How to Fix Your Beeping Computer

We have all had a problem with our computer but have no clue if it was something simple that we could fix or if it needed to go to the computer doctor. You may have noticed that when you start your computer you hear a series of beeps. They are not random beeps. The computer is sending special beeps that have meaning. The computer beep codes are programmed into the computer BIOS (Basic Input Output System). The BIOS basically controls your computer's operations and runs a check every time your system is turned on. Each BIOS manufacture has its own patterns, but there are some standard ones that you can use to help determine what is wrong with your computer.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Good ear

How to Fix Your Beeping Computer

1. Your first step is to look at the information about the meaning of the beeping codes. Beep codes are important and useful tools when troubleshooting booting issues. When you turn on your computer system, it is called POST (Power On Self Test).

2. No beep is usually a power problem that can be related to the power supply, motherboard or both. Always check your battery power before thinking there is a bigger problem.

3. One beep is a normal POST. That means everything is fine.
   
   Two, Three, or Four short beeps are normally about the memory of the machine. If there is a problem with one of your memory chips you should get beeps of different combinations in this area. If you get two or three short beeps, one or both of your memory chips could be in trouble.

4. Five beeps point toward motherboard or CPU problems. Make sure your memory and video card are seated properly. Try removing them and putting them back in, only if you are comfortable with computers.
   
   Six, seven and eight beeps.
   
   Eight beeps indicate problems with your video card. Six or Seven are CPU, or a bad chip on the motherboard.
   
   Nine beeps mean the BIOS is bad. Replace the motherboard.
   
   Ten beeps means the problem is in the CMOS. All chips need to be replaced.

5. Eleven beeps are related in the cache of the mother board and this means that the motherboard needs replaced.
   
   One long and three short beeps mean that it is related to a loose memory chip. Try reseating it.
   
   One long and eight short beeps means that the video cards needs reseated.

6. I hope that this list of beep codes will help settle the panic you feel when your computer is sick. If all fails, go find a great computer doctor.

[egl81087]

on 6/17/2009 What wrong when your computer continues to beep like a siren? It's as a loud long beep and a quieter long beep but continous. Well and the video card on it was fryed as well. I replaced that but now I get an image, it won't let me run on optimum settings (only fail-safe) but there's a continous siren.

[ashbhavar]

on 12/24/2008 This is realy GOOD.........