When you turn on your PC or laptop the system will run a test called a power on self test. Before Windows even begins to load a signal is sent to various components on the mother board. The POST will check components such as RAM, keyboard, video controller, CPU, the system clock and main board. If any of these components are missing or faulty the test will send out a beep code through the system speaker alerting of a problem. Sometimes the error will also be displayed on the screen for quick diagnosis. If everything is OK the pc will normally make a short beep and begin to load the operating system.
Most POST tests use a similar type of beeping code, I have listed here the most common for PCS and laptops. For general PCS:
Computer
· 1 beep code -memory failure -Reseat /replace RAM
· 2 beeps -memory failure -Reseat /replace RAM
· 3 beeps -memory failure first 64 KB -Reseat /replace RAM
· 4 beeps -the system timer -system battery or main board
· 4-7 beeps -system board/CPU -Replace main board/CPU
· 8 beeps Video memory Replace video card/main board
From my experience reseating ram does very often fix the problem. Also reseating other components if further troubleshooting is required can also do the trick. To isolate a problem you can disconnect hardware such as the hard drive, CD ROM drive floppy drive. Each manufacturer has a detailed list of beeps computer codes.
If your PC or laptop is not giving you a beep message and will not boot I have listed a comprehensive list of links for more troubleshooting solutions at my website.
Beeps - Computer
[http://www.paulspcsolutions.com]