How to Diagnose a Troubled Computer

Its early morning and you are getting your second or third cup of coffee. Your brain is awake and you reach over and turn on your computer. In just a few seconds your computer does nothing. You shake your head in disgust and say to yourself, how am I going to get all my articles I wrote last night for Ehow. Again you turn off the power switch and turn it back on. This time you spit your coffee out because your computer starts to beep. Your computer is trying to tell you something, but you don’t understand what that beeping thing is saying. Most computers have standard beep codes that were introduced by the IBM Bios back more than a few years. However, some motherboard manufacturers use their own beep codes. It is a good idea to check the computer manufacturer's sites for their beep codes, if available. Check with my resources for additional codes.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Troubled Computer
• Owners Manual
• Screw or nut driver
• Computer Information

1. No Beeps from the computer. The first thing to do is check if you are plugged in and that the surge protector is not tripped. If this is not the problem it could be a short or bad power supply. You are just not getting any power to your computer. Look for loose plugs or peripherals. If you made coffee, did you trip the circuit in the house? Look at all the obvious issues for no power.

2. One Beep: Everything is normal and computer posted fine. This is your lucky day and your computer is saying everything is OK. The POST (Power On System Test) is when the computer checks its internal system to make sure everything is running and it’s ok to start the operating system.

3. Two Beeps: POST/CMOS Error. You know what the (POST) power on system test is. CMOS is something a little different. CMOS stands for Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor. Say that three times before coffee in the morning. This is a semiconductor circuit that holds enough battery power for the date, time and your system setup information. If you do not have CMOS information, maybe you have to replace the CMOS battery. This battery is easy to replace and is like a watch battery.

4. One Long Beep, One Short Beep: Motherboard Problem. I don’t wish this on anyone, but if it happens it might be time for a new one. The motherboard has the CPU (Central Processing Unit) on it. The memory chips are plugged into it. Also your video, sound, and network card are attached to the motherboard. So the motherboard is the main board of your computer. First unplug your computer and open up the case. Once the case is open check for loose plug-ins. Make sure your power supply is plugged in to the mother board and press down on all the chips you can see. Make sure all cards are plugged in like video, sound and network cards. Plug in your computer and start it up. If you get the same one long, one short beep it’s time for a new motherboard or computer. Check with the manufacturer for proper beep codes and warranties.

5. One Long Beep, Two Short Beeps: Video Problem. You might even hear One Long Beep and Three Short Beeps for a Video Problem. First thing is to eliminate the problem by trying another monitor. But, if you get this beeping sound you probably have to replace your video card in your desktop. I hope you are not running a high end video card which could cost well over a hundred dollars. However, there are inexpensive video replacement cards out there. If your video is built into the motherboard you could disable it by moving the jumper on the motherboard. Then install a video card in a card slot. Check your owner’s manual for information.

6. Three Long Beeps: Keyboard Error. This is the easy one to fix. If you get this error code try another keyboard. If that does not work then use a Universal Serial Bus (USB) keyboard. You should have a couple USB plug-ins in the rear of the desktop and a couple up front.

7. Repeated Long Beeps: Memory Error. You will find from time to time that memory chips will go bad, or even the socket. However, this is unusual. If you have replaced memory chips before, check on the warranty. First turn off your computer and unplug it. Then open the desktop computer and remove the memory chips and switch them. Make sure you re-install them properly. Then plug it in and turn on your computer. No beeps then you are good to go. Most replacement chips have a lifetime warranty. If the socket is bad it might be time for a new board or checking your warranty.

8. Continuous Hi-Lo Beeps: CPU Overheating. All CPU’s (Central Processing Units) have cooling fans. If not, then you have an old system. The newer computers are running faster CPU’s so they heat up more and need cooling fans. Check by opening up your desktop to see if the CPU fan is running. If the fan is not running, you will have to replace it. If it is still overheating then maybe you need a new CPU, motherboard or computer.

Tips & Warnings

• Check on the internet for recall information on your computer.
• Look up information on your computer and read reviews. This will give you a heads up for problems that might occur.
• Remember, that computer repair shops are open for service. It might be cheaper to take it to have it repaired than DIY.
• Make sure you back-up daily, weekly or monthly.
• Always unplug your computer before opening.
• Make sure you use a static strap or grounding device to discharge static from your body before touching the inside of your computer.

Resources

• Beep Codes

[konakai]

on 6/6/2009 Another very detailed and interesting Article. I would need a Computer Tech to help with this type of problem. 5*

[ginamichellesat]

on 6/2/2009 5 star and recommended!! Great article!!

[wdk40]

on 5/30/2009 Very detailed info and people know how to cause computer issues but not how to resolve them.

[tracysmith159]

on 5/28/2009 Thanks for the great article on how to diagnose a troubled computer. Many people ask me for advice on their computer. I only know a little bit from past experience. I share this article with them next time.

[MariM]

on 5/27/2009 Thanks for the tips on what beeps mean on a computer. I always wondered this.5*recmd