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 |
