Beep Code

A beep code is an audio signal emitted by the Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) of a computer to announce the result of a short, diagnostic testing sequence. When a computer first starts up, it runs a Power-On Self Test (POST), a small program contained in the computer’s BIOS. If an error occurs, an error message will display on the screen. However, if BIOS encounters an error but hasn’t booted up far enough to be able to display a POST error message, a beep will sound instead.

Beep patterns vary according to the manufacturer of the computer’s program, so there is no official standard. Regardless of the beep pattern, the beeping sequence is essentially a coded message that tells the user what is wrong with the computer.

Beep code meanings for different bios

As mentioned, beep patterns are different depending on the manufacturer. Also, the beep sounds themselves could be long or short, continuous or pulsing, and high or low. Beep patterns and their meanings per manufacturer are listed below.

Award/Phoenix beep codes

  • 1 short beep: No errors detected during self-test
  • 2 short beeps: Non-specified error
  • Continuous beep: Memory or graphics card not detected
  • Repeated short beeps: Inadequate power supplied to motherboard
  • 1 long beep: RAM error
  • 1 long, 1 short beep: Motherboard error
  • 1 long, 2 short beeps: Graphics card error
  • 1 long, 3 short beeps: Keyboard controller failure or graphics card error in later versions
  • 3 long beeps: Communication error between keyboard and motherboard

AMI beep codes

  • 1 short beep: Incorrect interaction between RAM and motherboard
  • 1 long beep: No errors detected during self-test
  • Continuous beep: Power supply error
  • 1 long, 1 short beep: Fault on motherboard
  • 1 long, 2 short beeps: Graphics cards not detected
  • 1 long, 3 short beeps: Video memory error
  • 2 short beeps: Parity error in the first 64 KB of memory
  • 2 long, 2 short beeps: Video memory error
  • 3 short, 3 long, 3 short beeps: Defective RAM, must be replaced
  • 5 short beeps: Problem with processor
  • 6 short beeps: Cannot enter BIOS in safe mode
  • 7 short beeps: Processor or graphics card error
  • 8 short beeps: Display memory error in graphics card
  • 9 short beeps: CMOS battery error
  • 10 short beeps: Error in shutdown register of CMOS RAM
  • 11 short beeps: Error in external cache memory

IBM beep codes

  • 1 short beep: no errors detected during self-test
  • 2 short beeps: Error during POST
  • No beep: Power supply/system board/processor error. Often related to power supply
  • Continuous beep: Power supply/system board/keyboard problem
  • Repeated short beeps: Power supply or system board problem
  • 1 long, 1 short beep: System board problem
  • 1 long, 2 short beeps: Graphics card problem (Mono/CGA video error)
  • 1 long, 3 short beeps: Graphics card problem (EGA video error)
  • 3 long beeps: Keyboard problem

DELL beep codes

Dell beep codes are all the same length. To identify the error, listen for how often a beep is repeated after a pause. The beeps come in segments.

  • 1 – 1 – 2 (“beep – beep – beep beep”): Microprocessor register failure
  • 3 – 2 – 4: Keyboard controlled test failure
  • 3 – 3 – 1: NVRAM power loss
  • 3 – 3 – 4: Video memory test failure
  • 3 – 4 – 1: Screen initialization failure
  • 4 – 2 – 2: Shutdown failure
  • 4 – 4 – 4: Cache test failure

Macintosh beep codes

  • One beep every 5 seconds: No RAM installed
  • 3 short beeps, 5 second pause, 3 short beeps: RAM did not pass integrity check
  • 3 long, 2 short, 3 long beeps: EFI ROM error or Mac is in EFI ROM recovery mode

MR beep codes

MR systems use high (H) and low (L) beeps. The dashed indicate pauses.

  • LH – LLL – BIOS failure, replacement required
  • LH – HLL: DMA page register failure
  • LH – LHL: Keyboard controller self-test failure
  • LH – HHL: RAM seated incorrectly
  • LH – LLH: Mainboard failure
  • LH – LLL: Memory bank 0 pattern failure
  • LH – LHLLH: CMOS RAM read/write test failure
  • LH – HHLLH: Real-time clock failure
  • LH – LLHLH: BIOS/RAM failure with graphics card
  • LH – HLHLH: Keyboard controller failure
  • LH – LHHLH – RAM parity error

 

Abby Braden
Abby Braden
Abby Braden is an award-winning writer and editor for websites such as TechnologyAdvice.com, Webopedia.com, and Project-Management.com, where she covers technology trends and enterprise and SMB project management platforms. When she’s not writing about technology, she enjoys giving too many treats to her dog and coaching part-time at her local gym.
Get the Free Newsletter
Subscribe to Daily Tech Insider for top news, trends & analysis
This email address is invalid.
Get the Free Newsletter
Subscribe to Daily Tech Insider for top news, trends & analysis
This email address is invalid.

Related Articles

Complete List of Cybersecurity Acronyms

Cybersecurity news and best practices are full of acronyms and abbreviations. Without understanding what each one means, it's difficult to comprehend the significance of...

Human Resources Management System

A Human Resources Management System (HRMS) is a software application that supports many functions of a company's Human Resources department, including benefits administration, payroll,...

How To Defend Yourself Against Identity Theft

Almost every worldwide government agency responsible for identity theft issues will tell you the same thing: The first step to fighting identity theft is...

Infographic

An infographic is a visual representation of information or data. It combines the words information and graphic and includes a collection of imagery, charts,...

ScalaHosting

ScalaHosting is a leading managed hosting provider that offers secure, scalable, and affordable...

HRIS

Human resources information system (HRIS) solutions help businesses manage multiple facets of their...

Best Managed Service Providers...

In today's business world, managed services are more critical than ever. They can...