Recognize computer beeps: 3 times, twice, on startup

When booting up your system, it is not uncommon to be greeted by one or a series of computer beeps. But what do these beeps mean and what causes them? This article will help you discover how to decipher the beeps coming from your computer so that you can take the proper steps to restore your system to normal.

How to recognize computer beep errors?

When you boot your computer, sometimes, you can hear beeps. While hearing one short beep is normal and indicates that your system is booting up, a series of beeps usually indicates some sort of internal error. Each series of beeps corresponds to a different issue and points to a different problem area in your computer.

A very short beep is indicative of a problem with your motherboard. It can also mean that you have a problem with your system memory (BIOS AWARD).
A long beep followed by three sequential short beeps signals an issue linked to your graphics card configurations.
A short beep followed by three sequential long beeps means that you have a problem with your system memory.
If you are hearing beep, pause, beep, pause, followed by two sequential beeps, the error is linked to your CPU (central processing unit).
Three beeps, pause, three beeps, pause, followed by four beeps indicates an issue with video memory.
One long beep and nine short beeps means there is a problem with the ROM (BIOS AWARD).
Three beeps, pause, four beeps, pause, followed by a beep signals an error with your graphics card.
Four beeps, pause, three beeps, pause, and then one beep indicates a system memory problem.
Five short beeps is another indication of issues with your CPU.
Long, constant beeps alert system memory problems.

What do beeps after launch mean?

If your PC beeps after your OS has been launched, it could be an indication that your CPU is overheating. If not addressed immediately, this could be potentially damaging to your system. Clear space away from your computer, and make sure that your PC fan is running.

What are the issues causing the computer to beep?

Heat-related failures: check for dust around cooling areas.
Keyboard issues: ensure that no key is stuck.
RAM or hard drive failure: check that memory and cables are properly seated.
Motherboard Component failed.

How to fix the problem?

If the computer beeps and the system fails to start correctly, a serious hardware problem might exist.

Ensure no obstructions block vents (papers) because heat is often the primary problem. Try to remove dust on the cooling vents. Check that the cooling fans are spinning with no noise.

Here are some basic steps that resolve beeping problems:

Turn off the computer,
Remove the power cord.
Remove any media from the drives (CD, DVD, USB, Memory sticks, etc.) and disconnect every secondary peripheral (Printer, scanner etc.
Reconnect the power cord,
Turn on the computer

If this doesn't work: