Neutron2K's Computing Tutorials

Guide to IBM BIOS Error Beep Codes

Depending on how long you have owned a computer, you have probably heard these. The dreaded error beep codes of when your computer has a hardware problem when you turn it on. Their a pain to track down because each BIOS type has its own set of Error Beep Codes.

The other problem is that when you start hearing beep codes, 90% of the time you will need to open your computer to check the hardware itself. The only time when a beep error code that springs to mind that will not require you to open the computers chassis, is when the CMOS battery temporarily flips and resets your BIOS. You will get a Checksum Error one time (usually) and never heard it again after that.

The aim of this guide is to list some of the known Error Beep Codes Associated with the IBM BIOS chips. For other BIOS guides, check back in the tutorial section. Some will be written soon!

Beep Code	Problem
1 Short Beep	Normal POST, System booted OK
2 Short Beeps	POST Error - Code on Display
No Beep	Power supply or Motherboard error
Continuous Beep	Power supply or Motherboard error
Repeating short beeps	Power supply or Motherboard error
1 short, 1 long beep	System board error
1 long, 2 short beeps	Display adapter error (MDA/CGA)
1 long, 3 short beeps	Display adapter error (EGA/VGA)
3 long beeps	3270 keyboard card

If you come across any other beep codes not listed in this document, please use the contact form to send me an email describing the beep code and the problem.