Seems like people are having this problem a lot so this is 4 people with POST issues, hope it helps
POST Troubleshooting Steps
*(Power On Self Test)*
THE POST TEST
Each time the computer boots up the computer must past the POST. Below is the common procedure of the POST:
1. The first step of POST is the testing of the Power Supply to ensure that it is turned on and that it releases its reset signal.
2. CPU must exit the reset status mode and thereafter be able to execute instructions.
3. BIOS must be readable.
4. BIOS checksum must be valid, meaning that it must be readable.
5. CMOS be accessible for reading.
6. CMOS checksum must be valid, meaning that it must be readable.
7. CPU must be able to read all forms of memory such as the memory controller, memory bus, and memory module.
8. The first 64KB of memory must be operational and have the capability to be read and written to and from, and capable of containing the POST code.
9. I/O bus / controller must be accessible.
10. I/O bus must be able to write / read from the video subsystem and be able to read all video RAM..
If the computer does not pass any of the above tests, your computer will receive an irregular POST. An irregular POST is a beep code which is different from the standard, which can be either no beeps at all or a combination of different beeps indicating what is causing the computer not to past the POST.
Additional information: (READ THIS FIRST)
**This document is intended to help users who are experiencing issues with the POST and may have any of the below symptoms.I am not responible for any damage made from someone attempting to solve the issue**
Questions:
1. Computer beeps irregularly when the computer is turned on.
2. Computer turns on but does not boot.
Note: Not all computers have beep codes, some of the newer computers have LED's that light up that indicate the error or have a sound file to indicate the error.
To diagnose the POST issue read **Section 1**
If your a getting a beep code sequence such as one long beep and two short beeps you may want to first look at **Section 1.1**
If you reboot the computer several times and it sometimes starts up you may want to first review **Section 1.2**
Make sure your computer is turning on, if you press the power button and nothing happens (no lights, no sound, no fans, etc.) then this issue is not a NO POST but is an power related issue see **Section 1.3**
-------------------------------------------------------------
~Section 1~
Cause:
This issue can be caused by any of the below situations.
1. New hardware conflicting with old hardware
2. Bad or failing hardware device.
3. Other hardware issue.
Answer:
Warning: Some of the below steps recommend removing physical parts within the computer. While in the computer it is highly recommend that you be aware of ESD and its potential hazards. *****Ground yourself before getting started*****
1. If any new hardware has been recently added to the computer, remove that hardware to make sure it is not the cause of your issue. If after removing the new hardware your computer works it's likely the computer is either not compatible with the new hardware or a system setting needs to be changed to work with the new hardware device.
2. Remove everything from the back of the computer except the power cable. Turn on the computer and see if it beeps normally. If the computer has never beeped also connect a monitor to the computer to see if any change occurs.
3. If you are receiving a sequence of beeps see our beep code page for a listing of different beep codes and their explanation and/or your motherboard or computer documentation. These beep codes are meant as a method of quickly identifying what computer component is failing or bad.
4. Make sure all fans are running in the computer. If a fan has failed (especially the heat sink fan for the CPU) your computer could be overheating and/or detecting the fan failure causing the computer not to boot.
5. If you were unable to determine by the beep code what is failing or do not have a beep code disconnect the IDE cables from the CD-ROM, Hard Drive, and Floppy drive from the Motherboard. If this resolves your irregular post attempt to connect each device one at a time to determine which device and or cable is causing the issue.
6. If the above recommendations still have not resolved the irregular POST attempt to disconnect the Riser board (if applicable) and/or each of the expansion cards. If this resolves the issue or allows the computer to post connect one card at a time until you determine which card is causing the issue.
7. If you continue to to receive the same problem with all the above hardware removed attempt to disconnect the CPU and RAM from the Motherboard. Once done insert the CPU and RAM back into the computer to see doing this resolves your issue.
8. If after doing all of the above recommendations you continue to have the same issues unfortunately it is likely that you have bad Motherboard, CPU, and or RAM. The next step would be either to replace these components and/or have the computer serviced. If you plan on doing the repairs yourself or you are a repair shop it is suggested that you replace the Motherboard first, RAM, and then the CPU in that order and/or try swappable parts.
--------------------------------------------------------------
~Section 1.1~
AMI BIOS BEEP CODES
Below are the AMI BIOS Beep codes that can occur. However, because of the wide variety of different computer manufacturers with this BIOS, the beep codes may vary.
Beep Code Descriptions
1 short DRAM refresh failure
2 short Parity circuit failure
3 short Base 64K RAM failure
4 short System timer failure
5 short Process failure
6 short Keyboard controller Gate A20 error
7 short Virtual mode exception error
8 short Display memory Read/Write test failure
9 short ROM BIOS checksum failure
10 short CMOS shutdown Read/Write error
11 short Cache Memory error
1 long, 3 short Conventional/Extended memory failure
1 long, 8 short Display/Retrace test failed
AWARD BIOS BEEP CODES
Below are Award BIOS Beep codes that can occur. However, because of the wide variety of different computer manufacturers with this BIOS, the beep codes may vary.
Beep Code Description
1long, 2short- <Video adapter error> Either video adapter is bad or is not seated properly. Also, check to ensure the monitor cable is connected properly.
2 short beeps- <Non-Fatal Error> (reseat RAM, check other components)
Repeating (endless loop)- <Memory error> Check for improperly seated or missing memory.
1long, 3short- <No video card or bad video RAM> Reseat or replace the video card.
High frequency beeeps while running- <Overheated CPU> Check the CPU fan for proper operation. Check the case for proper air flow.
Repeating High/Low beeps- <CPU> Either the CPU is not seated properly or the CPU is damaged. May also be due to excess heat. Check the CPU fan or BIOS settings for proper fan speed.
Any other beep(s)- <RAM problem>
If any other correctable hardware issues, the BIOS will display a message.
IBM BIOS
Below are IBM BIOS Beep codes that can occur. However, because of the wide variety of models shipping with this BIOS, the beep codes may vary.
Beep Code Description
No Beeps No Power, Loose Card, or Short.
1Short Beep Normal POST computer is ok.
2Short Beep POST error review screen for error code.
Continuous Beep No Power, Loose Card, or Short.
Repeating Short Beep No Power, Loose Card, or Short.
1Long and 1Short Beep Motherboard issue.
1Long and 2Short Beeps Video (Mono/CGA Display Circuitry) issue.
1Long and 3Short Beeps Video (EGA) Display Circuitry.
3Long Beeps Keyboard / Keyboard card error.
1Beep Blank or Incorrect Display Video Display Circuitry.
MACINTOSH STARTUP TONES
TONES ERROR
Error Tone. (two sets of different tones) Problem with logic board or SCSI bus.
Startup tone, drive spins, no video Problem with video controller.
Powers on, no tone. Logic board problem.
High Tone, four higher tones. Problem with SIMM.
PHOENIX BIOS BEEP CODES
Below are the beep codes for PHOENIX BIOS Q3.07 OR 4.X
Beep Code Description / What to Check
1-1-1-3 Verify Real Mode.
1-1-2-1 Get CPU type.
1-1-2-3 Initialize system hardware.
1-1-3-1 Initialize chipset registers with initial POST values.
1-1-3-2 Set in POST flag.
1-1-3-3 Initialize CPU registers.
1-1-4-1 Initialize cache to initial POST values.
1-1-4-3 Initialize I/O.
1-2-1-1 Initialize Power Management.
1-2-1-2 Load alternate registers with initial POST values.
1-2-1-3 Jump to UserPatch0.
1-2-2-1 Initialize keyboard controller.
1-2-2-3 BIOS ROM checksum.
1-2-3-1 8254 timer initialization.
1-2-3-3 8237 DMA controller initialization.
1-2-4-1 Reset Programmable Interrupt Controller.
1-3-1-1 Test DRAM refresh.
1-3-1-3 Test 8742 Keyboard Controller.
1-3-2-1 Set ES segment to register to 4 GB.
1-3-3-1 28 Autosize DRAM.
1-3-3-3 Clear 512K base RAM.
1-3-4-1 Test 512 base address lines.
1-3-4-3 Test 512K base memory.
1-4-1-3 Test CPU bus-clock frequency.
1-4-2-4 Reinitialize the chipset.
1-4-3-1 Shadow system BIOS ROM.
1-4-3-2 Reinitialize the cache.
1-4-3-3 Autosize cache.
1-4-4-1 Configure advanced chipset registers.
1-4-4-2 Load alternate registers with CMOS values.
2-1-1-1 Set Initial CPU speed.
2-1-1-3 Initialize interrupt vectors.
2-1-2-1 Initialize BIOS interrupts.
POST Troubleshooting Steps
*(Power On Self Test)*
THE POST TEST
Each time the computer boots up the computer must past the POST. Below is the common procedure of the POST:
1. The first step of POST is the testing of the Power Supply to ensure that it is turned on and that it releases its reset signal.
2. CPU must exit the reset status mode and thereafter be able to execute instructions.
3. BIOS must be readable.
4. BIOS checksum must be valid, meaning that it must be readable.
5. CMOS be accessible for reading.
6. CMOS checksum must be valid, meaning that it must be readable.
7. CPU must be able to read all forms of memory such as the memory controller, memory bus, and memory module.
8. The first 64KB of memory must be operational and have the capability to be read and written to and from, and capable of containing the POST code.
9. I/O bus / controller must be accessible.
10. I/O bus must be able to write / read from the video subsystem and be able to read all video RAM..
If the computer does not pass any of the above tests, your computer will receive an irregular POST. An irregular POST is a beep code which is different from the standard, which can be either no beeps at all or a combination of different beeps indicating what is causing the computer not to past the POST.
Additional information: (READ THIS FIRST)
**This document is intended to help users who are experiencing issues with the POST and may have any of the below symptoms.I am not responible for any damage made from someone attempting to solve the issue**
Questions:
1. Computer beeps irregularly when the computer is turned on.
2. Computer turns on but does not boot.
Note: Not all computers have beep codes, some of the newer computers have LED's that light up that indicate the error or have a sound file to indicate the error.
To diagnose the POST issue read **Section 1**
If your a getting a beep code sequence such as one long beep and two short beeps you may want to first look at **Section 1.1**
If you reboot the computer several times and it sometimes starts up you may want to first review **Section 1.2**
Make sure your computer is turning on, if you press the power button and nothing happens (no lights, no sound, no fans, etc.) then this issue is not a NO POST but is an power related issue see **Section 1.3**
-------------------------------------------------------------
~Section 1~
Cause:
This issue can be caused by any of the below situations.
1. New hardware conflicting with old hardware
2. Bad or failing hardware device.
3. Other hardware issue.
Answer:
Warning: Some of the below steps recommend removing physical parts within the computer. While in the computer it is highly recommend that you be aware of ESD and its potential hazards. *****Ground yourself before getting started*****
1. If any new hardware has been recently added to the computer, remove that hardware to make sure it is not the cause of your issue. If after removing the new hardware your computer works it's likely the computer is either not compatible with the new hardware or a system setting needs to be changed to work with the new hardware device.
2. Remove everything from the back of the computer except the power cable. Turn on the computer and see if it beeps normally. If the computer has never beeped also connect a monitor to the computer to see if any change occurs.
3. If you are receiving a sequence of beeps see our beep code page for a listing of different beep codes and their explanation and/or your motherboard or computer documentation. These beep codes are meant as a method of quickly identifying what computer component is failing or bad.
4. Make sure all fans are running in the computer. If a fan has failed (especially the heat sink fan for the CPU) your computer could be overheating and/or detecting the fan failure causing the computer not to boot.
5. If you were unable to determine by the beep code what is failing or do not have a beep code disconnect the IDE cables from the CD-ROM, Hard Drive, and Floppy drive from the Motherboard. If this resolves your irregular post attempt to connect each device one at a time to determine which device and or cable is causing the issue.
6. If the above recommendations still have not resolved the irregular POST attempt to disconnect the Riser board (if applicable) and/or each of the expansion cards. If this resolves the issue or allows the computer to post connect one card at a time until you determine which card is causing the issue.
7. If you continue to to receive the same problem with all the above hardware removed attempt to disconnect the CPU and RAM from the Motherboard. Once done insert the CPU and RAM back into the computer to see doing this resolves your issue.
8. If after doing all of the above recommendations you continue to have the same issues unfortunately it is likely that you have bad Motherboard, CPU, and or RAM. The next step would be either to replace these components and/or have the computer serviced. If you plan on doing the repairs yourself or you are a repair shop it is suggested that you replace the Motherboard first, RAM, and then the CPU in that order and/or try swappable parts.
--------------------------------------------------------------
~Section 1.1~
AMI BIOS BEEP CODES
Below are the AMI BIOS Beep codes that can occur. However, because of the wide variety of different computer manufacturers with this BIOS, the beep codes may vary.
Beep Code Descriptions
1 short DRAM refresh failure
2 short Parity circuit failure
3 short Base 64K RAM failure
4 short System timer failure
5 short Process failure
6 short Keyboard controller Gate A20 error
7 short Virtual mode exception error
8 short Display memory Read/Write test failure
9 short ROM BIOS checksum failure
10 short CMOS shutdown Read/Write error
11 short Cache Memory error
1 long, 3 short Conventional/Extended memory failure
1 long, 8 short Display/Retrace test failed
AWARD BIOS BEEP CODES
Below are Award BIOS Beep codes that can occur. However, because of the wide variety of different computer manufacturers with this BIOS, the beep codes may vary.
Beep Code Description
1long, 2short- <Video adapter error> Either video adapter is bad or is not seated properly. Also, check to ensure the monitor cable is connected properly.
2 short beeps- <Non-Fatal Error> (reseat RAM, check other components)
Repeating (endless loop)- <Memory error> Check for improperly seated or missing memory.
1long, 3short- <No video card or bad video RAM> Reseat or replace the video card.
High frequency beeeps while running- <Overheated CPU> Check the CPU fan for proper operation. Check the case for proper air flow.
Repeating High/Low beeps- <CPU> Either the CPU is not seated properly or the CPU is damaged. May also be due to excess heat. Check the CPU fan or BIOS settings for proper fan speed.
Any other beep(s)- <RAM problem>
If any other correctable hardware issues, the BIOS will display a message.
IBM BIOS
Below are IBM BIOS Beep codes that can occur. However, because of the wide variety of models shipping with this BIOS, the beep codes may vary.
Beep Code Description
No Beeps No Power, Loose Card, or Short.
1Short Beep Normal POST computer is ok.
2Short Beep POST error review screen for error code.
Continuous Beep No Power, Loose Card, or Short.
Repeating Short Beep No Power, Loose Card, or Short.
1Long and 1Short Beep Motherboard issue.
1Long and 2Short Beeps Video (Mono/CGA Display Circuitry) issue.
1Long and 3Short Beeps Video (EGA) Display Circuitry.
3Long Beeps Keyboard / Keyboard card error.
1Beep Blank or Incorrect Display Video Display Circuitry.
MACINTOSH STARTUP TONES
TONES ERROR
Error Tone. (two sets of different tones) Problem with logic board or SCSI bus.
Startup tone, drive spins, no video Problem with video controller.
Powers on, no tone. Logic board problem.
High Tone, four higher tones. Problem with SIMM.
PHOENIX BIOS BEEP CODES
Below are the beep codes for PHOENIX BIOS Q3.07 OR 4.X
Beep Code Description / What to Check
1-1-1-3 Verify Real Mode.
1-1-2-1 Get CPU type.
1-1-2-3 Initialize system hardware.
1-1-3-1 Initialize chipset registers with initial POST values.
1-1-3-2 Set in POST flag.
1-1-3-3 Initialize CPU registers.
1-1-4-1 Initialize cache to initial POST values.
1-1-4-3 Initialize I/O.
1-2-1-1 Initialize Power Management.
1-2-1-2 Load alternate registers with initial POST values.
1-2-1-3 Jump to UserPatch0.
1-2-2-1 Initialize keyboard controller.
1-2-2-3 BIOS ROM checksum.
1-2-3-1 8254 timer initialization.
1-2-3-3 8237 DMA controller initialization.
1-2-4-1 Reset Programmable Interrupt Controller.
1-3-1-1 Test DRAM refresh.
1-3-1-3 Test 8742 Keyboard Controller.
1-3-2-1 Set ES segment to register to 4 GB.
1-3-3-1 28 Autosize DRAM.
1-3-3-3 Clear 512K base RAM.
1-3-4-1 Test 512 base address lines.
1-3-4-3 Test 512K base memory.
1-4-1-3 Test CPU bus-clock frequency.
1-4-2-4 Reinitialize the chipset.
1-4-3-1 Shadow system BIOS ROM.
1-4-3-2 Reinitialize the cache.
1-4-3-3 Autosize cache.
1-4-4-1 Configure advanced chipset registers.
1-4-4-2 Load alternate registers with CMOS values.
2-1-1-1 Set Initial CPU speed.
2-1-1-3 Initialize interrupt vectors.
2-1-2-1 Initialize BIOS interrupts.