Computer POST / beep codes

POST ABCs The computer POST (Power On Self Test) tests the computer, insuring that it meets the necessary system requirements and that all hardware is working properly before starting the remainder of the boot process. If the computer passes the POST the computer will have a single beep (with some computer BIOS manufacturers it may beep twice) as the computer starts and the computer will continue to start normally. However, if the computer fails the POST, the computer will either not beep at all or will generate a beep code, which tells the user the source of the problem. The steps of a POST Each time the computer boots up the computer must past the POST. Below is the common steps a POST performs each time your computer starts. Test the power supply to ensure that it is turned on and that it releases its reset signal. CPU must exit the reset status mode and thereafter be able to execute instructions. BIOS checksum must be valid, meaning that it must be readable. CMOS checksum must be valid, meaning that it must be readable. CPU must be able to read all forms of memory such as the memory controller, memory bus, and memory module. The first 64KB of memory must be operational and have the capability to be read and written to and from, and capable of containing the POST code. I/O bus / controller must be accessible. I/O bus must be able to write / read from the video subsystem and be able to read all video RAM. If the computer does not pass any of the above tests, your computer will receive an irregular POST. An irregular POST is a beep code that is different from the standard one or two beeps. This could be either no beeps at all or a combination of different beeps indicating what is causing the computer not to past the POST. If you're receiving an irregular POST document CH000607 contains all the steps a user can do to resolve the issue or help determine what hardware has failed in the computer so it can be replaced. If you're getting a beep code the remainder of this page contains a listing of each of the major manufacturers beep codes and what they each mean.

AMI BIOS beep codes

Below are the AMI BIOS Beep codes that can occur. However, because of the wide variety of different computer manufacturers with this BIOS, the beep codes may vary.

Beep Code	Descriptions	Document
1 short	DRAM refresh failure	CH000996
2 short	Parity circuit failure	CH000607
3 short	Base 64K RAM failure	CH000996
4 short	System timer failure	CH000607
5 short	Process failure	CH000607
6 short	Keyboard controller Gate A20 error	CH000383
7 short	Virtual mode exception error	CH000607
8 short	Display memory Read/Write test failure	CH000607
9 short	ROM BIOS checksum failure	CH000607
10 short	CMOS shutdown Read/Write error	CH000239
11 short	Cache Memory error	CH000607
1 long, 3 short	Conventional/Extended memory failure	CH000996
1 long, 8 short	Display/Retrace test failed	CH000607

AWARD BIOS beep codes

Below are Award BIOS Beep codes that can occur. However, because of the wide variety of different computer manufacturers with this BIOS, the beep codes may vary.

Beep Code	Description	Document
1 long, 2 short	Indicates a video error has occurred and the BIOS cannot initialize the video screen to display any additional information	CH000607
Any other beep(s)	RAM problem.	CH000996

If any other correctable hardware issues, the BIOS will display a message.

IBM BIOS beep codes

Below are IBM BIOS Beep codes that can occur. However, because of the wide variety of models shipping with this BIOS, the beep codes may vary.

Beep Code	Description	Document
No Beeps	No Power, Loose Card, or Short.	CH000312
1 Short Beep	Normal POST, computer is ok.	No problem
2 Short Beep	POST error, review screen for error code.	See screen
Continuous Beep	No Power, Loose Card, or Short.	CH000607
Repeating Short Beep	No Power, Loose Card, or Short.	CH000607
One Long and one Short Beep	Motherboard issue.	CH000607
One Long and Two Short Beeps	Video (Mono/CGA Display Circuitry) issue.	CH000607
One Long and Three Short Beeps.	Video (EGA) Display Circuitry.	CH000607
Three Long Beeps	Keyboard / Keyboard card error.	CH000304
One Beep, Blank or Incorrect Display	Video Display Circuitry.	CH000607

Macintosh startup tones

Tones	Error
Error Tone. (two sets of different tones)	Problem with logic board or SCSI bus.
Startup tone, drive spins, no video	Problem with video controller.
Powers on, no tone.	Logic board problem.
High Tone, four higher tones.	Problem with SIMM.

Phoenix BIOS beep codes

Below are the beep codes for PHOENIX BIOS Q3.07 OR 4.X

Beep Code	Description / What to Check
1-1-1-3	Verify Real Mode.
1-1-2-1	Get CPU type.
1-1-2-3	Initialize system hardware.
1-1-3-1	Initialize chipset registers with initial POST values.
1-1-3-2	Set in POST flag.
1-1-3-3	Initialize CPU registers.
1-1-4-1	Initialize cache to initial POST values.
1-1-4-3	Initialize I/O.
1-2-1-1	Initialize Power Management.
1-2-1-2	Load alternate registers with initial POST values.
1-2-1-3	Jump to UserPatch0.
1-2-2-1	Initialize keyboard controller.
1-2-2-3	BIOS ROM checksum.
1-2-3-1	8254 timer initialization.
1-2-3-3	8237 DMA controller initialization.
1-2-4-1	Reset Programmable Interrupt Controller.
1-3-1-1	Test DRAM refresh.
1-3-1-3	Test 8742 Keyboard Controller.
1-3-2-1	Set ES segment to register to 4 GB.
1-3-3-1	28 Autosize DRAM.
1-3-3-3	Clear 512K base RAM.
1-3-4-1	Test 512 base address lines.
1-3-4-3	Test 512K base memory.
1-4-1-3	Test CPU bus-clock frequency.
1-4-2-4	Reinitialize the chipset.
1-4-3-1	Shadow system BIOS ROM.
1-4-3-2	Reinitialize the cache.
1-4-3-3	Autosize cache.
1-4-4-1	Configure advanced chipset registers.
1-4-4-2	Load alternate registers with CMOS values.
2-1-1-1	Set Initial CPU speed.
2-1-1-3	Initialize interrupt vectors.
2-1-2-1	Initialize BIOS interrupts.
2-1-2-3	Check ROM copyright notice.
2-1-2-4	Initialize manager for PCI Options ROMs.
2-1-3-1	Check video configuration against CMOS.
2-1-3-2	Initialize PCI bus and devices.
2-1-3-3	Initialize all video adapters in system.
2-1-4-1	Shadow video BIOS ROM.
2-1-4-3	Display copyright notice.
2-2-1-1	Display CPU type and speed.
2-2-1-3	Test keyboard.
2-2-2-1	Set key click if enabled.
2-2-2-3	56 Enable keyboard.
2-2-3-1	Test for unexpected interrupts.
2-2-3-3	Display prompt Press F2 to enter SETUP.
2-2-4-1	Test RAM between 512 and 640k.
2-3-1-1	Test expanded memory.
2-3-1-3	Test extended memory address lines.
2-3-2-1	Jump to UserPatch1.
2-3-2-3	Configure advanced cache registers.
2-3-3-1	Enable external and CPU caches.
2-3-3-3	Display external cache size.
2-3-4-1	Display shadow message.
2-3-4-3	Display non-disposable segments.
2-4-1-1	Display error messages.
2-4-1-3	Check for configuration errors.
2-4-2-1	Test real-time clock.
2-4-2-3	Check for keyboard errors
2-4-4-1	Set up hardware interrupts vectors.
2-4-4-3	Test coprocessor if present.
3-1-1-1	Disable onboard I/O ports.
3-1-1-3	Detect and install external RS232 ports.
3-1-2-1	Detect and install external parallel ports.
3-1-2-3	Re-initialize onboard I/O ports.
3-1-3-1	Initialize BIOS Data Area.
3-1-3-3	Initialize Extended BIOS Data Area.
3-1-4-1	Initialize floppy controller.
3-2-1-1	Initialize hard-disk controller.
3-2-1-2	Initialize local-bus hard-disk controller.
3-2-1-3	Jump to UserPatch2.
3-2-2-1	Disable A20 address line.
3-2-2-3	Clear huge ES segment register.
3-2-3-1	Search for option ROMs.
3-2-3-3	Shadow option ROMs.
3-2-4-1	Set up Power Management.
3-2-4-3	Enable hardware interrupts.
3-3-1-1	Set time of day.
3-3-1-3	Check key lock.
3-3-3-1	Erase F2 prompt.
3-3-3-3	Scan for F2 key stroke.
3-3-4-1	Enter SETUP.
3-3-4-3	Clear in-POST flag.
3-4-1-1	Check for errors
3-4-1-3	POST done--prepare to boot operating system.
3-4-2-1	One beep.
3-4-2-3	Check password (optional).
3-4-3-1	Clear global descriptor table.
3-4-4-1	Clear parity checkers.
3-4-4-3	Clear screen (optional).
3-4-4-4	Check virus and backup reminders.
4-1-1-1	Try to boot with INT 19.
4-2-1-1	Interrupt handler error.
4-2-1-3	Unknown interrupt error.
4-2-2-1	Pending interrupt error.
4-2-2-3	Initialize option ROM error.
4-2-3-1	Shutdown error.
4-2-3-3	Extended Block Move.
4-2-4-1	Shutdown 10 error.
4-3-1-3	Initialize the chipset.
4-3-1-4	Initialize refresh counter.
4-3-2-1	Check for Forced Flash.
4-3-2-2	Check HW status of ROM.
4-3-2-3	BIOS ROM is OK.
4-3-2-4	Do a complete RAM test.
4-3-3-1	Do OEM initialization.
4-3-3-2	Initialize interrupt controller.
4-3-3-3	Read in bootstrap code.
4-3-3-4	Initialize all vectors.
4-3-4-1	Boot the Flash program.
4-3-4-2	Initialize the boot device.
4-3-4-3	Boot code was read OK.

Shops that ship nationwide

This thread is going to be about Computer shops that ship nation-wide (in Pakistan) with somekind of online presence

Here Goes:

1. Galaxy Computers
URL: GALAXY...Pakistan's Leading Computer Store...Home

Quote:

Customer Opinion This is probably the best online store in Pakistan. The price List is updated pretty regularly. They respond by email pretty quickly, within minutes if the store is open. I've bought several components from them (ranging from flash drives to gfx cards and motherboards). If there is a shortfall, it lies in their inventory of Asus Products. They dont have or atleast not on their website several asus products that are available otherwise (Asus P5b-Deluxe, Asus 8800GTX, Asus Silent Knight etc). The other area is lack of decent Chasis and Cool Solutions. Otherwise this is a top notch place

Quote:

Customer Opinion My experience with Galaxy Computers. I got a PSU from them. E-Mail response time was quick. I requested them to ship the product by TCS however and not OCS, which they did not do and shipped by OCS. When I protested in e-mail I was told that it's their responsibility to send and OCS is reliable and all that. OCS for me sucks. They had sent the PSU but I did not get it next day (2nd day) but 3rd! I had called them, had to hold for sometime. They noted my number later and called me to tell that it has been delayed due to some reason from OCS, you will get it tomorrow, on 3rd day.

Quote:

Customer Opinion The other i have tried is offcourse the famous. galaxy. i dont know what i would do if this site didnt exisit here in pakistan. i would go nuts man. i cant live w/o this site. i have ordered soooo much stuff for myself, my frineds even my office ppl. the only difficult part abt them is the cash deposit angle (for ehih u need to take the time out and send them money). they should introduce Credit Card Processing (they could do it manually over phone instead of an online solution). Galaxy ROX....!!!

2. Nofal Computers, CLOSED FOR BUSINESS Back as a online only retailer
URL: ComputerShop.pk

Quote:

Customer Opinion Decent shop. A very good Inventory. The website isnt updated all that frequently, but the price list is. The prices are pretty competitive. Of all the people in Hafeez center Nofal Computers, together with Ingram and GS and Techmen are the most courteous! I havent bought anything from them online (so to speak), but i've bought a lot of stuff directly (Chasis, DVD writers etc). Nice place. If they dont have a particular item, they do direct u to a place where u can get it (120mm fans for example)

Sadly the place has closed down.
Update: The same people have setup an online store. The jury is out on the level of service they provide.
Update 2: The online store seems to be dead as well!


3. Panorama Computers
URL: www.buybestpc.com
Comments: Umm, the less we talk about them the better! They have the "snazziest" shop in Hafeez center, but that's about it!

Quote:

Customer Opinion never ever for the love of good lord buy stuff from Panorama. Panorama = Regent (pindi) = dumbasses. 'nuff said.

4. Beliscity
URL: Beliscity.com - The best place to buy computers, laptops, mobile phones, electronics and gifts in Karachi, Pakistan

Quote:

Customer Opinion Outrageous prices which usually turn out to be wrong! Never used their service. Comments Welcome update: i am getting a LOT of emails from em regarding their products.

5. Shophive
URL: Shophive.com :: Safe Online Shopping Lahore, Pakistan
Comments: None (so far)


6. Gol Brain Computers (Contributed by "The Patriot")
URL: GBC (GOL Brain Computers), Pakistan.
Comments: Located in Peshawar, never used the shop. Saw their AD in Peshawar. They do ship all over Pakistan. Computers, laptops, cell phones, softwares, pda, gps etc.


7. MyShop Online (Contributed by "The Patriot)"
URL: MyShop OnLine: All About Laptops in Pakistan
Comments: Have sent them few e-mail and inquired about a few laptops. Their response was very quick, within few hours. Got answer on Sunday too once! Never shopped from them, looking forward to. Deals in Laptop and laptop accessories mainly.


8. Makarts
URL: www.makarts.com

Quote:

Customer Opinion Well i tried makarts once. they took three days to deliver, but accepted my credit card online so thats a plus. wont find much on their site. though they do have nice collection of accessories for laptops, projectors,pdas, gps etc. than any other place. ordered a PCMCIA bluetooth card from them cause everywhere u find the usb adaapters ones. whereas PCMCIA gives a clean look. so if you are looking for something unique for your laptop and cant find it elsewhere give them a try.

9.Vmark
URL: www.vmart.pk

Quote:

Customer Opinion I ordered a pack of 100 -R 16x verbs. got it the next day. nice quick service. I wish there were more payment options. Though Standard chartered doesnt charge extra for out of city accounts, it isnt possible to do an ATM transfer using 1-link or M-net cards. Need to have SC card! But very good service!

10. Pak Mac Links
URL: Pak Mac Links
Comments: Apple specialist, but also have some HP, Sony, APC, Intel products as well as stuff from some other manufacturers. Never used em, but might be inclined to pay them a visit for an APC UPS
Update: Googles lists the site as "malware Central!".


11. Bawany Technologies (Link provided by the patriot/Joker)
Bawany Technologies
Comments: Strategically Apple. umm that is about all i know!

Quote:

Customer Opinion So... I bought an iPod Nano 8GB from Bawany Technologies ONLINE. Called their Office, confirmed availability and shipping charges then transferred the amount to their Bank Account. Their staff has been very polite and helpful. Happy with their service. Plus I think it's the first Shop in Pakistan to offer Insured shipping option! At least this is the one that offered to me! They included an iPod pouch within the price as well, to my surprise since I did not ask for it. Quite happy that they sent the pouch too after seeing how finger print happy the iPod is!

Update:Under Construction!


12. Symbios Pakistan
symbios.pk the Best Online shop in Pakistan,Deals in Laptops, PDA, Mobile,Home Appliances, Digital Quran, also Send as a gift or purchase.
Comments: The place has a wide array of products including moquito zappers! havent used it though!


13. Computer Zone (Link provided by SSilvestrong)
Computer Zone
The place might have gone bankrupt, might be up and running...


14. Hayat Computers (Link provided by Asad)
Hayat Computers

Quote:

Customer Opinion There is a local hayat computers in islamabad. Bought a couple of Legend computer casings from them.

15. Media Center
Media Center -All things Apple
All prices seem to be available only on call. That has something to do with unstable currency. I'd say they are just too lazy to update their price lists!

16. Mega(dot)PK
MEGA.PK : New and Used Computer Market in Pakistan[/quote]
This is a Rawalpindi based laptop dealer. Has new as as well as used laptops. They advertise as buyers of used lap tops as well. They have multiple payment options including Credit Cards/ Cash on Delivery (for twin cities), bank transfers etc
Prices seem to be competitive.

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There are other stores but their inventories are pretty dated and am not sure they still exist physically (as opposed to virtually).


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RECCOMENDATIONS
Based on the various comments made here, I would reccomend using the following when ordering OnLine
1. Galaxy Computers
2. Vmart
3. Makarts