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Introduction

The ROM BIOS (Read Only Memory Basic Input Output Services) has the task of providing some of the most basic support for hardware along with booting up your operating system. The other function is to provide an error coding system for errors during the boot process. The computer signals that there is a problem through the system speaker with a specified number of beeps that sounds much like Morse Code.
The problem is that no two manufactures have the same error code system, but we have provided listings to these beep codes along with how to fix them and how to enter the BIOS when you are booting up.
The different manufactures are as follows:

American Megatrends inc. " AMI "
Award
IBM
Mr. BIOS
Phoenix

AMI BIOS

	Key(s) to enter setup Del Esc
1 beep	Refresh failure " restart you computer and if problem persists, replace the memory "
2 beeps	Parity error " restart you computer and if problem persists, replace the memory "
3 beeps	Base 64k-memory error " restart you computer and if problem persists, replace the memory "
4 beeps	Timer not operational " replace the motherboard, it would cost too much to repair "
5 beeps	Processor error " replace the check the CPU, if problem persist, then you have a bad CPU or motherboard "
6 beeps	8042 - gate A20 error " check the keyboard for loose or broken connections. This problem can be caused by a CMOS setting or bad keyboard controller chip. "
7 beeps	Processor Exception failure " an interrupt error, your best bet is to purchase a new motherboard "
8 beeps	Display memory read/write error " replace the display adapter "
9 beeps	ROM checksum error " replace the motherboard "
10 beeps	CMOS shutdown register failure, read/write error " replace the CMOS or motherboard "
11 beeps	Cache memory bad " you can bypass this in the ROM BIOS setup temporarily if data is needed, but the computer will be really slow. This is only a temporary fix and the motherboard will need to be sent in for repair."

Award BIOS

	Key(s) to enter setup Del
No beep	No power to primary system functions " This is usually a result of a bad power supply, processor, or just the voltage level on the back of your power supply "
1 beep	This is normal , it is just your Rom checking your system speaker "
1 long beep 2 short beeps	This is usually a result of a bad power supply, processor, or just the voltage level on the back of your power supply "
1 long beep and 3 short
2 Beeps	Disk Drive Failure " Check all IDE cables "
4 Beeps	System timer not set " Replace the motherboard "
6 beeps	Keyboard controller failure check gate 20 in CMOS or replace keyboard "
7 Beeps	Processor or system board malfunction," this is a case if trial and error with swapping components which is usually reserved for new people in the shop "
8 Beeps	Video memory error " Replace the video adapter "
9 Beeps	BIOS Error , you possible have a bad BIOS chip "
10 Beeps	Hardware malfunction of the motherboard " Motherboard is having problems, most likely you will need to replace the motherboard "
11 Beeps	Cache problems ," possible a botherboard malfunction "
Continuos Beeps	System or video RAM " "

IBM BIOS

	IBM	Key(s) to enter setup Del
None	Power supply or system board is bad
1 short	Normal, nothing is wrong
2 short	Initialization error, Rom, Serial prot, Floppy, or hard disk
1 long and 1 short	system Board
1 long and 2 short	Video addapter/ Video memory
1 long and 3 short	Video addapter

Mr BIOS

Information on MR BIOS Technical information is not currently available

Phoenix BIOS

	Key(s) to enter setup F2 Ctrl + Alt + s Ctrl +Alt +Esc Ctrl + Alt +Insert
1-1-3	Bad CMOS, replace the board
1-1-4	Replace the BIOS or get a new motherboard
1-2-2	Needs a new motherboard
1-2-3	Needs a new motherboard
1-3-1	Needs a new motherboard
1-3-3	Needs a new motherboard
1-3-4	Needs a new motherboard
1-4-1	Needs a new motherboard
1-4-2	Bad memory, it needs to be replaced
2-_-_	any combination of this means that you will need to get new memory
3-1-_	Needs a new motherboard
3-2-4	Keyboard Controller failure, most likely it is just you will need to replace the keyboard or clean off the Din connector.
3-3-4	Bad or loose display adapter, replace or correct the connection.
3-4-_	Bad or loose display adapter, replace or correct the connection.
4-2-1	Needs a new motherboard
4-2-2	Keyboard Controller failure, most likely it is just you will need to replace the keyboard or clean off the Din connector.
4-2-3	Keyboard Controller failure, most likely it is just you will need to replace the keyboard or clean off the Din connector.
4-2-4	Bad expansion card or motherboard
4-3-1	Needs a new motherboard
4-3-2	Needs a new motherboard
4-3-3	Needs a new motherboard
4-3-4	Day time failure
4-4-1	Time failure, replace the battery otherwise the CMOS is bad
4-4-2	I/O conflict, check the settings
4-4-3	Replace the math co-processor

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