Short and long BIOS beeps when turned on

Why do you need a BIOS:

1. When the computer boots, it checks for the presence of basic hardware and its functionality. If, for example, RAM, a processor, or another device necessary for PC operation is “burned out,” the BIOS will give a signal with a special sound (the set of signals will be different for each component).

2. The BIOS loads the bootloader, which in turn loads the OS.

3. BIOS allows the OS to communicate with peripheral equipment.

4. BIOS allows you to configure many hardware components, monitor their status and operating parameters. The settings made by the user are saved there, for example, the current date and time, and allows you to turn on and off the equipment built into the motherboard. To determine the type of BIOS, I recommend looking at the time of boot, usually in the upper left part of the screen there is information about the manufacturer and BIOS version, or going into the BIOS settings, usually pressing the Delete key several times after turning on the PC.

IBM BIOS.

Sequence of beeps	Bios error description
1 short	Successful POST
1 beep and blank screen	Video system is faulty
2 short	Monitor not connected
3 long	Motherboard faulty (keyboard controller error)
1 long 1 short	Motherboard is faulty
1 long 2 short	Video system faulty (Mono/CGA)
1 long 3 short	Video system (EGA/VGA) is faulty
Repeating short	Malfunctions related to the power supply or motherboard
Continuous	Problems with the power supply or motherboard
Absent	The power supply, motherboard, or speaker is faulty

Long + short BIOS beeps

1 long 2 short beeps

Indicates a faulty video card. How to solve the problem: 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 steps do not produce results, you may need to repair or purchase a new video card.

1 long 3 short beeps

As well as one long and eight short signals, again indicate a faulty video card. Correct it in the same way as in the previous case.

No signals

Possibly indicates a faulty power supply. How to solve the problem: check the fastening of the power supply plugs to the connectors on the motherboard, 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.

Award BIOS

Sequence of beeps	Description of the error
1 short	Successful POST
2 short	Minor errors found. 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	Random access memory (RAM) error
1 long 2 short	Video card error
1 long 3 short	Video memory error
1 long 9 short	Error reading from ROM
Repeating short	Problems with the power supply; RAM problems
Repeating long	RAM problems
Repeated high-low frequency	CPU problems
Continuous	Problems with the power supply

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 - almost certainly this sound does not bode well, 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 has it been since you cleaned your computer? 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 signal when turning on - 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. You can also reset the BIOS. If the RAM modules are working, the computer will boot.
5 short BIOS signals – 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 faulty RAM connectors.
1 long 3 short BIOS beeps – either problems with the video card, or RAM problems, or keyboard errors.
two short BIOS signals - 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.
There are many short BIOS signals - 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 problem with the processor, or there is no system speaker (see above).

AMI BIOS

Sequence of beeps	Description of the error
1 short	No errors found, PC is working fine
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
5 short	Processor problems
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	System board cache error
1 long 1 short	Problems with the power supply
1 long 2 short	Video card error (Mono-CGA)
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.
Missing 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

Phoenix BIOS

Sequence of beeps	Description of the error	Actions
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.	Most likely the CMOS non-volatile memory chip has failed. The recommendation is the same as the error above - replace the microcircuit at a service center.
1-1-4	An error was detected while calculating the checksum of the BIOS contents.	If the error appeared after updating the BIOS to a more recent version, the version must be returned to the previous one. If it is no longer possible to do this at home, take the mat. board to the service - a specialist will unsolder the microcircuit and flash it on a special device - a programmer. If the error appears on its own, there is a high probability that the microcircuit itself is faulty and caused 9 short signals. Take the board to the service. The specialist will select a new chip, flash it with the required BIOS version and solder it in place of the old one.
1-2-1	Motherboard initialization error.
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	Remove the RAM modules, clean the contacts with a soft eraser, wipe with alcohol, and try to put them back in place one by one. With serviceable modules, the computer will start; with faulty modules, the error signal will sound again.
1-4-1	Motherboard initialization error.
1-4-2	Error initializing RAM.	Remove the RAM modules, clean the contacts with a soft eraser, wipe with alcohol, and try to put them back in place one by one. With serviceable modules, the computer will start; with faulty modules, the error signal will sound again.
1-4-3	Error initializing the system timer.	Usually it is advised to replace the motherboard. This is a very categorical statement to replace the board. You can also try the following: Remove expansion cards (except for the video card) - network cards, including Wi-Fi, DVB cards, sound and game controllers. Insert one at a time to identify the problem. Replace the battery (usually CR2032) on the motherboard. Reset the BIOS using the CLR_CMOS jumper on the motherboard. Take the board to a service center where they can update the BIOS.
1-4-4	Error writing/reading to/from one of the I/O ports.
2-1-1	An error was detected while 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 while 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 while reading/writing the 6th bit (in hexadecimal) of the first 64 KB of RAM
2-2-4	An error was detected while reading/writing the 7th bit (in hexadecimal) of the first 64 KB of RAM
2-3-1	An error was detected while 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
2-3-3	An error was detected when reading/writing the 10th bit (in hexadecimal) of the first 64 KB of RAM
2-3-4	An error was detected when reading/writing the 11th bit (in hexadecimal) of the first 64 KB of RAM
2-4-1	An error was detected when reading/writing the 12th bit (in hexadecimal) of the first 64 KB of RAM
2-4-2	An error was detected when reading/writing the 13th bit (in hexadecimal) of the first 64 KB of RAM
2-4-3	An error was detected while reading/writing the 14th bit (in hexadecimal) of the first 64 KB of RAM
2-4-4	An error was detected while reading/writing the 15th bit (in hexadecimal) of the first 64 KB of RAM
3-1-1	Error initializing the second DMA channel.
3-1-2 or 3-1-4	Error initializing the first DMA channel.
3-2-4	Keyboard controller initialization error.	Disconnect and reconnect the PS/2 keyboard connector Try replacing the keyboard. If the replacement does not help, take the motherboard to a service center, or try using a USB keyboard.
3-3-4	Error initializing video memory.	If the motherboard has integrated video, remove your discrete video card and try starting the computer with the built-in one. If it works, repair the video card or buy a new one. If there is no integrated video, you cannot do without a known good one (taken from a working computer).
3-4-1	Serious problems arose when trying to access the monitor.
3-4-2	The video card BIOS cannot be initialized.	Check if the video card is fully inserted into the motherboard. If necessary, clean the video card contacts with a soft eraser. Make sure there are no foreign objects or debris in the PCI-E / AGP connector. If the motherboard has integrated video, remove your discrete video card and try starting the computer with the built-in one. If it works, repair the video card or buy a new one. If there is no integrated video, you cannot do without a known good one (taken from a working computer).
4-2-1	System timer initialization error	Usually it is advised to replace the motherboard. This is a very categorical statement to replace the board. You can also try the following: Remove expansion cards (except for the video card) - network cards, including Wi-Fi, DVB cards, sound and game controllers. Insert one at a time to identify the problem. Replace the battery (usually CR2032) on the motherboard. Reset the BIOS using the CLR_CMOS jumper on the motherboard. Take the board to a service center where they can update the BIOS.
4-2-2	Testing is complete.
4-2-3	Keyboard controller initialization error.	Disconnect and reconnect the PS/2 keyboard connector Try replacing the keyboard. If the replacement does not help, take the motherboard to a service center, or try using a USB keyboard.
4-2-4	Critical error when the CPU enters protected mode.	The error often occurs if you have recently installed a new processor in the motherboard. Try turning off the computer, and using the CLR_CMOS jumper located on the motherboard, reset the BIOS settings. This will allow you to disable operating modes that are not supported by the processor. If this doesn't help, you can try updating the BIOS version.
4-3-1	Error initializing RAM.	Remove the RAM modules, clean the contacts with a soft eraser, wipe with alcohol, and try to put them back in place one by one. With serviceable modules, the computer will start, with faulty modules the error signal will sound again
4-3-2	Error initializing the first timer.
4-3-3	Error initializing the second timer.
4-4-1	Error initializing one of the serial ports.	Try restarting your computer. There is a high probability that the error is caused by a peripheral device connected to the port. Try starting your computer without it. If this helps, try connecting the device to a different port. If this is not possible, you will most likely have to buy an expansion card or replace the motherboard.
4-4-2	Parallel port initialization error.	Try restarting your computer. There is a high probability that the error is caused by a peripheral device connected to the port. Try starting your computer without it. If this helps, you will most likely need to buy an expansion card or replace the motherboard.
4-4-3	Error initializing math coprocessor.
Long continuous beeps	The motherboard is faulty.	Remove expansion cards (except for the video card) - network cards, including Wi-Fi, DVB cards, sound and game controllers. Insert one at a time to identify the problem. Replace the battery (usually CR2032) on the motherboard. Reset the BIOS using the CLR_CMOS jumper on the motherboard. Take it to service.
Siren sound from high to low frequency	The video card is faulty, check the electrolytic capacitors for leaks or replace everything with new ones that are known to be good.	Check whether the video card is fully inserted into its AGP / PCI-E slot. If the motherboard has integrated video, remove your discrete video card and try starting the computer with the built-in one. If it works, repair the video card or buy a new one. If there is no integrated video, you cannot do without a known good one (taken from a working computer).
Continuous signal	The CPU cooler is not connected (faulty).

We have provided tables of BIOS sound signals for three main types. The tables show actions that can be taken when a particular error signal appears. As you may have noticed, many fields are empty. You can help us fill them out or supplement existing ones. Write in the comments if the problem was resolved in any way not listed here.

AST BIOS

Sequence of beeps	Description of the error
1 short	Error when checking processor registers. Processor failure
2 short	Keyboard controller buffer error. Keyboard controller malfunction.
3 short	Keyboard controller reset error. The keyboard controller or system board is faulty.
4 short	Keyboard communication error.
5 short	Keyboard 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	Chipset error.
12 short	Power management register error in non-volatile memory.
1 long	DMA controller error 0. The channel 0 DMA controller chip is faulty.
1 long 1 short	DMA controller error 1. The channel 1 DMA controller chip is faulty.
1 long 2 short	Frame retrace 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 was unable to load interrupt vectors into memory
1 long 7 short	Failed to initialize video hardware.
1 long 8 short	Video memory error.

IBM Thinkpad BIOS signals:

BIOS signals	What do they mean	What can you do
Continuous beep	System board problems
One beep. The LCD is blinking, blank or there are images.	Problems connecting the display, display controller, or backlight. Possible power or system board failure
1 short. Message: "Unable to access boot source"	The boot device is not available. Loading errors.	Install the OS on the device.
1 long, 2 short	Video adapter error. There may be a problem with the system board or LCD display.
1 long, 4 short beeps	Low battery	Charge the battery
1 short, every second	Low battery voltage	Charge the battery
2 short, error code on screen	Read the error code and act accordingly
2 short beeps	Errors on the motherboard	Relax, breathe deeply.

Compaq BIOS

Sounds	Description
1 short	There are no errors. Normal system boot.
1 long 1 short	BIOS CMOS memory checksum error. The ROM battery may have run out.
2 short	Global error.
1 long 2 short	Error initializing video card. Check that the video card is installed correctly.
7 signals	AGP video card malfunction. Check that the installation is correct.
1 long constant	RAM error, try rebooting.
1 short 2 long	RAM malfunction. Reboot via Reset.

IBM Desktop BIOS signals:

BIOS signals	What do they mean	What can you do
1 short	Everything is fine	Enjoy.
2 short	Initialization error. The error code is displayed on the screen.	Depending on the error code.
1 long, 1 short	The problem is on the motherboard.
1 long, 2 short	Video adapter problems
1 long, 3 short	EGA/VGA video card problems
3 long	Keyboard adapter problems (type 3270)
Continuous	Power supply error.	Check the power supply connection to the board. Replace the power supply.
999 seconds	Power supply error.	Check the power supply connection to the board. Replace the power supply.
Silence	No power supply	Check the computer's connection to the network. Check the power supply connection to the board. Replace the power supply.

Quadtel BIOS

Sequence of beeps	Description of the error
1 short	No errors found, PC is working fine
2 short	CMOS RAM is damaged. Replace IC if possible
1 long 2 short	Video adapter error. The video adapter is faulty. Reinstall or replace the adapter
1 long 3 short	One or more of the peripheral controllers is faulty. Replace controllers and retest

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

Mylex BIOS Signals:

BIOS signals	What do they mean	What can you do
1	Everything is fine	Relax and have fun
2	Video adapter problems	Check that the video adapter is installed correctly. Replace the video card.
3	Keyboard controller errors	Replace the keyboard controller IC.
4	Keyboard problems	Connect your keyboard. Check the reliability of the contact. Replace the keyboard. Replace the keyboard controller.
5	Interrupt controller is faulty
6	Interrupt controller is faulty
7	DMA controller is faulty
8	RAM regeneration does not work
9	Data error in RAM
10	RAM parity error
11	The DMA controller is faulty. Problems on channel zero.
12	CMOS RAM is faulty
13	DMA is faulty. Problems on the first channel.
14	CMOS battery is faulty	Replace battery
15	CMOS RAM checksum error
16	BIOS ROM checksum error	Reflash the BIOS. Replace the BIOS chip

Dell BIOS

Sequence of beeps	Description of the error
1-2	Video card not connected
1-2-2-3	BIOS ROM checksum error
1-3-1-1	DRAM update error
1-3-1-3	Keyboard error 8742
1-3-3-1	Memory faulty
1-3-4-1	RAM error on line xxx
1-3-4-3	RAM error on least significant bit xxx
1-4-1-1	RAM error on high bit xxx

BIOS beeps are used in the following cases:

— To help understand the problem that has arisen;

— When there is a possible situation in which a message may not be displayed on the screen;

— To attract the user's attention when displaying a message.

BIOS beeps have different durations, combinations of beep sequences, and/or signal pitch. Therefore, these sound signals are invaluable in quickly diagnosing problems with your computer.

Since today the most common are BIOS AWARD, AMI, IBM, AST, Phoenix, Compaq, DELL, Quadtel, below are the sound signals of BIOS data.

Mylex 386 BIOS Signals:

BIOS signals	What do they mean	What can you do
1 long	Everything is fine, no errors found	The system boots normally
2 long	Problems with the video adapter	Honestly, it's time to throw this trash away. But if you want, wipe the contacts.
1 long, 1 short, 1 long	Keyboard error	Connect your keyboard. Or disable checking in BIOS.
1 long, 2 short, 1 long	The keyboard doesn't work.	Plug in the keyboard or replace it.
1 long, 3 short, 1 long	Problems on channel 0 of the interrupt controller.	Definitely in the trash.
1 long 4 short, 1 long	Problems on channel 1 of the interrupt controller.	Definitely in the trash.
1 long, 5 short, 1 long	DMA controller not working
1 long, 6 short, 1 long	RAM regeneration does not work
1 long, 7 short, 1 long	RAM read/write errors
1 long, 8 short, 1 long	RAM parity errors
1 long, 9 short, 1 long	The first DMA channel does not work
1 long, 10 short, 1 long	CMOS RAM errors
1 long, 11 short, 1 long	The second DMA channel does not work
1 long, 12 short, 1 long	CMOS battery problem	Replace the little round thing on the motherboard.
1 long, 13 short, 1 long	CMOS checksum error
1 long 14 short, 1 long	BIOS ROM checksum error	Flash the BIOS