When the computer starts, the BIOS will perform a self-test (also known as POST, Power-On Self Test), and when a problem occurs, different sound alarms will be issued to indicate the type and location of the problem. Knowing what these audible alerts mean is key to diagnosing and solving computer problems. In this article, we'll describe the two different types of BIOS audible alerts, what they mean, and provide possible solutions.
The first one: Award's BIOS sound alarm
1 short: The system starts normally without errors.
2 short: General error. This can be caused by a connection problem with the keyboard or other hardware device, or by a hardware configuration error. Solutions include checking device connections and hardware configuration.
1 long 1 short: RAM or motherboard error. This may be caused by a bad memory module or a damaged motherboard. Solutions include replacing the memory module or motherboard.
1 long and 2 short: Display or graphics card error. This can be caused by a problem with the monitor or graphics card connection, or a bad graphics card. Solutions include checking connections and replacing the graphics card or monitor.
1 long and 3 short: keyboard controller error. This could be caused by a keyboard connection problem or a bad keyboard controller. Solutions include checking connections and replacing the keyboard or keyboard controller.
1 long and 9 short: The motherboard's Flash RAM or EPROM is wrong, that is, the BIOS is damaged. This can be caused by a corrupted BIOS or a bad motherboard. Solutions include replacing the BIOS chip or motherboard.
Continuous beeping: The memory module is not inserted tightly or the memory is damaged. This may be caused by the memory module not being properly inserted into the slot or by a bad memory module. Solutions include reinserting the memory module or replacing the memory module.
Repeated short beeps: Power failure. This could be due to a problem with the power connection or a bad power supply. Solutions include checking the power connections and replacing the power supply.
No sound and no display: Power problem. This could be due to a problem with the power connection or a bad power supply. Solutions include checking the power connections and replacing the power supply.
The second: AMI's BIOS sound alarm
1 short: There is a problem with memory refresh. This could be caused by a bad memory stick or a bad memory controller. Solutions include replacing the memory module or memory controller.
2 short: memory synchronization check error. This could be caused by a bad memory stick or a bad memory controller. Solutions include replacing the memory module or memory controller.
3 short: The system basic memory (the first 64KB memory segment) check failed. This could be caused by a bad memory stick or a bad memory controller. Solutions include replacing the memory module or memory controller.
4 short: The system clock is wrong. This can be caused by a low RTC (Real Time Clock) battery or a bad RTC chip. Solutions include replacing the RTC battery or the RTC chip.
5 short: CPU error occurred. This can be caused by a bad CPU or a CPU connection problem. Solutions include replacing the CPU or checking connections.
6 short: keyboard controller 8024, A20 address line error. This could be caused by a bad keyboard controller or a problem with the keyboard connection. Solutions include replacing the keyboard or keyboard controller or checking the connections.
7 short: The system real mode is wrong, and the processor is interrupted abnormally. This can be caused by a bad CPU or a CPU connection problem. Solutions include replacing the CPU or checking connections.
8 short: poor contact of the graphics card or access error of the graphics card. This could be due to a problem with the graphics card connection or a bad graphics card. Solutions include checking connections and replacing the graphics card.
9 short: ROM BIOS check error. This could be caused by a bad BIOS chip or a connection problem with the BIOS chip. Solutions include replacing the BIOS chip or checking connections.
10 short: COMS shutdown scratchpad access error. This may be caused by a low battery or a bad COMS chip. Solutions include replacing the battery or the COMS chip.
11 short: external cache error. This could be due to bad caching or connectivity issues. Solutions include replacing the cache or checking the connection.
1 long and 3 short: memory error. It may be caused by a bad memory module or a bad memory controller. Solutions include replacing the memory module or memory controller.
1 long and 8 short: The display data cable or graphics card is not plugged in properly. It may be caused by a problem with the display cable connection or a problem with the graphics card connection. Solutions include checking connections and replacing the monitor cable or graphics card.
Knowing what the BIOS audible alert means is very important when diagnosing computer problems. Through the analysis of the sound alarm, the type of problem can be determined so that we can solve the problem as soon as possible. If you hear any beeps, look for the issues above and take the appropriate solutions. If you still can't solve the problem, consider seeking professional help.
