The Build
Or Buy Group Network
[ www.buildorbuy.org
| www.buildorbuy.net ]
Volume I, Issue No.9 JULY 19, 1995
HOW TO DIAGNOSE A DEAD PC W/ AMI BIOS--
Audio Beep Errors:
1 beep - DRAM refresh failure
2 beeps - Parity Circuit Failure
3 beeps - Base 64K RAM failure
4 beeps - System Timer Failure
5 beeps - Processor Failure
6 beeps - Keyboard Controller / Gate A20 Failure
7 beeps - Virtual Mode Exception Error
8 beeps - Display Memory Read/Write Failure
9 beeps - ROM BIOS Checksum Failure
10 beeps - CMOS Shutdown Register Read/Write Error
For 1 beep, 2 beeps, or 3 beeps try reseating thememory first. If the error still occurs, replace the memorywith known good chips.
For 4 beeps, 5 beeps, 7 beeps, or 10 beeps the systemboard must be sent in for repair.
For 6 beeps try reseating the keyboard controller chip.If the error still occurs, replace the keyboard chip. If the errorpersists, check parts of the system relating to the keyboard,e.g. try another keyboard, check to see if the system has a keyboardfuse.
8 beeps indicates a memory error on the video adapter.Replace the video card or the memory on the video card. Checkto see if video card is properly seated in slot on motherboard.
9 beeps indicates faulty BIOS chip(s). It is not likelythat this error can be corrected by reseating the chips. (Bummer!)Consult the motherboard supplier or an AMI product distributorfor replacement part(s).
If no beeps are heard and no display is on the screen, The firstthing to check is the power supply. Connect a LED to the POWERLED connection on the motherboard. If this LED lights and thedrive(s) spin up then the power supply will usually be good.
Next, inspect the motherboard for loose components. A loose ormissing CPU, BIOS chip, Crystal Oscillator, or Chipset chip willcause the motherboard not to function.
Next, eliminate the possibility of interference by a bad or improperlyset up I/O card by removing all card except the video adapter.The system should at least power up and wait for a drive time-out.
Insert the cards back into the system one at a time until theproblem happens again. When the system does nothing, the problemwill be with the last expansion card that was put in.
If the above suggestions fail to cause any change in the disfunctionof the system, the motherboard must be returned for repair.
Technical Support Numbers
APCUG (Association of PC User Groups) 408-439-9367 BBS
AMI (Bios) 404-246-8780 BBS
AMI (Bios) 404-263-8181 Tech Support
Intel 800-538-3373 Tech Support
Intel 503-645-6275 BBS
Iomega 1-800-My-Stuff
Microsoft Download Library (BBS) (206) 936-6735
24 HR. FAST FAX TIPS 1-800-936-4100
Microsoft 206-637-7098 Tech Support: Windows Interface ?'
Western Digital 714-753-1234 BBS
Western Digital 800-832-4778 Tech Support
Back to Keeping Up-To-Date section | Back to START of Build or Buy SIG HomePage.