Three loud beeps when I switched on my pc

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duk3

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I switched on my PC today, and I got three loud beeps with a fair interval between each one (beep!~~~beep!~~~beep!)

The red light near the power button stayed on continuously, and didn't flicker like it usually would, and the monitor was blank. I couldn't get to the motherboard logo screen, Windows startup screen or desktop. Upon closer inspection, I don't think my graphics card (PCI express) was running. It's usually pretty loud. I left it like this for a while with no change in the situation. I tried the reboot button, tried powering off by holding in the power button. Nothing. I ended up pulling the power lead out.

I'm not sure, but I think this might be related to this issue: lately I bought a new power strip (I think it's called that) and plugged in several appliances. They operate off of switches. The thing is that they're those red glow in the dark kind switches that ended up keeping me awake at night seeing as my PC is never far from my bed. So I switched off the appliances at the plug including the PC, and all was fine for a couple of weeks until today, after I hadn't switched on the PC (at the plug) for two days.

Any idea on what I should do?
 
HavocXphere said:
Check motherboard manual...the beep codes tell you whats wrong.
Click to expand...

If I can find it. ;)

I'll do that, otherwise might they have it online over at Intel's website?

Never mind, I answered my own question and found it there. According to the manual, it seems to indicate that it's a memory issue. It says "no memory".
 
It's usually a RAM issue. Either the RAM is not compatible, not properly in the slot or it's faulty.
 
AfricanTech said:
Remove your RAM sticks - then re-insert

[was gonna say sounds like RAM :p - good to know the old diagnostic knowledge is still current :D)
Click to expand...

+1 In all likelyhood it's a RAM issue. Second would be graphics if you have a dedicated graphics card. If you're using onboard graphics then it still points to RAM.
 
Try checking the BIOS battery on the motherboard as well (usually a CR2032 flat cell battery) - have had this before when it went dead...
...you indicate the only thing that seemingly changed was that you were switching off the mains at night - this could have drained the battery if it had low charge - they usually last a number of years, but not forever ;)
 
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duk3 said:
I switched on my PC today, and I got three loud beeps with a fair interval between each one (beep!~~~beep!~~~beep!)

The red light near the power button stayed on continuously, and didn't flicker like it usually would, and the monitor was blank. I couldn't get to the motherboard logo screen, Windows startup screen or desktop. Upon closer inspection, I don't think my graphics card (PCI express) was running. It's usually pretty loud. I left it like this for a while with no change in the situation. I tried the reboot button, tried powering off by holding in the power button. Nothing. I ended up pulling the power lead out.

I'm not sure, but I think this might be related to this issue: lately I bought a new power strip (I think it's called that) and plugged in several appliances. They operate off of switches. The thing is that they're those red glow in the dark kind switches that ended up keeping me awake at night seeing as my PC is never far from my bed. So I switched off the appliances at the plug including the PC, and all was fine for a couple of weeks until today, after I hadn't switched on the PC (at the plug) for two days.

Any idea on what I should do?
Click to expand...

3 beeps = borked RAM on about 80% of motherboards.
 
Sometimes all you have to do is remove the ram and clean the contact strips with an eraser and re insert. Ought to sort it out.
 
I tried a reseat of the RAM and that didn't seem to work. Tried a reseat of the graphics card and that didn't work. Might do them both again one after the other instead of separately and try again.

howardb said:
Try checking the BIOS battery on the motherboard as well (usually a CR2032 flat cell battery) - have had this before when it went dead...
...you indicate the only thing that seemingly changed was that you were switching off the mains at night - this could have drained the battery if it had low charge - they usually last a number of years, but not forever ;)
Click to expand...

Would leaving the power switched on at the plug help? Or would I need to a get a new battery? Those lights from the switches keep me awake at night, so what could I use to cover them up with? Black insulation tape? I've seen that done before. Otherwise I should just swap that power strip for another one.
 
duk3 said:
Would leaving the power switched on at the plug help? Or would I need to a get a new battery?
Click to expand...
Flat battery could prevent from booting. Do you have multimeter? Leaving power plug on doesn't charge a battery, it just prevents from further discharging. Changing to older power strips is a good idea, even it is only for the 'glowing' reason.
 
You don't mention the type of machine, so this may not be relevant, but I do know that HP machines beep and show a red light when the power pack goes. Could be your problem.
 
sajunky said:
Flat battery could prevent from booting. Do you have multimeter? Leaving power plug on doesn't charge a battery, it just prevents from further discharging. Changing to older power strips is a good idea, even it is only for the 'glowing' reason.
Click to expand...

Multimeter... I might be able to get one.

Arctus said:
You don't mention the type of machine, so this may not be relevant, but I do know that HP machines beep and show a red light when the power pack goes. Could be your problem.
Click to expand...

It's not an HP. It's a custom built rig. But what you describe is what's happening here.
 
Rickster said:
For starters what motherboard is it?
Click to expand...

It's an old Intel D945 series board. I read through the manual and it is a CR2032 battery that I need. I phoned around and there are two places nearby where I can buy one. They're quite cheap, about R50. The brand is Renata. So I'll replace the battery and see if that does the trick. Otherwise it likely is the RAM that's gone, or maybe even the GPU.
 
sajunky said:
It should be around R10 from computer distributors.
Click to expand...

I phoned a few computer shops, but they didn't have stock, and told me to go to a watch shop. I managed to buy one for R12 in the end though, so saved a bit. It's a Maxell Lithium CR2032 battery. I hope it'll be okay, seeing as the manual says that if you put the wrong battery in "an explosion will occur". :wtf: :cry:
 
duk3 said:
I phoned a few computer shops, but they didn't have stock, and told me to go to a watch shop. I managed to buy one for R12 in the end though, so saved a bit. It's a Maxell Lithium CR2032 battery. I hope it'll be okay, seeing as the manual says that if you put the wrong battery in "an explosion will occur". :wtf: :cry:
Click to expand...

Take your old battery and go to Hardware shops like Mica. They will most likely have as well.
 
sajunky said:
Of course it is OK, Maaxell is a reputable make! :)
Click to expand...

I see it's Hitachi Maxell, made in Japan, so you're probably right. It's not some Chinese rubbish. ;)

GhostSixFour said:
Take your old battery and go to Hardware shops like Mica. They will most likely have as well.
Click to expand...

I had the idea to check out a hardware store actually or maybe even an electric store like Brights or Dents. I bought this battery from a pharmacy. :)

Edit: Okay, I replaced the battery and reseated the GPU and RAM again, and it's working! First thing I did was make a backup of my stuff, and I still need to switch that power strip.
 
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