Power On Self Test Beep errors

[Jonathan Kay]

I've been trying over the last day or two to put a PC together, but I have a
slight problem. I have installed the motherboard in the case, with the
processor & heatsink, memory & memory card. I've plugged in the power,
video card & keyboard, but whenever I turn the power on the fan on the
heatsink starts up & 2 LEDs on the motherboard light, but I get a single
beep continuously (i.e beep then pause then beep, etc) & a message on the
monitor telling me that the monitor works but there's no signal from the
computer. I know there is a list of what the "beep" erros mean, but I can't
find my copy. Is there someone who might be able to point me in the right
direction?

Thanks for any help.

 

[mchiper]

In alt.comp.hardware.pc-homebuilt, Msg ID: <[email protected]>

I've been trying over the last day or two to put a PC together, but I have a
slight problem. I have installed the motherboard in the case, with the
processor & heatsink, memory & memory card. I've plugged in the power,
video card & keyboard, but whenever I turn the power on the fan on the
heatsink starts up & 2 LEDs on the motherboard light, but I get a single
beep continuously (i.e beep then pause then beep, etc) & a message on the
monitor telling me that the monitor works but there's no signal from the
computer. I know there is a list of what the "beep" erros mean, but I can't
find my copy. Is there someone who might be able to point me in the right
direction?

Some where on the thousands of 360K floppies is what you want.
I can'f find a drive that works, or room to put it, if I did.

But don't lose all hope quite yet..
You can try Ask Jeeves on the web.. Type "PC error codes" , and say please..
Or just goto
http://12.16.74.10/~helpdesk/Desk_Reference/pc_error_codes.htm
It's got beeps, and on screen messages too.
You may (will !!) need to know what BIOS you're using for it to mean anything though.

 

[mchiper]

In alt.comp.hardware.pc-homebuilt, Msg ID: <[email protected]>

You can try Ask Jeeves on the web.. Type "PC error codes" , and say please..
Or just goto
http://12.16.74.10/~helpdesk/Desk_Reference/pc_error_codes.htm
It's got beeps, and on screen messages too.
You may (will !!) need to know what BIOS you're using for it to mean anything though.

More on error codes, specific to hard drives.
Hard drives have LEDs (you can usually add one if yours is naked)
The codes they use are manufacturer specific. (Not easy to get hold of..)
Even without the codes, they are a valuable diagnostic tool.
The drives have to go thru a diagnostic self test before
becoming ready..
You don't even need a PC to test the drive !!!
A power supply will do.
Amazing How many folks don't know it,
and How hard drives I bought for pennies cuz I did.

I don't worrry about competition, so here goes..
(Bring PS and LED with you when junking.
(Work out the details for your self)

Plug in the drive and let her rip.
If Nothing at all happens, repeat several times
(No matter what happens, repeat several times..
- Unless you see smoke that is..


What you are looking for:
The light to flicker and then stop.
After that, It may go out, it may not.
- Not sure what causes that,
May be related to no data cable attached on SOME drives.
May also prevent the test without a data cable on SOME drives.
(SCSI types,only, I think..)

The codes come later.. (You really don't care WHY it failed, do you?)
They repeat till you take power off.
(In case you didn't get it the first time
You won't have ANY trouble distinguishing
1. Flickering (still trying to come ready .. But maybe NEVER will
Otherwise , the flickering is a good sign.. It's ALIVE!!
2. Blinking, telling you why the drive is NG..
Blinking is just as bright as 1st time lit , and always on.

Note:
There is a condition that causes drives to enter single step mode.
(The source of several of my drive for pennies bargains.)
Once started, the drive is stuck in that mode till it's completed.
When you power off and on again, it merely picks up where it left off.
- This might even be the cause of a mysterious system problem you have.
- You turn the machine off and on a few times, and it come back to life !!
- But only if you wait with power on LONG enough between tries.
Other system problems require you to wait long enough with power OFF.
Confusing ain't it?