computer turns on and beeps

[thirddensity]

I woke up this morning and went in to check my e-mail. I havve power to my system, but the monitor was not displaying a picture. The LED next to it's power button was flashing. My computer had power but was making an internal beeep....beeep....beeep....beeep. I could do nothing, so I unplugged it, waited a few minutes and plugged it back in. I hit the power button on the tower and 3 seconds later it started the beeping again. Any help? Thanks in advance

[Inka]

Repeated short beeps are normally an indication of a power problem. Is this what you are getting? or is it a particular number of beeps? eg 10 short beeps = cmos error & 11 = cache memory.

This can also depend on the BIOS in your system so is only a guide :)

[thirddensity]

The beeps are a solid 3 second with about 2 seconds between them.

[tweeky]

Hi and welcome to http://www.pcguide.com/ubb/pcgubb.gif.

The simple answer is something in your computer has failed.

It could be your cpu, RAM, Video card, sound card etc...

If it is a newly built PC check that all hardware is properly connected.

You should check the motherboard manual and perform a BIOS reset procedure.

After you have tried the above and it does not work you should remove all hardware except the following PSU, Motherboard, CPU, RAM or Video Card.

If it works with the above switch off and connect one piece of hardware. Switch your computer back on, if it starts up correctly then that hardware is fine, if it fails to start up after you place a piece of hardware in then that is your problem.

If it fails to start up with the basic hardware (PSU, Motherboard, CPU, RAM or Video Card) you will need to replace one piece at a time with known good hardware. For example if you get a known good stick of RAM you would place it in with the PSU, motherboard, CPU and Video Card. That are already in the machine. If it fails to start up it's not the RAM if it starts up it's the RAM. Keep doing this with all parts until it starts up.

Another way is to take one part of hardware from the broken computer (referred to as frist computer) like the RAM and remove the existing RAM from a second good computer. You would then place the RAM from the first computer into the second computer. You would then switch the computer on and see if it works. If it fails that's the problem if it works then that hardware is fine. Keep doing this for all of the parts.

Remember to disconnect all leads leading from the computer so that you don't get a shock that includes internet, usb and power lead. You will need to add and remove the power lead constantly.

Hope this helps you.

[Inka]

3 second beeps are long beeps.
My book doesnt tell me what repeating long beeps are :(
(Stupid Book!)

Sorry! Gonna have to do it the hard way .. as tweeky says. Unless you know what BIOS you have & I will try looking for you.

Inka

PS I would be inclined to re seat the video card 1st... Or try another one if u have one.

[Variable]

Do you live in the North Eastern US by any chance. Power spikes can do nasty things to computers.
Variable

[thirddensity]

Close. I live in Indiana.

[Variable]

You could call your local power company and ask if there were surges in the line yesterday. My APC line conditioner was engaging a lot yesterday, but I live pretty far away from the NE US and it could have been something else causing the problem. It is worth checking into, depending on your insurance company your machine may be covered from this type of damage.
Variable

[drewbob]

Courtesy of Charles
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.

[Bartman12]

This kind of beeping means there is something wrong with the graphics card. Try checking if the card is still firm and tight in the AGP slot.

If it is, try taking it out and blowing in the AGP slot, sometimes dust particles can cause a problem with the connection there.