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Bios beep codes
Posted on 11-26-2002 03:23:00 UTC | Updated on 11-26-2002 03:23:00 UTC
Section: /hardware/bios/ | Permanent Link

These are BIOS beep codes that can help you determine what is wrong with a computer when you turn it on and it just starts beeping. That beeping is a code that has a error attached to it. Below are some of the codes and meanings from different manufacturers.

Thanks to Postcode from BIOS Central for these codes

AMI BIOS Beep Codes

Beeps

Error Message

Description

1 short DRAM refresh failure The programmable interrupt timer or programmable interrupt controller has probably failed
2 short Memory parity error A memory parity error has occurred in the first 64K of RAM.  The RAM IC is probably bad
3 short Base 64K memory failure A memory failure has occurred in the first 64K of RAM.  The RAM IC is probably bad
4 short System timer failure The system clock/timer IC has failed or there is a memory error in the first bank of memory
5 short Processor error The system CPU has failed
6 short Gate A20 failure The keyboard controller IC has failed, which is not allowing Gate A20 to switch the processor to protected mode. Replace the keyboard controller
7 short Virtual mode processor exception error The CPU has generated an exception error because of a fault in the CPU or motherboard circuitry
8 short Display memory read/write error The system video adapter is missing or defective
9 short ROM checksum error The contents of the system BIOS ROM does not match the expected checksum value.  The BIOS ROM is probably defective and should be replaced
10 short CMOS shutdown register read/write error The shutdown for the CMOS has failed
11 short Cache error The L2 cache is faulty
1 long, 2 short Failure in video system An error was encountered in the video BIOS ROM, or a horizontal retrace failure has been encountered
1 long, 3 short Memory test failure A fault has been detected in memory above 64KB
1 long, 8 short Display test failure The video adapter is either missing or defective
2 short POST Failure One of the hardware testa have failed
1 long POST has passed all tests  

AST BIOS Beep Codes:

Beeps

Error Message

Description

1 short CPU register test failure The CPU has failed
2 short Keyboard controller buffer failure The keyboard controller has failed
3 short Keyboard controller reset failure The keyboard controller has failed or the motherboard circuitry is faulty
4 short Keyboard communication failure Either the keyboard controller IC or the associated circuitry has failed.  replace the keyboard first, then is still faulty, replace the keyboard controller IC
5 short Keyboard input failure The keyboard controller IC has failed.   Replace the IC
6 short System board chipset failure The chipset on the motherboard has failed.  Replace the motherboard
9 short BIOS ROM checksum error The BIOS ROM has failed.  If possible, replace the BIOS on the motherboard
10 short System timer test failure The system clock IC has failed
11 short ASIC failure Motherboard circuitry has failed.   Replace the motherboard
12 short CMOS RAM shutdown register failure THE real time clock/CMOS IC failed.   Replace the CMOS or motherboard
1 long DMA controller 0 failure The DMA controller IC for channel 0 has failed.  If possible, replace the IC
1 long, 1 short DMA controller 1 failure The DMA controller IC for channel 1 has failed.  If possible, replace the IC
1 long, 2 short Video vertical retrace failure The video adapter has probably failed.   Replace the video adapter
1 long, 3 short Video memory test failure The video adapter's memory has failed.   Replace the video adapter
1 long, 4 short Video adapter failure The video adapter has failed.   Replace the video adapter
1 long, 5 short 64KB memory failure A failure has occurred in the base 64KB of memory.  If possible, replace the RAM IC
1 long, 6 short Unable to load interrupt vectors The BIOS was unable to load the interrupt vectors into memory
1 long, 7 short Unable to initialize video This a video problem. Replace the video adapter first.  If problem is still present, replace the motherboard
1 long, 8 short Video memory failure The is a failure in the video memory.   Replace the video adapter first.  If problem is still present, replace the motherboard

Award BIOS Beep Codes:

Beeps

Error Message

Description

1long, 2 short Video adapter error Either video adapter is bad or is not seated properly.  Also, check to ensure the monitor cable is connected properly.
Repeating (endless loop) Memory error Check for improperly seated or missing memory.
1long, 3short No video card or bad video RAM Reseat or replace the video card.
High frequency beeeps while running Overheated CPU Check the CPU fan for proper operation. Check the case for proper air flow.
Repeating High/Low CPU Either the CPU is not seated properly or the CPU is damaged. May also be due to excess heat. Check the CPU fan or BIOS settings for proper fan speed.

Compaq BIOS Beep Codes:

Beeps

Error Message

Description

1 short No error System is booting properly
1 long, 1 short BIOS ROM checksum error The contents of the BIOS ROM to not match the expected contents.  If possible, reload the BIOS from the PAQ
2 short General error Unknown
1 long, 2 short Video error Check the video adapter and ensure it's seated properly.  If possible, replace the video adapter
7 beeps (1 long, 1s, 1l, 1 short, pause, 1 long, 1 short, 1 short AGP video The AGP video card is faulty.   Reseat the card or replace it outright.  This beep pertains to Compaq Deskpro systems
1 long neverending beep  

Memory error. Bad RAM. Replace and test

1 short, 2 long Bad RAM Reseat RAM then retest; replace RAM if failure continues

IBM Desktop BIOS Beep Codes:

Beeps

Error Message

Description

1 short Normal POST System is booting properly
2 short Initialization error Error code is displayed
1 long, 1 short System board error  
1 long, 2 short Video adapter error  
1 long, 3 short EGA/VGA adapter error  
3 long 3270 keyboard adapter error  
Continuous Power supply error Replace the power supply
999s Power supply error Replace the power supply
No beep Power supply Replace the power supply

Mylex BIOS Beep Codes:

Beeps

Error Message

Description

1 Normal boot System is booting normally
2 Video adapter error The video adapter is either faulty or not seated properly.  Check the adapter
3 Keyboard controller error The keyboard controller IC is faulty.   Replace the IC if possible
4 Keyboard error The keyboard controller IC is faulty or the keyboard is faulty.  Replace the keyboard, if problem still persists, replace the keyboard controller IC
5 PIC 0 error The programmable interrupt controller is faulty.  Replace the IC if possible
6 PIC 1 error The programmable interrupt controller is faulty.  replace the IC if possible
7 DMA page register error The DMA controller IC is faulty.   Replace the IC if possible
8 RAM refresh error  
9 RAM data error  
10 RAM parity error  
11 DMA controller 0 error  

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