BIOS error codes and beep signals

During the booting process of a PC, a Power on Self Test or POST is carried out to find any possible errors. If any are found, reports are sent via audio beeps and in some cases code numbers may be flashed across the screen. This alert is able to give the user an idea of any system problems that may be present and how to go about solving them. The beeps are different and each one is specific to a particular error code.

This distress signal uses a Morse code kind of pattern to execute its tasks but unless the PC has a diagnostic card to give details of the problem, users might have to decipher the problem by use of computer error chats. Below is a run down of the BIOS beep codes.

• One short beep is an indicator that the system is okay but make sure that the screen has images if not check on the monitor.
• Two short beeps are not a good sign since they signify memory irregularities. At this point if there is no error message on the screen, then it means that there is an error in the initial 64k memory. The SIMM’s should be checked and reset. If the computer is rebooted and if the problem persists, then the trouble could be with the PC’s memory chips.
• Five short beeps indicate that there is a problem with the motherboard. The memory should be reseated and the machine rebooted. Incase this does not work, then a different motherboard may be required.
• Six short beeps means that the motherboard chip which controls the keyboard is not working. A different keyboard should be tried and if this does not work then the chip for control of the keyboard should be reseated. If there is no improvement then the chip needs to be replaced.
• Seven short beeps means that the CPU could be broken and the solution to this is either replacement of the whole CPU or purchase of another motherboard.
• Eight short beeps shows that the video card is not in a working condition. It needs to be reseated in its position and if the beep is still present, then the entire card could be corrupted or it has problems. If the beep continues then the card needs to be replaced.
• Nine beeps means that the BIOS has irregularities
• Ten beeps indicates a problem in the CMOS
• Eleven beeps means that the cache memory is experiencing trouble.

Ensure that the right diagnosis is made before acting on any BIO error code. Whenever IBM computers are turned on, their hardware normally runs a POST (Power-On Self Test) and if errors are encountered, they are displayed through an audio beep or a code number that flushes through the screen. With a guide on BIOS error codes, it is possible to determine the part of the system with problems and resolve the problem.