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Monotonous sound repeated every 2 seconds. One long and three short BIOS beeps

It happens that our “iron comrade” stops working. To preliminarily determine the cause of computer malfunction, motherboards are equipped with a speaker, a small speaker that informs us about errors.

It looks like this:

Or there is a connector on the motherboard for connecting a speaker. Many people consider it unnecessary, so they simply remove it. I would not recommend that you do this.

When the computer boots up using programs stored in the BIOS, a self-test occurs. If the self-test fails, the BIOS may provide information to help identify the cause of the failure. In addition to displaying a message on the monitor, an audio signal is used, reproduced using the built-in speaker (speaker). The beep pitch, duration, and combinations may vary depending on the manufacturer and BIOS version.

First you need to determine what Vaas BIOS is. This is necessary because PCs with different BIOSes have different signal encodings.

How to determine what BIOS you have?

When you boot your computer, the first thing that appears on the screen is the BIOS name. If you don't have time to look, go to CMOS SETUP using the DEL (Delete) key. Usually the BIOS brand is written at the top. If your monitor refuses to display an image on the screen, you will have to climb inside the PC and look for the BIOS chip on the motherboard.

What do the beeps mean when you turn on your computer?

IBM BIOS

1 beep and blank screen Video system is faulty

2 short Video system faulty

3 long Motherboard faulty (keyboard controller error), RAM faulty

1 long, 1 short Motherboard faulty

1 long, 2 short Video system faulty (Mono/CGA)

1 long, 3 short Video system (EGA/VGA) faulty

Repeated short Faults related to the power supply or motherboard

Continuous Problems with the power supply or motherboard

Absent The power supply, motherboard, or speaker is faulty

Award BIOS

2 short - Minor errors detected.

A prompt appears on the monitor screen to enter the CMOS Setup Utility program and correct the situation.

Check that the cables are securely fastened in the hard drive and motherboard connectors.

3 long - Keyboard controller error

1 short, 1 long - RAM error

1 long, 2 short - Video card error

1 long, 3 short -No video card or video memory error

1 long, 9 short -Error when reading from ROM

Repeated short - Problems with the power supply;

RAM problems

Repeated long - RAM problems

Repeated high-low frequency - CPU problems

Continuous - Problems with the power supply

AMI BIOS

1 short - No errors detected, PC is working properly

2 short - RAM parity error or you forgot to turn off the scanner or printer

3 short - Error in the first 64 KB of RAM

4 short - System timer malfunction. Replace the motherboard.

5 short - Problems with the processor

6 short - Keyboard controller initialization error

7 short - Problems with the motherboard

8 short - Video card memory error

9 short - BIOS checksum is incorrect

10 short - CMOS write error

11 short - Error in the cache located on the motherboard

1 long, 1 short - Problems with the power supply

1 long, 2 short - Video card error

1 long, 3 short - Video card error (EGA-VGA)

1 long, 4 short - No 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 error. Reinstall the memory or replace it with a working module.

No and blank screen - The processor is faulty. The contact leg of the processor may be bent (broken). Check the processor.

Continuous beep - The power supply is faulty or the computer is overheating

AST BIOS

1 short - Error when checking processor registers. Processor failure

2 short - Keyboard controller buffer error. Keyboard controller malfunction.

3 short - Keyboard controller reset error. There is a problem with the keyboard controller or system board.

4 short - Keyboard communication error.

5 short - Keyboard input error.

6 short - System board error.

9 short - BIOS ROM checksum mismatch. The BIOS ROM chip is faulty.

10 short - System timer error. The system timer chip is faulty.

11 short - System logic chip (chipset) error.

12 short - Error in the power management register in non-volatile memory.

1 long - DMA controller error 0. The DMA controller chip of channel 0 is faulty.

1 long, 1 short - DMA controller error 1. The DMA controller chip of channel 1 is faulty.

1 long, 2 short - Frame scan reverse suppression error. The video adapter may be faulty.

1 long, 3 short - Error in video memory. The memory of the video adapter is faulty.

1 long, 4 short - Video adapter error. The video adapter is faulty.

1 long, 5 short - Memory error 64K.

1 long, 6 short - Failed to load interrupt vectors. BIOS could not load interrupt vectors into memory

1 long, 7 short - Failed to initialize the video subsystem.

1 long, 8 short - Video memory error.

Phoenix BIOS

1-1-2 - Error during processor test. The processor is faulty. Replace the processor

1-1-3 - Error writing/reading data to/from CMOS memory.

1-1-4 - An error was detected when calculating the checksum of the BIOS contents.

1-2-1 - Error initializing the motherboard.

1-2-2 or 1-2-3 - DMA controller initialization error.

1-3-1 - Error in initializing the RAM regeneration circuit.

1-3-3 or 1-3-4 - Error initializing the first 64 KB of RAM.

1-4-1 - Motherboard initialization error.

1-4-2 - Error initializing RAM.

1-4-3 - Error initializing the system timer.

1-4-4 - Error writing/reading to/from one of the I/O ports.

2-1-1 - An error was detected when reading/writing bit 0 (in hexadecimal) of the first 64 KB of RAM

2-1-2 - An error was detected when reading/writing the 1st bit (in hexadecimal) of the first 64 KB of RAM

2-1-3 - An error was detected when reading/writing the 2nd bit (in hexadecimal) of the first 64 KB of RAM

2-1-4 - An error was detected when reading/writing the 3rd bit (in hexadecimal) of the first 64 KB of RAM

2-2-1 - An error was detected when reading/writing the 4th bit (in hexadecimal) of the first 64 KB of RAM

2-2-2 - An error was detected when reading/writing the 5th bit (in hexadecimal) of the first 64 KB of RAM

2-2-3 - An error was detected when reading/writing the 6th bit (in hexadecimal) of the first 64 KB of RAM

2-2-4 - An error was detected when reading/writing the 7th bit (in hexadecimal) of the first 64 KB of RAM

2-3-1 - An error was detected when reading/writing the 8th bit (in hexadecimal) of the first 64 KB of RAM

2-3-2 - An error was detected when reading/writing the 9th bit (in hexadecimal) of the first 64 KB of RAM

Good day. Today we'll talk about why computer beeps and what kind of signals BIOS(and it’s he who does it) serves it to you.

Although this article should have started differently.

Malicious power engineers turned off the lights, and when turned on, the computer began to beep briefly and refused to work? Did your brother kick the system unit, after which the latter emits one long howl and does not turn on? Is your computer beeping so loudly that everyone in the area is scared?

You can, of course, drop a brick on the energy workers and hang your brother by his feet from the ceiling, but how can you determine what happened to the computer and what does this very squeaking mean?

This material is specifically devoted to the sound signals (or lack thereof) of the computer, namely their decoding.

Let's get started.

BIOS Signals - Introductory

Let's figure out why the computer beeps and what's what

Signals vary depending on type BIOS, which lives in your motherboard. You can find out by going to, in fact, yourself BIOS(button DEL at the earliest stage of computer boot).

You can see approximately what that other BIOS looks like on BIOS. Generally speaking, all modern motherboards have long switched to UEFI, but the essence hasn’t changed much.

Anyway, let's get to the point.

Award BIOS - computer beeps - decryption

The minimum list is something like this:

  • Continuous signal - defective . Replacement required.
  • 1 short signal - No errors found. Typical behavior of a working computer - the computer boots normally.
  • 2 short beeps- Minor errors found. A prompt appears on the monitor screen to enter the program. CMOS Setup Utility to correct the situation. Check the reliability of the cables in the connectors and.
  • 3 long beeps- Keyboard controller error. Restart your computer. The motherboard may need to be replaced.
  • 1 long + 1 short beeps- Problems detected with . Check that the memory modules are installed correctly. Or replace with other memory modules.
  • - Problem with - the most common malfunction. It is recommended to remove the board and reinsert it. Also check the connection to the video card.
  • - Keyboard initialization error. Check the connection between the keyboard and the connector on the motherboard.
  • 1 long + 9 short beeps- Error when reading data from the permanent memory chip. Reboot the computer or reflash the contents of the chip (if this mode is supported).
  • 1 long repeating beep- Incorrect installation of memory modules. Try pulling them out and putting them in again.
  • 1 short repeating signal- Problems with the power supply. Try to remove any dust that has accumulated in it.

AMI BIOS - computer beeps - decryption

What's what and how:

  • 1 short beep- No errors found. The computer is ready to use.
  • 2 short beeps- RAM parity error. Restart your computer. Check the installation of memory modules. Memory modules may need to be replaced.
  • 3 short beeps- Error during operation of main memory (first 64 KB). Restart your computer. Check the installation of memory modules in the slots. Memory modules may need to be replaced.
  • 4 short beeps- System timer is faulty
  • 5 short beeps- Defective. The processor may need to be replaced.
  • 6 short beeps- The keyboard controller is faulty. Check the quality of the connection between the latter and the connector on the motherboard. Try replacing the keyboard. If this does not help, then the motherboard may need to be replaced.
  • 7 short beeps- The motherboard is faulty.
  • 8 short beeps- Problems with the video card.
  • 9 short beeps- BIOS chip contents checksum error. A corresponding message may appear on the monitor screen. It requires either replacing the chip or rewriting its contents (if it is Flash memory).
  • 10 short- Cannot write to CMOS memory. The CMOS chip or motherboard needs to be replaced.
  • 11 short beeps- The external cache memory is faulty. Replacement of cache memory modules is required.
  • 1 long + 2 short beeps
  • 1 long + 3 short beeps- The video card is faulty. Check the connection between the monitor and the connector on the video card. The video card may need to be replaced.
  • 1 long + 8 short beeps- Problems with the video card, or the monitor is not connected. Check the installation of the video card in the expansion slot again.

Let's move on to the phoenix and its signals.

Phoenix BIOS and AMI BIOS - computer beeps - decryption

Manufacturers Phonenix BIOS developed their own system of alternating signals.

  • 1-1-3 signals- Error writing/reading data CMOS. Chip replacement required CMOS-memory or motherboard. It is also possible that the battery powering the microcircuit has run out. CMOS-memory.
  • 1-1-4 signals- Checksum error on the chip contents BIOS. The BIOS chip needs to be replaced or flashed (if using Flash-memory).
  • 1-2-1 signal- The motherboard is faulty. Turn off your computer for a while. If that doesn't help, replace the motherboard.
  • 1-2-2 signals- Controller initialization error DMA. The motherboard may need to be replaced.
  • 1-2-3 signals- Error when trying to read/write to one of the channels DMA. The motherboard may need to be replaced.
  • 1-3-1 signal- Problem with RAM. Replace memory modules.
  • 1-3-3 signals 64
  • 1-3-4 signals- Error when testing first 64 KB of RAM. Replace memory modules.
  • 1-4-1 signal- The motherboard is faulty. It may need to be replaced.
  • 1-4-2 signals- Problem with RAM. Check the installation of memory modules in the slots.
  • 1-4-3 signals
  • 1-4-4 signals- Error accessing the I/O port. This error may be caused by a peripheral device that uses this port for its operation.
  • 3-1-1 signals- Error initializing the second channel DMA. The motherboard may need to be replaced.
  • 3-1-2 signals- Error initializing the first channel DMA. The motherboard may need to be replaced.
  • 3-1-4 signals- The motherboard is faulty. Turn off your computer for a while. If this does not help, you will have to replace the motherboard.
  • 3-2-4 signals- Keyboard controller error. The motherboard may need to be replaced.
  • 3-3-4 signals- Error when testing video memory. The video card itself may be faulty. Check the installation of the video card in the expansion slot.
  • 4-2-1 signal- System timer error. The motherboard may need to be replaced.
  • 4-2-3 signals- Error when operating line A20. The keyboard controller is faulty. Try replacing the motherboard or keyboard controller.
  • 4-2-4 signals - Error when working in protected mode. The CPU may be faulty.
  • 4-3-1 signal- Error when testing RAM. Check the installation of modules in the slots. Memory modules may need to be replaced.
  • 4-3-4 signals- Real time clock error. The motherboard may need to be replaced.
  • 4-4-1 signal- Serial port testing error. May be caused by a device that uses the serial port for its operation.
  • 4-4-2 signals- Parallel port testing error. May be caused by a device that uses a parallel port for its operation.
  • 4-4-3 signals- Error when testing the math coprocessor. The motherboard may need to be replaced.

This is such a big list. View type BIOS possible in the very BIOS.

Below are the beep values ​​for some motherboards.

Award BIOS

— No signals — The power supply is faulty or not connected to the motherboard.

— Continuous signal — The power supply is faulty. Replacement required.

— 1 short signal — No errors detected. Typical behavior of a working computer - the computer boots normally.

— 2 short beeps — Minor errors detected. A prompt appears on the monitor screen to enter the CMOS Setup Utility program to correct the situation. Check that the cables are securely fastened in the hard drive and motherboard connectors.

— 3 long beeps — Keyboard controller error. Restart your computer. The motherboard may need to be replaced.

— 1 long + 1 short beeps — RAM problems detected. Check that the memory modules are installed correctly. Or replace with other memory modules.

1 long + 2 short beeps - Problem with the video card - the most common malfunction. It is recommended to remove the board and reinsert it. Also check the connection to the monitor's video card.

1 long + 3 short beeps - Keyboard initialization error. Check the connection between the keyboard and the connector on the motherboard.

1 long + 9 short signals - Error when reading data from the permanent memory chip. Reboot the computer or reflash the contents of the chip (if this mode is supported).

1 long repeating beep - Incorrect installation of memory modules. Try pulling them out and putting them in again.

1 short repeating signal - Problems with the power supply. Try to remove any dust that has accumulated in it.

AMI BIOS

No signals - The power supply is faulty or not connected to the motherboard.

1 short beep - No errors detected. The computer is ready to use.

2 short beeps - RAM parity error. Restart your computer. Check the installation of memory modules. Memory modules may need to be replaced.

3 short beeps - Error during operation of the main memory (first 64 KB). Restart your computer. Check the installation of memory modules in the slots. Memory modules may need to be replaced.

4 short beeps - The system timer is faulty. The motherboard may need to be replaced.

5 short beeps - The central processor is faulty. The processor may need to be replaced.

6 short beeps - The keyboard controller is faulty. Check the quality of the connection between the latter and the connector on the motherboard. Try replacing the keyboard. If this does not help, then the motherboard may need to be replaced.

7 short beeps - The motherboard is faulty.

8 short beeps - Problems with the video card.

9 short beeps - Checksum error on the contents of the BIOS chip. A corresponding message may appear on the monitor screen. It requires either replacing the chip or rewriting its contents (if it is Flash memory).

10 short - Unable to write to CMOS memory. The CMOS chip or motherboard needs to be replaced.

11 short beeps - The external cache memory is faulty. Replacement of cache memory modules is required.

1 long + 2 short beeps - The video card is faulty. Check the connection between the monitor and the connector on the video card. The video card may need to be replaced.

1 long + 3 short beeps - The video card is faulty. Check the connection between the monitor and the connector on the video card. The video card may need to be replaced.

1 long + 8 short beeps - Problems with the video card, or the monitor is not connected. Check the installation of the video card in the expansion slot again.

Phoenix BIOS

Phonenix BIOS manufacturers have developed their own interleaving signal system.

1-1-3 — Error in writing/reading CMOS data. The CMOS memory chip or motherboard needs to be replaced. It is also possible that the battery powering the CMOS memory chip has run out.

1-1-4 — Checksum error on the contents of the BIOS chip. The BIOS chip needs to be replaced or flashed (if using Flash memory).

1-2-1 - The motherboard is faulty. Turn off your computer for a while. If that doesn't help, replace the motherboard.

1-2-2 — DMA controller initialization error. The motherboard may need to be replaced.

1-2-3 — Error when trying to read/write to one of the DMA channels. The motherboard may need to be replaced.

1-3-1 - Problem with RAM. Replace memory modules.

— 1-3-3 — Error when testing the first 64 KB of RAM. Replace memory modules.

— 1-3-4 — Error when testing the first 64 KB of RAM. Replace memory modules.

— 1-4-1 — The motherboard is faulty. It may need to be replaced.

— 1-4-2 — Problem with RAM. Check the installation of memory modules in the slots.

— 1-4-3 — System timer error. The motherboard may need to be replaced.

— 1-4-4 — Error accessing the I/O port. This error may be caused by a peripheral device that uses this port for its operation.

— 3-1-1 — Error initializing the second DMA channel. The motherboard may need to be replaced.

— 3-1-2 — Error initializing the first DMA channel. The motherboard may need to be replaced.

— 3-1-4 — The motherboard is faulty. Turn off your computer for a while. If this does not help, you will have to replace the motherboard.

— 3-2-4 — Keyboard controller error. The motherboard may need to be replaced.

— 3-3-4 — Error when testing video memory. The video card itself may be faulty. Check the installation of the video card in the expansion slot.

— 4-2-1 — System timer error. The motherboard may need to be replaced.

— 4-2-3 — Error when operating line A20. The keyboard controller is faulty. Try replacing the motherboard or keyboard controller.

— 4-2-4 — Error when working in protected mode. The CPU may be faulty.

— 4-3-1 — Error when testing RAM. Check the installation of modules in the slots. Memory modules may need to be replaced.

— 4-3-4 — Real time clock error. The motherboard may need to be replaced.

— 4-4-1 — Serial port testing error. May be caused by a device that uses the serial port for its operation.

— 4-4-2 — Parallel port testing error. May be caused by a device that uses a parallel port for its operation.

An attentive user may notice that the computer makes sounds when turned on. Usually this is one short squeak from the speaker (device on the motherboard). But during operation, other signals may be emitted. Read about what they mean and how to find out what to do with them in this article.

The first thing you need to do is find out which one you have. You can find out about this when you turn on the computer, when letters appear on a black background. Look at the top or bottom of the abbreviations AMI or AWARD BIOS.

Learned? Then let's go!

BIOS BEEP: AMI BIOS

  • Two short beeps from the speaker indicate some kind of malfunction in the computer's RAM.
    How to solve a problem: remove the memory module from the slot, wipe it with a dry brush and insert it into place. If after starting the PC the signals repeat, then further testing of the memory or its complete replacement may be required;
  • Three consecutive short beeps from the speaker indicate an error in reading the first 64 KB of PC main memory.
    How to solve a problem: remove the memory module from the slot, if there is dust, wipe the strip with a dry brush and insert it into place; if the signals repeat, further testing of the memory or its complete replacement may be required;
  • Four consecutive short beeps from the speaker indicate a system timer malfunction.
    How to solve a problem: reboot the PC again, and if the signals repeat, then repair or replace the system board;
  • Five consecutive short beeps from the speaker indicate a malfunction of the central processor.
    How to solve a problem: reboot the PC, if the signals repeat, replace the processor;
  • Six consecutive short beeps from the speaker indicate a malfunction of the keyboard controller.
    How to solve a problem: check the cable and connection of the keyboard to the system unit, check the keyboard on another computer. If after checking it turns out that the keyboard is working, then the only option left is to repair the motherboard or replace it;
  • Seven consecutive short beeps from the speaker indicate a malfunction of the motherboard.
    How to solve a problem: we reboot again and if the signals repeat, then repair or purchase of a new motherboard will be required;
  • Eight consecutive short beeps from the speaker indicate a faulty graphics card memory.
    How to solve a problem: reboot. If the signals repeat after a reboot, you will need to either repair the old one or buy a new video card;
  • Nine short beeps in a row indicate a malfunction of the BIOS chip itself.
    How to solve a problem
  • Ten consecutive short beeps from the speaker indicate the impossibility of writing to the CMOS memory.
    How to solve a problem: Clear the CMOS memory. If the signals repeat after setting the BIOS default values, the CMOS memory module must be replaced;
  • Eleven short beeps in a row from the speaker indicate a faulty RAM.
    How to solve a problem

  • How to solve a problem: we check the cable going from the video card to the monitor, if the cable is ok, you need to remove the video card from the slot, wipe off dust if necessary and insert it back. If these actions do not produce results, then you may need to repair or purchase a new video card;
  • One long and three short beeps from the speaker as well as one long and eight short beeps again indicate a faulty video card.
    Correct it in the same way as in the previous case.

  • How to solve a problem: we check the fastening of the power supply plugs to the connectors on the motherboard, and clean the power supply from dust. If these actions do not produce results, if possible, try to test the power supply on another computer. If such symptoms occur, you will need to either repair it or purchase a new power supply.

    BIOS BEEP: AWARD BIOS

  • One short beep from the speaker means there are no errors in the system and the computer is in fully working order;
  • Two consecutive short beeps from the speaker indicate the detection of “minor” errors.
    How to fix the problem: check that the components and cables are securely attached to the PC motherboard, then set the BIOS values ​​to default;
  • A short, repeating speaker signal indicates a faulty power supply.
    How to fix the problem: check the power supply plugs to the connectors on the motherboard, clean the power supply from dust. If these steps do not produce results, if possible, test the power supply on another computer. If such symptoms occur, you will need to either repair it or purchase a new power supply;
  • A long, repeating beep from the speaker indicates a RAM problem.
    How to fix the problem: remove the memory module from the slot, if there is dust, wipe the strip with a dry brush and insert it into place; if the signals repeat, further testing of the memory or its complete replacement may be required;
  • Three long beeps from the speaker indicate a problem with the keyboard controller.
    How to fix the problem
  • One long and one short beep from the speaker indicates a faulty RAM.
    How to fix the problem: remove the memory module from the slot, if there is dust, wipe the strip with a dry brush and insert it into place; if the signals repeat, further testing of the memory or its complete replacement may be required;
  • One long and two short beeps from the speaker indicate a faulty video card.
    How to fix the problem: we check the cable going from the video card to the monitor, if the cable is in order, remove the video card from the slot, wipe off dust if necessary and insert it back. If these actions do not produce results, then you may need to repair or purchase a new video card;
  • One long and three short beeps from the speaker indicate a problem with the keyboard controller.
    How to fix the problem: check the cable and connection of the keyboard to the system unit, check the keyboard on another computer. If after checking it turns out that the keyboard is working, then the only option left is to repair the motherboard or replace it;
  • One long and nine consecutive short beeps from the speaker indicate a malfunction of the BIOS chip itself.
    How to fix the problem: flashing the microcircuit or replacing it completely;
  • The absence of speaker signals may indicate a faulty power supply.
    How to fix the problem: we check the fastening of the power supply plugs to the connectors on the motherboard, and clean the power supply from dust. If, as a result of the actions taken, when you try to turn on the computer again, there are no signals, the power supply needs to be repaired.

    Separately, it should be noted that the BIOS continuous sound signals vary in tone. This could be caused by either a faulty power supply or an overheated PC.

    Now you know about BIOS sounds and how to decipher them.

    • If you hear two short BIOS beeps shortly after turning on your computer, then this is an alarming symptom. Such signals are generated by the system speaker of the motherboard during the PC hardware test (POST) procedure and indicate a detected malfunction.

    Since different BIOS encode error signals differently, the meaning given to this message in the BIOS depends on the specific motherboard, or more precisely, on the BIOS chip with which the board is equipped.

    In the IBM BIOS, two short BIOS signals indicate a video system malfunction. For Award, 2 short BIOS signals code a non-critical fault, that is, a fault after which the computer can continue booting. Such a malfunction could be a failure of a hard drive or a BIOS checksum error. Typically, in this case, the BIOS will display a detailed error message indicating the faulty component, and the computer can usually continue to boot, but only after pressing a specific key, for example, F1. Sometimes, to correct an error, the user will need to enter BIOS Setup to make the necessary changes there.

    However, it should be borne in mind that even if the computer can be successfully booted after two short beeps are displayed, you should consider eliminating the problem, since it will bother you again later.

    The list of AMI BIOS sound code messages also contains two short beeps. But in this case, the error causing such a message is related to the RAM test. If such an error occurs, you should check that the RAM modules are securely installed in the slots.

    AST BIOS may also produce 2 short beeps, but this is usually associated with another problem - a keyboard controller testing error. In Quadtel BIOS, two short beeps mean something else - CMOS RAM damage. Finally, the Compaq BIOS emits two short beeps when it detects a general motherboard error. The 2 short signals have the same meaning in the BIOS, which is equipped with IBM ThinkPad laptops.