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Computer POST and beep codes
Updated: 04/26/2017 by Computer Hope
The computer POST (poweron selftest) checks a
computer's internal hardware for compatibility and
connection before starting the remainder of the
boot process. If the computer passes the POST, the
computer may give a single beep (some computers
may beep twice) as it starts and continue to boot.
However, if the computer fails the POST, the
computer will either not beep or generate a beep
code that tells the user the source of the problem.
If your computer has an irregular POST or a beep code
not mentioned below, follow the POST
troubleshooting steps to determine the failing
hardware component.
AMI BIOS beep codes
Below are the AMI BIOS Beep codes that can
occur. However, because of the wide variety of different computer manufacturers with this BIOS,
the beep codes may vary.
Beep Code Descriptions
1 short DRAM refresh failure
2 short Parity circuit failure
3 short Base 64 K RAM failure
4 short System timer failure
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201755 Computer POST and beep codes
5 short Process failure
6 short Keyboard controller Gate A20 error
7 short Virtual mode exception error
8 short Display memory Read/Write test failure
9 short ROM BIOS checksum failure
10 short CMOS shutdown Read/Write error
11 short Cache Memory error
1 long, 3 short Conventional/Extended memory failure
1 long, 8 short Display/Retrace test failed
twotone siren Low CPU Fan speed, Voltage Level issue
AWARD BIOS beep codes
Below are Award BIOS Beep codes that can occur. However, because of the wide variety of
different computer manufacturers with this BIOS, the beep codes may vary.
Beep Code Description
1 long, 2 short Indicates a video error has occurred and the BIOS cannot
initialize the video screen to display any additional
information.
1 long, 3 short Video card not detected (reseat video card) or bad video card
Beeps repeating endlessly RAM problem.
Repeated high frequency Overheating processor (CPU)
beeps while PC is running
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Repeated beeps alternating Issue with the processor (CPU), possibly damaged
high & low frequency
If any other correctable hardware issues are found, the BIOS displays a message.
Dell beep codes
Beep Code Description
1 beep BIOS ROM corruption or failure
2 beeps Memory (RAM) not detected
3 beeps Motherboard failure
4 beeps Memory (RAM) failure
5 beeps CMOS Battery failure
6 beeps Video card failure
7 beeps Bad processor (CPU)
For other Dell beep codes, please refer to Dell's Beep Codes and PSA Diagnostics Chart page.
IBM BIOS beep codes
Below are general IBM BIOS Beep codes that can occur. However, because of the wide variety of
models shipping with this BIOS, the beep codes may vary.
Beep Code Description
No Beeps No Power, Loose Card, or Short.
1 Short Beep Normal POST, computer is ok.
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201755 Computer POST and beep codes
2 Short Beep POST error, review screen for error code.
Continuous Beep No Power, Loose Card, or Short.
Repeating Short Beep No Power, Loose Card, or Short.
1 Long and 1 Short Beep Motherboard issue.
1 Long and 2 Short Beeps Video (Mono/CGA Display Circuitry) issue.
1 Long and 3 Short Beeps. Video (EGA) Display Circuitry.
3 Long Beeps Keyboard or Keyboard card error.
1 Beep, Blank or Incorrect Display Video Display Circuitry.
Macintosh startup tones
Tones Error
Error Tone. (two sets of different tones) Problem with logic board or SCSI bus.
Startup tone, drive spins, no video Problem with video controller.
Powers on, no tone. Logic board problem.
High Tone, four higher tones. Problem with SIMM.
Phoenix BIOS beep codes
Below are the beep codes for Phoenix BIOS Q3.07 OR 4.X
Beep Code Description and what to check
1111 Unconfirmed beep code. Reseat RAM chips or replace RAM chips as possible
solution
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1113 Verify Real Mode.
1121 Get CPU Type.
1123 Initialize system hardware.
1131 Initialize chipset registers with initial POST values.
1132 Set in POST flag.
1133 Initialize CPU registers.
1141 Initialize cache to initial POST values.
1143 Initialize I/O.
1211 Initialize Power Management.
1212 Load alternate registers with initial POST values.
1213 Jump to UserPatch0.
1221 Initialize keyboard controller.
1223 BIOS ROM checksum.
1231 8254 timer initialization.
1233 8237 DMA controller initialization.
1241 Reset Programmable Interrupt Controller.
1311 Test DRAM refresh.
1313 Test 8742 Keyboard Controller.
1321 Set ES segment to register to 4 GB.
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201755 Computer POST and beep codes
1331 28 Autosize DRAM.
1333 Clear 512 K base RAM.
1341 Test 512 base address lines.
1343 Test 512 K base memory
1413 Test CPU busclock frequency.
1424 Reinitialize the chipset.
1431 Shadow system BIOS ROM.
1432 Reinitialize the cache.
1433 Autosize cache.
1441 Configure advanced chipset registers.
1442 Load alternate registers with CMOS values.
2111 Set Initial CPU speed.
2113 Initialize interrupt vectors.
2121 Initialize BIOS interrupts.
2123 Check ROM Copyright notice.
2124 Initialize manager for PCI Options ROMs.
2131 Check video configuration against CMOS.
2132 Initialize PCI bus and devices.
2133 Initialize all video adapters in system.
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2141 Shadow video BIOS ROM.
2143 Display Copyright notice.
2211 Display CPU Type and speed.
2213 Test keyboard.
2221 Set key click if enabled.
2223 56 Enable keyboard.
2231 Test for unexpected interrupts.
2233 Display prompt Press F2 to enter SETUP.
2241 Test RAM between 512 and 640 k.
2311 Test expanded memory.
2313 Test extended memory address lines.
2321 Jump to UserPatch1.
2323 Configure advanced cache registers.
2331 Enable external and CPU caches.
2333 Display external cache size.
2341 Display shadow message.
2343 Display nondisposable segments.
2411 Display error messages.
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201755 Computer POST and beep codes
2413 Check for configuration errors.
2421 Test realtime clock.
2423 Check for keyboard errors
2441 Set up hardware interrupts vectors.
2443 Test coprocessor if present.
3111 Disable onboard I/O ports.
3113 Detect and install external RS232 ports.
3121 Detect and install external parallel ports.
3123 Reinitialize onboard I/O ports.
3131 Initialize BIOS Data Area.
3133 Initialize Extended BIOS Data Area.
3141 Initialize floppy controller.
3211 Initialize hard disk controller.
3212 Initialize local bus hard disk controller.
3213 Jump to UserPatch2.
3221 Disable A20 address line.
3223 Clear huge ES segment register.
3231 Search for option ROMs.
3233 Shadow option ROMs.
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3241 Set up Power Management.
3243 Enable hardware interrupts.
3311 Set time of day.
3313 Check key lock.
3331 Erase F2 prompt.
3333 Scan for F2 key stroke.
3341 Enter SETUP.
3343 Clear in POST flag.
3411 Check for errors
3413 POST done, prepare to boot operating system.
3421 One beep.
3423 Check password (optional).
3431 Clear global descriptor table.
3441 Clear parity checkers.
3443 Clear screen (optional).
3444 Check virus and backup reminders.
4111 Try to boot with INT 19.
4211 Interrupt handler error.
4213 Unknown interrupt error.
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4221 Pending interrupt error.
4223 Initialize option ROM error.
4231 Shutdown error.
4233 Extended Block Move.
4241 Shutdown 10 error.
4313 Initialize the chipset.
4314 Initialize refresh counter.
4321 Check for Forced Flash.
4322 Check HW status of ROM.
4323 BIOS ROM is OK.
4324 Do a complete RAM test.
4331 Do OEM initialization.
4332 Initialize interrupt controller.
4333 Read in bootstrap code.
4334 Initialize all vectors.
4341 Boot the Flash program.
4342 Initialize the boot device.
4343 Boot code was read OK.
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twotone Low CPU Fan speed, Voltage Level issue
siren
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