BIOS warning tones: This is what the error messages mean

Each time the computer is started, the BIOS performs a self-test and emits warning tones if the error cannot be displayed otherwise. Depending on the manufacturer of the BIOS, the tones have different meanings. In this practical tip, we explain what these tones want to tell you.

AMI BIOS: This is what the warning tones mean

• 1 x briefly: everything is fine, pure advisory tone.
• 1 x long: Error on the power supply. Check the power plug.
• 1 x long + 1 x short: Undefined error on the motherboard.
• 1 x long + 2 x short: problem with the graphics card. Check the position. There may be a defect.
• 1 x long + 3 x short: transmission error between computer and screen. Contacts or display cable defective.
• 1 × long + 6 × short: keyboard controller defective.
• 1 × long + 8 × short: video memory of the graphics card defective.
• 1 × long + 9 × short: ROM error.
• 2 × briefly: Parity could not be reset (RAM).
• 3 × briefly: Error in the lower memory block (RAM).
• 3 × long: Error in the keyboard interface on the motherboard.
• 3 × short + 3 × long + 3 × short: RAM modules defective.
• 4 x short: system timer failed.
• 5 × short: processor error (CPU).
• 6 × short: No RAM memory installed.
• 7 × short: interruption error in the CPU.
• 8 × short: Error in the display memory of the graphics card.
• 9 x short: CMOS or ROM checksum errors. Possible problem with the CMOS battery.
• 10 × short: Error reading the CMOS.
• 11 × short: L2 cache defective.
• Siren: problem with too high temperature. Fan failed, voltage problem or individual components defective.

Award BIOS

• 1 x briefly: everything is fine, pure advisory tone.
• 2 × short: indefinable error. It may still be displayed on the screen.
• 1 × long: memory problem (RAM).
• 1 × long + 1 × short: error on the motherboard.
• 1 × long + 2 × short: error with the graphics card.
• 1 × long + 3 × short: error with the keyboard controller.
• 1 x long + 3 x short: transmission error between computer and screen. Contacts or display cable defective.
• 3 × long: Error in the keyboard interface on the motherboard.
• 4 x long: Fan temperature control error.
• Continuous tone: memory or graphics card is not recognized.
• Constantly short: Error in the power supply of the motherboard.
• Repeatedly long: memory or graphics card is not recognized.
• Siren: problem with too high temperature. Fan failed, voltage problem or individual components defective.
• Irregular tone: CPU voltage or CPU fan failure.
• 10-second beep: CPU fan failure.

Phoenix BIOS

• 1 × 1 × 3 × short: Error writing or reading from the CMOS.
• 1 × 1 × 4 × short: CMOS or ROM checksum error. Possible problem with the CMOS battery.
• 1 × 2 × 1 × short: Defective system timer.
• 1 × 2 × 2 × short: defective DMA controller.
• 1 × 3 × 1 × short: Not exactly definable error on the motherboard.
• 2 × briefly: RAM defective or not recognized.
• 3 × 2 × 4 × short: Damaged keyboard controller.
• 3 × 3 × 4 × short: memory of the graphics card defective.
• 3 × 4 × 1 × short: graphics card could not be initialized.
• 3 × 4 × 2 × short: graphics card controller defective.
• 4 × 2 × 2 × short: faulty shutdown function.
• 4 × 3 × 3 × short: defective timer.
• 4 × 3 × 4 × short: real-time clock broken.
• 4 × 4 × 3 × short: Error in the co-processor.

This practical tip explains how to create a password in the BIOS.