BIOS beep codes list for desktops

An introduction to BIOS beep codes

When you power on your computer, the motherboard's basic input/output system (BIOS) first detects the
computer's internal hardware configuration and then performs the power-on self-test (POST). The POST
executes several diagnostic tests that check the basic functionality of the power supply, motherboard,
CPU, I/O Bus Controller, RAM, keyboard, and video components. If the computer passes the POST, it will
usually return a single short beep or two short beeps, depending on the BIOS manufacturer. If the POST
detects any problems, it will halt the boot process and return an error message either visually on the
screen and/or audibly through a series of beeps.

Unfortunately, there is no official standard for beep codes. Depending on the BIOS manufacturer, a
keyboard controller failure could be three, four, five, or six beeps. While this document lists common BIOS
manufacturer beep codes, you should always consult your motherboard's documentation, the
manufacturer's Web site, and the BIOS manufacturer's Web site for a definitive beep code list for your
particular BIOS. The information contained in the following lists was gathered from various BIOS
manufacturers' Web sites.

AMI BIOS beep codes

http://www.ami.com/support/bios.html
Number of
Problem description Troubleshooting recommendation
beeps
Reseat memory or replace with known good
1 Memory refresh timer error
chips.
Reseat memory or replace with known good
2 Parity error
chips.
Base 64K memory read/write test Reseat memory or replace with known good
3
failure chips.
4 Motherboard timer not operational Repair/replace motherboard.
5 Processor error Repair/replace motherboard.
Reseat keyboard controller chip, replace
8042—gate A20 failure/Keyboard
6 keyboard controller chip, check for a
controller BAT test error
keyboard fuse, or try a different keyboard.
7 Processor exception interrupt error Repair/replace motherboard.
8 Display memory read/write failure Replace video card or video card memory.
ROM checksum error/Faulty BIOS
9 Replace chips or motherboard.
chips
CMOS shutdown register read/write
10 Repair/replace motherboard.
error
11 Cache memory bad Repair/replace motherboard.

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 BIOS beep codes list for desktops

Award BIOS beep codes

http://www.phoenix.com/en/customer+services/bios/awardbios/default1.htm
Number of
Problem description Troubleshooting recommendation
beeps
1 long & 2 short Video error Check the video card.
Any other beeps RAM problem Reseat the RAM or replace with known good
chips.

PhoenixBIOS beep codes

http://www.phoenix.com/en/customer+services/bios/phoenixbios/default1.htm
Unfortunately, PhoenixBIOS beep codes are significantly more complicated than other BIOS
manufacturers. Instead of a single beep code set, PhoenixBIOS codes consist of a series of beep code
sets separated by a short pause. Older Phoenix BIOS Plus and PhoenixBIOS 1.x systems used a series
of three sets, while the PhoenixBIOS 4.x systems use a series of four sets. The codes listed below are
only some of the more than 100 codes for the PhoenixBIOS 4.x. For a complete list of Phoenix BIOS
POST task routines and beep codes, please visit their Web site or review your motherboard's
documentation.
Number of
POST routine description/problem Troubleshooting recommendation
beeps
1 One short beep before boot Normal operation
A problem exists with the CPU and/or
1-1-1-3 Verify real mode motherboard. Check and replace if
necessary.
A problem exists with the CPU and/or
1-1-2-1 Get CPU type motherboard. Check and replace if
necessary.
A problem exists with the motherboard.
1-1-2-3 Initialize system hardware
Check and replace if necessary.
Initialize chipset with initial POST A problem exists with the motherboard.
1-1-3-1
values Check and replace if necessary.
A problem exists with the motherboard.
1-1-3-2 Set IN POST flag
Check and replace if necessary.
A problem exists with the CPU and/or
1-1-3-3 Initialize CPU registers motherboard. Check and replace if
necessary.
A problem exists with the I/O port hardware
or a device connected to an I/O port. It could
1-1-4-3 Initialize I/O component
also be an expansion device in the PC or the
motherboard.

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 BIOS beep codes list for desktops

An error has occurred with the keyboard or

keyboard controller. Try a new keyboard or
1-2-2-1 Initialize keyboard controller
replace the keyboard controller on the
motherboard.
Replace either the BIOS ROM chip or the
1-2-2-3 BIOS ROM checksum
motherboard.
Check the motherboard and any expansion
1-2-3-3 8237 DMA controller initialization
cards that use DMA.
Check the first bank of memory and the
1-3-1-1 Test DRAM refresh
motherboard.
An error has occurred with the keyboard or
keyboard controller. Try a new keyboard or
1-3-1-3 Test 8742 keyboard controller
replace the keyboard controller on the
motherboard.
Check the first bank of memory and the
1-3-4-1 RAM failure on line xxxx
motherboard.
RAM failure on data bits xxxx of low Check the first bank of memory and the
1-3-4-3
byte memory bus motherboard.
Check video configuration against
2-1-3-1 Check the video card or video card memory.
CMOS
A problem exists with the I/O port hardware
or a device connected to an I/O port. It could
2-1-3-2 Initialize PCI bus and devices
also be an expansion device in the PC or the
motherboard.
An error has occurred with the keyboard or
keyboard controller. Try a new keyboard or
2-2-1-3 Test keyboard
replace the keyboard controller on the
motherboard.
Check for a faulty motherboard or expansion
2-2-3-1 Test for unexpected interrupts
card.
A problem exists with the I/O port hardware
Detect and install external parallel or a device connected to an I/O port. It could
3-1-2-1
ports also be an expansion device in the PC or the
motherboard.
Check your hard drive(s), floppy drive(s), and
3-1-4-1 Initialize floppy controller
motherboard.
Check your hard drive(s), floppy drive(s), and
3-2-1-1 Initialize hard-disk controllers
motherboard.
Initialize local-bus hard-disk Check your hard drive(s), floppy drive(s), and
3-2-1-2
controllers motherboard.
Check the motherboard's real-time clock
3-3-1-1 Set time of day
(RTC).

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 BIOS beep codes list for desktops

An error has occurred with the keyboard or

keyboard controller. Try a new keyboard or
4-2-4-3 Keyboard controller failure
replace the keyboard controller on the
motherboard.

Dell BIOS beep codes

http://support.dell.com/us/en/home.asp
Because Dell uses motherboards and BIOSs from several manufacturers, their computers use a variety of
beep codes. Instead of listing each model's beep codes, links are provided to the support pages of
several popular Dell desktops.
Model System codes and messages link
Dimension 900 http://docs.us.dell.com/docs/systems/dcaydim2/codemess.htm
Dimension 2100 http://docs.us.dell.com/docs/systems/dim2100/codemess.htm
Dimension 4100 http://docs.us.dell.com/docs/systems/dzuul/codemess.htm
Dimension 4200 http://docs.us.dell.com/docs/systems/dim4200/codes.htm
Dimension 4300 http://docs.us.dell.com/docs/systems/dim4300/codes.htm
Dimension 4300S http://docs.us.dell.com/docs/systems/dim4300s/codes.htm
Dimension 4400 http://docs.us.dell.com/docs/systems/dim4400/codes.htm
Dimension 8100 http://docs.us.dell.com/docs/systems/dsleest/codemess.htm
Dimension 8200 http://docs.us.dell.com/docs/systems/dim8200/codes.htm
Dimension C http://docs.us.dell.com/docs/systems/dcaydim/codemess.htm
Dimension L http://docs.us.dell.com/docs/systems/dmum/codemess.htm
Dimension Lxxxc http://docs.us.dell.com/docs/systems/dcol/codemess.htm
Dimension P133a, P166a,
http://docs.us.dell.com/docs/systems/dhanplus/post.htm
M166a, M200a, and M233a
Dimension XPS Txxx and
http://docs.us.dell.com/docs/systems/dkub/codemess.htm
Txxxr
Dimension Vxxx and Vxxxc http://docs.us.dell.com/docs/systems/dwill/post.htm
Dimension XPS B Series http://docs.us.dell.com/docs/systems/dmag/codemess.htm
Dimension XPS Dxxx http://docs.us.dell.com/docs/systems/dalex/post.htm
Dimension XPS H233 and
http://docs.us.dell.com/docs/systems/dcor/post.htm
XPS H266
Dimension XPS P60 FS http://docs.us.dell.com/docs/dta/xpsp60f/00000015.htm
Dimension XPS P60 M http://docs.us.dell.com/docs/dta/xpsp60m/00000014.htm
Dimension XPS 50/66 FS http://docs.us.dell.com/docs/dta/xps_f/00000021.htm

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 BIOS beep codes list for desktops

Dimension XPS 50/66 MDT

http://docs.us.dell.com/docs/dta/xps_m/00000025.htm
(V4xxV)
Dimension XPS Rxxx http://docs.us.dell.com/docs/systems/dkhan/post.htm
OmniPlex 5xx/ME http://docs.us.dell.com/docs/dta/omni5xx/00000051.htm
OptiPlex G1 http://docs.us.dell.com/docs/systems/ddur/beep.htm
OptiPlex GC http://docs.us.dell.com/docs/systems/opgc/en/ug/messages.htm
OptiPlex Gn and Gn+ http://docs.us.dell.com/docs/systems/dthred/beep.htm
OptiPlex GX1 http://docs.us.dell.com/docs/systems/ban_gx1/beep.htm
OptiPlex GX1 Small-Form-
http://docs.us.dell.com/docs/systems/ban_gx1/en/ug_sdt/messages.htm
Factor
OptiPlex GX1p http://docs.us.dell.com/docs/systems/d_gx1p/beep.htm
OptiPlex GXi http://docs.us.dell.com/docs/systems/dzer/beep.htm
OptiPlex GX110 http://docs.us.dell.com/docs/systems/opgx110/en/ug/messages.htm
OptiPlex GX115 http://docs.us.dell.com/docs/systems/opgx115/en/ug/messages.htm
OptiPlex GX200 http://docs.us.dell.com/docs/systems/opgx200/en/ug/messages.htm
OptiPlex GX300 http://docs.us.dell.com/docs/systems/opgx300/en/ug/messages.htm
OptiPlex GXa http://docs.us.dell.com/docs/systems/dfuj/beep.htm
OptiPlex GXpro http://docs.us.dell.com/docs/systems/dstrmlk/postbeep.htm
OptiPlex N http://docs.us.dell.com/docs/systems/dkill/beep.htm
OptiPlex NX http://docs.us.dell.com/docs/systems/dfujnx/beep.htm
OptiPlex NX1 http://docs.us.dell.com/docs/systems/ban_nx1/beep.htm
OptiPlex
http://docs.us.dell.com/docs/dta/586xmt/00000038.htm
XMT575/590/5100/5120/5133
Precision WorkStation 210 http://docs.us.dell.com/docs/systems/daftshk/beep.htm
Precision WorkStation 340 http://docs.us.dell.com/docs/systems/ws340/en/ug/codes.htm
Precision WorkStation 400 http://docs.us.dell.com/docs/systems/dtor/beep.htm
Precision WorkStation 410 http://docs.us.dell.com/docs/systems/deqkmt/beep.htm
Precision WorkStation 420 http://docs.us.dell.com/docs/systems/ws420/en/ug/messages.htm
Precision WorkStation 530 http://docs.us.dell.com/docs/systems/ws530/en/ug/html/2codes.htm
Precision WorkStation 610
http://docs.us.dell.com/docs/systems/dvol/beep.htm
Mini Tower
Precision WorkStation 620 http://docs.us.dell.com/docs/systems/ws620/en/ug/messages.htm
Precision WorkStation 730 http://docs.us.dell.com/docs/systems/ws730/ug/messages.htm

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To see more downloads and get your free TechRepublic membership, please visit
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 BIOS beep codes list for desktops

HP BIOS beep codes

http://welcome.hp.com/country/us/eng/support.html
Because Hewlett-Packard uses a variety of motherboards and BIOSs, their computers use a variety of
beep codes. Instead of listing each model's beep codes, links are provided to the support pages of
several popular Hewlett-Packard desktops.
Model System codes and messages link
http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bizsupport/TechSupport/Document.jsp?obj
Kayak
ectID=tis06334
http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bizsupport/TechSupport/Document.jsp?obj
Kayak XA-S Series 02xx
ectID=lpv18636
http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bizsupport/TechSupport/Document.jsp?obj
Kayak XU Series 04xx
ectID=lpv18582
http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bizsupport/TechSupport/Document.jsp?obj
Kayak XU Series 03xx
ectID=lpv18635
http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bizsupport/TechSupport/Document.jsp?obj
Kayak XW Series U3-W3
ectID=lpv18631
http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bizsupport/TechSupport/Document.jsp?obj
Kayak XW Series 04xx
ectID=lpv18633
Pavilion Desktops with
http://h20015.www2.hp.com/en/document.jhtml?docName=bph07107
Phoenix BIOS
Pavilion 5010, 5030, and 5040 http://h20015.www2.hp.com/en/document.jhtml?docName=bph01004
Pavilion 7010, Pavilion 7020,
Pavilion 7030, and Pavilion http://h20015.www2.hp.com/en/document.jhtml?docName=bph01053
7050
Vectra PCs with Phoenix BIOS
http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bizsupport/TechSupport/Document.jsp?obj
(VL4, VL5, VE2, VE3, XM4,
ectID=bpv03305
XA5, and possibly others)
http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bizsupport/TechSupport/Document.jsp?obj
e-Vectra
ectID=tis06446
http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bizsupport/TechSupport/Document.jsp?obj
Vectra VE 5/xxx Series 4
ectID=lpv18434
http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bizsupport/TechSupport/Document.jsp?obj
Vectra VL600
ectID=tis01866
http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bizsupport/TechSupport/Document.jsp?obj
Vectra XA5
ectID=tis06112
Vectra XA 5/XXX http://h20015.www2.hp.com/en/document.jhtml?docName=bpv03314
http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bizsupport/TechSupport/Document.jsp?obj
Vectra XE310
ectID=tis13051
http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bizsupport/TechSupport/Document.jsp?obj
Workstation i2000
ectID=tis07621

Copyright ©2003 CNET Networks, Inc. All rights reserved.

To see more downloads and get your free TechRepublic membership, please visit
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 BIOS beep codes list for desktops

IBM BIOS beep codes

http://www.ibm.com/support/us/
Because IBM uses a variety of motherboards and BIOSs, their computers use a variety of beep codes.
Instead of listing each model's beep codes, links are provided to the support pages of several popular
IBM desktops.
Model System codes and messages link
Aptiva 2134 and 2176 http://www-1.ibm.com/support/docview.wss?uid=psg1DETR-44DPDQ
Aptiva 2137, 2138 http://www-1.ibm.com/support/docview.wss?uid=psg1DETR-43VMUY
Aptiva 2140 and 2142 http://www-1.ibm.com/support/docview.wss?uid=psg1PMYS-3KWRR2
Aptiva 2144 and 2168 http://www-1.ibm.com/support/docview.wss?uid=psg1DETR-3SRSAB
Aptiva 2156 http://www-1.ibm.com/support/docview.wss?&uid=psg1DETR-3ZNMD5
Aptiva 2158, 2163 and 2164 http://www-1.ibm.com/support/docview.wss?uid=psg1DETR-42QQY6
Aptiva 2159 http://www-1.ibm.com/support/docview.wss?uid=psg1DETR-42JU2A
Aptiva 2162 http://www-1.ibm.com/support/docview.wss?uid=psg1COBN-3G2DCZ
Aptiva 2165 http://www-1.ibm.com/support/docview.wss?uid=psg1MIGR-484PZ9
Aptiva 2170, 2171, and 2172 http://www-1.ibm.com/support/docview.wss?uid=psg1MIGR-48UPZ9
Aptiva 2187 http://www-1.ibm.com/support/docview.wss?uid=psg1MIGR-4CGQAM
Aptiva 2190 http://www-1.ibm.com/support/docview.wss?uid=psg1MIGR-4CURG4
Aptiva 2193, 2194, 2196 and
http://www-1.ibm.com/support/docview.wss?uid=psg1MIGR-4HHM4H
2197
IBM PC300 Type 6344 and
http://www-1.ibm.com/support/docview.wss?uid=psg1MIGR-4HHM4H
6345
NetVista 2194, 2196, 2197,
http://www-1.ibm.com/support/docview.wss?uid=psg1MIGR-4HHM4H
and 6345
NetVista 6269, 6578, and 6579 http://www-1.ibm.com/support/docview.wss?uid=psg1MIGR-4L4TT5

Copyright ©2003 CNET Networks, Inc. All rights reserved.

To see more downloads and get your free TechRepublic membership, please visit
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