A Gathering Places, Troubleshooting Bios and Beep Codes

l means long beeps, s means short beeps

AMI (American Megatrends) beep codes

BEEPS ERROR MESSAGE

1 s.
System RAM refresh failure the programmable interrupt timer (PIT) or programmable interrupt controller (PIC) has probably failed. Replace the motherboard.

2 s.
Memory parity error. A parity error has been detected in the first 64 Kb of RAM. The RAM IC is probably defective. Replace the memory or the motherboard.

3 s.
Base 64 kb memory failure. A memory failure has taken place in the first 64 Kb of RAM. Replace the memory or the motherboard.

4 s.
System timer failure. The system clock/timer IC has failed.

5 s.
CPU failure. The system CPU had failed. Try replacing the CPU or the motherboard.

6 s.
Gate A20 failure. The keyboard controller IC has failed, so gate A20 is no longer available to switch the CPU into protected mode. Replace the keyboard controller or the motherboard.

7s.
Exception error. The CPU has generated an exception error due to a fault in the CPU or some combination of motherboard conditions. Try replacing the motherboard.

8s.
Video memory read/write error. The system video adapter is missing or defective. Try replacing the adapter.

9s.
ROM Checksum error. The contents of the system BIOS ROM does not match the expected checksum value. The BIOS ROM is probably defective and should be replaced.

10s.
CMOS shutdown read/write error. The shutdown register for the CMOS memory has failed. Try replacing the RTC/CMOS IC.

1l-3s.
Memory test failure. A fault has been detected in the memory over 64Kb. Replace the memory of the motherboard.

1l-8s
Display test failure. The display adapter is missing or defective. Replace the video adapter board, unless it’s on the motherboard, then replace the motherboard

PHOENIX Beep codes for ISA/MCA/ESIA POST | Top |

BEEPS ERROR MESSAGE

1. 1. +CPU register test failure. The CPU has likely failed. Replace the CPU.
  2. Low 1-1-2 System board select failure. The motherboard is suffering from an indeterminate fault. Try replacing the motherboard.
  3. CMOS Read/write failure. The RTC/CMOS has probably failed. Try replacing the RTC/CMOS IC.
  4. BIOS ROM Checksum error. The BIOS ROM has probably failed.

1. 1. Programmable Interval Timer (PIT) Failure. The PIT has probably failed
  2. DMA initialization failure. The DMA controller has probably failed
  3. DMA page register read/write failure. The DMA controller has probably failed.

1. 1. RAM Refresh failure. The refresh controller has failed.
  2. 64Kb RAM test disabled. The test for the first 64Kb of ram could not begin. Try replacing the motherboard.
  3. First 64Kb of RAM IC or Data Line Failure. The first RAM IC has failed.
  4. First 64Kb Odd/even logic failure. The first RAM control logic has failed

1. 1. Address line failure, first 64Kb RAM
  2. Parity failure, first 64 Kb RAM. The first RAM IC has failed.
  3. EISA failsafe timer test fault. Replace the motherboard.
  4. ESIA NMI Port 462 Test failure. Replace the motherboard.

1. 1. Bit 0 first 64Kb RAM Failure. This data bit in the first IC has failed.
  2. Bit 1 First 64Kb RAM Failure.
  3. Bit 2 First 64Kb RAM Failure.
  4. Bit 3 First 64Kb RAM Failure.

1. 1. Bit 4 First 64Kb RAM Failure.
  2. Bit 5 First 64Kb RAM Failure.
  3. Bit 6 First 64Kb RAM Failure.
  4. Bit 7 First 64Kb RAM Failure.

1. 1. Bit 8 First 64Kb RAM Failure.
  2. Bit 9 First 64Kb RAM Failure.
  3. Bit 10 First 64Kb RAM Failure.
  4. Bit 11 First 64Kb RAM Failure.

1. 1. Bit 12 First 64Kb RAM Failure.
  2. Bit 13 First 64Kb RAM Failure.
  3. Bit 14 First 64Kb RAM Failure.
  4. Bit 15 First 64Kb RAM Failure.

1. 1. Slave DMA register failure. The DMA Controller has probably failed.
  2. Master DMA Register failure. The DMA Controller has probably failed.
  3. Master interrupt Mask Register Failure. The interrupt controller has probably failed.
  4. Slave Interrupt Mask Register Failure. The interrupt controller has probably failed.

1. 1. Interrupt Vector Loading Error. BIOS is unable to load the interrupt vectors into low RAM. Replace the motherboard.
  2. …reserved…
  3. Keyboard Controller test failure. The keyboard controller has failed

1. 1. CMOS RAM Power bad. Try replacing the CMOS Backup battery, or replacing RTC/CMOS IC. Replace the motherboard
  2. CMOS Configuration Error. The CMOS Configuration has failed. Restore the configuration or replace the backup battery. Replace the RTC/CMOS IC. Replace the motherboard.
  3. …reserved…
  4. Video Memory Test Failed. There is a problem with the video memory.

1. 1. Video Initialization Test Failure. There is a problem with the video system. Replace the video adapter

1. 1. Timer Tick Failure. The system timer IC has failed.
  2. Shutdown test failure. The CMOS IC Has failed.
  3. Gate A20 Failure. The keyboard controller has probably failed.
  4. Unexpected interrupt in protected mode. There is a problem with the CPU

1. 1. RAM Test Address Failure. System RAM addressing circuitry has failed
  2. Interval Timer Channel 2 Failure. The system timer IC has probably failed.
  3. Time Of Day Clock Failure. The RTC/CMOS IC has failed.

1. 1. Serial Port Test Failure. A fault has developed in the serial port circuit.
  2. Parallel Port Test Failure. A fault has developed in the parallel port circuit.
  3. Math Co-Processor Failure. Try replacing the math co-processor.

AST Beep Codes | Top |

BEEPS ERROR MESSAGE

1s
CPU register Test Failure. Try replacing the CPU or the motherboard.

2s
Keyboard Controller Buffer Failure. The keyboard controller IC has failed.

3s
Keyboard Controller Reset Failure. The keyboard controller IC or Its associated circuitry has failed.

4s
Keyboard Communication Failure. The keyboard controller or it’s associated circuitry has failed. Try replacing the keyboard assembly or the motherboard.

5s
Keyboard Input Port Failure. The keyboard controller IC has failed.

6s
System Board Chipset Initialization Failure. The chipset used on the motherboard cannot be initialized. Either an element of the chipset or the motherboard has failed.

9s
BIOS ROM Checksum error. The BIOS ROM has failed, try replacing it or the motherboard.

10s
System Timer Test Failure. The master system clock IC has failed.

11s
ASIC Register Test failure. Motherboard circuitry has failed, replace the motherboard.

12s
CMOS RAM Shutdown Register Failure. The RTC/CMOS IC has failed, try replacing the IC or replace the motherboard.

1l
DMA Controller 0 failure. The DMA Controller IC for channel has failed.

1l-1s
DMA Controller 1 Failure. The DMA Controller for channel 1 has failed.

1l-2s
Video Vertical Retrace Failure. The video adapter has failed, replace the video adapter board.

1l-3s
Video Memory Test Failure. A fault has occurred in video memory. Replace the video adapter.

1l-4s
Video Adapter Test Failure. The Video adapter has failed. Replace the video adapter board.

1l-5s
64Kb Base memory failure. A failure has occurred in the low 64Kb of RAM. Replace the memory or replace the motherboard.

1l-6s
Unable to Load Interrupt Vectors. BIOS was unable to load interrupt vectors into low memory. Replace the motherboard.

1l-7s
Unable to Initialize Video System. There is a defect on the video system. Replace the video adapter board, or replace the motherboard.

COMPAQ Beep Codes | Top |

BEEP ERROR MESSAGE

1s
No Error. No error has been detected.

1l-1s
BIOS ROM Checksum Error. The BIOS ROM has failed. Replace the BIOS ROM.

2s
General Error. A fault had occurred on the motherboard,memory disk or CMOS configuration. Replace the motherboard.

1l-2s
Video Adapter Error. The video system has failed. Check BIOS configuration or replace the video adapter.

MYLEX Beep Codes | Top |

BEEPS ERROR CODES

Start of test. No error has yet been detected, if no other errors are found, the PC should work satisfactorily.
Video Adapter Error. A video adapter problem has been detected, check BIOS configuration or replace the video adapter.
Keyboard Controller error. Replace the keyboard controller IC or replace the motherboard.
Keyboard Error. The keyboard is not responding properly, try replacing the keyboard.
PIC Error. Programmable interrupt controller 1 has failed. In some systems this may be expressed as PIC 1. Replace PIC 0 or replace the motherboard.
PIC 1 Error. Programmable interrupt controller 1 has failed. In some systems this may be expressed as PIC 2. Replace PIC 1 or the motherboard.
DMA Page Register Error. The DMA Controller has failed. Replace, or replace the motherboard.
RAM Refresh Error. The RAM refresh circuit has failed. Replace the motherboard.
RAM Data Error. One or more RAM IC’S has failed, replace the RAM or the motherboard.
RAM Parity Error. One or more RAM IC’s has failed, replace the RAM or the motherboard.
DMA Controller Error. DMA Controller 1 has failed. In some systems this may be expressed as DMA Controller 1. Replace the DMA controller or replace the motherboard.
CMOS RAM Error. The RTC/CMOS IC has failed. Replace the RTC/CMOS IC or replace the motherboard.
DMA Controller 1 Error. DMA Controller 1 has failed. In some systems this may be expressed as DMA controller 2. Replace the DMA controller, or replace the motherboard.
CMOS RAM Battery Error. Replace the CMOS backup battery.
CMOS RAM Checksum Error. Replace the RTC/CMOS IC.
BIOS ROM Checksum Error. Replace the BIOS ROM IC.

IBM Beep Codes | Top |

BEEPS ERROR MESSAGE

1s
Start of Test. No error has been detected.

2s
Initialization Error. A problem has occurred initializing the motherboard.

1l-1s
System Board Error. A fault has been detected on the motherboard, replace the motherboard.

1l-2s
Video Adapter Error. Check configuration, or replace the video adapter board.

1l-3s
EGA/VGA Adapter Error. Replace the video adapter board.

3l
Keyboard Adapter Error. Replace the keyboard adapter IC or replace the motherboard.

999s
Power Supply Error. Replace the power supply.

QUADTEL Beep Codes | Top |

BEEP ERROR MESSAGE

1s
Start of Test. No error detected.

2s
CMOS IC Error. Replace the CMOS Battery or the RTC/CMOS IC

1l-2s
Video Controller Error. Replace the video controller board.

1l>2s
Peripheral Controller Error. Replace the motherboard.

| Top |