instead of that double beep, the computer starts emitting single beeps at regular intervals

[aa]

When turning on instead of that double beep, the computer starts emitting
single beeps at regular intervals and the monitor remains black.
What might be wrong?
Whether this is a coincedence, but this began when attempting to connect the
computer to a quite old monitor. On another computer that monitor was
working, though only at low resolution.

 

[Pegasus [MVP]]

When turning on instead of that double beep, the computer starts emitting
single beeps at regular intervals and the monitor remains black.
What might be wrong?
Whether this is a coincedence, but this began when attempting to connect
the
computer to a quite old monitor. On another computer that monitor was
working, though only at low resolution.

This is a hardware issue and has nothing to do with Windows XP or Windows
2000. Best to ask the experts in a hardware newsgroup.

 

[RobertVA]

When turning on instead of that double beep, the computer starts emitting
single beeps at regular intervals and the monitor remains black.
What might be wrong?
Whether this is a coincedence, but this began when attempting to connect the
computer to a quite old monitor. On another computer that monitor was
working, though only at low resolution.

Many computers generate some sort of sound when first powered up. All
the desktop computers I've used normally generate a SINGLE beep on the
tiny speaker inside the case (NOT the external speakers). Lacking
alternatives the laptops used the equally tiny speaker that the laptop
also used for most Windows sounds. Those beeps are generated by the
computer's ROM based Power On Self Test (POST).

IF the computer is able to use the display it will report any problems
detected during the POST on the display. Hardware failures that prevent
the computer from displaying an error message produce a different POST
beep pattern. The POST error beeps vary depending on which manufacturer
built the computer and cannot be interpreted without obtaining
documentation through the manufacturer. Knowledge of the computer model
number WILL be required to obtain the relevant POST beep code list
(motherboard manufacturer and model number for a local computer shop's
"gray box" custom made towers).

Most operational displays will produce some text based startup messages
within a few seconds of the user pressing the tower's "power" button.
Some models display the computer manufacturer's logo. These power up
messages are dependent on the proper operation of the graphics card or
display interface circuits built into the motherboard and should be
within a vertical refresh frequency range compatible with nearly all
displays. Occasionally a user will set Windows to a vertical refresh
rate too high for the display, normally producing an out of range error
on the display (generated by the display's circuitry). That problem can
normally be corrected by booting Windows in safe mode to permit the user
to see the display settings pop-ups.

 

[Pegasus [MVP]]

That problem can normally be corrected by booting Windows in safe mode to
permit the user to see the display settings pop-ups.

How can the OP possibly boot into Safe Mode if his monitor remains
completely black? The repeated beeps clearly indicate a hardware problem
which the hardware *experts* may be able to resolve.

 

[Paul]

When turning on instead of that double beep, the computer starts emitting
single beeps at regular intervals and the monitor remains black.
What might be wrong?
Whether this is a coincedence, but this began when attempting to connect the
computer to a quite old monitor. On another computer that monitor was
working, though only at low resolution.

At least some BIOS keep things pretty simple. The BIOS only
uses beep codes, if the display can't be driven with an
error message. So if the BIOS thinks you cannot see the
screen, it'll use a beep code.

You get one beep code for memory error. Another beep code
for video error. Those are major errors that prevent the
screen from starting up.

If the memory is bad, you can remove and reseat the
memory DIMMs (with all power removed).

If the video was bad, then it depends on the video type. Some
computers have a separate video card, which you can try reseating.
Others have video integrated into the motherboard, and for those,
there isn't much you can do in terms of easy experiments.

You don't need an expert, as much as you need documentation.
Some motherboard manuals, include a table of beep code values.
But on something like a laptop, getting your hands on some
simple information like that, could be more difficult.

If you need more help, you could post in the "hardware" newsgroup
instead of "general". If you include the make and model of computer,
maybe a manual can be found.

Paul

 

[aa]

Thank a lot, Robert, for the datailed answer

 

[SC Tom]

When turning on instead of that double beep, the computer starts emitting
single beeps at regular intervals and the monitor remains black.
What might be wrong?
Whether this is a coincedence, but this began when attempting to connect
the
computer to a quite old monitor. On another computer that monitor was
working, though only at low resolution.

Assuming that it's repeating a single short beep over and over, it could be
a memory timing error (AMI BIOS) or memory or video malfunction (Award
BIOS). If you've tried to overclock your PC, go back to defaults. If you
have more than one stick of RAM, pull all but one and see what happens. If
you have another video card, swap out the one that's in it now.

SC Tom

 

[James Watkins]

Thank a lot, Robert, for the datailed answer

.. . . no matter how misleading it was!

 

[aa]

----- Original Message -----

You don't need an expert, as much as you need documentation.

Last time I saw documentation of this type was when I bought IBM PC AT
computer in the late 80th.
Now no documentation comes with a computer except some promotional rubbish.
This here computer is someone EXCL and god knows which mother is inside

 

[aa]

sorry, I meant EXCILON

----- Original Message -----

Last time I saw documentation of this type was when I bought IBM PC AT
computer in the late 80th.
Now no documentation comes with a computer except some promotional rubbish.
This here computer is someone EXCL and god knows which mother is inside

 

[Bruce Chambers]

When turning on instead of that double beep, the computer starts emitting
single beeps at regular intervals and the monitor remains black.
What might be wrong?

You have a hardware failure. What you're hearing is the motherboard's
Power On Self Test (POST) "beep" code, with differing patterns of beeps
meaning different components have failed. The precise meaning of these
codes depends upon the make and model of your motherboard, so you'll
have to consult the manual that came with your computer or motherboard,
or research the computer's or motherboard's manufacturer's support web site.

Whether this is a coincedence, but this began when attempting to connect the
computer to a quite old monitor. On another computer that monitor was
working, though only at low resolution.

It could be that in the process of connecting the monitor, you
inadvertently unseated the video adapter from the motherboard, or
damaged the connector.



--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:


http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/555375

They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary
safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. ~Benjamin Franklin

Many people would rather die than think; in fact, most do. ~Bertrand Russell

The philosopher has never killed any priests, whereas the priest has
killed a great many philosophers.
~ Denis Diderot

 

[Bruce Chambers]

. . . no matter how misleading it was!

I found nothing misleading in his post, although he did drift into a
seemingly unrelated (to the question at hand) topic for the last two
sentences. Is this what you meant? Otherwise, his explanation was was
spot on.


--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:


http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/555375

They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary
safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. ~Benjamin Franklin

Many people would rather die than think; in fact, most do. ~Bertrand Russell

The philosopher has never killed any priests, whereas the priest has
killed a great many philosophers.
~ Denis Diderot

 

[Lem]

sorry, I meant EXCILON

See one of the many web pages that list beep codes for various BIOSes.
http://www.google.com/#hl=en&source=hp&q="bios+beep+codes"&aq=f&aqi=g10&oq=&fp=5b7cf21b103219ea

The only one that sounds remotely like what you describe is an IBM BIOS
for which --
Repeating short beeps: Power supply or system board problem

As for "EXCILON" -- sure you spelled that correctly? EXCILON is a trade
name for surgical dressing material. I've not come across it in the
context of computers.

 

[Paul]

sorry, I meant EXCILON

I'd need more to go on than that

If you want to browse some beep codes, try this archived page.
Be patient. This web site is heavily loaded by users. Beep
codes are listed on the right hand side.

http://web.archive.org/web/20030206030008/http://bioscentral.com/

The reason for not going to bioscentral.com directly, is the
site is classed by my web browser as an "attack site", meaning
in recent days, it has been distributing virus/malware. So rather
than risk your computer, use an archive of the web site, from
a time when it was safe.

For an example, look at the Award BIOS page. The entry "Repeating (endless loop)",
means a single beep, with a long quiet period before the next single beep, in
a repeating pattern. The diagnosis is "memory error" in that case. If you
had an Award BIOS, then that might be what your beep pattern means.

http://web.archive.org/web/20030608162158/bioscentral.com/beepcodes/awardbeep.htm

If you look at the Phoenix beep page, you can see it uses elaborate patterns
not present in your symptoms.

http://web.archive.org/web/20030802052754/bioscentral.com/beepcodes/phoenixbeep.htm

There may be a copyright notice on the main BIOS page, and the brand of
BIOS may be evident there. Of course, when the computer is failing,
you can no longer observe the screen. So this observation is only
workable, if you happen to remember what is printed on that screen.
The set of BIOS screens presented, is also a distinctive feature
of BIOSes, so there are other ways to recollect who makes the
BIOS.

(An Award BIOS screen, from a time just after Phoenix bought them...)

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/sq/7/75/Phoenix_-_AwardBIOS_CMOS.jpg

Paul