Good day ... With each new turn on personal computer, starts automatic program diagnostics self-test POST (Power-On-Self-Test). Which is "written" in the BIOS ROM.In this small post, I would like to give some examples of tables with decoding of PC signals. That is, the sound signals of the computer or what the BIOS beeps about.
To begin with, in order to use these tables, you will need to find out the manufacturer of the BIOS of your motherboard. It is quite easy to find out the BIOS manufacturer. You need to go into the BIOS itself, (description below) and find the manufacturer's signature.
A few words about the POST diagnostic program. This program checks all the most important components of a personal computer. Such as: processor performance monitoring, CMOS. Supporting chips of the motherboard and of course performs a quick test random access memory... All this information about the performance of the PC, the computer outputs to the micro-speaker in the form of a sound signal from the BIOS, (beep).
If the POST program has successfully completed the diagnostics of the most important components of the computer and if the PC is operating in perfect condition, then you should hear one short beep. Then the download will start immediately. operating system... If an inoperable component is detected when starting the computer, the POST program will immediately generate a certain beep (several short or several long beeps). Thus, it identifies the detected error. Accordingly, the computer stops working.
How to enter BIOS Windows 7
In order to enter the BIOS with Winows 7 or XP, you need to press a certain key, or a set of keys immediately after turning on the PC. Accordingly, before loading the operating system of the computer itself.As soon as you pressed the computer restart button, you must immediately press a certain key. Or a set of keys. It is advisable to click it before entering the BIOS menu.
Usually, a certain inscription is displayed on the monitor screen on English language(press DEL to enter SETUP). Which talks about entering the PC settings. The Delete key is often used. There are also other options for hotkeys.
Keyboard shortcut options in Windows 7
- Ctrl + Alt + Esc
- Ctrl + Alt + Ins
- Ctrl + Alt
POST Diagnostic Programs and Computer Beeps
AWARD BIOS
| Beep sequence | Error description |
| 1 short | Successful POST |
| 2 short | Minor bugs found. The monitor screen prompts you to enter the CMOS Setup Utility and correct the situation. Check that the cables are securely fastened to the connectors. hard disk and motherboard. |
| 3 long | Keyboard controller error |
| 1 short, 1 long | Random access memory (RAM) error |
| 1 long, 2 short | Graphics card error |
| 1 long, 3 short | Video memory error |
| 1 long, 9 short | Error reading from ROM |
| Repetitive short | Power supply problems; RAM problems |
| Repeating long | RAM problems |
| Repetitive high-low frequency | CPU problems |
| Continuous | Power supply problems |
AMI BIOS
| One short beep | |
| Two short beeps | RAM test error |
| Three short beeps | RAM test error (first 64 kb) |
| Four short beeps | Motherboard defective, (system timer error) |
| Five short beeps | Processor defective. Try removing the processor and reinstalling it (if you're not afraid). If it does not help, then you need to replace the processor. |
| Six short beeps | Motherboard defective, (keyboard controller error) |
| Seven short beeps | The motherboard is defective (virtual mode error). Try restarting your computer, if it doesn't help, then just replacing the motherboard. |
| Eight short beeps | Defective video adapter or video memory test error |
| Nine short beeps | BIOS ROM checksum error |
| Ten short beeps | Error writing to CMOS memory. It is necessary to "reset" the BIOSa memory, then by bridging the two contacts located next to the battery (Clear CMOS), or remove the battery for 20 minutes by unplugging the power cord. If it does not help, you will have to change the microcircuit. |
| RAM errors. Try reinstalling the memory sticks. | |
| (One long and two short), (One long and three short), (One long and eight short) beeps | Malfunction of the video card. |
DELL BIOS
| One beep, pause, two beeps | Video card error. It is necessary to check the connection of the video card |
| One beep, pause, two beeps, pause, two beeps, pause, three beeps | BIOS chip error |
| One beep, pause, three beeps, pause, one beep, pause, one beep | BIOS chip error |
| One beep, pause, three beeps, pause, one beep, pause, three beeps | Keyboard defective |
| One beep, pause, three beeps, pause, three beeps, pause, one beep | |
| One beep, pause, three beeps, pause, four beeps, pause, one beep | |
| One beep, pause, three beeps, pause, four beeps, pause, three beeps | RAM check error. Worth checking memory |
| One beep, pause, four beeps, pause, one beep, pause, one beep | RAM check error. Worth checking memory |
IBM BIOS
AST BIOS
| One short beep | Processor defective |
| Two short beeps, (Three short beeps) | |
| Four short beeps | Keyboard defective |
| Five short beeps | Keyboard defective |
| Six short beeps | System board defective |
| Nine short beeps | BIOS chip defective |
| Ten short beeps | Timer IC is faulty |
| Eleven short beeps | Chipset driver defective |
| Twelve short beeps | Non-volatile memory power supply faults |
| One long beep | DMA controller IC defective (channel 0) |
| DMA controller IC defective (channel 1) | |
| Video adapter defective | |
| One long and three short beeps | Malfunction of the video adapter memory |
| One long and four short beeps | Video adapter defective |
| One long and five short beeps | RAM is defective |
| One long and six short beeps | Errors loading the interrupt vector into memory |
| One long and seven short beeps | Equipment video is faulty |
| One long and eight short beeps | Video memory defective |
COMPAQ BIOS
| One long beep | The POST diagnostic program did not find any errors, it works fine. All OK. |
| One long and one short beep | BIOS memory checksum is invalid. It is necessary to check the health of the battery |
| Two short beeps | General error |
| One long and two short beeps | The video card is defective. You need to reinstall your graphics card |
| Seven signals | The AGP card is defective. You need to reinstall your graphics card |
| One long (repeating) | RAM is defective |
| One short and two long beeps | RAM is defective |
PHOENIX BIOS
The signals of this BIOS go through a pause with short beeps. For example - 1-2-1 (1 beep, pause, 2 beeps, pause, 1 beep)
| One beep, pause, one beep, pause, three beeps | An error occurred while accessing BIOS memory |
| One beep, pause, one beep, pause, four beeps | The checksum of the BIOS memory is invalid. It is necessary to check the health of the battery |
| One beep, pause, two beeps, pause, one beep | Motherboard defective |
| One beep, pause, two beeps, pause, two beeps (One beep, pause, two beeps, pause, three beeps) | DMA controller IC is defective |
| One beep, pause, four beeps, pause, one beep | Motherboard defective |
| One beep, pause, four beeps, pause, two beeps | RAM is defective |
| One beep, pause, four beeps, pause, three beeps | System timer error |
| One beep, pause, four beeps, pause, four beeps | Malfunction of one of the I / O ports |
| Two beeps, pause, one beep, pause, one beep, (Two beeps, pause, one beep, pause, two beeps), (Two beeps, pause, one beep, pause, three beeps), (Two beeps, pause, one beep, pause, four beeps) | RAM is defective |
| Two beeps, pause, two beeps, pause, one beep, (Two beeps, pause, two beeps, pause, two beeps), (Two beeps, pause, two beeps, pause, three beeps), (Two beeps, pause, two beep, pause, four beeps) | RAM is defective |
| Two beeps, pause, three beeps, pause, one beep, (Two beeps, pause, three beeps, pause, two beeps), (Two beeps, pause, three beeps, pause, three beeps), (Two beeps, pause, three beep, pause, four beeps) | RAM is defective |
| Two beeps, pause, four beeps, pause, one beep, (Two beeps, pause, four beeps, pause, two beeps), (Two beeps, pause, four beeps, pause, three beeps), (Two beeps, pause, four beep, pause, four beeps) | RAM is defective |
| Three beeps, pause, one beep, pause, one beep | Second DMA channel is faulty |
| Three beeps, pause, one beep, pause, two beeps, (Three beeps, pause, one beep, pause, four beeps) | The first DMA channel is faulty |
| Three beeps, pause, two beeps, pause, four beeps | Keyboard controller defective |
| Three beeps, pause, three beeps, pause, four beeps | Video memory defective |
| Three beeps, pause, four beeps, pause, one beep | Monitor defective |
| Three beeps, pause, four beeps, pause, two beeps | BIOS chip failure video |
| Four beeps, pause, two beeps, pause, one beep | System timer defective |
| Four beeps, pause, two beeps, pause, two beeps | End of the test |
| Four beeps, pause, two beeps, pause, three beeps | Keyboard controller defective |
| Four beeps, pause, two beeps, pause, four beeps | A processor crash occurred during the transition to protected mode |
| Four beeps, pause, three beeps, pause, one beep | RAM error |
| Four beeps, pause, three beeps, pause, two beeps, (Four beeps, pause, three beeps, pause, three beeps) | Timer error |
| Four beeps, pause, four beeps, pause, one beep | Serial port malfunction |
| Four beeps, pause, four beeps, pause, two beeps | Parallel port malfunction |
| Four beeps, pause, four beeps, pause, three beeps | Malfunction of the math processor |
| Long repeating | Motherboard defective |
| Continuous | Fan defective (cooler) processor |
| Siren | Video card defective |
Conclusion
Do not take this information as absolutely reliable. As computer beeps may change as newer BIOS versions are released. This concludes this post, I hope it turned out useful for you ...
Sometimes a situation may arise when the user hears 3 long BIOS beeps during boot, and the computer does not boot after that. In this case, there is an error that the system detected during the initial POST hardware test procedure.
In BIOS different manufacturers like Announcement served in the event of various emergency situations. Let's briefly list some systems in which you can hear 3 long BIOS beeps at boot:
- IBM BIOS
In this system, three long beeps from the BIOS tell the user about a fault detected on the motherboard... A similar message can be issued with a faulty keyboard controller, as well as with a poorly inserted RAM module.
- Award BIOS
As in the case of BIOS from IBM, Award BIOS in a similar way warns the user about an error in the keyboard controller.
- AMI BIOS
The message generated by the AMI BIOS when the RAM test fails. May be caused by improper installation of the memory module in the slot.
In the BIOS of other manufacturers, such a combination of signals is not provided.
In the case of receiving such a BIOS signal, first of all, you should try to understand whether the situation is of a random origin, or it really is a consequence of a malfunction of any element of the motherboard. There is only one way to check this - to boot the computer again by pressing Reset button... If the system speaker still beeps, then the problem is most likely a faulty hardware rather than a BIOS failure.
In the event that the source of the problem is RAM (for example, if the computer is equipped with a BIOS from AMI), you can try to pull out and inspect the RAM modules, and, if necessary, clean them of dust. Then you should try to insert the modules back, trying to make sure that the modules sit as tightly as possible in the slots. If you hear three beeps again after restarting your computer, then you should consider replacing the faulty memory module. In the event of a keyboard controller malfunction, the user in most cases will have to change the motherboard.
Having heard the BIOS signal 1 long beep, the user is usually alarmed. After all, as you know, in most BIOSes the message about the successful completion of hardware testing sounds somewhat different, although it looks like - one signal, but a short one. Is there in in this case cause for concern? Practice shows that in most cases - Yes.
First of all, it is worth deciding on the concept of "long signal". In many cases, one continuous sound can be considered long. If you hear a similar sound and you have Award BIOS installed, then this means that the power supply is faulty. In the case of Phoenix BIOS, in a similar situation, there is a malfunction of the CPU cooler fan. At Compaq BIOS sound this type means a malfunction of the RAM.
However, most often the user may encounter a slightly different situation when there is only a prolonged but time-limited signal. This type of such signal is used by many BIOS manufacturers to encode error messages.
Nevertheless, one long BIOS beep is a sound that is often used not only to signal errors. For example, you can find BIOS versions renowned manufacturer American Megatrends, which use the BIOS 1 beep long beep to notify the normal completion of tests instead of the usually used short beep. A similar approach is also used in the Mylex 386 BIOS. This factor must also be borne in mind, especially if you are dealing with a certain computer for the first time.
In AST BIOS, one long squeak has a completely different meaning, namely, an error detected when testing the first channel of the DMA controller. Usually this situation means a malfunction of the microcontroller, which may be fraught with the need to replace the entire motherboard.
Suppose you have the computer beeps when turned on and the image does not appear on the screen. Is it worth calling the wizard right away or can you solve the problem yourself? Ideally, of course, it is better for the repairs to be made by a person who understands this. However, if there is no time to wait for the master or you just want save on repairs, you can use the tips in this article. Many faults can be caused by bad contact and such a problem you can fix it yourself.
Why is the computer beeping?
When a malfunction occurs, the system notifies with a combination of beeps that indicate which malfunction has occurred. In fact, the beep sounds even if everything is in order - 1 short beep.
What are the BIOS signals?
The most common signals you hear are:
Diagnostics and troubleshooting
Before starting diagnostics, it is better to disconnect all unnecessary (keyboard, mouse, printer, flash drives, etc.).
After you have managed to identify your problem by a beep, you can try to fix it. Unplug your computer and follow the steps below in order, depending on the problem you identified (RAM, video card or power supply). Check the computer to turn on after completing each step.
RAM error
- Remove all but one memory stick (if you have more than one).
- Move the memory to a different slot.
- Pull out the memory bar, clean the contacts and insert back into the slot.
- Replace memory.
More details about how and how to clean RAM contacts are shown in the article -.
Graphics card error
- Pull out the video card and insert it back.
- Pull out the video card, clean the contacts with an eraser and insert back into the slot.
- Replace the video card.
The contacts of the video card are cleaned in the same way as the contacts of the RAM.
Power supply problems
- Open the power supply and look for swollen capacitors. If you find it, have someone re-solder the bad capacitors if you don't know how to handle the soldering iron yourself.
- Replace the power supply.
If your computer emits a combination of sound signals that differ from those described above, then use the tables of leading BIOS manufacturers, such as Award BIOS and AMI BIOS.
Award BIOS signals
| Error description | |
|---|---|
| 1 signal and blank screen | No errors found |
| 2 short | Minor bugs found. The monitor screen prompts you to enter the CMOS Setup Utility and correct the situation. Check that the cables are securely fastened to the connectors of the hard drive and the motherboard. |
| 3 long | Keyboard controller error |
| 1 long, 1 short | Random access memory (RAM) error |
| 1 long, 2 short | Graphics card error |
| 1 long, 3 short | No graphics card or video memory error |
| 1 long, 9 short. | Error reading from ROM |
| Repetitive short | Power supply problems; RAM problems |
| Repeating long | RAM problems |
| Cyclically alternating two sound tones. | CPU problems |
| Continuous. | Power supply problems |
AMI BIOS signals
| Beep sequence | Error description |
|---|---|
| 1 short | No errors found |
| 2 short | RAM parity error or you forgot to turn off your scanner or printer |
| 3 short | Error in the first 64 KB of RAM |
| 4 short | System timer malfunction. Replace the motherboard. |
| 5 short | Processor problems |
| 6 short | Keyboard controller initialization error |
| 7 short | Motherboard problems |
| 8 short | Video card memory error |
| 9 short | BIOS checksum is incorrect |
| 10 short | Error writing to CMOS |
| 11 short | Error in the cache located on the motherboard |
| 1 long, 1 short | Power supply problems |
| 1 long, 2 short | Video card error (Mono-CGA). Defective RAM connectors. Replace the motherboard. |
| 1 long, 3 short | Video Card Error (EGA-VGA), Server Motherboards - Wrong Memory Type Installed |
| 1 long, 4 short | Lack of a video card |
| 1 long, 8 short | Problems with the video card or the monitor is not connected |
| 3 long | RAM - read / write test completed with an error. Reinstall the memory or replace with a good one. |
| 5 short, 1 long | The RAM is not installed or is not installed as recommended by the manufacturer. |
| Continuous beep | Bad memory, power supply, or overheating of the computer |
AMI BIOS of all versions inform the user about the successful completion of the self-test procedure with a characteristic "squeak" - one long beep, after which control is transferred to the operating system loader.
In order for you to hear this sound signal, the computer system unit or laptop must be equipped with a system speaker - a built-in "buzzer". Alas, this condition is not always met. Sometimes the manufacturer saves on a penny accessory, and the download takes place in complete silence.
If something went wrong, certain problems were identified during the POST procedure, Computer BIOS will notify you with a combination of several beeps to indicate the faulty component. In most cases, when problems do not affect the video card, you will also see an error message on the computer screen. But if it was not possible to initialize the video card (for example, it itself is the source of problems), the audio signals remain the only way localize the problem.
Older AMI BIOS versions used sufficient big number all kinds of combinations. All of them are summarized in one table.
| Description | ||
| 1 long | - | |
| 1 short | ||
| 2 short | ||
| 3 short | The recommendations are the same as above. | |
| 4 short | ||
| 5 short | Processor error. | |
| 6 short | ||
| 7 short | ||
| 8 short | The video card memory is defective. The error is not fatal and the computer may continue to boot. | |
| 9 short | ||
| 10 short | ||
| 11 short | Defective cache memory. | On older motherboards (Pentium / Pentium MMX and earlier) with separate cache memory chips, you can try to replace these chips with a known good one. In more modern solutions(when the cache memory "migrated" to the processor) the cause of the problem is most likely CPU, although a malfunction of the motherboard cannot be ruled out. |
| 1 long, 2 short | Video card BIOS error or video card cannot synchronize horizontal scan. | Check the operation of the video card with another monitor and, if the problem recurs, replace the video card with a working one. |
| 1 long, 3 short | An error occurred while accessing RAM (basic / extended). | Most likely, one or more RAM modules are faulty, or the motherboard is not compatible with these memory modules (does not support working with them). To test this assumption, replace the memory modules with a known good and compatible one. |
| 1 long, 8 short | A monitor is not connected or the video card is unable to sync horizontally. | Check monitor operation. If the problem is not in it, test the video card with a different monitor and, if necessary, replace it with a new one. |
| Double signal | One or more hardware tests during POST have failed. The error is not fatal and the computer may continue to boot. | Replace defective components or correct their modes of operation, if possible. |
Do not forget, all the manipulations with the hardware components of the computer, such as replacing memory modules, removing and adding expansion cards, etc. can be carried out only if the computer is completely de-energized - it must be physically disconnected from the mains. Before opening the case system unit it is recommended to unplug the power plug of the system unit from the outlet. This will ensure that there is no standby power supply to the motherboard, plus, protect yourself from possible electric shock.
Modern versions of AMI BIOS are much more "modest", the number of signals has been significantly reduced: now only simple combinations of short signals are used.
| Beep sequence | Description | Troubleshooting tips |
| 1 long | POST completed successfully. | - |
| 1 short | Unable to regenerate RAM. | Most likely, one or more RAM modules are faulty, or the motherboard is not compatible with these memory modules (does not support working with them). To test this assumption, replace the memory modules with a known good and compatible one. |
| 2 short | Parity error in the first 64 KB of RAM. | The recommendations are the same as above. |
| 3 short | An error occurred while testing the first 640 KB of RAM. | The recommendations are the same as above. |
| 4 short | Error in the system timer. | First, remove all expansion cards except the video card and try to boot your computer. If the error disappears, one of the expansion cards is to blame (adding cards one at a time can reveal the problematic one). A repetition of the error indicates a malfunction of the motherboard, as the most probable cause. |
| 5 short | Processor error. | The recommendations are the same as above. Also, the cause of this error may be a processor that is not compatible with this motherboard. |
| 6 short | Faulty line A20 of the keyboard controller. | First try replacing the keyboard with a different one. If the error persists, remove all expansion cards except the video card and try to boot the computer. A successful start indicates a malfunction of one of the expansion cards, otherwise the motherboard is most likely the culprit of the problem. |
| 7 short | Interrupt controller defective / not functioning properly | First of all, remove all expansion cards except the video card and try to boot the computer. If the error disappears, one of the expansion cards is to blame (adding cards one at a time can reveal the faulty one). A repetition of the error indicates a malfunction of the motherboard, as the most probable cause. |
| 8 short | The video card memory is defective. | Replace the video card with a good one. |
| 9 short | BIOS code checksum error. | To get started, try flashing the Flash memory with the BIOS code, "filling" the latest BIOS revision for your motherboard. If the error occurred just after installation new version BIOS, roll back to the revision that worked stably before. If the problem persists, it signals a malfunction of the Flash memory chip on the motherboard and the need to replace it. |
| 10 short | Read / write error in CMOS memory. | Most likely the motherboard is faulty: the non-volatile CMOS memory chip is out of order. |
| 11 short | Defective cache memory. | The cause of the problem is most likely the central processor, although a malfunction of the motherboard cannot be ruled out. |
Moreover, in the latest revisions of the AMI BIOS, there are sequences of 1 long, 1, 3, 6, 7 or 8 short beeps, the rest of the combinations are no longer used.
Separately, it is worth noting a continuous sound signal that changes in tone, reminiscent of a siren. It can be caused by two reasons: a malfunction of the power supply, or overheating of the computer. If you have access to the insides of the system unit, check all the power connectors on the motherboard, check the normal fit of the heatsinks, and the operation of all fans on the coolers.