# Beeping, Dead Computer. Ideas? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [May 15, 2004, 9:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/beeping-dead-computer-ideas/245326 "2004-05-15T21:38:39Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 16\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Time\_Stranger](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/5fc32e/32.png) [@Time\_Stranger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Time_Stranger)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2004, 9:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/beeping-dead-computer-ideas/245326/1 "2004-05-15T21:38:39Z")
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? ---
**Author:** ![Q.E.D](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/51bf81/32.png) [@Q.E.D](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Q.E.D)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2004, 10:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/beeping-dead-computer-ideas/245326/2 "2004-05-15T22:12:35Z")
Go [here](http://www.pcguide.com/ts/x/sys/beep/index-i.htm), then click on the link which corresponds to your BIOS manufacturer. That should be a start. ---
**Author:** ![TellMeI\_mNotCrazy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tellmei_mnotcrazy/32/3419_2.png) [@TellMeI\_mNotCrazy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TellMeI_mNotCrazy)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2004, 10:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/beeping-dead-computer-ideas/245326/3 "2004-05-15T22:22:53Z")
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? ---
**Author:** ![Time\_Stranger](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/5fc32e/32.png) [@Time\_Stranger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Time_Stranger)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2004, 10:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/beeping-dead-computer-ideas/245326/4 "2004-05-15T22:45:03Z")
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. 😛 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! ---
**Author:** ![asterion](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/4da419/32.png) [@asterion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/asterion)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2004, 10:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/beeping-dead-computer-ideas/245326/5 "2004-05-15T22:59:43Z")
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: ) ---
**Author:** ![1010011010](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/1/ea666f/32.png) [@1010011010](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/1010011010)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2004, 11:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/beeping-dead-computer-ideas/245326/6 "2004-05-15T23:05:24Z")
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. ---
**Author:** ![engineer\_comp\_geek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/engineer_comp_geek/32/504_2.png) [@engineer\_comp\_geek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/engineer_comp_geek)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2004, 11:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/beeping-dead-computer-ideas/245326/7 "2004-05-15T23:05:32Z")
> [@TellMeI'mNotCrazy](#): > > 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? 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. ---
**Author:** ![TellMeI\_mNotCrazy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tellmei_mnotcrazy/32/3419_2.png) [@TellMeI\_mNotCrazy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TellMeI_mNotCrazy)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2004, 11:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/beeping-dead-computer-ideas/245326/8 "2004-05-15T23:13:43Z")
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](http://service.dell.com/dell/step/1,,33732+26+35991+34528+26027+20103,00.html): > [@](#): > > Check the documentation for your system, particularly with regard to the CPU and the BIOS (programmable part of your motherboard). Some BIOS manufacturers (like Award) build in certain songs such as “Fur Elise” or even “It’s a Small World” to play whenever the system detects a problem. ---
**Author:** ![MrFantsyPants](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/7ba0ec/32.png) [@MrFantsyPants](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MrFantsyPants)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2004, 11:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/beeping-dead-computer-ideas/245326/9 "2004-05-15T23:16:09Z")
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. ---
**Author:** ![1010011010](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/1/ea666f/32.png) [@1010011010](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/1010011010)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2004, 11:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/beeping-dead-computer-ideas/245326/10 "2004-05-15T23:20:13Z")
My google-fu is superior to yours. “PC Speaker BIOS music” [Here](http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=http://support.microsoft.com:80/support/kb/articles/Q261/1/86.ASP&NoWebContent=1) > [@](#): > > During normal operation or in Safe mode, your computer may play “Fur Elise” or “It’s a Small, Small World” seemingly at random. This is an indication sent to the PC speaker from the computer’s BIOS that the CPU fan is failing or has failed, or that the power supply voltages have drifted out of tolerance. This is a design feature of a detection circuit and system BIOSes developed by Award/Unicore from 1997 on. ---
**Author:** ![TellMeI\_mNotCrazy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tellmei_mnotcrazy/32/3419_2.png) [@TellMeI\_mNotCrazy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TellMeI_mNotCrazy)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2004, 11:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/beeping-dead-computer-ideas/245326/11 "2004-05-15T23:25:39Z")
> [@1010011010](#): > > My google-fu is superior to yours. “PC Speaker BIOS music” > [Here](http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=http://support.microsoft.com:80/support/kb/articles/Q261/1/86.ASP&NoWebContent=1) Show off 😛 😃 ---
**Author:** ![dmartin29](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/5e9695/32.png) [@dmartin29](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dmartin29)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2004, 11:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/beeping-dead-computer-ideas/245326/12 "2004-05-15T23:48:06Z")
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. ---
**Author:** ![Time\_Stranger](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/5fc32e/32.png) [@Time\_Stranger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Time_Stranger)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2004, 12:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/beeping-dead-computer-ideas/245326/13 "2004-05-16T00:12:44Z")
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: ---
**Author:** ![Time\_Stranger](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/5fc32e/32.png) [@Time\_Stranger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Time_Stranger)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2004, 12:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/beeping-dead-computer-ideas/245326/14 "2004-05-16T00:43:32Z")
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. ---
**Author:** ![633squadron](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/6/ee59a6/32.png) [@633squadron](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/633squadron)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2004, 6:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/beeping-dead-computer-ideas/245326/15 "2004-05-16T06:05:39Z")
> [@Time Stranger](#): > > 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. 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](http://Cyberguys.com) sells a little board you can slot in which will diagnose POST errors and display the hex code. ---
**Author:** ![broys](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/5e9695/32.png) [@broys](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/broys)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2004, 6:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/beeping-dead-computer-ideas/245326/16 "2004-05-16T18:57:03Z")
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