When the computer starts, there are three long beeps. Bios beeps: award bios

The topic of this article will be BIOS. First, we will deal with the question, what is BIOS and what does it serve? And then we will describe the sound sounds in as much detail as possible. BIOS signals.

BIOS (Basic Input-Output System) is a special program that is stored in a ROM (read-only memory) chip. The English designation for this type of memory is often found – Read Only Memory, or ROM for short. In practice, for a long time, instead of conventional ROM chips, Flash memory has been used, which is rewritable, which allows the user to independently update BIOS versions.

BIOS Features

As for the BIOS functions, they are very extensive.

Firstly, as soon as the PC’s power is turned on, control immediately passes to the BIOS. This program performs initial testing of system unit components. After a successful check, the BIOS transfers control of the computer next program, which is written to the Boot sector (boot sector) located on the boot disk (as boot disk can act HDD, CD, floppy disk, flash drive, etc.). The initial equipment testing procedure is called POST (Power-On Self Test).

Secondly, thanks to BIOS, the computer's hardware configuration is stored in a special CMOS chip. When the PC is powered on, a comparison is made between the current hardware configuration and the one stored in the chip. If the program finds differences between these two configurations, then the CMOS memory data will be updated and, if necessary, you will be prompted to go to BIOS Setup to specify the new parameters of the detected hardware. If differences in configurations are not detected, or the configuration update can be performed without user intervention, then the program carries out the necessary settings (configuration) of the computer’s hardware components.

CMOS memory (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) is a small RAM chip (RAM or RAM - Random Access Memory). But since there is a need to retain information in it even after the power is turned off, the CMOS memory is additionally powered by its own battery. This battery itself is associated with several problems. One of them is a limited service life, which is 5-6 years. After this period of time has passed, the battery can no longer provide the required level of power, which leads to the loss of stored information in the chip. Although this problem can be solved quite simply - install a new battery.

Thirdly, using special program BIOS Setup allows the user to set various parameters and select operating modes for individual PC components. Here the user can disable equipment that is not in use or its use is undesirable in order to ensure computer security. Fourthly, I/O operations are processed using the BIOS. This is actually why this system was originally developed. Thanks to availability of BIOS, for example, the hard drive understands that the head needs to be placed on a specific track or read a certain sector, etc.

If all programs had to contain instructions of this kind, then they would be huge in size, and their work would be very inefficient. In addition, with the advent of each new device they would have to be modified. Therefore, in order to avoid such problems, a significant part of the work associated with processing I/O operations was assigned to the BIOS. Naturally, BIOS operation did not solve absolutely all problems, but significantly simplified the solution to most of them. It is worth noting that today this is no longer as relevant as it was during the days of the MS-DOS operating system. Modern operating systems such as Windows XP, Windows Vista or Windows Seven practically do not use the BIOS capabilities to process I/O operations. But here it must be said that everything said is very conditional. In fact, all tasks are performed by the operating system in close interaction with the BIOS, complementing each other functionally.

The average user more often has to deal with that part of the BIOS called BIOS Setup. BIOS Setup is a special subroutine that allows you to configure the operation of individual computer hardware components. The main difficulty in setting it up lies in the unclear names of the options, which can tell little to a less advanced user. In addition, the problem is exacerbated by the lack of reference material for these settings. But if we look at it as a whole, BIOS Setup is nothing special; the only thing that sets it apart from other programs is its rather archaic interface compared to modern operating systems. All settings made by the user while setting up the computer via BIOS Setup are saved to the CMOS memory chip, where they are stored along with data about the system’s hardware configuration.

How to reset BIOS settings

Below we will give several methods that help solve problems with resetting the BIOS, that is, returning it to original state, in which all settings will be as they were before the user made changes. Often, such a simple operation as resetting the BIOS settings allows you to eliminate a number of problems with starting your computer, and also helps to avoid visiting a service center.

Method 1

We return the BIOS to the factory default settings using the BIOS setup interface, which will allow us not to disassemble the system unit again. It should be noted that this method feasible in cases where the BIOS is loading. To reset the BIOS, you need to find the load bios defaults or load setup defaults item in the menu, as shown in the figure and press Enter.

Method 2

Reset BIOS settings using a battery. Before you begin, you should completely disconnect power from your computer. After you make sure that all cords are removed from the sockets, you need to remove the side cover of the system unit. Next, find the same battery and remove it for 5-10 minutes. After this period, you can return it to its place. The BIOS should be reset.

Method 3

Reset the BIOS settings using a jumper (jumper). Finding a jumper on the motherboard is easy; it is almost always located next to the battery. It is designated as Clear CMOS or Clear RTS. Sometimes motherboard manufacturers place it near the edge of the board to make it easier to access. To reset the BIOS settings, you need to move the jumper for a few seconds from position 1-2 to position 2-3, and then return it to its place.

If everything is done correctly, then after turning on the computer, after a few seconds you will hear one short signal - this indicates that the system is in order and the operating system will then begin loading. If hardware problems are detected in the system, the signal will have a different appearance. By the type of signal, you can determine what kind of malfunction is detected, and what further actions should be undertaken. All BIOS signals (supplied using a speaker) are distinguished depending on its version and, of course, depending on the nature of the detected malfunction. BIOS version determined based on the documentation that comes with the motherboard. If the documents are missing for some reason, then you can determine the BIOS version using special utilities, which are available in abundance on the Internet. Another BIOS version is usually displayed on the monitor screen when the computer starts in the lower left corner. Of all the BIOS manufacturers on the market, two main competitors should be highlighted: software which the vast majority of modern PCs are equipped with. These are two well-known brands such as American Megatrends (AMI) and Award Software. So, first let's look at the AMI audio alarm.

BIOS beeps: AMI BIOS

• — Two short beeps from the speaker indicate some kind of malfunction in the computer’s RAM. Troubleshooting options: you need to remove the memory module from the slot, wipe it with a dry brush and insert the module into place; if after starting the PC the signals repeat, then further testing of the memory or its complete replacement may be required;
• — Three consecutive short beeps from the speaker indicate an error in reading the first 64 KB of PC main memory. Troubleshooting options: it is necessary to remove the memory module from the slot, if there is dust, wipe the strip with a dry brush and insert the module into place; if the signals repeat, further testing of the memory or its complete replacement may be required;

• — Four consecutive short beeps from the speaker indicate a malfunction of the system timer. Troubleshooting options: restart the PC again, and if the signals repeat, then repair or replace the system board;
• — Five consecutive short beeps from the speaker indicate a malfunction of the central processor. Options for troubleshooting: reboot the PC again, if the signals repeat, replace the processor;
• — Six consecutive short beeps from the speaker indicate a malfunction of the keyboard controller. Troubleshooting options: check the cable and connection of the keyboard to the system unit, check the keyboards on another computer. If after checking it turns out that the keyboard is working, then the only option left is to repair the motherboard or replace it;
• — Seven consecutive short beeps from the speaker indicate a malfunction of the motherboard. Troubleshooting options: reboot again and if the signals repeat, then repair or purchase of a new motherboard will be required;
• — Eight consecutive short beeps from the speaker indicate a memory failure graphics card. Troubleshooting options: if the signals repeat after a reboot, you will need to either repair the old one or buy a new video card;
• — Nine consecutive short signals indicate a malfunction of the BIOS chip itself. Options for troubleshooting: flashing the microcircuit or replacing it completely;
• — Ten consecutive short beeps from the speaker indicate the impossibility of writing to the CMOS memory. Troubleshooting options: clearing the CMOS memory using one of the above options. If the signals repeat after setting the BIOS default values, the CMOS memory module must be replaced;
• — Eleven short beeps from the speaker in a row indicate a faulty RAM. Troubleshooting options: it is necessary to remove the memory module from the slot, if there is dust, wipe the strip with a dry brush and insert the module into place; if the signals repeat, further testing of the memory or its complete replacement may be required;
• — One long and three short beeps from the speaker as well as one long and eight short beeps again indicate a faulty video card. The troubleshooting options are the same as in the previous case.
• — The absence of speaker signals may indicate a faulty power supply. Troubleshooting options: check the fastening of the power supply plugs to the connectors on the motherboard, clean the power supply from dust. If these steps do not produce results, if possible, try to test the power supply on another computer. If such symptoms occur, you will need to either repair it or purchase a new power supply.

BIOS beeps: Award BIOS

• — One short signal from the speaker means there are no errors in the system and the computer is in fully working order;
• — Two consecutive short beeps from the speaker indicate the detection of “minor” errors. Troubleshooting options: Check that components and cables are securely attached to the system board PC, then try to set the BIOS to default values;

• — A short, repeating speaker signal indicates a faulty power supply. Troubleshooting options: check the fastening of the power supply plugs to the connectors on the motherboard, clean the power supply from dust. If these steps do not produce results, if possible, try to test the power supply on another computer. If such symptoms occur, you will need to either repair it or purchase a new power supply;
• — A long, repeating beep from the speaker indicates a faulty RAM. Troubleshooting options: it is necessary to remove the memory module from the slot, if there is dust, wipe the strip with a dry brush and insert the module into place; if the signals repeat, further testing of the memory or its complete replacement may be required;
• - Three long signal speaker indicates a faulty keyboard controller. Troubleshooting options: check the cable and connection of the keyboard to the system unit, check the keyboards on another computer. If after checking it turns out that the keyboard is working, then the only option left is to repair the motherboard or replace it;
• — One long and one short beep from the speaker indicates a faulty RAM. Troubleshooting options: it is necessary to remove the memory module from the slot, if there is dust, wipe the strip with a dry brush and insert the module into place; if the signals repeat, further testing of the memory or its complete replacement may be required;
• — One long and two short beeps from the speaker indicate a faulty video card. Troubleshooting options: you need to check the cable going from the video card to the monitor, if the cable is ok, you need to remove the video card from the slot, wipe off dust if necessary and insert it back. If these actions do not produce results, then you may need to repair or purchase a new video card;
• — One long and three short beeps from the speaker indicate a malfunction of the keyboard controller. Troubleshooting options: check the cable and connection of the keyboard to the system unit, check the keyboards on another computer. If after checking it turns out that the keyboard is working, then the only option left is to repair the motherboard or replace it;
• — One long and nine consecutive short beeps from the speaker indicate a malfunction of the BIOS chip itself. Options for troubleshooting: flashing the microcircuit or replacing it completely;
• — The absence of speaker signals may indicate a faulty power supply. Troubleshooting options: check the fastening of the power supply plugs to the connectors on the motherboard, clean the power supply from dust. If, as a result of the actions taken, when you try to turn on the computer again, there are no signals, the power supply needs to be repaired.

Separately, it is necessary to note the continuous BIOS sound signals that change in tone. This can be caused either by a faulty power supply or an overheating PC.

Computer crashes and errors