1 Long Beep: Memory problem
Explanation: There is a failure of some sort related to the system memory.
Diagnosis: The first bank of memory probably has a failure of some sort; this is usually just a physical problem such as an incorrectly inserted module, but may also mean a bad memory chip in a module. It is possible that there is a failure related to the motherboard or a system device as well.
Recommendation:
- Treat as an apparent memory failure.
- Troubleshoot the motherboard.
Explanation: The BIOS is unable to access the video system in order to write any error messages to the screen.
Diagnosis: This is usually caused by a problem with the video card, or the memory on the video card. It can also be a motherboard issue.
Recommendation:
- Troubleshoot the video card.
- If the video card is not at fault, troubleshoot the motherboard.
Explanation: The BIOS is unable to access the video system in order to write any error messages to the screen.
Diagnosis: This is usually caused by a problem with the video card, or the memory on the video card. It can also be a motherboard issue.
Recommendation:
- Troubleshoot the video card.
- If the video card is not at fault, troubleshoot the motherboard.
Explanation: The system is producing constant beeping in no specific pattern, or a fast "ringing" sound.
Diagnosis: This is usually caused by a problem with the system memory, or possibly the video card. The memory is more likely--the system complains long and loud if it can't find any usable memory, as there is no way to even start the boot process when this is the case. The motherboard itself could also be the problem.
Recommendation:
- Troubleshoot the system memory.
- Troubleshoot the video card.
- Troubleshoot the motherboard.
Explanation: You have encountered an Award BIOS beep code I do not have documented.
Diagnosis: Award says that any beep patterns other than "one long followed by two short" are likely problems with the system memory. However, of late they have started adding other Beep Codes to their systems as well.
Recommendation:
- If you have recently flashed the system BIOS on this machine and corrupted the BIOS, and the system supports the boot block feature, the beeps may be codes communicating the status of the system as it tries to recover from the failed flash procedure. This is especially likely if the floppy drive is accessed very early in the boot process.
- Contact the vendor of the system or motherboard. They often have more specific information on Beep Codes.
- Troubleshoot as an apparent memory problem.
- Troubleshoot as an apparent motherboard problem.