PC 3 long beeps on startup

T

tpv

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Hi,

I intially had a problem with my pc not starting (no Screen). Initially I had 2 short beeps, follwed by 6 quick beeps. I tried re-plugging in keyboard, & re-inserting RAM (1GB, & 256MB sticks). I don't think the memory was seated too well.

Now I get 3 long beeps. Is this a knackered motherboard, memory problem, or keyboard problem?

Can it be fixed?

Hope you can help.

Mike Spencer
 
Best is to take it in to have someone test it for you, going to save you a lot of trouble figuring out what is broken. This could be, the motherboard, screencard or ram in that order. Doubtful it is the psu as it gets power?

let them give you a quote, you can however try to reseat all the components making sure nothing has come loose. ;)
 
Something i used to try that was often successful in these situations. Because it could be a setting in the BIOS...

Try unplug it from the wall completely, then remove the battery from the mainboard for about thirty seconds to a minute. While doing that try reseating the ram and graphics card. Also try start it up without anything else plugged in (ie. no drives or roms)

If it starts up, then you can start troubleshooting and seeing what the cause is. If not, chances are it'll be the mainboard as you can try booting with one stick of memory at a time to confirm.
 
3 Long beeps indicate a problem with the memory, or memory controllers (on motherboard).

Either way, you're likely to replace on of the above mentioned, or possibly both.

It does often happen though, that builtup static causes these problems.

Make sure your plug is earthed properly, and your premises checked for earth leakage, to avoid future problems.

Good luck.
 
It is wise to refer to your MB troubleshooting manual / guide. 3 long beeps usually refer to a memory problem as stated above.
 
IceQB said:
It is wise to refer to your MB troubleshooting manual / guide. 3 long beeps usually refer to a memory problem as stated above.
Click to expand...

Agreed - had the same problem once - 3 long beeps was memory problem.
 
"3 Long beeps" = Memory
"2 short beeps, follwed by 6 quick beeps" = Graphics card
 
Quick tip: Try removing the RAM and rub the contact points with a clean rubber eraser.
I read this method awhile back when I had a memory problem as well and it worked. No idea why, but it's worth a go if you're re-seating everything.
 
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