Diagnosing Computer Problems

Diagnosing computer problems correctly is the first step. If you are calling out ('help fix my computer') as you build your own computer, then you need to understand the process for troubleshooting computer problems.

When diagnosing computer problems, listening to the beeps can help you find issues. This is a key step in troubleshooting your system issues. When you first start up your computer, you will hear a beep. If you hear only one beep, then this section is not for you; because a single beep means all is well. However, if you hear more than one beep, continue on and find out what those beeps mean.

You will hear these beeps after the POST event (Power On Self Test). These will play on the computer's internal speaker.

There are three types of BIOS' covered in here: AMI, Award, and Phoenix. You can tell your BIOS type on the POST screen. Along the top of the screen, it will tell you the type of BIOS you have. These three are the most widely used BIOS', but if you have one that is not listed here, check the manufacturer's website and search for "beep codes" to find the translation information.

Award BIOS

The Award BIOS uses beeps of different lengths. It uses short and long beeps. When diagnosing computer problems, listen to the length of the beep. The short beep is less than a second in duration, while a long beep is around 2 seconds.

• 2 Short Beeps - This indicates a CMOS setting error. Look through your BIOS settings to ensure everything is set correctly. If you cannot find anything wrong, reset the BIOS to factory defaults. There should be an option for this on the main BIOS page. If this doesn't fix the issue, refer to your motherboard manual on resetting the BIOS using the jumper settings.
• 1 Long, 1 Short - This indicates a motherboard or memory error. Ensure that all the motherboard connections are tight, and that your memory modules are locked into the slots. If you have 2 RAM modules, you can try removing one and re-booting, then try the other. Sometimes one stick of RAM will be bad, and this can pinpoint that issue. When diagnosing computer problems like this one, use the process of elimination on the memory modules to pinpoint which is faulty.
• 1 Long, 2 Short - This indicates a monitor or graphics card error. Ensure that your graphics card is seated tight in the slot, and that it has the proper power connections.
• 1 Long, 3 Short - This indicates a keyboard error. Ensure that your keyboard is hooked up correctly. If you are using a PS/2 connection, make sure your keyboard and mouse are in the correct PS/2 connections.
• 1 Long, 9 Short - This indicates a BIOS ROM error. This usually points to a corrupted BIOS image. What you will need to do is to flash your BIOS. You can do this either on a floppy disk, or on a USB flash drive.
• Continuous Long - This indicates that the graphics card is not inserted properly. Check to ensure that your Graphics card is in the correct slot, and that it is fully inserted. Also verify that it has the correct power connections.
• Continuous Short - This indicates a power error. Usually this points to the motherboard or CPU not receiving enough power. Verify that your power supply is working correctly and that it is putting out enough power. You can find more information on this here
• Continuous High Pitched Beeps - You may get this while your computer is running - if so, it normally points to a CPU fan failure. Take the cover off your computer while it is running and verify that the CPU fan is operating correctly.

AMI BIOS

The AMI BIOS uses a single length beep. When diagnosing computer problems, simply count the number of beeps.

• 1, 2, or 3 Beeps - This usually indicates bad memory. If you have 2 memory sticks, try removing one, then the other to try and isolate the issue. When diagnosing computer problems like this one, use the process of elimination on the memory modules to pinpoint which is faulty.
• 4 Beeps - This indicates a motherboard problem. Verify all the connections on the motherboard are in place. Do a visual inspection of the motherboard for broken chips, cracks, or other physical damage.
• 5 Beeps - This indicates a processor error. Remove the heat sink and ensure that the CPU is seated correctly in the socket. Ensure that the CPU is in the socket in the correct orientation.
• 6 Beeps - This can indicate a bad CPU or motherboard. Refer to 4 and 5 beeps above.
• 7 Beeps - This can indicate a bad CPU. Refer to 5 beeps above.
• 8 Beeps - This usually indicates a video error. Ensure that your graphics card is inserted in the slot correctly, and is all the way in. Make sure that you have the correct power connections for your graphics card.
• 9 Beeps - This indicates a BIOS ROM error. 9 beeps usually point to a corrupted BIOS image. What you will need to do is to flash your BIOS. You can do this either on a floppy disk, or on a USB flash drive.
• 10 Beeps - This can indicate a CMOS error. Refer to 4 beeps above. If you don't see anything wrong on the motherboard, verify your BIOS settings. You can also try resetting your BIOS to factory defaults, either by selecting the reset option in the BIOS setup, or by removing the battery and setting the jumper to reset. If you choose this, please refer to your motherboard manual for more information on reseting the BIOS.
• 11 Beeps - This can point to a bad CPU or motherboard. Refer to 4 and 5 beeps above.

Phoenix BIOS

The Phoenix BIOS uses sets of 3 beep combinations. When diagnosing computer problems, look in the list below for your beep combination. An example would be 1-2-2. This would be BEEP pause BEEP BEEP pause BEEP BEEP.

• 1-1-2, 4-4-3, 4-2-4 - These combinations can point to motherboard or CPU failure. Verify all the connections on the motherboard are in place. Do a visual inspection of the motherboard for broken chips, cracks, or other physical damage. This could also indicate a Processor error. Remove the heat sink and ensure that the CPU is seated correctly in the socket. Ensure that the CPU is in the socket in the correct orientation.
• 1-1-3, 1-2-1, 1-2-2, 1-2-3, 1-4-3, 1-4-4, 3-1-1, 3-1-2, 3-1-3, 3-1-4, 3-2-2, 3-2-4, 4-2-1, 4-2-2, 4-2-3, 4-3-3, 4-3-4, 4-4-1, 4-4-2 - All these combinations point to problems on the motherboard. Ensure that all connections on the motherboard are correct. Also, if you are using IDE hard drives, ensure that the jumper settings are correct. I have a small diagram on hard drive jumpers here.
• 1-1-4 - This indicates a BIOS ROM error. This usually points to a corrupted BIOS image. What you will need to do is to flash your BIOS. You can do this either on a floppy disk, or on a USB flash drive. This site will give you step by step instructions to flash your BIOS.
• 3-3-1 - This can indicate a bad CMOS Battery. These batteries are pretty cheap, so grab one and replace your current battery. It is located on the motherboard, refer to this motherboard diagram at label "P"
• 3-3-2 - This can indicate a bad CMOS setting. Look through your BIOS settings to ensure everything is set correctly. If you cannot find anything wrong, reset the BIOS to factory defaults. There should be an option for this on the main BIOS page. If this doesn't fix the issue, refer to your motherboard manual on resetting the BIOS using the jumper settings.
• 3-3-4, 3-4-1 - This can indicate graphics card problems. Ensure that your graphics card is seated all the way into the slot. Also make sure that the card has the proper power connections. Refer to your graphics card manual for more information on power connections.
• 9-2-1 - This one is rare. It points to a graphics card incompatibility. Verify that the graphics card you are using is compatible with your motherboard.
• All Other Combinations - The rest of the combinations point to memory issues. If you have two memory sticks, try removing one, then the other to try and isolate which stick is bad. Use the process of elimination on the memory modules to pinpoint which is faulty.

Hopefully, reviewing and troubleshooting computer problems has helped you in diagnosing computer problems; and has helped you to fix your issue. If it did not, head back to the Troubleshooting page and we'll keep trying. Keep in mind that diagnosing computer problems is mostly a process of elimination. You will eventually get down to the core of the problem.

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