What do the BIOS beeps mean when you turn on your computer? BIOS signals sound short and long signals when you turn on the PC Speaker sounds what do they mean

You start your computer and you hear long, repeating BIOS beeps, but the computer does not boot. What is the reason for this situation, and what is the best thing to do if this happens? The answer to this question largely depends on the type of BIOS installed in your computer.

First of all, let's agree that by the term “repeating” we mean sounds that are repeated constantly, countless times, just like the waiting tones on a telephone receiver, and not any specific number. It should be borne in mind that long BIOS beeps, unlike short ones, do not tend to be repeated a significant number of times, so if long beeps are repeated, say, more than four times, then it becomes clear that we are dealing with a long repeating beep. and not with someone else.

If your computer has a motherboard with an Award BIOS, then long repeating ones indicate a faulty RAM. In many cases, however, the problem is not a physical defect in the dynamic memory chips, but rather poor or incorrect installation of the memory modules in the slots. Turn off the computer, check the installation of modules and try to start the PC again. If you again hear long, repeating beeps, then the memory chips will most likely need to be replaced.

Long, endlessly repeating beeps in the Phoenix BIOS have a slightly different meaning. If you own a computer with a similar BIOS and after starting the POST procedure you hear sounds of this kind, then they mean a malfunction of the motherboard. This is a fairly serious error, and the only thing you can try is to restart your computer again in the hope that the error will go away. If this does not help, then you can try to check the reliability of the connection of the power cables coming from the system unit to the motherboard. If all your attempts to restore the functionality of your personal computer on your own are unsuccessful, then all you have to do is replace the motherboard or take the PC to a service center.

Let's look at what speaker signals are and what they notify.
Speaker is a small speaker placed on the base of the motherboard or, less commonly, placed on the body of the system unit (connected to the motherboard with two plus-minus contacts. The speaker signals operation (One short signal when turned on) - malfunction (depending on which node is damaged. )

Let's look at the signals and meaning - for example, the 3 most common systemsBIOS: Award; AMI; Phoenix.

Award BIOS version

AMI BIOS version

Phoenix version BIOS

Beep codes are represented by a sequence of beeps. For example, 1-1-2 means 1 beep, pause, 1 beep, pause, and 2 beeps.

Note! If there is no signal: there is no speaker; The built-in speaker is faulty; motherboard defect; BIOS system failure (try and restart).

Instead of an afterword

If you observe one of the above malfunctions in the form of signals (except for a single short signal), contact the service center specialists for repair and maintenance of computer equipment for help! Try to be careful, any attempts at self-repair or interference with faulty equipment may aggravate the problem.

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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

Very often people ask me what they mean BIOS beeps when turning on PC. In this article we will take a detailed look at BIOS sounds depending on the manufacturer, the most likely errors and how to fix them. In a separate paragraph, I will tell you 4 simple ways to find out the BIOS manufacturer, and also remind you of the basic principles of working with hardware.

Let's get started!

1. What are BIOS beeps for?

Every time you turn it on, you hear the computer beeping. Often this is heard from the speaker of the system unit. It indicates that the POST diagnostic self-test has successfully completed the test and has not detected any faults. After which the installed operating system begins loading.

If your computer does not have a system speaker, then you will not hear any sounds. This is not an indication of an error, just that the manufacturer of your device decided to save money.

Most often, I observed this situation with laptops and DNS stationary systems (now they produce their products under the DEXP brand). “What is the danger of not having a speaker?” - you ask. It seems like such a small thing, and the computer works fine without it. But if it is impossible to initialize the video card, it will not be possible to identify and fix the problem.

If a problem is detected, the computer will emit a corresponding sound signal - a certain sequence of long or short squeaks. Using the instructions for the motherboard, you can decipher it, but which of us keeps such instructions? Therefore, in this article I have prepared for you tables with decoding of BIOS sound signals that will help you identify the problem and fix it.

Modern motherboards have a built-in system speaker.

Attention! All manipulations with the computer’s hardware configuration should be carried out if it is completely disconnected from the power supply. Before opening the case, be sure to remove the power plug from the outlet.

2. How to find out the BIOS manufacturer

Before looking for a decoding of computer sounds, you need to find out the BIOS manufacturer, since their sound signals are significantly different.

2.1. Method 1

“Identification” can be done in various ways, the simplest is look at the screen while loading. The manufacturer and BIOS version are usually indicated at the top. To capture this moment, press the Pause key on your keyboard. If instead of the necessary information you see only the motherboard manufacturer's splash screen, press Tab.

The two most popular BIOS manufacturers are AWARD and AMI

2.2. Method 2

Go to BIOS. I wrote in detail about how to do this. Browse the sections and find the item - System Information. The current BIOS version should be indicated there. And at the bottom (or top) of the screen the manufacturer will be indicated - American Megatrends Inc. (AMI), AWARD, DELL, etc.

2.3. Method 3

One of the fastest ways to find out the BIOS manufacturer is to use the Windows + R hotkeys and enter the MSINFO32 command in the “Run” line that opens. This way it will be launched System Information utility, with which you can get all the information about the hardware configuration of your computer.

Launching the System Information utility

You can also launch it from the menu: Start -> All Programs -> Accessories -> System Tools -> System Information

You can find out the BIOS manufacturer through “System information”

2.4. Method 4

Use third-party programs, they were described in detail in. Most often used CPU-Z, it is absolutely free and very simple (you can download it on the official website). After starting the program, go to the “Board” tab and in the BIOS section you will see all the information about the manufacturer:

How to find out the BIOS manufacturer using CPU-Z

3. Decoding BIOS signals

After we have found out the BIOS type, we can begin to decipher the sound signals depending on the manufacturer. Let's look at the main ones in tables.

3.1. AMI BIOS - beeps

AMI BIOS (American Megatrends Inc.) since 2002 is the most popular manufacturer in the world. In all versions, successful completion of the self-test is one short beep , after which the installed operating system is loaded. Other AMI BIOS beeps are listed in the table:

No matter how trivial it may sound, I advise my friends and clients in most cases turn off and turn on the computer. Yes, this is a typical phrase from the guys from your provider’s technical support, but it helps! However, if after the next reboot you hear squeaks from the speaker that are different from the usual one short beep, then you need to fix the problem. I will talk about this at the end of the article.

3.2. AWARD BIOS - signals

Like AMI, one short beep AWARD BIOS signals a successful self-test and the start of the operating system. What do the other sounds mean? Let's look at the table:

3.3. Phoenix BIOS

PHOENIX has very characteristic “beeps”; they are written in the table differently from AMI or AWARD. In the table they are indicated as combinations of sounds and pauses. For example, 1-1-2 would sound like one beep, a pause, another beep, another pause and two beeps.

4. The most popular BIOS sounds and their meaning

I could make for you a dozen more different tables with beep decoding, but I decided that it would be much more useful to pay attention to the most popular BIOS sound signals. So, what do users most often search for:

• one long two short BIOS beeps– this sound almost certainly does not bode well for anything good, namely problems with the video card. The first thing you need to check is whether the video card is fully inserted into the motherboard. Oh, by the way, how long have you been here? After all, one of the reasons for problems with loading may be banal dust that has clogged up in the cooler. But let's return to the problems with the video card. Try pulling it out and cleaning the contacts with an eraser. It would be a good idea to make sure there is no debris or foreign objects in the connectors. Still getting an error? Then the situation is more complicated, you will have to try to boot a computer with an integrated video camera (provided that it is on the motherboard). If it boots, it means that the problem is in the removed video card and you cannot do without replacing it.
• one long BIOS beep at startup– Possibly problems with RAM.
• 3 short BIOS beeps– RAM error. What can be done? Remove the RAM modules and clean the contacts with an eraser, wipe with a cotton swab moistened with alcohol, and try swapping the modules. Also possible. If the RAM modules are working, the computer will boot.
• 5 short BIOS beeps– the processor is faulty. A very unpleasant sound, isn't it? If this is the first time the processor has been installed, check its compatibility with the motherboard. If everything worked before, but now the computer beeps like crazy, then you need to check whether the contacts are clean and even.
• 4 long BIOS beeps– low speed or CPU fan stops. It needs to be either cleaned or replaced.
• 1 long 2 short BIOS beeps– problems with the video card or malfunction of the RAM connectors.
• 1 long 3 short BIOS beeps– either problems with the video card, or RAM problems, or keyboard errors.
• two short BIOS beeps – see the manufacturer to clarify the error.
• three long BIOS beeps– problems with RAM (the solution to the problem is described above), or problems with the keyboard.
• BIOS signals are many short– you need to count exactly how many short signals.
• The computer does not boot and there is no BIOS signal– the power supply is faulty, there is a processor performance problem, or there is no system speaker (see above).

From my own experience, I can say that quite often all problems with booting a computer are due to poor contact between various modules, for example RAM or a video card. And, as I wrote above, in some cases a regular reboot helps. Sometimes you can solve the problem by resetting the system board settings.

Attention! If you doubt your abilities, it is better to entrust diagnostics and repairs to professionals. There is no point in taking risks and then blaming the author of the article for something that is not his fault :)

1. To solve the problem it is necessary pull out the module from the connector, remove dust and insert back. The contacts can be carefully cleaned and wiped with alcohol. To clean the connector from dirt, it is convenient to use a dry toothbrush.
2. Don't forget to spend visual inspection. If some elements are deformed, have a black coating or streaks, the cause of problems with loading the computer will be in plain sight.
3. Let me also remind you that any manipulations with the system unit should be performed only when power is off. Don't forget to remove static electricity. To do this, it will be enough to grasp the computer system unit with both hands.
4. Dont touch to the pins of the microcircuits.
5. Do not use metal and abrasive materials to clean the contacts of RAM modules or video cards. For this purpose, you can use a soft eraser.
6. Soberly evaluate your capabilities. If your computer is under warranty, it is better to use the services of service center specialists than to delve into the “brains” of the machine yourself.

If you have any questions, ask them in the comments to this article, we’ll sort it out!

Every time the computer boots, the system unit makes a beeping sound. Not everyone knows that this is a signal indicating the performance of the system unit. And only a few know how to decipher these signals from the system unit.

That's what we'll talk about. If you are reading this material, I recommend printing it out now. When you need decryption, you won’t be able to get online. :)

So what is the “system specialist” squeaking about? These signals are the result of testing the computer hardware (cooler, RAM, video card, etc.). Every time you boot your computer, it tests the hardware and reports the results with this particular squeak. The transcript of the system unit squeaks is below.

* One short squeak.
Explanation:
Everything is fine. The test was completed successfully. You can continue to work. It happens that some system units do not beep at all at this moment.
* There is not a squeak or image on the computer screen.
Explanation:
Malfunction in the power supply or processor.
Correction:
First, check to see if the power cord is plugged into the outlet. If everything is in order, try connecting a known working device to the surge protector (such a cord with a box in which there are many sockets, there is also a switch button, usually red). A phone charger will do, of course, with a phone connected to it. You need to check all the surge protector sockets. If the socket is working, the phone will charge. Next, we check whether the power supply starts when you press the computer start button. In this case, the cooler (fan) of the power supply should at least twitch. If there is movement, look for a new processor, otherwise, a new power supply. You also need to check the power cable of the motherboard. It may happen that he moved away.
* One long continuous squeak.
Explanation:
The power supply is faulty.
Correction:
Purchasing a new power supply.
* Two short squeaks.
Explanation:
Minor problems with BIOS settings.
Correction:
Go to the BIOS and set the optimal parameters. Exiting to the BIOS is usually done using the key. If you don't know what to change, then set the default values. To do this, press the button. To exit with saving - , . Some BIOS versions themselves highlight conflicting settings items by highlighting them. You can also reset the BIOS settings by removing the motherboard battery for a few seconds.
* Three long squeaks.
Explanation:
The keyboard is missing.
Correction:
Plug the keyboard into the PS/2 socket. If this does not help, you will have to change the keyboard.
* Three short squeaks.
Explanation:
RAM error.
Correction:
To do this, you need to check whether there are memory sticks on the motherboard. Don't laugh, it happens. Then you need to remove all the memory sticks, carefully sweep away the accumulated dust, and one by one stick the memory stick in and start the system unit. If the “system unit” beeps on some strip, this may mean that the strip is faulty.
* One long and one short squeak.
Explanation:
RAM is not working properly.
Correction:
Perhaps one or more memory sticks are conflicting with each other. You need to insert one memory stick at a time and try to start the computer.
* One long and two short squeaks.
Explanation:
The video adapter is not working properly.
Correction:
Correct settings in BIOS.
* One long and three short squeaks.
Explanation:
The video adapter does not work.
Correction:
Check the performance of the video card. To do this, you need another, known working video card. You can also try removing the card, removing dust from the slot, and sticking the card back in place. And don’t forget to check if the card has additional plugs for power. Power to such video cards must be supplied with a separate cord to which no device is connected. I also suggest checking whether the monitor is connected and working. Try to blow out the connector connecting the monitor to the computer.
* One long and eight short squeaks.
Explanation:
The video adapter is not working or the monitor is not connected.
Correction:
Same as written above.
* One long and nine short squeaks.
Explanation:
Error reading BIOS data.
Correction:
Try resetting the BIOS settings by removing the battery. If this does not help, then flash the BIOS. But this is another story, requiring a separate article. I'll try to write it soon.
* Four short squeaks.
Explanation:
The system timer does not work.
Correction:
You can try resetting the BIOS. But, unfortunately, it rarely helps. There is only one way out - replace or repair the motherboard.
* Five short squeaks.
Explanation:
The processor is not working properly.
Correction:
Try to clean the dust from the processor slot, make sure the heatsink is clean and the processor temperature is low.
* Six short squeaks.
Explanation:
The keyboard is faulty.
* Seven short squeaks.
Explanation:
Motherboard malfunctions.
Correction:
Have the motherboard repaired or purchase a new one.
* Eight short squeaks.
Explanation:
Problems with video memory.
Correction:
Take the video adapter for repair, or purchase a new one.
* Nine short squeaks.
Explanation:
Incorrect BIOS checksum.
Correction:
Usually it is suggested to reset the BIOS settings and allows you to continue working. If something happens, you can reset the BIOS by removing the battery.
* Ten short squeaks.
Explanation:
Error writing data to CMOS chip.
Correction:
This error may occur when flashing the BIOS. Therefore, we will describe this part in another article.
* Eleven short squeaks.
Explanation:
The cache memory is not working properly.
Correction:
Reset BIOS. If this does not help, we take the computer in for repair or install a new processor.
* Repeated long squeaks.
Explanation:
The RAM is faulty or incorrectly connected.
Correction:
Reconnecting memory sticks. Calculating the faulty one by connecting one by one and starting the computer. Cleaning from dust.
* Repeated short squeaks.
Explanation:
The power supply is not working properly.
Correction:
Checking the functionality of the power supply, checking the cords for breaks, checking the surge protector, and, last but not least, replacing the power supply.

That's all. If you have any questions, ask.

PS: To reset the BIOS, instead of removing the battery, you can use a special jumper. Its location can be found in the documentation for the motherboard.

Addition: BIOS signal encodings if the computer died.
AWARD BIOS Signals

Continuous signal. The power supply is faulty.

2 short. Minor errors found.
3 long. Keyboard controller error.
1 long + 1 short. Problems with RAM.
1 long + 2 short. Problem with the video card.
1 long + 3 short. An error occurred while initializing the keyboard.
1 long + 9 short. An error occurred while reading data from the read-only memory chip.
1 long repeating. Memory modules are installed incorrectly.
1 short repeating. Problems with the power supply.

AMI BIOS signals
There are no signals. The power supply is faulty or not connected to the motherboard.
1 short. No errors found.
2 short. RAM parity error.
3 short. An error occurred during the operation of the first 64 KB of main memory.
4 short. The system timer is faulty.
5 short. The central processor is faulty.
6 short. The keyboard controller is faulty.
7 short. The motherboard is faulty.
8 short. Video memory is faulty.
9 short. BIOS chip contents checksum error.
10 short. Cannot write to CMOS memory.
11 short. The external cache memory (installed in the slots on the motherboard) is faulty.
1 long + 2 short. The video card is faulty.
1 long + 3 short. The video card is faulty.
1 long + 8 short. Problems with the video card or the monitor is not connected.

PHOENIX BIOS signals
1-1-3. CMOS data write/read error.
1-1-4. BIOS chip contents checksum error.
1-2-1. The motherboard is faulty.
1-2-2. DMA controller initialization error.
1-2-3. Error when trying to read/write to one of the DMA channels.
1-3-1. RAM regeneration error.
1-3-3. Error when testing the first 64 KB of RAM.
1-3-4. Error when testing the first 64 KB of RAM.
1-4-1. The motherboard is faulty.
1-4-2. RAM testing error.
1-4-3. System timer error.
1-4-4. Error accessing I/O port.
3-1-1. Error initializing the second DMA channel.
3-1-2. Error initializing the first DMA channel.
3-1-4. The motherboard is faulty.
3-2-4. Keyboard controller error.
3-3-4. Video memory testing error.
4-2-1. System timer error.
4-2-3. Line error A20. The keyboard controller is faulty.
4-2-4. Error when working in protected mode. The CPU may be faulty.
4-3-1. Error when testing RAM.
4-3-4. Real time clock error.
4-4-1. Serial port test failed. The error may be caused by a device using this port.
4-4-2. Error while testing parallel port. The error may be caused by a device using this port.
4-4-3. Error when testing the math coprocessor.