1-2-1 2-1-2-3 2-1-2-4 2-1-3-1 2-1-3-2 2-1-3-3 2-1-4-1 2-1-4-3 2-2-1-1 2-2-1-3 2-2-2-1 2-2-2-3 2-2-3-1 2-2-3-3 2-2-4-1 2-3-1-1 2-3-1-3 2-3-2-1 2-3-2-3 2-3-3-1 2-3-3-2 2-3-3-3 2-3-4-1 2-3-4-3 2-4-1-1 2-4-1-3

18h 1Ah 1Ch 20h 22h 24h 28h 2Ah 2Ch 2Eh 32h 34h 37h 38h 39h 3Ah 3Ch 3Dh 40h 42hs 44h 46h 47h 48h 49h 4Ah 4Ch 4Eh 50h 52h 54h 56h 58h 5Ah 5Ch 60h 62h 64h 66h 68h 69h 6Ah 6Ch 6Eh 70h

8254 timer initialization 8237 DMA controller initialization Reset Programmable Interrupt Controller Test DRAM refresh Test 8742 Keyboard Controller Set ES segment register to 4 GB Autosize DRAM Clear 512K base RAM Test 512 base address lines Test 512K base memory Test CPU bus-clock frequency CMOS RAM read/write failure Reinitialize the chipset Shadow system BIOS ROM Reinitialize the cache Autosize cache Configure advanced chipset registers Load alternate registers with CMOS values Set Initial CPU speed Initialize interrupt vector Initialize BIOS interrupts Check ROM copyright notice Initialize manager for PCI Options ROMs Check video configuration against CMOS Initialize PCI bus and devices Initialize all video adapters in system Shadow video BIOS ROM Display copyright notice Display CPU type and speed Test keyboard Set key click if enabled Enable keyboard Test for unexpected interrupts Display prompt "Press F2 to enter SETUP" Test RAM between 512 and 640k Test expanded memory Test extended memory address lines Jump to UserPatch1 Configure advanced cache registers Enable external and CPU caches Initialize SMI handler Display external cache size Display shadow message Display non-disposable segments Display error messages

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72h 2-4-2-1 2-4-2-3 2-4-4-1 2-4-4-3 3-1-1-1 3-1-1-3 3-1-2-1 3-1-2-3 3-1-3-1 3-1-3-3 3-1-4-1 3-2-1-1 3-2-1-2 3-2-1-3 3-2-2-1 3-2-2-3 3-2-3-1 3-2-3-3 3-2-4-1 3-2-4-3 3-3-1-1 3-3-1-3 3-3-3-1 3-3-3-3 3-3-4-1 3-3-4-3 3-4-1-1 3-4-1-3 3-4-2-1 3-4-2-3 3-4-3-1 3-4-4-1 3-4-4-3 3-4-4-4 4-1-1-1 4-2-1-1 4-2-1-3 4-2-2-1 4-2-2-3 4-2-3-1 4-2-3-3 4-2-4-1 4-2-4-3 4-3-1-3 4-3-1-4 74h 76h 7Ch 7Eh 80h 82h 84h 86h 88h 8Ah 8Ch 90h 91h 92h 94h 96h 98h 9Ah 9Ch 9Eh A0h A2h A8h Aah AChP Aeh B0h B2h B4h B6h B8h BCh Beh BFh C0h D0h D2h D4h D6h D8h Dah DCh Deh E2h

Check for configuration errors Test real-time clock Check for keyboard errors Set up hardware interrupts vectors Test coprocessor if present Disable onboard I/O ports Detect and install external RS232 ports Detect and install external parallel ports Re-initialize onboard I/O ports Initialize BIOS data area Initialize extended BIOS data area Initialize floppy controller Initialize hard-disk controller Initialize local-bus hard-disk controller Jump to UserPatch2 Disable A20 address line Clear huge ES segment register Search for option ROMs Shadow option ROMs Set up Power Management Enable hardware interrupts Set time of day Check key lock Erase F2 prompt Scan for F2 key stroke Enter SETU Clear in-POST flag Check for errors POST done--prepare to boot operating system One beep Check password (optional) Clear global descriptor table Clear parity checkers Clear screen (optional) Check virus and backup reminders Try to boot with INT 19 Interrupt handler error Unknown interrupt error Pending interrupt error Initialize option ROM error Shutdown error Extended Block Move Shutdown error Keyboard Controller Failure Initialize the chipset

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E3h 4-3-2-1 4-3-2-2 4-3-2-3 4-3-2-4 4-3-3-1 4-3-3-2 4-3-3-3 4-3-3-4 4-3-4-1 4-3-4-2 4-3-4-3 E4h E5h E6h E7h E8h E9h Eah Ebh Ech Edh Eeh

Initialize refresh counter Check for Forced Flash Check HW status of ROM BIOS ROM is OK Do a complete RAM test Do OEM initialization Initialize interrupt controller Read in bootstrap code Initialize all vectors Boot the Flash program Initialize the boot device Boot code was read OK

Beep codes for Award BIOS

Most Award post codes are displayed to screen. If a beep code occurs the problem is likely occurring before the system can display video (check the video card or memory). NOTE: The following codes can vary depending on BIOS version. Beeps 1 short beep Description POST process completed successfully - normal startup

1 long beep followed by 2 or 3 short beeps Unable to initialize video (to display the post code) Continuous beeping without pause Other beep conditions Serious system related issue such as CPU overheating Memory errors.

Related support
Updating the BIOS NOTE: One or more of the links above will take you outside the Hewlett-Packard Web site. HP does not control and is not responsible for information outside the HP Web site.

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