Motherboard signals. One long, two short Bios beeps: what to do

In addition to the visual error codes that we see with our eyes, there are others - BIOS sound signals.
A little theory.

On any motherboard, be it a computer or laptop, there is a special memory chip. It contains program code, or as it is fashionable to say now - microprogram. It's called BIOS (BIOS - Based Input-Output System) - Basic System I/O.

You turn on the computer and the first thing that starts to load into the RAM is not the operating system, but the BIOS. If everything is in order, we hear one short beep and the computer begins the POST procedure, i.e. checks the functionality of your PC components one by one.

But then a glitch happens and you hear three short beeps BIOS. There is no image on the monitor. Yeah... An experienced technician will check the modules right away random access memory— dusty or one of them is out of order. But there are several manufacturers of firmware and, accordingly, each of them has its own BIOS signals.

Below we list most standard BIOS codes various manufacturers. In the third column of each table, “Actions,” there will be short explanatory comments—like “sidenotes.”

Attention! Everything written below is for informational purposes only. All error transcripts are taken from authoritative sources. Everything in the “Actions” column is advisory in nature. All your actions are carried out by you based on your own decisions. Only you and no one else will be responsible for damaged equipment. That is why, be reasonable, correctly assess your strengths and knowledge, and in case of the slightest doubt, ask for help from specialists.

Before deciphering BIOS sounds, you must determine which manufacturer's firmware is installed on the motherboard.

The most interesting thing is that many sites suggest going into the BIOS itself in order to find out who the manufacturer is. IN a large percentage cases, if you come across an article like this, it means you hear beeps of BIOS errors, but do not see anything on the monitor. It is logical to assume that you cannot get into the firmware.

Therefore, we can only help you remember what BIOS you have by showing screenshots. Unfortunately, the firmware of even one manufacturer can look almost the same as that of another.

AMI BIOS Signals (American Megatrends Inc.)

	Description of the error	Actions
1 short	No errors found, PC is working fine
2 short	RAM parity error or you forgot to turn off the scanner or printer	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
3 short	Error in the first 64 KB of RAM	The advice is the same as for the previous error - remove the RAM modules and clean the contacts with a soft eraser, you can also wipe them with alcohol, and try to put them back in place one by one. Reset the BIOS using the jumper on the motherboard.
4 short	System timer malfunction. Replace the motherboard.	A very categorical statement to replace the board. You can also try the following:
5 short	Processor problems	Check: Remove the cooler, remove the processor. For AMD - check the contacts (pins) on the processor, they should be in even rows, they should be clean, there should be no thermal paste, dirt, etc. on them. For Intel - wipe contact pad processor, check the processor socket on the motherboard - all contacts should be in neat rows. Place the processor in the socket, make sure it is installed correctly.
6 short	Keyboard controller initialization error
7 short	Problems with motherboard	Remove expansion cards (except 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.
8 short	Video card memory error	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.
9 short	BIOS checksum is incorrect	If the error appears after BIOS firmware 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 special device- programmer.
10 short	CMOS write error	Most likely the microcircuit has failed non-volatile memory CMOS. The recommendation is the same as the error above - replace the microcircuit at a service center.
11 short	Error in the cache located on the motherboard	This signal is perhaps one of the rarest. In older motherboards (late 90s, early 2000s), the cache memory was located outside the processor, i.e. on the mat itself. board Now it is in the CPU, and it is perhaps one of the most reliable components (if there was no overlock).
1 long, 1 short	Problems with the power supply	If your computer issued this signal, it is logical to assume that your computer turned on. In this case, you need to check all voltages on the power supply with a voltmeter - 12V, 5V, 3.3V. The values ​​for all lines except 12V should not have a deviation of +/- 5%. For 12V, this percentage is +/-10%. But these are not the only deviations in the operation of the power supply!!!
1 long, 2 short	Video card error (Mono-CGA). Malfunction of RAM connectors. Replace the motherboard.
1 long, 3 short	Video card error (EGA-VGA), on server motherboards - the wrong type of memory is installed
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.
5 short, 1 long	RAM is not installed or is not installed as recommended by the manufacturer.
Continuous beep	Memory or power supply failure or computer overheating	Check that the power supply is working properly. Check element temperature motherboard, processor.

AWARD BIOS

Sequence of beeps	Description of the error	Actions
1 short	Successful POST	Perhaps the most pleasant sound.
2 long	Minor errors found. A prompt appears on the monitor screen to enter the CMOS Setup Utility program and correct the situation.	Check the battery on the motherboard if it goes wrong system time and other settings.
3 long.	Keyboard controller 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.
1 long, 1 short.	Random access memory (RAM) error
1 long, 2 short	Video card error	If there is no integrated video, you cannot do without a known good one (taken from a working computer).
1 long, 3 short.	No video card or video memory error	Same as the error above.
1 long, 9 short.	Error reading from ROM	Most likely the CMOS non-volatile memory chip has failed. The recommendation is the same as the error above - replacing the microcircuit at a service center.
Repeating short	Problems with RAM; Problems with the power supply;	If your computer emitted this signal, it is logical to assume that your computer turned on. In this case, you need to check all voltages on the power supply with a voltmeter - 12V, 5V, 3.3V. The values ​​for all lines except 12V should not have a deviation of +/- 5%. For 12V, this percentage is +/-10%. But these are not the only deviations in the operation of the power supply!!! Try connecting a known good one.
Repeating long.	RAM problems
Cyclically alternating two sound tones.	CPU problems	Check that: The 4pin connector of the ATX12 power supply is securely connected to the motherboard. Remove the cooler, remove the processor. For AMD - check the contacts (pins) on the processor, they should be in even rows, they should be clean, there should be no thermal paste, dirt, etc. on them. For Intel - wipe the processor contact pad, check the processor socket on the motherboard - all contacts should be in neat rows. Place the processor in the socket, make sure it is installed correctly. Has he worked on this board before? If the board or processor is new, check for compatibility (see specification).
Continuous.	Problems with the power supply	You need to check all voltages on the power supply with a voltmeter - 12V, 5V, 3.3V. The values ​​for all lines except 12V should not have a deviation of +/- 5%. For 12V, this percentage is +/-10%. But these are not the only deviations in the operation of the power supply!!! Try connecting a known good one.

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 - replacing 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 unsolders the microcircuit and flashes 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 microcircuit and flash it required version BIOS and solders it in place of the old one.
1-2-1
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		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.	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		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. 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. 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 during transition central processor into protected mode.	The error often occurs if you have recently installed new processor into the motherboard. Try turning off the computer, and using the CLR_CMOS jumper located on the motherboard, reset 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. 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.

Hearing a BIOS signal (1 long beep), the user usually becomes wary. After all, as you know, in most BIOS there is a message about the successful completion of testing hardware sounds somewhat different, although similar - one signal, but short. Is there a in this case cause for concern? Practice shows that in most cases - Yes.

First of all, it is worth defining the concept of “long signal”. In many cases, one continuous sound can be considered long. If you hear a similar sound and you have installed Award BIOS, this means the power supply is faulty. In the case of Phoenix BIOS, in a similar situation, there is a malfunction of the CPU cooler fan. In the Compaq BIOS, this type of sound indicates a problem with the RAM.

However, most often the user may encounter a slightly different situation, when there is only a long but time-limited signal. This type of signal is used by many BIOS manufacturers to encode error messages.

However, one long BIOS beep is a sound that is often used for more than just signaling errors. For example, you can find BIOS versions from a well-known manufacturer American Megatrends, in which the BIOS signal 1 long beep is used to notify the normal completion of tests instead of the usually used short beep. A similar approach is also used in the Mylex 386 BIOS. This factor should also be kept in mind, especially if you are dealing with specific computer for the first time.

In AST BIOS, one long squeak has a completely different meaning, namely, an error detected when testing the first channel of the DMA controller. Typically, this situation means the microcontroller is faulty, which may result in the need to replace the entire motherboard.

In IBM BIOS, a similar BIOS signal, one long beep, also has its own meaning - this is a malfunction of the video system. You can try to fix this problematic situation yourself by checking that the video card is securely installed in the motherboard expansion slot.

Compared to audio signals from other manufacturers BIOS sound BIOS AMI signals are very diverse. In most cases, these beeps allow you to identify a malfunction during the computer boot stage and the POST hardware test procedure. Typically, all you need to do to determine which component is causing the problem is to count the number of beeps emitted by the system speaker.

Below are the beeps produced by the BIOS AMI. In all cases, the number of signals and their type (long/short) are indicated.

• No signals

This situation is perhaps the most unpleasant that a user can encounter. As a rule, it means that power is not supplied to the motherboard or the BIOS is generally faulty. No power to the motherboard usually means either a faulty/broken power cable or a faulty computer power supply.

• One short

A single short signal is the same signal that all users are accustomed to hearing every time they start their PC. It means that no errors or problems were detected during the hardware check, and the computer can continue to boot.

• Long continuous

This signal means that the PC power supply is faulty. However, unlike the situation with complete absence signals, in this case power is supplied to the motherboard, but its parameters do not correspond to the nominal.

• Two short

This signal indicates an error in the RAM. This error may indicate either a malfunction of the memory modules themselves, or simply that one of the modules is poorly inserted into the slot.

• Three short

This type of signal also indicates an error in the RAM. But this error is quite specific and rarely encountered - it is an error in the first 64 KB of RAM.

• Four short

This signal indicates a system timer malfunction. Fortunately, this type of malfunction occurs infrequently, but it is not uncommon the only way The solution is to replace the entire motherboard.

• Five short

Similar BIOS image informs the user about heart failure personal computer– central processor. However, it is not always this malfunction may be due to a defect in the processor chip itself. Often, to fix the problem, it is enough to check that the processor is securely installed in the socket.

• Six short

This message indicates that the keyboard controller is faulty or that the keyboard itself is missing. Very often, to correct this situation, it is enough to check the contact in the keyboard connector on the system unit.

• Seven short

A similar set of sounds indicates a rather serious malfunction - namely, failure motherboard. However, sometimes the error may disappear after checking the power cable contacts on the motherboard.

• Eight short

BIOS message indicating video memory failure. But here, as with many other errors, sometimes the problem may just be bad contact– in this case, between the motherboard slot and the video card.

• Nine short

In this case, the BIOS signals a checksum error. BIOS memory. The reasons for this phenomenon may be different - an error in new version BIOS or random CMOS memory failure. Often the problem can be fixed by flashing the BIOS.

• Ten short

With this set of signals, the BIOS reports a write error in CMOS memory. As a rule, this error is more serious than the previous one and often requires the intervention of a specialist from a service workshop.

• Eleven short

• One long, then two, three or eight short

This type information message tells the user that there are video card errors. Typically, such sound signals are only generated when using old video cards (Mono/CGA/EGA), so the chance of encountering them is currently extremely small. In most cases, this malfunction can be eliminated by carefully installing the video card in the connector.

A fairly common situation is the problem when, when turning on the computer, the user hears one long and two short BIOS beeps from the system speaker. In this case, loading operating system is not performed at all, and the user sees a black screen in front of him (sometimes messages indicating a problem may appear, but, as a rule, they are absent). Read on to learn how to interpret this sequence of signals and what to do to correct the situation.

One long, two short BIOS beeps: what does this mean?

Let's start with theoretical information. When you turn on your desktop computer or laptop, all hardware is checked. The primary one is responsible for this. BIOS system(or its modernized version UEFI). For each such system, the use of strictly defined signal sequences is provided, which can indicate either that the test was completed successfully, or that problems were found in the operation or initialization of the equipment. In general, to figure out what the problem is, you need to contact technical documentation primary system or at least read what different sequences and combinations mean.

IN in a general sense, if the user hears one long and two short beeps from the BIOS of ASUS or any other developer of the primary system, we can immediately conclude that something is wrong with the installed hardware. Unfortunately, the system does not provide notifications about faulty components.

The only situation is a message about the absence of a connected keyboard. But this mostly applies exclusively to stationary terminals, since on laptops such a message can only appear if the built-in keyboard has become unusable. Connect any other external keyboard, for example, via USB and check how the system boots.

One long, two short BIOS beeps: what to do first?

The issuance of such a sequence of signals may not always be associated specifically with physical damage installed equipment. It is quite possible that somewhere on the motherboard the contacts have simply come loose or become clogged. All components may be in perfect order, but dust or contamination of the inside of the computer can lead to the fact that some elements of the filling are simply not detected.

In the very simple case, if you receive one long and two short signals from the BIOS, you should immediately turn off the computer and completely disconnect it from the power supply. After this, you need to pause so that the residual currents disappear (ten minutes will be enough), then remove the side cover of the desktop PC case from the side accessing the motherboard and perform a basic dust removal. A regular vacuum cleaner with the minimum suction power set is suitable for this. When cleaning, you need to be very careful not to damage the components installed on the motherboard and the motherboard itself, or even the whole computer system will stop working. And replacing a motherboard is clearly not a cheap pleasure.

Problems with the graphics chip

Basically, most situations when the user hears one long and two short BIOS beeps are usually attributed to problems with the graphics adapter, since it is the adapter that is responsible for displaying the image on the screen, and if it malfunctions, problems arise with the inability to start the operating system.

IN different versions BIOS (and from different developers) such a sequence of signals may indicate various failures. For example, IBM BIOS issues such signals only if the computer is equipped with Mono/CGA video cards. But since such chips are practically not found today, such situations are very rare.

In the case of AST BIOS, such a sequence is issued only if problems are observed with frame scanning.

Compaq BIOS gives one long and two short beeps if initialization of the graphics adapter is not possible at all. The same situation is observed with the primary systems Award and Quadtel.

The problem can only be fixed physically. To do this, you need to remove the video card from the corresponding slot on the motherboard and first check its functionality on another computer. If it works as expected, the slot itself may need to be cleaned. You can also try inserting it into a different connector. If the card does not work, it will have to be replaced.

Possible problems with RAM

But problems are not always associated specifically with graphics adapters. For example, AMI BIOS generates one long and two short signals if problems with RAM are detected (for a video card, a sequence of pulses in combination 1-3 is used).

In this case, the memory sticks should be removed one at a time when the power is turned off, turning on the computer after each removal and checking the functionality of the system. When the damaged strip is found and the system boots in normal mode, you will simply have to replace it by installing similar equipment in its place. In this case, you should take into account which generation the RAM belongs to, and also pay attention to the characteristics of the motherboard itself in terms of ensuring that it supports the installed brackets both according to the standard and the maximum volume. Otherwise, you will not be able to use the maximum capacity, since the one determined by the motherboard may be much less.

What to do if the problem persists?

But let’s assume that it was not possible to get rid of the malfunctions using such simple methods. Let's take a situation where a similar combination is given by samsung laptop. One long and two short BIOS signals are enough to determine problems with the hardware, but disassembling the device yourself is not always advisable.

In some cases, you can do much easier, since the problem may be incorrect settings primary system. To get started, use reset parameters from the appropriate section, save the changes and check how the loading will proceed. If such actions do not give results, it may very well be that updating the BIOS will help. True, such actions must be performed competently, so as not to render the primary input/output system itself unusable.

A similar solution can be applied to stationary computer terminals. But this situation can mainly be associated with the replacement of equipment or the installation of new components, when outdated version BIOS appears unable to recognize modern devices. In this case, the firmware update is the best option fix the problem.

Instead of an afterword

It remains to add that the situation when through system speaker a sequence is issued in the form of one long and two short BIOS signals; in principle, this can be corrected. Since the true reason for this behavior of the system is not clearly indicated, you will have to perform the described actions exactly in the order in which they were given in the above material. It is advisable not to use reset and update immediately, but leave them as a last resort if methods of physical intervention are powerless. However, first, clean the stationary unit from dust. This is the first remedy. With laptops the situation is more complicated, especially if the device is under warranty. If none of the above suggestions help, you will have to contact an authorized service center. And avoid contacting private sellers who do not have relevant repair experience. computer equipment. Then many more problems may appear.

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, most probable errors and ways to eliminate them. In a separate paragraph I will tell you 4 simple ways how to find out the BIOS manufacturer, and also remind you basic principles working with hardware.

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 to load.

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

You can make “identification” different ways, simplest - 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 necessary information you only see the splash screen of the motherboard manufacturer, press Tab.

The two most popular BIOS manufacturers are AWARD and AMI

2.2. Method 2

Go to BIOS. Browse the sections and find the item - System Information. It should be indicated there Current version BIOS. 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 most quick ways find out the BIOS manufacturer - 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. 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 found out BIOS type, you can begin to decipher audio 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:

Signal type	Decoding
2 short	RAM parity error.
3 short	Error in the first 64 KB of RAM.
4 short
5 short	CPU failure.
6 short	Keyboard controller error.
7 short	Motherboard failure.
8 short	Video card memory failure.
9 short	BIOS checksum error.
10 short	Cannot write to CMOS.
11 short	RAM error.
1 dl + 1 cor	The computer's power supply is faulty.
1 dl + 2 cor
1 dl + 3 cor	Video card operation error, RAM malfunction.
1 dl + 4 cor	No video card.
1 dl + 8 cor	The monitor is not connected, or there is a problem with the video card.
3 long	Problems with RAM, test completed with error.
5 cor + 1 dl	There is no RAM.
Continuous	Problems with the power supply or PC overheating.

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 technical support guys at your provider, 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

Along with AMI, AWARD is also one of the most popular BIOS manufacturers. Nowadays, many motherboards have version 6.0PG Phoenix Award BIOS installed. The interface is familiar, you can even call it classic, because it has not changed for more than ten years.

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:

Signal type	Decoding
1 repeating short	Problems with the power supply.
1 repeating long	Problems with RAM.
1 long + 1 short	RAM fault.
1 long + 2 short	Video card error.
1 long + 3 short	Problems with the keyboard.
1 long + 9 short	Error reading data from ROM.
2 short	Minor faults
3 long	Keyboard controller error
Continuous sound	The power supply is faulty.

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.

Signal type	Decoding
1-1-2	CPU error.
1-1-3	Cannot write to CMOS. The battery on the motherboard is probably dead. Motherboard failure.
1-1-4	Unfaithful check sum BIOS ROM.
1-2-1	The programmable interrupt timer is faulty.
1-2-2	DMA controller error.
1-2-3	DMA controller read or write error.
1-3-1	Memory regeneration error.
1-3-2	RAM test does not run.
1-3-3	The RAM controller is faulty.
1-3-4	The RAM controller is faulty.
1-4-1	Error address bar RAM.
1-4-2	RAM parity error.
3-2-4	Keyboard initialization error.
3-3-1	The battery on the motherboard is dead.
3-3-4	Video card malfunction.
3-4-1	Video adapter malfunction.
4-2-1	System timer malfunction.
4-2-2	CMOS termination error.
4-2-3	Keyboard controller malfunction.
4-2-4	CPU error.
4-3-1	Error in RAM test.
4-3-3	Timer error
4-3-4	Error in RTC operation.
4-4-1	Serial port problem.
4-4-2	Parallel port problem.
4-4-3	Problems with the coprocessor.

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 - 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).

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 BIOS settings to factory settings, flashing it, or resetting the motherboard 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 take up system unit computer 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 specialists service center than delving 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!