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CHAPTER 6: Troubleshooting www.gateway.com
80
Beep codes
Whenever a recoverable error occurs during the power-on self-test (POST), the
BIOS displays an error message that describes the problem. The BIOS also
sounds a beep code (one long tone followed by two short tones) during POST
if the video configuration fails (a faulty video controller) or if an expansion card
is not functioning correctly. One short beep indicates the BIOS will boot the
operating system. No error found.
A PCI expansion card (for example, a RAID controller) can also issue audible
errors by itself, usually consisting of one long tone followed by a series of short
tones. For more information on the beep codes issued, check the
documentation for that device.
The following table shows POST error beep codes. Prior to system video
initialization, BIOS uses these codes to inform you of error conditions.
Beeps Description Troubleshooting steps
1 Memory refresh timer error Reseat the memory modules or replace
with modules you know are good.
2 Parity error in the first 64 KB of memory. Same as for 1 beep.
3 Base memory read/write test error Same as for 1 beep.
4 System board timer not operational. Possible system board malfunction. To
eliminate the possibility of an add in-card
problem, remove all expansion cards.
If the beep code occurs even when all
expansion cards have been removed, the
system board is at fault.
If the beep code does not occur when the
expansion cards have been removed, one
of the cards is causing the problem. Install
the cards one at a time until the problem
happens again. When the beep code
returns, the most recent card you installed
is at fault.
5 A processor on the system board
generated an error.
Remove one of the processors if two are
installed, then try a known good processor
in the first socket.
Same as for 4 beeps.
6 The keyboard controller (8042) may be
defective. The BIOS cannot switch to
Protected mode.
Remove the keyboard to see if the error
goes away. If it does, try a known good
keyboard.
Same as for 4 beeps.
7 General exception error (processor
exception error).
Same as for 5 beeps
8 Display memory error (system video
adapter).
If the system video adapter is an add-in
card, replace or reseat the video adapter. If
the video adapter is integrated into the
system board, the board may be faulty. Try
using an add-in card.