SOLVED: When I turn on my computer it began beeping g 4 times continuously — Dell XPS 8500
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High end Ivy Bridge consumer desktop released by Dell in 2013. Comes in White and Black or Black case options.
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Sonja Braithwaite
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When I turn on my computer it beeps 4 times continuously (beep, beep, beep, beep stop then beep, beep, beep, beep). The screen would remain black. At times , the computer would come on at startup I would login and start using it, then 20 minutes or so, it would start beeping and the screen would go black. Please, help me with this for I am desperate. Your response would be so appreciated.
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jayeff
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Hi,
A 4 beep error code is a memory problem.
Try re-seating the memory modules on the motherboard and check if that resolves the problem.
By that I mean turning off the PC and removing the power from the PC and then opening it up and removing the memory modules from the motherboard and then putting them back in again and then re-assembling the PC, reconnecting the power and see if it starts normally.
Here’s the owner manual for the PC. Go to p.27 to view the necessary pre-requisite steps and then the procedure to remove/replace the memory modules.
On p.23 it shows how to remove the cover from the computer case and on p.21 it shows the location of the memory modules on the motherboard.
If the PC does start normally after having done this, if you have Win 10 installed run the Windows Memory Diagnostic and check the results. You may have a failing memory module.
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Ben Kania
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https://www.
lifewire.com/how-to-troubles…
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Nick P
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https://www.
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SOLVED: When computer starts 4 beeps then nothing — Desktop PC
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A personal computer that resides in one location with its core components inside a case separate to third-party peripherals required for operation, such as a mouse, keyboard, and monitor.
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Chris
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I have a custom built computer with an Asus motherboard, and when I try to start it it beeps 4 times and then does nothing.
The fans are running and the little green light is on the mother board but nothing else. Can anyone help?
ASUS M5A97 motherboard
AMD X6 FX-6300 cpu
G.SKILL Ripjaws 8GB ram
Corsair CS Modular CS650M power supply
ASUS GeForce GTX 750
Samsung 850 EVO 250GB ssd
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Jimfixer
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Asus motherboards are usually American Megatrends’ AMI BIOS.
and if that’s the case four beeps mean System Timer failure: Timer 1 on the mainboard does not work properly. This can mean that your motherboard has failed but before throwing it out there have been cases were the memory has failed on one dimm but not the other, so pull one dimm at a time and try to start it and see what happens
Hope this helps
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oliver
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Had same problem with a z77 board.
Had 2 different sticks of ram and would get the 4 beeps on every stick and slot I tried. Plugged in a different psu and it booted?!
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Dennis Frøhlich
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i got same problem i tryed with new hardware all switched even new motherboard, ram,processer,psu,gpu, i tryed it all..problem still there when i boot up. and it does not beep every time some times there is 2 or 4 days between i get these 4 beeps
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How to determine why the computer is beeping ?
If your computer does not want to start and instead of the usual sound signal it gives out a series of incomprehensible squeaks, then something is wrong and you need to figure out where the problem is.
Usually this happens after a sudden blackout or the system unit falls on its side, sometimes just like that. It’s good if the monitor turns on and the message can be read in simple and understandable English, but what if the computer does not turn on?
Fortunately, the motherboard BIOS has a built-in hardware fault detection feature. When the computer is started, a POST test of the hardware takes place. If something is wrong, then with the help of sound signals through the system speaker (speaker) an error message is transmitted. nine0003
If the computer beeps continuously while working in Windows, then this means that the CPU is overheating. In this case, you can notice the braking, especially in games. If you exit the game or close resource-intensive programs, the siren will stop. In general, you need to deal with high temperatures.
Contents
What caused the beep
To recognize the message and determine the type of fault, there are special tables.
To work correctly with the table, you must at least know the name of your BIOS. If the computer turns on, then you can determine the name of the BIOS by the inscriptions at the initial boot stage or in the instructions for the motherboard. At this stage, you can enter the BIOS. nine0003
Depending on the motherboard, the BIOS may be Award (or Phoenix — Award, the same), AMI (American Megatrends, Inc), Phoenix BIOS, UEFI or others. The most common are UEFI, Award and AMI.
Award and Phoenix-Award BIOS are presented something like this:
UEFI bios are made with a graphical interface, while the initial splash screen when booting the computer can be very different:0003
And Phoenix BIOS can be recognized by this picture:
Please note that with this interface there can be both Award and AMI and UEFI BIOSes:
We read what is written — if American Megatrends means AMI. If you have a different BIOS, then you will have to refer to the instruction manual of the equipment manufacturer.
Listen carefully to how the computer beeps and count the number of beeps. Then you can start looking for this sequence in the table. nine0003
Award and UEFI BIOS beeps
| Beeps | Error and possible remedies |
| 1 short | Test passed successfully |
| 2 short | Minor remarks possible. The screen may prompt you to enter the BIOS and check the settings. It will not be superfluous to check the fastening of the cables of the hard drive, DVD-ROM and drive |
| 3 long | No keyboard connected or keyboard controller error. If everything is in order with the keyboard, then repair or change the motherboard |
| 1 short and 1 long | Check and/or clean the RAM |
| 1 long and 2 short | Check the video card. Perhaps it is not firmly inserted into the slot or the fan is not spinning |
| 1 long and 3 short | The problem lies in the video memory system. You may need to repair or replace the video card |
| 1 long and 9 short | Read error from BIOS. You can try to remove the battery for half an hour. If it does not help, then flash the BIOS or repair |
| Recurring short | Incorrect voltage at the output of the power supply or problematic RAM |
| Repeat long | If the computer beeps with long beeps, then most likely the RAM is not working |
| Repetitive rolling from high to low frequency | CPU problems |
| Continuous signal | Power supply obvious problem, needs to be replaced |
AMI BIOS Sound Transcription
| Beeps | Errors and possible remedies |
| 1 short | Everything is fine |
| 1 long, 1 short | Check power supply voltages |
| 1 long, 4 short | Video card not found. It is necessary to check whether the card is inserted into slot |
| 2 short | RAM parity error. Check if the memory is installed correctly. Try turning off the scanner and/or printer |
| 3 short | An error was detected in the first 64KB of memory. Check that the memory is installed correctly, or substitute a known working memory |
| 4 short | Faulty system timer. It is possible to repair the motherboard or replace it |
| 5 short | It is necessary to look at the central processor, possibly a bad contact. You can try to take it out and put it back. If it does not help, then change the processor |
| 6 short | Keyboard not connected/faulty or poor contact between plug and socket |
| 7 short | |
| 8 short | Video memory read error. Try another video card |
| 9 short | BIOS read error. You may need to replace or flash the BIOS chip |
| 10 short | Write error to CMOS volatile memory. You may need to replace the chip or repair the motherboard |
| 11 short | Cache error. The motherboard needs to be repaired. |
| 1 long, 2-3 short | Video card failure or bad connection between monitor and video card |
| 1 long, 8 short | Video card may not be firmly seated in slot |
| No signal, just black screen | If the computer does not beep at all, then this is a problem with the processor. Possibly a bad connection or a bent/broken processor leg. Or the processor needs to be replaced. nine0051 |
| Continuous horn | Problems with the power supply or processor overheating |
Beeps from the Phoenix BIOS
Beep codes are represented by a sequence of the number of «beeps» (beeps).
For example 1-1-4 means one beep, pause, one beep, pause, four beeps
| Beeps | Errors and possible remedies |
| 1-1-3 | CMOS volatile memory read or write error. Check the battery on the system board. You may need to replace the chip or motherboard. |
| 1-1-4 | BIOS checksum error. You will need to replace or flash the |
| 1-2-1 | Motherboard needs repair or replacement |
| 1-2-2 or 1-2-3 | One of the DMA controllers did not pass the test. If the repair fails, you will have to change the motherboard |
| 1-3-1 | RAM test failed. Clean contacts or replace memory module or modules |
| 1-3-3 or 1-3-4 | Error reading/writing the first 64KB of RAM. Check RAM |
| 1-4-1 | If the repair fails, you will have to change the motherboard |
| 1-4-2 | Check that the memory modules are installed correctly |
| 1-4-3 | System timer test failed, motherboard defective |
| 1-4-4 | There is a problem with one of the I/O ports. There may be a problem with some external device. Disconnect all external devices. |
| 2-X-X (X is a number from 1 to 4) | Error in the first 64 KB of RAM. Most likely, one of the |
| 3-1-1, 3-1-2 or 3-1-4 | Unable to initialize the second DMA channel. If the repair fails, you will have to change the system board |
| 3-2-4 | Keyboard controller failed test, motherboard is acting up |
| 3-3-4 | Video memory error. Check the correct installation of the video card |
| 3-4-1 | Attempts to access the monitor failed. Check monitor connection |
| 3-4-2 | Video card BIOS initialization problem. Video card may need repair or replacement |
| 4-2-1 | Problem initializing the system timer. |
| 4-2-3 | Keyboard controller error. |
| 4-2-4 | Critical error in CPU operation in protected mode. Replace processor |
| 4-3-1 | Check RAM |
| 4-3-2 | Problems with the first timer |
| 4-3-3 | Problems with the second timer |
| 4-4-1 | Error initializing one of the serial ports. |
| 4-4-2 | Parallel port test failed. Try turning off the printer or scanner |
| 4-4-3 | The math processor has not been tested. Replace processor |
| Long, repetitive beeps | Replacement or repair of motherboard |
| Siren high frequency changes to low frequency | Video card failure. Video card |
| Continuous signal | Check if the CPU fan is running/connected |
If you did not find the sequence of sounds you need, then you need to look for the instructions for your computer. After checking the sequence of signals according to the table, try to determine for yourself what the problem is.
If you are not confident in your abilities, then without experience it is better not to climb into the wilds, but to trust the master. And to gain experience and independently solve problems with a computer, subscribe to blog updates. nine0003
Computer beeps when turned on, monitor does not turn on, PC repair
Often, owners of desktop computers are faced with a problem in which, during the startup of the equipment, the system unit starts beeping, and the monitor does not turn on. At the same time, the noise of the cooling fans is heard. Why does such a failure occur, what is it connected with? In this article, we will try to understand the problem in detail, find out how to solve it on our own, and when necessary.
In the article we will tell:
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- Why is the system unit beeping?
- What to do?
- How to decipher the BIOS display
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What to do after decoding the signals?
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4.
1 Power supply
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4.2 Mother board -
4.
- 4.3 RAM
- 4.4 Video card
- 4.5 Processor
- 4.6 Monitor
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4.7 Keyboard
nine0440 - What else can be done?
- Cost of services
- call the master
Why is the system unit beeping?
When you press the start button on the system unit, the motherboard starts testing the PC components. If all is well and the test is passed, you will hear one beep. If a breakdown is detected, the speaker starts emitting several signals at once in a certain sequence.
From them, you can determine the nature of the malfunction.
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The squeak that the system unit emits is not as terrible as the appearance of a black screen that accompanies outgoing signals. This means that the motherboard speaker has turned on — the speaker that is trying to report a problem. It also means that some component of the desktop computer has failed.
When do you need a master?
If you didn’t manage to solve the problem with a stationary computer on your own, or you don’t want to deal with it, because if you are not sure of your own abilities, contact the service center. To call the master, call +7 (495) 146-65-51 or leave a request on the site. We accept applications around the clock.
What to do?
By the beeps that the BIOS speaker emits, you can determine the cause of PC failures. But it will not be possible to immediately decipher the sound indication. The fact is that BIOS come from different manufacturers, and their indication is different.
Therefore, before proceeding with decryption, determine which BIOS manufacturer is used on your motherboard. Usually the name is indicated in the technical data sheet of the main board or in the BIOS itself, at the bottom of the working window. You can also sometimes find out the version in Windows, but if the monitor is black at boot, this is unlikely to work. Many motherboards use BIOS manufacturers, which are listed below. Next, we will acquaint you with the decoding of signals from different manufacturers.
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How to decode the BIOS display
This manual shows the decoding of the signals of the most popular BIOS manufacturers.
Quadtel:
- 1 beep — PC is OK.
- 2 beeps — CMOS RAM damaged.
- 1 long and 2 short beeps — the video card is damaged.
- 1 long and 3 short beeps — broken peripheral controllers.
AWARD:
- 1 beep — PC is fine.
- 2 — failures in the RAM, most likely parity violations.
- 3 — broken keyboard controller.
- 1 short and 1 long — failures in RAM.
- 1 long and 2 short — video card damaged.
- 1 long and 3 short — the keyboard is faulty.
- 1 long and 9 short — failures in reading the BIOS memory, the circuit is faulty.
- 1 short and repeated — damaged circuits or power supply. nine0440
- 1 long repeated sound — RAM is faulty.
AMI:
- 1 — PC OK.
- 2 — RAM parity is corrupted.
- 3 — the first 64 KB of RAM cannot be read.
- 4 — failures in the timer.
- 5 — the central processor is faulty.
- 6 — keyboard is damaged.
- 7 — The motherboard is defective.
- 8 — video card defects. nine0440
- 9 — checksum violations.
- 10 — no access to CMOS.
- 11 — Cache corruption.
All signals are short.
Recommendations for the operation of equipment
In order for a stationary computer to work properly, perform its functions, follow the rules for operating the equipment:
- Avoid overheating of components — clean the system unit at least once every six months. nine0440
- Do not use heavy graphical applications and games if the hardware of the PC does not pull them.
- Do not diagnose and repair equipment yourself if you do not understand its device and do not have the appropriate skills and knowledge.
- Install software only from official sites.
If you follow these simple rules, a desktop computer will last for a long time.
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What to do after decoding the signals?
After you have decoded the speaker’s signals, you can take some independent actions. Now let’s talk about everything in detail.
Power supply
If the indication indicated damage to the power supply, first of all, check whether its connections to the PC are reliable. All cables and sockets must be in good working order. It is worth checking the network filter if the connection is made through it.
If the power supply smells like burning, you can’t do anything. It burned out — you need to buy a new component or take the PSU to a service center. The same goes for swollen capacitors in the block. If there are any, you need to repair or buy a new PSU.
It happens that the power of the block is not enough for all the components of a stationary computer. In this case, it is changed to a larger one in power.
Specialists of the RABIT service center will diagnose the laptop for free, determine the cause of the malfunction and offer repair options. To call the wizard for diagnostics on the site or call +7 (495) 146-65-51.
Motherboard
If the problem is in the motherboard, it is unlikely that you will be able to independently determine what happened to it. There are many components installed on the board, the diagnostics of which are performed using specialized equipment. That is, you have to call the master. You can only inspect the motherboard for leaks and swollen condensates, mechanical damage, corrosion, contact oxidation. But, in any case, you cannot repair it yourself. The motherboard, depending on the nature of the breakdown, is either changed or restored.
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RAM
If only one RAM stick is installed in the system unit, you can try to remove it, and then clear the place where it stood with an eraser. After that, put the bar back and fix it securely. If there are two planks, you also need to clear the places where they stood, but then install only one plank. If the computer starts, then the problem is in another bar. If it does not start, it means that this bar has failed. Then it needs to be replaced. Do you doubt that you can carry out such diagnostics yourself and, moreover, replace the RAM? Straightaway .
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Video card
To check the video chip, you will also have to disassemble the system unit. Next, see if the element is securely fixed, if power is connected to it. After that, remove the battery and reset the settings (you can use the reset CMOS jumper). If this does not solve the problem, call the wizard. Most likely it will need to be replaced.
Processor
In this case, you can’t do much. Just check the processor power connection on the motherboard, the correctness of its installation and the presence of damage on the legs, cover and fasteners. Then also have to replace the component.
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Monitor
If the screen does not turn on, and the squeak also indicates a problem with it, you can do the following:
- Check that the cable between the system unit and the display is securely fastened.
- Test the screen by connecting another computer to it.
- Check settings, reset them to factory settings.
If the monitor is defective, have a service center repair it or buy a new display.
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Keyboard
Some PC/2 keyboard failures cause computer malfunctions and beeps. In this case, you need to connect a device with a USB connector. If the indication continues to work, the motherboard is most likely broken.
What else can be done?
It happens that the sound indication is triggered due to a failure in the BIOS settings. In this case, a few manipulations will help. You need to do the following:
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- Reset to factory settings.
- Replace battery or complete BIOS chip.
- Replace the motherboard.
If the first two points can still be done independently, then in the other two cases you will have to contact the service center.
Also, the appearance of signals when the screen is not working may be due to overheating of the PC. When the temperature limit is reached, a protective system is activated that turns off the equipment. Subsequently, until the components cool down, the computer will not turn on. This indicates the need to clean the system components and replace the thermal paste.