O'Connor Consulting

BIOS Beep Codes

When you power on a computer the BIOS immediately takes control of the computer and performs the P.O.S.T (Power On Self Test). At the end of the POST the computer will play an audible 'BEEP' through either the PC's internal speaker of through speakers attached to the sound card (if you have a built-in sound chip). If the POST completed successfully without detecting any problems with then system will play a single short beep to let you know the test is complete and the computer will continue to startup and load the operating system.

If during the POST the BIOS (Basic Input Output System - the software that is programmed into a ROM, or Read-Only Memory chip built onto the motherboard of a computER) detects a problem it will normally display a visual error message on the monitor explaining what the problem is. However, if a problem is detected before the BIOS initializes the video card, or a video card is not present or not detected then the BIOS will play several 'BEEPS' through the speaker to let you know there is a problem. Depending on the type of the BIOS you have the BIOS may play beeps in a specific pattern to indicate what the problem is, or play the same beep a number of times indicating the problem. It is very important that you pay close attention to the number and/or pattern of the beeps your computer plays on startup.

NOTE: We have used reasonable effort to ensure the accuracy of our information. However, we are unable to verify all codes posted. Use at your own risk. We take no responsibility for any damage resulting from the use of this information.

• AMI BIOS Beep Codes
• Award BIOS Beep Codes
• Phoenix BIOS Beep Codes

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