Topics covered:

• When I try to start my computer it beeps continuously and nothing appears on the screen.
• I cannot seem to turn off my computer. I have to unplug it from the wall.
• My system will not boot up. It beeps a series of beeps and then does nothing.

This section is listed as a series of Symptoms, each followed by their Probable causes and Possible solutions.

Symptom:
When I try to start my computer it beeps continuously and nothing appears on the screen.

Probable cause:
Some or all of your RAM may be bad. This is the most common cause for this type of problem.
Although, if your system just beeps with a series of beeps and then stops, that is a different problem... refer to the symptom below.

Possible solution:
Pull your RAM out and reseat it back in the slots. Attempt to start up the computer a few times, if it starts up EVERY time you start the computer then you may be alright. If this doesn't help then if at all possible replace the RAM inside of the computer with other RAM you have around (make sure it is the right type of RAM that will work in your system first). Once the RAM is replaced, attempt to start up the computer a few times, if it starts up EVERY time you start the computer then you have more than likely found the problem. Now all you need to do is buy new RAM (making sure it is of the right type for your computer).

If you are still having problems then you probably have other hardware problems.

Symptom:
I cannot seem to turn off my computer. I have to unplug it from the wall.

Probable cause:
Many new systems simply pushing in the power button will not turn off the system.

Possible solution:
Many times just pushing the button will just suspend the system instead of turning it off. On most new systems you now have to hold the power button in for 5 seconds or so (or until it turns off).

Symptom:
My system will not boot up. It beeps a series of beeps and then does nothing.

Probable cause:
You have some sort of hardware problem.

Possible solution:
Those beeps are actually telling you something.
They are called POST error codes.

Here is a list of what some of the POST error codes commonly mean and how to fix them:

One beep, repeating - DRAM refresh failure.
Try reseating or replacing your RAM.

Three beeps, repeating - Base 64-Kbyte RAM failure.
Try reseating or replacing your RAM.

Four beeps, repeating - System timer failure.
Try reseating or replacing your battery or motherboard.

Five beeps, repeating - Processor failure.
Try reseating or replacing your CPU.

Six beeps, repeating - Keyboard controller error.
Try reseating or replacing your keyboard.

Seven beeps, repeating - Virtual mode exception error.
Try reseating or replacing your RAM.

Nine beeps, repeating - BIOS checksum failure.
Try reseating or replacing your BIOS and/or battery (if you don't have a soldering iron, or don't want to spend the time, try to replacing your motherboard)

One long beep followed by three short beeps - Memory test failure.
Try reseating or replacing your RAM.

One long beep followed by eight short beeps - Display test failure.
Try reseating or replacing your video card.

In all cases above where that does not fix the problem, you may need to replace your motherboard.

There is no standard for POST error codes, although the above list is generally correct, so you MAY not have the problem listed. A few things to try in anycase are:

• Remove all of your cards and reseat them.
• Remove your RAM and reseat it.
• Remove your cables (from the motherboard and devices) and replug them in
• Replace your motherboard.
• Replace your CPU.