CHAPTER 6: Troubleshooting

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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 you of error conditions.

Beeps

Description

Troubleshooting steps

 

 

 

1

Memory refresh timer error

Reseat the memory modules or replace

 

 

with modules you know are good.

 

 

 

2

Parity error in the first 64 KB of memory.

Same as for 1 beep.

 

 

 

3

Base memory read/write test error

Same as for 1 beep.

 

 

 

4System board timer not operational.

Possible system board malfunction. To eliminate the possibility of an add in-card problem, remove all expansion cards.

If the beep code occurs even when all expansion cards have been removed, the system board is at fault.

If the beep code does not occur when the expansion cards have been removed, one of the cards is causing the problem. Install the cards one at a time until the problem happens again. When the beep code returns, the most recent card you installed is at fault.

5

A processor on the system board

Remove one of the processors if two are

 

generated an error.

installed, then try a known good processor

 

 

in the first socket.

 

 

Same as for 4 beeps.

 

 

 

6

The keyboard controller (8042) may be

Remove the keyboard to see if the error

 

defective. The BIOS cannot switch to

goes away. If it does, try a known good

 

Protected mode.

keyboard.

 

 

Same as for 4 beeps.

 

 

 

7

General exception error (processor

Same as for 5 beeps

 

exception error).

 

 

 

 

8

Display memory error (system video

If the system video adapter is an add-in

 

adapter).

card, replace or reseat the video adapter. If

 

 

the video adapter is integrated into the

 

 

system board, the board may be faulty. Try

 

 

using an add-in card.

 

 

 

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