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Beep Codes

Beep codes are the noises you hear from the PC speaker when turning the computer on. These codes are built in to the BIOS of the PC. The different beep sequences help you diagnose problems as your computer
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loads the operating system.

To determine the manufacturer of BIOS on your motherboard, consult the motherboard manual.
If you don't have the manual, visit the motherboard manufacturer's web site and download it. Try opening the computer case (if it doesn't void your warranty) and look for either "AMI" or "Phoenix."

Once you have determined your BIOS manufacturer, use the appropriate table below diagnose your
problems.


AMI BIOS Beep Codes and Definitions
# of Beeps Diagnosis
0 If you didn't hear any beeps, then check the cords and connections to the computer's power supply, motherboard, memory (SIMMs) and PC speaker. Make sure the processor is properly seated and you don't have any bent pins (Socket 7 processors).
1 One beep means that the computer passed the POST test (Power On Self Test). Passing the POST test means that your motherboard, memory, video card, processor, floppy drive are connected properly.
2 The computer has memory problems. If the video card is working, you'll see an error message on the monitor. If not, you have a parity error in your first 64K of memory. Reseat the memory (Simms) and reboot. If this doesn't fix it, the memory chips may be bad. Some older motherboards may require the memory to be in the first and second banks versus the third and forth banks. You'll need to consult your manual to see which bank is first. If you still get two beeps, then have the memory tested by your local dealer. If the memory is good, then the motherboard might be defective.
3 Check to make sure your video card is proper seated. Sometimes you need to pull the video card completely out of the slot and then put it back in the slot.

4

Same as 2 beeps. Your problem could also be a bad timer.
5 Try reseating the memory and rebooting. If that doesn't help, you should verify that the memory is compatible with the motherboard. Consult your local dealer if you are still getting 5 beeps at boot-up.
6 The chip on your motherboard that controls your keyboard isn't working. First, try
another keyboard. If that doesn't help, see if the chip that controls the keyboard on the motherboard is seated properly. If the chip is soldered on the board, then the motherboard might need to be replaced.
7 The processor could be defective. Try reseating it and reboot. If you still get 7 beeps, then your motherboard processor slot/socket might be defective.
8 The video card isn't working properly. Make sure the video card is seated properly. If reseating the video card didn't help, then try using a different video card. The video card could be defective.
9 The BIOS is defective. Have your dealer replace it or the entire motherboard.
10 CMOS is probably defective. Replace the motherboard.
11 The cache memory is defective and your computer disabled it for you. You could reactivate it by pressing Ctrl Alt Shift +. However, you probably should not do it. Instead, replace the motherboard.


Phoenix BIOS Beep Codes and Definitions
Beep Sequence Diagnosis
1-1-3 The computer can't read the configuration information stored in the CMOS. Replace the motherboard.
1-1-4 The BIOS needs to be replaced.
1-2-1 The timer chip on the motherboard is defective. Replace the motherboard.
1-2-2 The motherboard is defective.
1-2-3 The motherboard is defective.
1-3-1 The motherboard is defective.
1-3-4 The motherboard is defective. Replace the motherboard.
1-4-1 The motherboard is defective. Replace the motherboard.
1-4-2 Some of your memory is defective. Have your dealer test all of your memory.
2-_-_ Any combination of beeps after two the first two beeps means that some of your memory is defective. Have the memory tested by your computer dealer.
3-1-_ One of the chips on your motherboard is defective. Replace the motherboard.
3-2-4 Keyboard controller failure on the motherboard. Replace the motherboard.
3-3-4 Your computer can't find the video card. Is the video card seated properly? If so, try swapping it with another one and see if it works.
3-4-_ Your video card isn't working properly. Try reseating it. If that didn't work, replace the video card.
4-2-1 There's a defective chip on the motherboard. Replace the motherboard.
4-2-2 Check the keyboard make sure it's connected properly. If it's connected property, then replace the motherboard.
4-2-3 Check the keyboard make sure it's connected properly. If it's connected property, then replace the motherboard.
4-2-4 One of the cards is bad. Try taking out the cards one by one to isolate the culprit. Replace the bad one. The last possibility is to buy another motherboard.
4-3-1 Replace the motherboard.
4-3-2 Replace the motherboard.
4-3-3 Replace the motherboard.
4-3-4 Time of day clock failure. Try running the setup program that comes with the computer, and check the date and time. If that doesn't work, replace the battery. If that doesn't work, replace the power supply. You may have to replace the motherboard, but that is rare.
4-4-1 Your serial ports are acting up. Reseat or replace the I/O card. If the I/O is on the motherboard itself, disable it with a jumper (consult your manual to know which one) and then add an I/O card.
4-4-2 See 4-4-1
4-4-3 Your math coprocessor is defective. Replace the motherboard.

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