There are two levels of error codes during POST: fatal and nonfatal. Instead of numbers, you get text that is usually, but not always, self-explanatory.
#BEEP TEST VIDEO SERIAL#
1101 The serial card is bad.īIOS manufacturers have stopped using numeric error codes and have replaced them with about 30 text messages. 7301 The floppy disk drive controller is bad. 1701 The hard disk drive controller is bad.
#BEEP TEST VIDEO CODE#
Error Code Problem 301 The keyboard is broken or not plugged in.
#BEEP TEST VIDEO MANUAL#
The following table lists some common numeric error codes, but it is a good idea to check the manual before beginning repairs based on a beep code or error message. When a computer generates a numeric error code, the machine locks up and the error code appears in the upper-left comer of the screen. These errors are displayed in one of two ways: numeric error codes or text error messages. Error Messages-After the Video TestĪfter successfully testing the video, the POST will display any error messages on the screen. However, beep codes can still be found as part of the A+ Certification exam. Since early 1996, some BIOS programs have eliminated many beep codes. If so, it's probably a legitimate beep code that concerns the hardware and not the power supply. Many computers will generate beep codes when the only problem is a bad power supply! Turn the computer off and on three or four times to see if the same beep code is generated every time. Any other problems Reseat expansion cards. Verify cache jumper settings are correct. Cache memory error Reseat and clean cache chips. Gate A20 error Reseat and clean keyboard chip. Replace individual memory chips until the problem is corrected. Problem Solution RAM refresh failureīase 64-KB error Reseat and clean the RAM chips. Keep in mind that in many cases it can be less expensive to replace the motherboard than to replace a chip. The following table suggests some solutions. Number of Beeps Possible Problem 1 DRAM refresh failure 2 Parity circuit failure 3 Base 64 KB or CMOS RAM failure 4 System timer 5 Processor failure 6 Keyboard controller or Gate A20 error 7 Virtual mode exception error 8 Display monitor write/read test failure 9 ROM BIOS checksum error 10 CMOS RAM shutdown register failure 1 long, 3 short Conventional/extended memory test failure 1 long, 8 short Display test and display vertical and horizontal retrace test failure Troubleshooting After a BeepĪfter a beep code has been recognized, there are a few things you can do to troubleshoot the error.
#BEEP TEST VIDEO PC#
(See the POST code references in the system manual that shipped with the PC or the motherboard to obtain references for detailed error messages and beeps.) The following table lists the basic beep codes for AMI and Phoenix BIOSs. Some error codes are specific to chip sets or custom products, and the exact message and its meaning can vary from system to system. This is also done by beep codes and (if possible) screen prompts. If a problem occurs, the POST routine attempts to report the problem. The POST is a good indication that the hardware is in working order. Then it transfers control to the boot drive, and the operating system is loaded. In a healthy system, the POST reports by using a series of beep codes and screen messages to convey that all components are working. The exact order, number of tests, and error states will vary from product to product. The purpose of the first POST test is to check the most basic components. Beep Codes Before and During the Video Test If something goes wrong, the POST sends a series of beep codes to let you know what the problem is or where to start looking for it. Depending on the BIOS type, the POST might also sound a single beep when it's done, to let you know the boot process was successful. The POST does assume that the speaker always works, but in order to let you know that the speaker is working, all computers beep on startup. The POST does not assume the video works until it has been tested. This division determines whether the computer will display errors by beeping or showing them on the screen.