2beeps at startup

I am having no problems as such, but I have just been reading through some beginners guides at PCStats. I was reading about what the beeps mean at startup and it says:-

2 beeps = post/cmos error ....... http://www.pcstats.com/articleview.cfm?articleID=1223

My computer makes 2 beeps when starting up, but I havent noticed a problem, should I be concerned and if so how do I go about finding and fixing the problem?

 

They're most likely post beeps, as you stated that you're not experiencing any problems.

Are both the beeps straight after each other? If so, some hardware could not be inserted properly, or a setting in the BIOS is not correctly configured.

 

It's just saying hello and being friendly.

The Dell I am typing this on has been beeping happily every time I boot it, since 1999.

Studio T

 

Its just two beeps, straight after each other. As I said I havent had any problems at all. Im just a generally over cautious person and reading that got me thinking.
I have never even attempted to open my computer yet as I will probably mess it up, also its a laptop and my freind advised me not to mess as they are built all crammed together unlike a desktop.
I have never tried to change the BIOS. I was reading (also on the same site of my previous link) about making the system run faster by editing the BIOS but as I am pretty much a beginner thought it would be best left well alone!

 

If you think your pc is slowing down, by all means describe the problem and ask for help. That's what Major Geeks is all about.

Download Everest and post the report.txt file it generates. Tell us the sort of programs you run and the pc model.
Bios settings are unlikely to help much unless the original builder got it very very wrong.

The only reason for opening the case is to clean out the inevitable dust buildup inside. This does not slow the pc but can lead to premature failure of components, due to overheating. This applies particularly to laptops. You can get cans of compressed air to blow in through the vents to clear rubbish.

If you are something of a novice, do you know how to do the basic house (disk) keeping? This will provide more performance improvement than anything else. By this I mean disk cleanup / defragment / startup settings.etc.


Studio T

 

My PC isnt actually slowing down or having any problems its just that I read 2 beeps is warning something is up and wondered if i should be concerned?
Ive been picking things up as I go along to be honest. Last time I owned a PC was about 7 years ago. I have had this one since August last year and been online for about 2 months. I found this site by chance but have been learning a lot from here and also buying PC magazines. Im not totally computer illitarate but im far far from expert!

My computer is Advent7094, 256MB memory, SiS661GX Mirage with 64mb shared memory, AC97 Audio, 40GB HDD, CD/DVD ROM. - Im getting a 1GB memory module in about a two weeks.
I defragment with Diskeeper, I run firewall, spy and virus software, I clean my registry with CCleaner and Easycleaner. I use Mozilla Firefox and Thunderbird.

I have downloaded and installed Everest what exactly should I run? benchmark?

 

With that lot you are cool, man.
Everest will be just for interest. My version has a report wizard accesible from the top toolbar.
The only thing to watch for that is there is a potential conflict between Realtek (AC97) sound and a recent Microsoft update. If you start getting user.dll error messages look at

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...displaylang=en

Studio T

 

The Everest report is attatched:-
View attachment Report.txt

I have installed the latest RealTek audio driver, should i remove the microsoft one that came as an automatic update?

Have you any idea what the double beeps could be or should I just ignore them if I have no troubles?

Thanks for your assistance by the way.

 

If you can remove it and it doesn't cause any problems then fine, do so. Your report looks fine to me, so I can only presume that these post beeps are normal.

 

I think a dust clearout is called for you should be aiming under 60 C for the CPU

It's even possible that your beeps are an advanced warning about this.

Studio T

 

I seen that myself, ive just been looking through that program.

Is that accurate? I have SIW and its saying 45degees, and that Everest is saying 70+

confused

 

They measure from the same sensor, but all are notoriously inaccurate.

Only one real way to find out. Is the laptop case very warm? and are the vents dusty?

Studio T

 

This is what Ive found browsing but I dont know what it means!
http://bioscentral.com/beepcodes/amibeep.htm

sorry to post twice over!

 

No hotter than usual, but its always very hot. I wouldnt say its over 70, you could fry an egg on that! lol!

 

Two short beeps officially means memory parity error. Except that laptops don't use parity memory, (nor have desktops for some years).
You only have one memory module fitted. You could take it out clean the contacts and reseat it. That might cure the beeps, but I still favour a good internal clean.

Studio T

 

Remember that laptops run superiorly hotter than desktops....

 

Hi, I looked around last night to find if there are any tests for RAM, I found Microsoft Memory Diagnostic beta, which was reccomended on another site. I ran this trough both the normal tests and the extended tests and there was no problems.
I just logged on and seen your advice and I allready spent some time cleaning inside my system this morning. Still 2 beeps! I ran the memory diagnostics again, no problems again. I run checkdisk also to see if there was any problems, nothing!
I am positive that there was only one beep a few weeks ago, but as I said there are no problems I can see, my systems running sweet as usual.
I emailed AMI and they just sent an automated reply advertising a BIOS diognostic program which I cant afford at the moment!

As its not causing me any problems I am best to ignore and leave it alone eh?

 

I know this thread is a tad old now but Ive just solved the problem and would like to share it and possibly get advice now the problem is clear.

After a full reinstall of windows. I have carefully been putting software on my computer. One thing at a time. Rebooting after everything, making sure I have no problems before adding anything else. So I can figure out exactly whats causing me problems, not just the beeps but other stuff too. I have just re installed my WIDCOMM Bluetooth USB 2.0 adapter, using the cd it came with. After rebooting the 2 beeps were back. I uninstalled it and they were gone again!

I am clueless to this, but obviously the 2 beeps cant be a good thing eh? Maybee this is the cause to some of my other recent problems too? Anyone have any ideas?

Thank you.

 

Interesting and thanks for letting us know.



Studio T

 

The beeps could represent a connection device initializing?

 

I usually remove the bluetooth from the startup in the registry as I like the minimal of stuff to load with my computer.

The only thing I actually use the bluetooth for is to transfer pictures and music back and forth with my phone. I dont use it for anything like printers, keyboards or the like.

Everything I found whilst looking online states more than 1 beep at startup means an error. The error I found it was supposed to be however could not be correct. As it talks about memory errors, with a type of memory I dont even have.

Funny enough also, I have been getting the BSOD since upgrading my memory which is in another thread here in hardware. I had 7 in 3 days! Since I removed my bluetooth device and the software I have had none, although I cant be sure that was the problem untill its been a few days i reckon (touch wood).