BIOS Beep Codes

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What to do when the bios gives you beep codes
In general, a beep code indicates that the system cannot start because the BIOS is unable to properly configure all the essential hardware components.
The main problems that cause beep codes are memory and heat related failures. Use the tables in this document to help determine what the problem hardware component might be. This may help reduce the time it takes to find the hardware component that needs adjusted, reseated or replaced.
WARNING: The steps below should only be attempted by someone who is familiar with working on PC hardware. Improper handling of sensitive internal components can further damage the PC and can introduce the risk of personal injury.
Using the proper environment for working on PCs (using ESD precautions and tools) you can try the following isolative steps to find and correct the beep errors.
  1. Turn on the PC.
  2. Listen and write down the beep code. Also note whether the case fan is spinning or making strange noises. In some cases, it may be possible to prevent the beep code by entering the BIOS setup utility and setting the fan speed to a higher setting (cooling fins and vents should also be cleaned).
  3. Turn off the PC by holding the power button for 5 seconds.
  4. Disconnect the power cord and then disconnect all external cords from the computer
  5. Remove the side panel to expose the inside of the computer.
  6. If the case fan was not spinning, make sure the case fan is connected to the proper pinouts on the motherboard. Replace the fan if it was making excessive noise or was not spinning.
    If you had to plug in or replace the fan, replace the side panel, plug in the power cord and turn on the PC. If the beeps persist, go to the next step.
  7. Disconnect the power cord and remove the side panel.
  8. Perform each of the following tasks, in order, until the beeping stops.
    Before starting each task, unplug the power cord and remove the side panel.
    After completing a task, replace the side panel, connect the power cord, turn on the PC, and listen for a beep code.
    NOTE: If removing or disconnecting a hardware component is found to prevent the beep code, the associated hardware component is probably causing the problem. In some cases, a failed motherboard may produce beep codes associated with a component other than the motherboard.
    1. Clean cooling components that have become clogged with dust. If beeping persists, continue to the next step.
    2. Remove a memory module.
      If the PC stops beeping, the memory module may be bad, is the wrong type of memory for the motherboard, or was not fully seated/connected. Try reseating the memory into the socket to see if a connection was the problem, otherwise replace the module.
      Remove each memory module, replacing the one that was previously removed. Once all modules have been checked, if beeping persists, continue to the next step.
    3. If your computer has a graphics card, remove it.
      If the beep code changes or continues with the same beep pattern, the video card may still be good. reseat the video card into its socket and continue to the next step.
      If the beep code goes away, the video card may be bad. Try reseating the video card, making sure it is fully locked into the connector on the motherboard. If problems persist, replace the card.
    4. Remove a PCI card.
      If the beep code goes away, the card may be bad. Try reseating the card into its connector on the motherboard. If problems persist, replace the card.
      Remove each PCI card, replacing the one that was previously removed. Once all cards have been checked, if beeping persists, continue to the next step.
    5. Disconnect hard drives and CD/DVD drive cables (IDE/ATA) from the motherboard socket.
      If the beep code goes away, the cable or socket is probably bad. Look for bent pins inside the IDE socket on the motherboard and straighten any bent pins. Try reseating the cables into the connectors. If problems persist, the drive itself may be bad and may need to be replaced.
      Disconnect each drive cable, replacing the one that was previously disconnected, until all have been checked. Once all connections have been checked, if beeping persists, continue to the next step.
    6. At this point, the problem probably involves the motherboard or processor. Make sure any jumpers on the motherboard have not fallen off their pins and into the case. Make sure jumpers are set correctly. Otherwise, the PC should be serviced by a qualified service center.