Beep code usually means a basic function was unable to start. A basic function might be reading memory, displaying video, or being able to send information to a hard drive.
The most common problems that cause beep codes are memory and heat-related failures caused by a build-up of dust in critical cooling areas. Use the beep code tables in this document to help find what hardware component is causing the problem. This might reduce the time required to find the hardware component that needs adjusted, reseated, or replaced.
WARNING:
HP recommends that these steps be performed only by someone with experience in working on computer hardware. Incorrectly handling sensitive internal components can further damage the computer and can introduce the risk of personal injury.
Using the correct environment for working on computers (ESD precautions and tools), use the following steps to isolate and fix the problem:
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Turn on the computer.
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Listen to the beep code and write it down. Write down the number of beeps before each pause, if the beeps are long, short, high in tone, or low in tone. You can use the other sections in this document to look up the beep code description. The beep code and its description can be used for further Internet research if needed.
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Note which fans are spinning, not spinning, or making strange noises. It might be possible to prevent the beep code by setting the fan speed to a higher setting in the BIOS setup utility or by cleaning the cooling fins and vents.
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- Check the case fan and power cable.
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Turn off the computer by holding the power button for five seconds.
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Disconnect the power cord and then disconnect all external cords from the computer.
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Remove the side panel to open the computer.
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If the case fan was not spinning, make sure the case fan power cable is connected to the correct pins on the motherboard. Replace the fan if it was making excessive noise or was not spinning.
If you had to plug in or replace the fan, replace the side panel, plug in the power cord and turn on the computer. If the beeps continue, continue to the next step.
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Disconnect the power cord and remove the side panel and perform each of the following tasks, in order, until the beeping stops.
Before starting each task, unplug the power cord and remove the side panel.
After completing a task, replace the side panel, connect the power cord, turn on the computer, and listen for a beep code.
NOTE:
If removing or disconnecting a hardware component prevents the beep code, that component is probably causing the problem. However, a failed motherboard might produce beep codes associated with a component other than the motherboard.
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Clean cooling components that have become clogged with dust. If beeping continues, continue to the next step.
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Remove a memory module.
If the computer stops beeping, the memory module might be bad, is the wrong type of memory for the motherboard, or was not fully seated or connected. Reinsert the memory into the socket to see if a connection was the problem; otherwise replace the module.
Remove each memory module, replacing the one that was previously removed. If beeping continues after checking all the memory modules, continue to the next step.
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If the computer has a graphics adapter, remove it.
If the beep code changes or continues with the same beep pattern after removing the graphics adapter, the adapter might still be good. Reseat the graphics adapter into its socket and continue to the next step.
If the beep code goes away, the graphics adapter might be bad. Try reseating the graphics adapter, making sure it is fully locked into the connector on the motherboard. If problems continue, replace the adapter.
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Remove a PCI card.
If the beep code goes away, the card might be bad. Try reseating the card into its connector on the motherboard. If problems continue, replace the card.
Remove each PCI card, replacing the one that was previously removed. After checking all cards, if beeping continues, continue to the next step.
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Disconnect hard drives and CD or DVD drive cables (IDE and ATA) from the motherboard socket.
If the beep code goes away, the cable or socket is probably bad. Look for bent pins inside the IDE socket on the motherboard and straighten any bent pins. Try reseating the cables into the connectors. If problems continue, the drive itself might be bad and might need replacing.
Disconnect each drive cable, replacing the one that was previously disconnected, until all have been checked. After checking all connections, if beeping continues, continue to the next step.
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At this point, the problem is probably the motherboard or processor. Make sure any jumpers on the motherboard have not fallen off their pins and into the case. Make sure jumpers are set correctly. Otherwise, have the computer serviced by HP or by a qualified service center.
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