Beeping, Dead Computer. Ideas?

Ok, I searched the forums for “beeping computers” and found a lot of helpful information, but I’m not exactly sure what I should act on and what applies to me.

My mom’s computer is refusing to start up at all. Instead, when the power button is pushed, it just makes a loud beep sequence (something along the lines of "beep beep beep pause beeeeep beep) and then nothing.

I read in some of the other threads that this is probably a code for something; any ideas on how I find out what that something is? I’ve searched google and haven’t really found anything that helps.

The computer is about three years old and was custom built for her by a friend who is no longer in the area. That’s all I know at the moment, I guess I could crack it open and snoop around if needed, I’m just afraid I’ll break it permanently.

…does anyone have any ideas?

Go here, then click on the link which corresponds to your BIOS manufacturer. That should be a start.

Somewhat related, I read somewhere that BIOSes sometimes actually play a few bars of recognizable songs, like Beethoven’s Fifth, to indicate that there’s a problem with the BIOS. It sounded pretty odd to me, but not entirely unbelievable. Anyone know whether it actually does happen? Anyone ever boot up there computer to hear the strains of Taps?

Hm, thanks for the link.

I have no idea what brand the bios is because I can’t start it up, and she has thrown away everything that might tell me. I just have the case and it’s inwards. I should just take it to a shop instead of deluding myself about knowing anything. :stuck_out_tongue:

I did open the case up just for fun; it was neat to look at, but it didn’t really accomplish anything except make me feel stupid (mental note: learn about the machines you use every day).

But anyway, thanks again!

My first guess: Dead power supply. It’s worth checking out first. Most computer places can run a test on your power supply for you and generally it’s a cheap replacement. (Unless you have a Dell Dimension 8100 with a properitary $90 power supply. :mad: )

Yes, computers give an error code via the PC speaker when booting up (that single brief beep you hear is the “All’s Well” code, if you’re wondering.) to indicate where exactly the process failed. In all probability it’s giving you some terribly specific information that requires something as benign as pulling out a card, blowing the dust off it, and sticking it back in.

You say you don’t remember what the BIOS is, but you can probably look on the motherboard and find out what brand it is, which will narrow things down… or at least give you something to work with if you decide to attempt flashing the BIOS yourself.

Also, it would probably be just as costly to buy a not-quite-new computer replacement as to try to get this one fixed in a shop if it’s anything more troublesome than reseating the cards… and in the first case you get a stronger/faster/better computer at the end of the day, and still have the old one to play/learn with.

I’ve never heard one play a song. Usually if the motherboard can’t boot at all you get a pattern like 3 beeps and a pause, which repeats, or just a constant beeping, unlike the OP’s beep pattern, which sounds like a BIOS code.

If you are going to open up the case, look for a sticker on the BIOS chip. It might be a little small, but look for a name like AWARD or PHOENIX. The BIOS chip will usually be small and kinda squarish, and often is a socketed chip instead of being soldered onto the motherboard.

Well I finally figured out the right combo of terms to use to search Google successfully on this (“bios music errors” just brought up a lot of biographical info for musicians, etc) and so found this:

My first thought would be to try a different keyboard. But I’m a mac head, so windows advice is a bit out of my league.

My google-fu is superior to yours. “PC Speaker BIOS music”
Here

Show off :stuck_out_tongue:

:smiley:

Without knowing the BIOS Manufacturer it is a bit of a guess. But based on age I would suspect one of two very popular “generic” type BIOS. Luckily "three short| mean about the same thing in both. The one long, one short is a bit of a question but I don’t think it is going to change the answer.
Did the computer work JUST FINE, NO PROBLEMS and was turned off normally and when you went to turn it back on this occurred or were there some problems before hand. The beeps indicate a memory (RAM) problem. Sometimes when the seasons change or whatever, the slots just get dirty and a bit corroded. Try removing and resetting them tow or three times. If you don’t know what the are go to an office supply or Best BUY or some such and say you want to look a memory. That’s what they look like. Find the same things in Your Mom’s computer and look at the ends. There are little latches that release them so they will almost pop out in your hand. If there is more than one take them out and switch the slots. If you see any corrosion you can gently clean the connectors with a clean pencil eraser. At this point you really can’t make it worse. Give it a try. Often just moving them around works. OK, now the real deal. Just as often they are fried and need to be replaced. Take them with you back to the store you shopped and say “I want one’s just like this”.
If oher problems preceded then this answer may not help.

Ok. Upon closer inspection, it is an ASUS motherboard, though I still can’t find the bios information. I found a motherboard diagram on the net and unconnected/dusted off everything I could. Upon reboot it just beeped repeatedly, supposedly a memory error. …ok, sticking it back in correctly.

Oh, and the fan is working, it turns on and then doesn’t shut off until I manually power down. (Um… just thought I’d throw that in there.)

Oh wait! New beeping pattern. One long, two short, then a sort of “duh dun” that isn’t a beep but more of a tone. :dubious:

Thanks 1010011010 and dmartin29. I really appreciate your help.

Anyway, I guess I will just take it to be looked at; if it is more than 100 bucks or so, I’ll just buy her a new one. Seems like a more fun solution, anyhow.

Beeping and dead is definitely a BIOS problem. Others have delivered the bad news: you need to know the BIOS to diagnose it. Even the Motherboard name won’t help, because motherboard makers don’t make the BIOS, they buy it from a BIOS maker!

Some guesses, in order of likelihood:
Bad memory board
Bad video card (esp. if the screen doesn’t display anything, most newer computers do a video POST before the general BIOS POST)
bad disk drive controller
bad keyboard

POST=Power-on Self Test

For the geeks out there, Cyberguys.com sells a little board you can slot in which will diagnose POST errors and display the hex code.

I have a feeling it’s your AGP card (if you have one). Try taking it out and reseating it. We get that beep code often (beep beep beep pause beep beep) and it is always fixed by reseating the vid card.

Hope this helps.

br