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BIOS Beep Codes for Troubleshooting

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Hetman Software
BIOS Beep Codes for Troubleshooting

In this article, we collected the most widespread BIOS signals (beepcodes) used for troubleshooting in case of any PC issues. Yet if your computer gives a sound signal which is not listed below, consult the motherboard / PC user manual to identify what kind of hardware error it is.


The POST (power-on self-test) feature checks the computer’s internal hardware to ensure compatibility and connection before the actual boot occurs. If the computer boots properly, it may give one sound signal (some computers are supposed to give it twice) as it starts and continues to boot. However, if the computer breaks down, it will either give no signal at all or give a special signal indicating a certain problem.

AMI BIOS signals

AMI BIOS signals (or beep codes) are given below. However, beep codes may differ due to a big variety of manufacturers who produce computers with this type of BIOS.


Sound signal (beep code) - Description

1 short beep - No errors detected, normal boot

2 short beeps - Parity circuit failure

3 shot beeps - Base 64 K RAM failure (The first 64 KB of RAM are out of order)

4 short beeps - System timer failure

5 short beeps - Process failure

6 short beeps - Keyboard controller Gate A20 error

7 short beeps - Virtual mode exception error (System board issue)

8 short beeps - Display memory Read/Write test failure (VRAM error)

9 short beeps - ROM BIOS checksum failure

10 short beeps - CMOS shutdown Read/Write error

11 short beeps - Cache Memory error

1 long beep, 3 short beeps - Conventional/Extended memory failure (Graphics card is out of order)

1 long beep, 8 short beeps - Display/Retrace test failed

Two-tone siren - Low CPU Fan speed, Voltage Level issue.


AWARD BIOS signals

Below, we listed AWARD BIOS signals (beep codes). As well as in the previous case, beep codes may differ due to a big variety of manufacturers who produce computers with this type of BIOS.


Sound signal (beep code) - Description

1 long beep, 2 short beeps - Indicates a video error has occurred and the BIOS cannot initialize the video screen to display any additional information. (Graphics card not found, or VRAM error)

1 long beep, 3 short beeps - Video card not detected (reseat video card) or bad video card (Depending on the BIOS version, this beep code may indicate either a graphics card error or a keyboard error)

Endlessly repeated signal - RAM problem.

Repeated frequent beeps while the computer is working - Overheating processor (CPU)

Repeated beeps, frequent and seldom - Issue with the processor (CPU), possibly damaged.


If there are any other hardware problems, BIOS will show you a corresponding message.

Dell signals

Sound signal (beep code) - Description

1 beep - BIOS ROM corruption or failure

2 beep - Memory (RAM) not detected

3 beep - Motherboard failure

4 beep - Memory (RAM) failure

5 beep - CMOS Battery failure

6 beep - Video card failure

7 beep - Bad processor (CPU)


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