Computer System Error Beep Codes

Power On Self Test Beep Codes

The computer POST (Power On Self Test) is the process of testing the computer system, insuring that it
meets the necessary system requirements and that all hardware is workingproperly 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.

Each time the computer boots up the computer must past the POST. Below is the common step a POST
performs each time your computer starts.

1. Test the power supply to ensure that it is turned on and that it releases its reset signal.
2. CPU must exit the reset status mode and thereafter be able to execute instructions.
3. BIOS checksum must be valid, meaning that it must be readable.
4. CMOS checksum must be valid, meaning that it must be readable.
5. CPU must be able to read all forms of memory such as the memory controller, memory
bus, and memory module.
6. 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.
7. I/O bus / controller must be accessible.
8. I/O bus must be able to write / read from the video subsystem and be able to read
allvideo 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 beep at all or a combination of different beeps indicating what is causingthe computer not to past the
POST.

Example of a Computer Error Beep Codes

Beep Code Description of Problem
Short, No power, Bad CPU/MB, Loose
No Beeps
Peripherals
Everything is normal and Computer POST is
One Beep
fine
Two Beeps POST/CMOS Error
One Long Beep, One Short Beep Motherboard Problem
One Long Beep, Two Short Beeps Video Problem
One Long Beep, Three Short Beeps Video Problem
Three Long Beeps Keyboard Error
Repeated Long Beeps Memory Error
Continuous Hi-Lo Beeps CPU Overheating

So as you can see if your computer doesn't start up and starts beeping away like a mime you can start
the process of figuring out what is wrong by stopping for a second and listen to it. From a single beep
which tells you everything is okay, to three long beeps which indicate a keyboard error to the siren like Hi-
Lo beeps that tells you the CPU is overheating - listening to your computer is advisable!
IBM Standard POST Error Beep Codes
Beep Code Description of Problem
1 short beep Normal Post – system is ok
POST Error – error code shown on the
1 short beeps
screen
No beep Power supply or system board problem
Power supply, system board, or
Continuous beep
keyboard problem
Repeating short Beeps Power supply or system board problem
1 long, 1 short beep System board problem
1 long, 2 short beeps Display adapter problem (MDA, CGA)
1 long, 3 short beeps Enhanced graphics adapter (EGA)
3 long beeps 3270 keyboard card

AMI versus Phoenix BIOS

When an IBM compatible computer is first turned on, the hardware runs a Power On Self Test (POST). If
errors are encountered during this POST test, they are usually displayed via an Audio Beep or in a form
of a code number flashed across the screen. This list of audio beep codes will help you determine the
location of your problem, and enable you to move on to the next step of resolving the issue.

AMI BIOS Error Beep Codes

Beep Code Description of Problem
One beep is good! Everything is ok, that is if
you see things on the screen. If you don’t see
anything, check your monitor and video card
first. Is everything connected? They seem
fine; your motherboard has some bad chips
1 Short Beep
on it. First reset the memory module and
reboot. If it does the same thing, one of
the memory chips on the circuit is bad, and
you most likely need to get another memory
module since these chips are soldered on.
Your computer has memory problems. First
check video. If video is working, you’ll see an
error message. If not, you have a parity error
in your first 64k of memory. Fist, check your
memory module. Reset them and reboot. If
this doesn’t do it, the memory chips may be
2 Short Beeps bad. You can try switching the first and
second banks of memory chips. First banks
are the memory banks that your CPU finds it
first 64k of base memory in. You’ll need to
consult your manual to see which bank is first.
If all memory tests good, you probably need to
change another motherboard.
Basically the same thing as 2 beeps. Follow
3 Short Beeps
that diagnosis above.
 Basically the same thing as 2 beeps. Follow
4 Short Beeps that diagnosis above. It could also be a bad
timer.
Your motherboard is complaining. Try
resetting the memory and rebooting. If that
doesn’t help, you should consider another
5 Short Beeps
motherboard. You could probably get away
with just replacing the CPU, but does not cost-
effective. Its just time to upgrade!
the chip on your motherboard that controls
your keyboard (A20 gate) isn’t working. First,
try another keyboard. If it doesn’t help,
6 Short Beeps reseatthe chip that controls the keyboard, if it
isn’t soldered in. If it still beeps, replace the
chip if possible. Replace the motherboard if it
soldered in.
Your CPU broke overnight. It’s no good.
7 Short Beeps Either replace the CPU or buy another
motherboard.
Your video card isn’t working. Make sure it is
seated will in the bus. If it still beeps, either
8 Short Beeps
the whole card is bad or the memory on it is.
Best bet is to install another video card.
Your BIOS is bad. Reseat or replace the
9 Short Beeps
BIOS.
Your problem lies deep inside the CMOS. All
chips associated with the CMOS will likely
10 Short Beeps
have to be replaced. Your best bet is to get a
new motherboard.
Your problem is in the Cache Memory chipson
11 Short Beeps the motherboard. Reseat or replace these
chips.
You’ve probably just added memory to the
motherboard since this is a conventional or
1 Long 3 Short Beeps extended memory failure. Generally a
memory chip that is not seated properly
causes this. Reseat the memory chips.
Display / retrace test failed. Reseat
1 Long 8 Short Beeps
the videocard.

Phoenix BIOS Error Beep Codes

These audio codes are little more detailed than the AMI codes. This BIOS emits three set of beeps . For
example, 1 – pause – 3 – pause 3 – pause. This is a 1 – 3 – 3 combo and each set of beeps is separated
by a brief pause. Listen to this sequence of sounds, count them, and reboot and count again if you have
to.

Beep Code Description of Problem

Your computer can’t read the configuration info stored
1–1–3
in the CMOS. Replace the motherboard.
1–1–1 Your BIOS needs to be replaced.
 You have a bad timer chip on the motherboard, You
1–2–1
need a new motherboard.
1-2–2 The motherboard is bad.
1–2–3 The motherboard is bad.
1–3–1 You need to replace the motherboard.
1–3–3 You’ll need to replace the motherboard
1–3–4 The motherboard is bad.
1–4–1 The motherboard is bad.
1–4–2 Some of your memory is bad

any combo of Beeps after two, means that some of

your memory is bad, and unless you want to get real
2-_-_
technical, you should probably have the guys in the
lab coats test the memory for you. Take it to the shop.

One of the chips on your motherboard is defective.

3–1-_
you’ll likely need to get another board.
One of the chips on your motherboard that checks the
3–2–4 keyboard is defective. Motherboard needs
replacement
3–3–4 Your computer can’t find the video card.

3–4-_ Your video card isn’t working. You'll need to replace it.

There’s a bad chip on the motherboard. Motherboard

4 – 2 –1
needs replacement.
First check the keyboard for problems. If nothing, you
4–2–2
have a bad motherboard.
4–2–3 Same as 4-2-2.
One of the cards is bad. Try detaching the cards one
4–2–4 by one to isolate the problem and replace the bad
one. The last possibility is to buy another Mainboard.
4–3–1 Replace motherboard.
4 – 3 –2 See 4-3-1
4–3–3 See 4-3-1
Time of the day clock failure. Try running the setup
program that comes with the computer. Check the
4–3–4 date and time. If that doesn’t work, replace the
battery, if not the power supply, you may have to
replace the motherboard, but that is rare.
your serial ports are acting up. Reseat, or replace, the
I/O card. If the I/O card is on the motherboard itself,
4–4–1
disable them with a jumper or on it’s BIOS setup and
then add an I/O card.
See 4-4-1, but this time is your parallel port that’s
4–4–2
acting up.
Your math coprcessor is having problems. Run a test
4–4–3 program to double-check it. If it is indeed bad, disable
it, or replace it.
Low 1 – 1 – 2 Your motherboard is having problems
 This is an extended CMOS RAM problem; check your
Low 1 – 1 – 3
motherboard battery, and motherboard.

This Computer System Error Beep Codes is very essential since this will be also given in the TESDA
Computer Servicing Exam. I suggest that you must review this as well.