what would cause a computer to "beep" in the background?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Mardi Grass
  • Start date Start date
M

Mardi Grass

Hello,

I have windows xp pro installed and a few times a day, I hear a "beep" in
the background as I'm working on projects. This is not thru the sound card,
but thru the computer's built-in beeper.

Could this mean there's a problem in the mother board?

thanks for any assistence...

Garry
 
Mardi Grass said:
I have windows xp pro installed and a few times a day, I hear a "beep" in
the background as I'm working on projects. This is not thru the sound card,
but thru the computer's built-in beeper.

Could this mean there's a problem in the mother board?
Click to expand...

Maybe. I would install software like Everest Home
(http://www.lavalys.com) and check the temperature of the CPU and such
things.
 
Beeps are indicators that either everything is fine, or something is wrong.
How many Beeps at one time?
 
I found some information on the different beep code, and depending on your
BIOS and motherboard, they are as follows,
Beeps - Error Message - Description
1 short - DRAM refresh failure - The programmable interrupt timer or
programmable interrupt controller has probably failed.
2 short - Memory parity error - A memory parity error has occurred in the
first 64K of RAM. The RAM IC is probably bad.
3 short - Base 64K memory failure - A memory failure has occurred in the
first 64K of RAM. The RAM IC is probably bad.
4 short - System timer failure - The system clock/timer IC has failed or
there is a memory error in the first bank of memory.
5 short - Processor error - The system CPU has failed.
6 short - Gate A20 failure - The keyboard controller IC has failed, which is
not allowing Gate A20 to switch the processor to protected mode. Replace the
keyboard controller.
7 short - Virtual mode processor exception error - The CPU has generated an
exception error because of a fault in the CPU or motherboard circuitry.
8 short - Display memory read/write error - The system video adapter is
missing or defective.
9 short - ROM checksum error - The contents of the system BIOS ROM does not
match the expected checksum value. The BIOS ROM is probably defective and
should be replaced.
10 short - CMOS shutdown register read/write error - The shutdown for the
CMOS has failed.
11 short - Cache error - The L2 cache is faulty 1 long, 2 short - Failure in
video system An error was encountered in the video BIOS ROM, or a horizontal
retrace failure has been encountered.
1 long, 3 short - Memory test failure - A fault has been detected in memory
above 64KB.
1 long, 8 short - Display test failure - The video adapter is either missing
or defective.
2 short - POST Failure - One of the hardware tests have failed.
1 long - POST - All tests passed.


Award BIOS Beep Codes:

Beeps - Error Message - Description
1 long, 2 short - Video adapter error - Either video adapter is bad or is
not seated properly. Also, check to ensure the monitor cable is connected
properly.
Repeating (endless loop) - Memory error - Check for improperly seated or
missing memory.
1 long, 3 short - No video card or bad video RAM - Reseat or replace the
video card.
High frequency beeeps while running - Overheated CPU - Check the CPU fan for
proper operation. Check the case for proper air flow.
Repeating High/Low - Either the CPU is not seated properly or damaged. May
also be due to excess heat. - Check the CPU fan or BIOS settings for proper
fan speed.
 
Any beep, after startup and while running, coming from the mobo is always an
indication of a problem. Look into the event viewer after such a beep and see
if an event is written. start\control panel\administrative tools\event viewer
and then either application or system log. Run diagnostics for your HDD from
the manufacturer and see if your mobo maker has diagnostics available. Run a
RAM memory test. Do a search on the I-net there are hundreds of free tests
available.
http://www.memtest86.com/
http://www.uxd.com/rst.shtml
http://www.ultimatebootcd.com/
These are just a few. Post back if you need more. TTFN.
 
Hello Thorsten;
Thank you for the great reference to the software Everest Home. This free
software is a must for beginner and expert.
Sincerely Melvin
---------------------------------------
 
Hello,

I have windows xp pro installed and a few times a day, I hear a "beep" in
the background as I'm working on projects. This is not thru the sound card,
but thru the computer's built-in beeper.

Could this mean there's a problem in the mother board?

thanks for any assistence...

Garry
Click to expand...
Any of several thousand programs will beep at you. My 1st choice on mine would
be the asus probe that monitors heat, and fan speed. On idle the fan's almost
always slow down below the threshold and beep. Long as the temps still normal
the beep is just a warning.

Other than that there's maybe 999 other things that can beep at you. And 999 is
a low guess. Every program I have has sound or visual notification for out of
the ordinary.
But the probe is the only one worth monitoring.
 
melvin cotterill said:
Hello Thorsten;
Thank you for the great reference to the software Everest Home. This free
software is a must for beginner and expert.
Click to expand...

You are welcome.
 
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