Beep codes

Beep codes

Post error beep codes

Whenever a recoverable error occurs during the power-on self-test (POST), the BIOS displays an error message that describes the problem. The BIOS also sounds a beep code (one long tone followed by two short tones) during POST if the video configuration fails (a faulty video controller) or if an expansion card is not functioning correctly. One short beep indicates the BIOS will boot the operating system. No error found.

A PCI expansion card (for example, a RAID controller) can also issue audible errors by itself, usually consisting of one long tone followed by a series of short tones. For more information on the beep codes issued, check the documentation for that device.

The following table shows POST error beep codes. Prior to system video initialization, BIOS uses these codes to inform users of error conditions.

BeepsError Message

Description

 

 

 

1

Fatal error

System halted because of an unspecified

 

 

fatal error that was detected.

 

 

 

2

Processor error

System halted because a fatal error related

 

 

to the processor was detected.

 

 

 

3

Memory error

System halted because a fatal error related

 

 

to the memory was detected.

 

 

 

4

System board error

System halted because a fatal error related

 

 

to the system board hardware was detected.

 

 

 

BIOS recovery beep codes

Beeps

Error Message

POST Progress Code

Description

 

 

 

 

1

Recovery started

E9h

Start of recovery process

 

 

 

 

2

Recovery boot error

Flashing series of POST

Unable to boot to diskette ATAPI,

 

 

codes: EFh, FAh, FBh,

or ATAPI CD. Recovery process

 

 

F4h, FCh, FDh, FFh

will retry.

 

 

 

 

3

Recovery failed

FDh

Unable to process valid BIOS

 

 

 

recovery images. BIOS already

 

 

 

passed control to operating

 

 

 

system and flash utility.

 

 

 

 

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