Member Avatar for bluedos82

Location: Lab
OS: 2K

Here is the deal. This computer is old, I mean OLD! but, it runs like a champ. Today it started messing up; it was beeping.
I mean, like, fast beeping. I have no idea what the beeping means, but I know that when the screen comes up, it is beeping in sync with the memory count.
I changed out the memory stick thinking that was the problem... nope.
I can't even get into the BIOS to change things.

Ideas?

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by jifiii

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Original poster reported an older lab PC (Windows 2000 era) that emits rapid beeps in time with the memory count and will not enter BIOS. Several members (, , , , ) suggested useful starter ideas. The following expands those suggestions with focused, hardware-level checks and safe diagnostic steps appropriate for vintage AT/PS/early ATX systems.

Rapid, rhythmic beeps that track the memory test often point to a low-level board or power problem rather than a single bad DIMM. Physical inspection is the first practical step: look for bulging or leaking electrolytic capacitors around the CPU, chipset and power connectors; damaged capacitors are a common failure mode on older motherboards and cause strange POST behavior (Capacitor plague). Also check for obvious corrosion, burn marks, or loose solder joints near the keyboard connector and southbridge area.

Next-level diagnostics that add precision: bench the system with minimal parts (CPU, one known-good stick of RAM, speaker, and video if required) and try to read an external POST/diagnostic card if available. A POST card will show the hex POST codes that the BIOS emits and narrows the failing stage more reliably than sound alone (Power-on self-test). If comfortable with basic electrical checks, verify main power-rail voltages at the board connector with a multimeter before and during POST attempts; unstable rails or missing voltages point to a faulty PSU or regulators.

If these steps do not isolate the fault, document board markings (BIOS vendor and model), photograph suspect areas, and consider capacitor replacement or motherboard swap. For keyboards on older machines, inspect the connector pins for damage or corrosion (see PS/2 connector reference: PS/2 port). Exercise standard safety and anti-static precautions; if in doubt, seek a shop that specializes in legacy PC repair.

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Member Avatar for Cain

might be a dram refresh failure (you already tried that)
the beeps are talkin to ya. count them and note wether or not thy seem long or
short. then look up the beep codes for your particular bios. It could be somthing
as simple as the battery on the main board went bad.. and just happens to be
soldered in.. ive had it happen. If troubleshooting fails, double check the
keyboard to ensure that the keys of unholy doom arent stuck and replace if all
else fails (just to illiminate the possibility) good luck operator faye faye. here are
some links. ;)


http://www.pcguide.com/ts/x/sys/beep/index-i.htm

Member Avatar for suRoot

ok these beeps people are called post errors

a:how many beeps? and how long are they?
b: what bios is it using?

Member Avatar for ediehm

I'd have to argue the fact that these beeps ARE called beep codes...

Check you're video memory. That seems to be the most likely cause of the beeping.

Member Avatar for Thong_Ispector

Groups of beeps are error codes

Ultrafast beeps in time with memory count sounds more like a stuck key or keyboard error. I had that once when the wife dumped a pepsi into my keyboard and didn't tell me... She cleaned it all up.... was her response...

Unplug your keyboard and reboot.

Sorry, I should not have bothered to post this...

SUroot revived a dead thread...

Member Avatar for jifiii

It sounds like a key is stuck down or, I had a problem one time where the Keyboard on a AT MB, was not plugged in all the way, and it make continous beeps in sync with the memory count.

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