There are no BIOS signals. AMI BIOS - beeps (error codes)

Most people paid attention to the fact that when the computer is turned on, before the OS starts loading, there is always a beep. Normally, this is a short beep, indicating that testing of PC components (Power On Self Test, or POST) has been completed without errors. If any problems are detected in the components, the computer will let you know about this using a specified number of short or long beeps. Correctly decoding the signal, you can find out exactly what kind of failure occurred in your PC.

BIOS beeps

As a rule, any working computer emits a short beep before starting to boot - this nuance common to all types of motherboards and BIOS configurations. In some cases, it happens that the sound signal is not heard at all - this means that the manufacturer of your device decided to save a little money and did not equip the PC with a system speaker. For a working computer, this is not such a big problem, but in the event of a serious malfunction, you will not be able to understand the essence of the problem and fix it without the intervention of specialists.

If problems are detected in the operation of the hardware, BIOS starts making certain sounds, designed to tell the user exactly where the problem lies. The sequence of these signals varies, and in order to correctly decipher them, you need to know the BIOS manufacturer of your specific motherboard. Of course, the easiest way is to get the instructions for the motherboard, but what to do if for some reason it was not saved?

How to find out the BIOS manufacturer

There are several ways that are installed in the system:

Decoding BIOS signals

Once you have found out the manufacturer of your BIOS, you can proceed directly to deciphering the sound signals.

AMI

Sequence of sounds	Decoding	User Actions
One short	The computer is working fine, no critical problems were found	Wait for the operating system to load and work quietly.
Two short	Either you forgot to turn on the scanner/printer, or there is a RAM parity error	Check and, if necessary, turn on the appropriate equipment. If there are several RAM sticks in the system, remove them, clean the connector from dust, wipe the contacts with a soft eraser and try to insert them one by one. The PC will boot with a working stick, but with a faulty one it will emit an error signal again.
Three short	Error in the first 64 KB of RAM	Try resetting the BIOS settings using a special jumper on the motherboard.
Four short	System timer failure	Remove all the boards from the motherboard, except the video card, and insert them back one by one, thus identifying the problem one. Reset BIOS settings.
Five short	Processor problems	If you recently purchased a new processor, make sure it is compatible with your motherboard.
Six short	Keyboard initialization error	Reconnect the keyboard to the PC. If the error persists, try replacing the keyboard - it may be faulty. If, when you connect a new, known working device, the computer continues to emit the same signal, take the motherboard for repair - most likely the problem is there.
Seven short	Motherboard error	The algorithm of actions is the same as with four short signals.
Eight short	Video card failure	If you are using a discrete graphics card, remove it and try booting your PC with the built-in one. If the download went without problems, the video card has become unusable. If you don't have a built-in video card, you'll need a known good one to check your PC.
Nine short	Bios checksum error	If the problem occurs after updating the BIOS, try rolling back to an older version. But it’s better to take the motherboard to a service center.
Ten short	Failed to write to CMOS	Take the motherboard to a specialized center.
Eleven short	Motherboard cache error	One of the rarest errors at the moment, which occurs mainly on very old motherboards. In any case, you cannot do without checking at a service center.
Long + short	Power supply problem	If you have some knowledge in this area, check all the voltages in the power supply with a voltmeter. Then assess the condition of the capacitors inside the unit - perhaps some of them are swollen and need to be replaced. If you are not sure that you can handle it on your own, take the power supply unit for repair or replace it with a new one.
Long + two short	Video card malfunction or faulty RAM connectors	Replace the motherboard.
Long + three short	Video card malfunction or incorrect memory type installed	Try removing the video card and memory sticks one by one and starting the PC without them. If the loading went well, the culprit is obvious, but if not, take the motherboard to a service center.
Long + four short	No video card	Check the video card connectors. It may have malfunctioned.
Long + eight short	Video card failure/monitor not connected	Check the video card connectors, try reconnecting it to the motherboard, and the monitor to the system unit.
Three long	RAM check failed	Reconnect the RAM sticks or replace them with known good ones.
Five short + long	RAM is missing/installed incorrectly	Check your RAM sticks.
Continuous beeping	PC overheating/RAM or power supply failure	Check the serviceability of the power supply and the temperature of the motherboard components.

AWARD

Sequence of sounds	Decoding	User Actions
One short	POST completed without errors	Wait for the OS to load and get to work.
Two long	Minor problems during verification	The monitor will prompt you to resolve errors through the CMOS Setup Utility program.
Three long	Keyboard problems
Long + short	RAM problems
Long + two short	Video card malfunction	Remove the discrete graphics card and boot the PC with a built-in one. If the download went well, replace the discrete video card.
Long + three short	No video card/video memory problem	See previous paragraph.
Long + nine short	Error reading from ROM	Take the motherboard to a service center.
Constant short squeak	Problem with RAM or power supply	Check the RAM modules using the methods indicated above. Assess the voltage on the power supply using a voltmeter and check the internal condition. If you do not have the necessary knowledge, simply take the power supply to a specialized center.
Constant long squeak	RAM errors	Remove the memory sticks, clean the connector from dust, wipe the contacts with a soft eraser and try to insert them one by one.
Cyclically repeating short and long beeps	CPU problem	Check that the processor is connected correctly to the motherboard. Remove the cooler and the processor itself, thoroughly clean them of dust, check all pins and contacts. Change thermal paste if necessary. Reinstall the processor and check that it is connected correctly. If you recently purchased a new processor, make sure it is compatible with your motherboard.
Continuous beeping	Problems with power supply	If you have some knowledge in this area, check all the voltages in the power supply with a voltmeter. Then assess the condition of the capacitors inside the unit - perhaps some of them are swollen and need to be replaced. If you can’t handle it on your own, take the power supply unit for repair or replace it with a new one.

Phoenix

Sequence of sounds	Decoding	User Actions
1-1-2	Critical problems with the processor	Replace the processor with a known good one.
1-1-3	CMOS failure
1-1-4	BIOS checksum error	If the problem occurs after updating the Bios, try rolling it back to the old version. But it’s better to take the motherboard to a service center.
1-2-1 or constant long signals	Problems with the motherboard
1-2-2	DMA controller problems	See previous paragraph.
1-3-1	Failure in the RAM regeneration circuit	Take out the RAM, clean the connector from dust, wipe the contacts with a soft eraser and try to insert the strips one by one into place.
1-3-3	Error in the first 64 KB of RAM	Take out the RAM, clean it from dust, wipe the contacts with an eraser and put it back in place. Reset BIOS settings to default.
1-4-2	RAM initialization failed	Take out the RAM, clean the connector from dust, wipe the contacts with an eraser and try to insert the strips one by one into place.
1-4-3	System Timer Problems	Remove all the boards from the motherboard, leaving only the video card, and insert them back one by one, thus identifying the problematic one. Replace the Bios battery with a new one. Reset BIOS settings. Update the Bios (best at a specialized center).
1-4-4	I/O port error
3-1-1 or 3-1-2	DMA Channels Error	Check the motherboard at a specialized center.
3-2-4	Keyboard problems	Reconnect the device or connect a known working device to the PC. If this does not help, take the motherboard to a service center.
3-3-4 or siren sound	Problems with the video card	Remove the video card from the motherboard, clean it from dust, wipe the contacts with a soft eraser and return it to its place. Remove the discrete graphics card and boot the PC with the built-in one. If the download went well, replace the discrete video card.
3-4-1	Serious failure when accessing the monitor	Reconnect the monitor to the PC and reboot. If the error continues, either the monitor or the motherboard is faulty.
3-4-2	Problems with video card BIOS	Remove the video card from the motherboard, clean it from dust, wipe the contacts with a soft eraser and return it to its place. Remove the discrete graphics card and boot the PC with the built-in one.
4-2-2	No problems identified	Wait for the download to finish and continue working.
4-2-4	Critical CPU failure	The processor has become unusable - replace it.
4-3-2 or 4-3-3	First/second timer failure	Check the motherboard at a service center.
4-4-1	Serial port problems	Reconnect external equipment and restart your PC.
4-4-2	Parallel port problems	The algorithm of actions is the same as in the paragraph above.
4-4-3	Math coprocessor failure	Check the motherboard at a service center.

Compaq BIOS:

	Error Message	Description
		System is booting properly
	BIOS ROM checksum error	The contents of the BIOS ROM to not match the expected contents. If possible, reload the BIOS from the PAQ

		Check the video adapter and ensure it"s seated properly. If possible, replace the video adapter
7 beeps (1 long, 1s, 1l, 1 short, pause, 1 long, 1 short, 1 short)		The AGP video card is faulty. Reseat the card or replace it outright. This beep pertains to Compaq Deskpro systems
1 long neverending beep		Memory error. Bad RAM. Replace and test
		Reseat RAM then retest; replace RAM if failure continues

IBM Desktop BIOS:

	Error Message	Description
		System is booting properly
	Initialization error	Error code is displayed
	System board error
	Video adapter error
	EGA/VGA adapter error
	3270 keyboard adapter error
	Power supply error	Replace the power supply
	Power supply error	Replace the power supply
		Replace the power supply

IBM Thinkpad BIOS:

Beeps/Error	Description
Continuous beeping	System board failure
One beep; Unreadable, blank or flashing LCD	LCD connector problem; LCD backlight inverter failure; video adapter faulty; LCD assembly faulty; System board failure; power supply failure
One beep; Message "Unable to access boot source"	Boot device failure; system board failure
One long, two short beeps	System board failure; Video adapter problem; LCD assembly failure
One long, four short beeps	Low battery voltage
One beep every second	Low battery voltage
Two short beeps with error codes	POST error message
	System board failure

IBM Intellistation BIOS:

Beep error code:	Action / Run diagnostics on the following components:
1-1-3 CMOS read/write error	1.Run Setup 2.System Board
1-1-4 ROM BIOS check error	1.System Board
1-2-X DMA error	1.System Board
1-3-X	1.Memory Module 2.System Board
1-4-4	1. Keyboard 2.System Board
1-4-X Error detected in first 64 KB of RAM.	1.Memory Module 2.System Board
2-1-1, 2-1-2	1.Run Setup 2.System Board
2-1-X First 64 KB of RAM failed.	1.Memory Module 2.System Board
2-2-2	2.System Board
2-2-X First 64 KB of RAM failed.	1.Memory Module 2.System Board
2-3-X	1.Memory Module 2.System Board
2-4-X	1.Run Setup 2. Memory Module 3.System Board
3-1-X DMA register failed.	1.System Board
3-2-4 Keyboard controller failed.	1.System Board 2. Keyboard
3-3-4 Screen initialization failed.	1. Video Adapter (if installed) 2.System Board 3.Display
3-4-1 Screen retrace detected an error.	1. Video Adapter (if installed) 2.System Board 3.Display
3-4-2 POST is searching for video ROM.	1. Video Adapter (if installed) 2.System Board
4	1. Video Adapter (if installed) 2.System Board
All other beep code sequences.	1.System Board
One long and one short beep during POST. Base 640 KB memory error or shadow RAM error.	1.Memory Module 2.System Board
One long beep and two or three short beeps during POST.(Video error)	1. Video Adapter (if installed) 2.System Board
Three short beeps during POST.	1. See "System board memory" on page 62. 2.System Board
Continuous beep.	1.System Board
Repeating short beeps.	1. Keyboard stuck key? 2.Keyboard Cable 3.System Board

Mylex BIOS:

	Error Message	Description
		System is booting normally
	Video adapter error	The video adapter is either faulty or not seated properly. Check the adapter
	Keyboard controller error	The keyboard controller IC is faulty. Replace the IC if possible
		The keyboard controller IC is faulty or the keyboard is faulty. Replace the keyboard, if problem still persists, replace the keyboard controller IC
		The programmable interrupt controller is faulty. Replace the IC if possible
		The programmable interrupt controller is faulty. replace the IC if possible
	DMA page register error	The DMA controller IC is faulty. Replace the IC if possible
	RAM refresh error

	RAM parity error
	DMA controller 0 error	The DMA controller IC for channel 0 has failed
		The CMOS RAM has failed
	DMA controller 1 error	The DMA controller IC for channel 1 has failed
	CMOS RAM battery error	The CMOS RAM battery has failed. If possible, replace the CMOS or battery
	CMOS RAM checksum error	The CMOS RAM has failed. If possible, replace the CMOS
	BIOS ROM checksum error	The BIOS ROM has failed. If possible replace the BIOS or upgrade it

Mylex 386 BIOS:

	Error Message	Description
		System is booting normally
	Video adapter failure	Either the video adapter is faulty, not seated properly or is missing
1 long, 1 short, 1 long	Keyboard controller error	Either the keyboard controller IC is faulty or the system board circuitry is faulty
1 long, 2 short, 1 long		Either the keyboard controller is faulty or the system board circuitry is faulty
1 long, 3 short, 1 long
1 long 4 short, 1 long		The programmable interrupt controller IC is faulty
1 long, 5 short, 1 long	DMA page register error	The DMA controller IC 1 or 2 is faulty or the system board circuitry is faulty
1 long, 6 short, 1 long	RAM refresh error
1 long, 7 short, 1 long
1 long, 8 short, 1 long	RAM parity error
1 long, 9 short, 1 long	DMA controller 1 error	The DMA controller for channel 0 is faulty or the system board circuitry is faulty
1 long, 10 short, 1 long		Either the CMOS RAM is faulty. Replace the CMOS
1 long, 11 short, 1 long	DMA controller 2 error	The DMA controller for channel 1 is faulty or the system board circuitry is faulty
1 long, 12 short, 1 long	CMOS RAM battery error	The CMOS RAM battery is faulty or the CMOS RAM is bad. Replace the battery if possible
1 long, 13 short, 1 long	CMOS checksum error	The CMOS RAM is faulty
1 long 14 short, 1 long	BIOS ROM checksum failure	The BIOS ROM checksum is faulty. Replace the BIOS or upgrade

Phoenix ISA/MCA/EISA BIOS:

The beep codes are represented in the number of beeps. E.g. 1-1-2 would mean 1 beep, a pause, 1 beep, a pause, and 2 beeps.

With a Dell computer, a 1-2 beep code can also indicate that a bootable add-in card is installed but no boot device is attached. For example, in you insert a Promise Ultra-66 card but do not connect a hard drive to it, you will get the beep code. I verified this with a SIIG (crap -- avoid like the plague) Ultra-66 card, and then confirmed the results with Dell.

	Error Message	Description
	CPU test failure	The CPU is faulty. Replace the CPU
	System board select failure	The motherboard is having an undetermined fault. Replace the motherboard
	CMOS read/write error	The real time clock/CMOS is faulty. Replace the CMOS if possible
	Extended CMOS RAM failure	The extended portion of the CMOS RAM has failed. Replace the CMOS if possible
	BIOS ROM checksum error	The BIOS ROM has failed. Replace the BIOS or upgrade if possible
		The programmable interrupt timer has failed. Replace if possible

	DMA read/write failure	The DMA controller has failed. Replace the IC if possible
	RAM refresh failure	The RAM refresh controller has failed
	64KB RAM failure	The test of the first 64KB RAM has failed to start
	First 64KB RAM failure	The first RAM IC has failed. Replace the IC if possible
	First 64KB logic failure	The first RAM control logic has failed
	Address line failure	The address line to the first 64KB RAM has failed
	Parity RAM failure	The first RAM IC has failed. Replace if possible
	EISA fail-safe timer test	Replace the motherboard
	EISA NMI port 462 test	Replace the motherboard
	64KB RAM failure	Bit 0; This data bit on the first RAM IC has failed. Replace the IC if possible
	64KB RAM failure	Bit 1; This data bit on the first RAM IC has failed. Replace the IC if possible
	64KB RAM failure	Bit 2; This data bit on the first RAM IC has failed. Replace the IC if possible
	64KB RAM failure	Bit 3; This data bit on the first RAM IC has failed. Replace the IC if possible
	64KB RAM failure	Bit 4; This data bit on the first RAM IC has failed. Replace the IC if possible
	64KB RAM failure	Bit 5; This data bit on the first RAM IC has failed. Replace the IC if possible
	64KB RAM failure	Bit 6; This data bit on the first RAM IC has failed. Replace the IC if possible
	64KB RAM failure	Bit 7; This data bit on the first RAM IC has failed. Replace the IC if possible
	64KB RAM failure	Bit 8; This data bit on the first RAM IC has failed. Replace the IC if possible
	64KB RAM failure	Bit 9; This data bit on the first RAM IC has failed. Replace the IC if possible
	64KB RAM failure	Bit 10; This data bit on the first RAM IC has failed. Replace the IC if possible
	64KB RAM failure	Bit 11; This data bit on the first RAM IC has failed. Replace the IC if possible
	64KB RAM failure	Bit 12; This data bit on the first RAM IC has failed. Replace the IC if possible
	64KB RAM failure	Bit 13; This data bit on the first RAM IC has failed. Replace the IC if possible
	64KB RAM failure	Bit 14; This data bit on the first RAM IC has failed. Replace the IC if possible
	64KB RAM failure	Bit 15; This data bit on the first RAM IC has failed. Replace the IC if possible
	Slave DMA register failure	The DMA controller has failed. Replace the controller if possible
	Master DMA register failure	The DMA controller had failed. Replace the controller if possible
	Master interrupt mask register failure
	Slave interrupt mask register failure	The interrupt controller IC has failed
	Interrupt vector error	The BIOS was unable to load the interrupt vectors into memory. Replace the motherboard

	Keyboard controller failure
	CMOS RAM power bad	Replace the CMOS battery or CMOS RAM if possible
	CMOS configuration error	The CMOS configuration has failed. Restore the configuration or replace the battery if possible

	Video memory failure	There is a problem with the video memory. Replace the video adapter if possible
	Video initialization failure	There is a problem with the video adapter. Reseat the adapter or replace the adapter if possible
		The system's timer IC has failed. Replace the IC if possible
	Shutdown failure	The CMOS has failed. Replace the CMOS IC if possible
	Gate A20 failure	The keyboard controller has failed. Replace the IC if possible
	Unexpected interrupt in protected mode	This is a CPU problem. Replace the CPU and retest
	RAM test failure	System RAM addressing circuitry is faulty. Replace the motherboard
	Interval timer channel 2 failure	The system timer IC has failed. Replace the IC if possible
	Time of day clock failure	The real time clock/CMOS has failed. Replace the CMOS if possible
	Serial port failure	A error has occurred in the serial port circuitry
	Parallel port failure	A error has occurred in the parallel port circuitry
	Math coprocessor failure	The math coprocessor has failed. If possible, replace the MPU

	Description
	Verify real mode

	Initialize system hardware
	Initialize chipset registers with initial values
	Set in POST flag
	Initialize CPU registers
	Initialize cache to initial values

	Initialize power management
	Load alternative registers with initial POST values
	Jump to UserPatch0
	Initialize timer initialization
	8254 timer initialization
	8237 DMA controller initialization
	Reset Programmable Interrupt Controller
	Test DRAM refresh
	Test 8742 Keyboard Controller
	Set ES segment register to 4GB

	Clear 512K base memory
	Test 512K base address lines
	Test 51K base memory
	Test CPU bus-clock frequency
	CMOS RAM read/write failure (this commonly indicates a problem on the ISA bus such as a card not seated)
	Reinitialize the chipset
	Shadow system BIOS ROM
	Reinitialize the cache
	Autosize the cache
	Configure advanced chipset registers
	Load alternate registers with CMOS values
	Set initial CPU speed
	Initialize interrupt vectors
	Initialize BIOS interrupts
	Check ROM copyright notice
	Initialize manager for PCI Options ROMs
	Check video configuration against CMOS
	Initialize PCI bus and devices
	initialize all video adapters in system
	Shadow video BIOS ROM
	Display copyright notice
	Display CPU type and speed

	Set key click if enabled

	Test for unexpected interrupts
	Display prompt "Press F2 to enter setup"
	Test RAM between 512K and 640K
	Test expanded memory
	Test extended memory address lines
	Jump to UserPatch1

	Configure advanced cache registers
	Enable external and CPU caches
	Initialize SMI handler
	Display external cache size
	Display shadow message
	Display non-disposable segments
	Display error messages
	Check for configuration errors
	Test real-time clock
	Check for keyboard errors
	Setup hardware interrupt vectors
	Test coprocessor if present
	Disable onboard I/O ports
	Detect and install external RS232 ports
	Detect and install external parallel ports
	Reinitialize onboard I/O ports
	Initialize BIOS Data Area
	Initialize Extended BIOS Data Area
	Initialize floppy controller
	Initialize hard disk controller
	Initialize local bus hard disk controller
	Jump to UserPatch2
	Disable A20 address line
	Clear huge ES segment register
	Search for option ROMs
	Shadow option ROMs
	Setup power management
	Enable hardware interrupts



	Scan for F2 keystroke

	Clear in-POST flag
	Check for errors
	POST done - prepare to boot operating system

	Check password (optional)
	Clear global descriptor table
	Clear parity checkers
	Check virus and backup reminders
	Try to boot with INT 19
	Interrupt handler error
	Unknown interrupt error
	Pending interrupt error
	Initialize option ROM error

	Extended Block Move
	Shutdown 10 error
	Keyboard Controller failure (most likely problem is with RAM or cache unless no video is present)
	Initialize the chipset
	Initialize refresh counter
	Check for Forced Flash

	Do a complete RAM test
	Do OEM initialization
	Initialize interrupt controller
	Read in bootstrap code
	Initialize all vectors
	Initialize the boot device
	Boot code was read OK

Quadtel BIOS:

	Error Messages	Description
		System is booting normally
		The CMOS RAM is faulty. Replace the IC if possible
		The video adapter is faulty. Reseat the video adapter or replace the adapter if possible
	Peripheral controller error	One or more of the system peripheral controllers is bad. Replace the controllers and retest

You start your computer and you hear long, repeating BIOS beeps, but the computer does not boot. What is the reason for this situation, and what is the best thing to do if this happens? The answer to this question largely depends on the type of BIOS installed in your computer.

First of all, let's agree that by the term “repeating” we mean sounds that are repeated constantly, countless times, just like the waiting tones on a telephone receiver, and not any specific number. It should be borne in mind that long BIOS beeps, unlike short ones, do not tend to be repeated a significant number of times, so if long beeps are repeated, say, more than four times, then it becomes clear that we are dealing with a long repeating beep. and not with someone else.

If your computer has a motherboard with an Award BIOS, then long repeating ones indicate a faulty RAM. In many cases, however, the problem is not a physical defect in the dynamic memory chips, but rather poor or incorrect installation of the memory modules in the slots. Turn off the computer, check the installation of modules and try to start the PC again. If you again hear long, repeating beeps, then the memory chips will most likely need to be replaced.

Long, endlessly repeating beeps in the Phoenix BIOS have a slightly different meaning. If you own a computer with a similar BIOS and after starting the POST procedure you hear sounds of this kind, then they mean a malfunction of the motherboard. This is a fairly serious error, and the only thing you can try is to restart your computer again in the hope that the error will go away. If this does not help, then you can try to check the reliability of the connection of the power cables coming from the system unit to the motherboard. If all your attempts to restore the functionality of your personal computer on your own are unsuccessful, then all you have to do is replace the motherboard or take the PC to a service center.

Signal meanings vary depending on the BIOS manufacturer. You can find it in the documentation for the motherboard. You can also look at the BIOS manufacturer on the first and second screensavers when you boot your computer.

And so, here is a list of BIOS signals and their meanings:

BIOS Award Signals

Continuous signal - the power supply is faulty;
1 short repeating signal - problems with the power supply;
1 long repeating signal - RAM malfunction;
2 short beeps - minor errors detected. Check the reliability of the cables and cables in the motherboard connectors. Set the BIOS to default values;
3 long beeps—keyboard controller malfunction;
1 long and 1 short signal - RAM malfunction;
1 long and 3 short beeps—keyboard malfunction;
1 long and 9 short signals - an error when reading data from the BIOS chip.

BIOS AMI Signals

There are no signals - the power supply is faulty or not connected to the motherboard;
1 short signal - no errors detected, the computer is working;
2 short beeps - RAM malfunction;
3 short beeps - error in the first 64 KB of main memory;
4 short beeps - system timer malfunction;
5 short beeps - CPU malfunction;
6 short beeps—keyboard controller malfunction;
7 short beeps - motherboard malfunction;
8 short beeps - video card RAM malfunction;
9 short signals - error when checking the checksum of the BIOS chip;
10 short beeps - it is impossible to write to CMOS memory;
11 short beeps - RAM malfunction;
1 long and 2 short beeps - video card malfunction;
1 long and 3 short beeps - video card malfunction;
1 long and 8 short beeps - video card malfunction.

BIOS Phoenix Signals

These signals are read as x signals - pause - y signals - pause - z signals. For example 1-4-2 - one - pause - four - pause - two.

1-1-3. CMOS data write/read error;
1-1-4. BIOS chip contents checksum error;
1-2-1. The motherboard is faulty;
1-2-2. DMA controller initialization error;
1-2-3. Error when trying to read/write to one of the DMA channels;
1-3-1. RAM regeneration error;
1-3-3. Error when testing the first 64 KB of RAM;
1-3-4. Similar to the previous one;
1-4-1. The motherboard is faulty;
1-4-2. RAM testing error;
1-4-3. System timer error;
1-4-4. Error accessing I/O port;
2-x-x. Problems with the first 64k of memory (x - from 1 to 4);
3-1-1. Error initializing the second DMA channel;
3-1-2. Error initializing the first DMA channel;
3-1-4. The motherboard is faulty;
3-2-4. Keyboard controller error;
3-3-4. Video memory testing error;
4-2-1. System timer error;
4-2-3. Line error A20. The keyboard controller is faulty;
4-2-4. Error when working in protected mode. The CPU may be faulty;
4-3-1. Error when testing RAM;
4-3-4. Real time clock error;
4-4-1. Serial port test failed. Can be caused by a device using this port;
4-4-2. Error while testing parallel port. See above;
4-4-3. Error when testing the math coprocessor.
4-2-3-3. Extended Block Move. Incompatible components or PCI-E fault.

It often happens that even an experienced system administrator forgets BIOS codes and signals (especially since new motherboards are already equipped with UEFI), let alone a non-professional. And knowing the signals will help you quickly, and in everyday cases, often free of charge, solve the problem with a computer or laptop that won’t start.

This is what BIOS chips from AWARD AMI and Phoenix look like.

By the way, for reference: BIOS is Basic Input-Output system or in Russian speaking, a basic input-output system. In other words, this is a low-level program that is tightly built into the chip of your computer's motherboard. The BIOS loads when you turn on the computer and is responsible for initializing its hardware components, checking their functionality and startup correctly. Then, the bootloader program starts, launching the operating system Windows, Linux, or whatever you have installed there...

Here we need to make a small digression and tell you that the signals of this very BIOS may differ depending on the manufacturer. Let's look at the most popular options, there will be three of them - AMI BIOS, AWARD BIOS, Phoenix BIOS.

Below the cut is a table describing BIOS errors.

AMI BIOS beeps

In all versions of AMI BIOS, the successful completion of self-test is one short beep, after which the installed OS is loaded. I indicated other AMI BIOS sound signals in the table:

Beep	Description
2 short	RAM parity error
3 short	Protected sector error 64 KB RAM
4 short	Motherboard system timer malfunction
5 short	CPU malfunction
6 short	Keyboard error
7 short	General motherboard failure
8 short	Video card memory failure
9 short	BIOS checksum error
10 short	Cannot write to CMOS
11 short	RAM error
1 long and 1 short	Power supply failure
1 long and 2 short	Video card error
1 long and 3 short	Video card error
1 long and 4 short	No video card, no video card found
1 long and 8 short
3 long
5 short and 1 long	No RAM
constant signal

AWARD BIOS beeps

With the correct post-test signal, everything is the same as in the previous version - one short AWARD BIOS beep means that everything is OK.

The remaining signals are slightly different - look at the table:

Beep	Description
1 short, repeating	Power supply failure
1repetitive, long
3 long	Keyboard error
1 long and 1 short	RAM fault
1 long and 2 short	Video card error
1 long and 3 short	Keyboard error
1 long and 9 short	ROM reading error
1 long and 8 short	Monitor not connected, problems with video card
3 long	Problems with RAM, memory test failed
constant signal	Problems with the power supply, PC overheating

Phoenix BIOS beeps

The third version of signals from Phoenix. BIOS from this manufacturer is becoming increasingly rare, but still.

Here it must be said that with him everything is not the same as with the previous two. Yes, yes, the guys decided to show off and do something different from everyone else; their signals are not double, but triple. In practice, this only means that, for example, a signal about problems with power supply to the video card will look like three short beeps, a pause, three short beeps, a pause, then 4 short beeps. In the table I will write them as 3-3-4. So, let's go...

Error codes from Phoenix:

Sound signal	Description
1 – 1 – 2	CPU error
1 – 1 – 3	CMOS write error, motherboard malfunction boards
1 – 1 – 4	Error in BIOS ROM checksum
1 – 2 – 1	Interrupt timer is faulty
1 – 2 – 2	DMA controller error
1–2 – 3	DMA controller read or write error
1 – 3 – 2	RAM error
1 – 3 – 3
1 – 3 – 4	RAM controller error
1 – 4 – 1	Address RAM error
1 – 4 – 2	RAM parity error
3 – 2 – 4	Error keyboards
3 – 3 – 1	Battery failure CMOS on the motherboard
3 – 3 – 4	Video card malfunction
3 – 4 – 1	Video card malfunction
4 – 2 – 1	System timer malfunction
4 – 2 – 2	CMOS error
4 – 2 – 3	Keyboard problem
4 – 2 – 4	CPU error
4 – 3 – 1	Error in RAM test
4 – 3 – 3	Timer error
4 – 3 – 4	Error in RTC operation
4 – 4 – 1	Serial port problem
4 – 4 – 2	Parallel port failure
4 – 4 – 3	Problems with the coprocessor

I would just like to add that in case of self-repair of a PC or laptop always disconnect it from the power supply and only then you can calmly climb inside, armed with a screwdriver and other necessary tools.

In the next article I will talk about UEFI. What is it, why did she come to us and other interesting points.

P.S. In some cases with memory errors, it helps to remove the memory sticks from the slots, wipe the contacts of the RAM boards with a regular soft eraser, and the memory is back in service! If the memory is not burned out but simply malfunctions, then you can also try swapping the boards with RAM in places across banks, provided that the memory itself that you are swapping is the same.

P.P.S. At the end of this article I simply post tables of codes for three BIOSes in the form of pictures. They can be used as a cheat sheet and saved to your phone, tablet or computer.

Cheat sheets describing BIOS signals for printing

It seems that everything I wanted to write, I wrote. I tried clearly and without water, as always. If you have any questions, I answer in the comments.