Win 7 Ultimate 64bit; 6 Beeps sound on start up

[emannPC]

Hello,

first post here and seeking help.

I have a desktop that has been running pretty much very well for years until some weeks ago. When switching it on, i get 6 continuous beeps. Sometimes it does the 6 beeps a single time and continues booting, other times it does it twice and continues booting, other times it does it three times, sort of switches off and then starts booting again and it then enters into win7 normally. If I am working on it and I need a restart, it will restart without the beeps. I noted that this beep also does not happen each time I start the desktop but lately it seems to be doing this almost each time in the evening when i switch on the computer. Once it is in windows 7, everything then works normally without any issues.

I do not know where to start looking for and what this means - is it related to software or hardware. Some other info on the desktop:

processor: 3.40 gigahertz Intel Core i5-4670
Board: ASRock Z87 Extreme3
8124 Megabytes Usable Installed Memory: Slot 'ChannelA-DIMM1' has 4096 MB; Slot 'ChannelB-DIMM1' has 4096 MB
Drives: c: (NTFS on drive 0 - win installed here);d: (NTFS on drive 1); e: (NTFS on drive 0)
Display: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 760 [Display adapter]

I hope I have given enough information and please do ask me if I need to provide other details.

Looking forward that someone may provide some assistance on this frustrating matter.

Thanks.

 

[SIW2]

Look up the beep codes for your motherboard.

 

[emannPC]

thanks to reply.

from asrock i found this:

The following are AMI BIOS Beep Codes that can occur.
Beep Code Descriptions
1 short Memory refresh timer error.
2 short Parity error.
3 short Main memory read / write test error.
4 short System timer failure.
5 short Process error.
6 short Keyboard controller BAT test error.
7 short General exception error.
8 short Display memory error.
9 short ROM BIOS checksum error.
10 short CMOS shutdown Read/Write error.
11 short Cache Memory bad.

so if it is 6 short beeps can it be the keyboard? should i try replacing it or else it is not hardware related as it mentions BAT test error.

 

[file3456]

You now need to look in your motherboard manual under troubleshooting about that error and its suggestions.

What is the exact model motherboard?

 

[emannPC]

The model is ASRock Z87 Extreme3.

I have the manual but it does not include a section of troubleshooting unfortunately..that is why I am not sure how to proceed. My logic is saying start with a replacement keyboard and see how it goes. I am also not switching off the desktop at the moment in case it does not reboot the next time as I need to do some backups in view of a possible reinstallation or whatever may happen!

So any other suggestions are welcome please.

 

[Megahertz07]

I think you have to replace the CR2032 battery

Start the computer and enter BIOS.
Is time and date correct?

 

[peterwwilo]

i think that may cause by hardware error, BIOS beers mostly relative to hardware issue. did you run the hardware checking on BIOS? or you can check event viewer / reliability monitor to find system errors.

 

[emannPC]

which section of event viewer shows hardware errors or system errors please.

also - is there any means i can check bios when windows has booted...in the case that if i switch off and then on to enter bios maybe desktop will not boot up.

 

[Megahertz07]

You must enter BIOS during POST.

You can check the battery voltage with HWinfo
It is a portable, don't need to install. Extract and run.
On sensors - right column - Vbat

 

[emannPC]

VBAT is 3.264V for all readings...is that ok? and if ok do i still need to access bios?

 

[Megahertz07]

VBAT is 3.264V for all readings...is that ok? and if ok do i still need to access bios?

3.264V is good for Vbat
You don't need to access BIOS

Is your keyboard connected to a PS2 or USB port?

 

[emannPC]

usb port

 

[Megahertz07]

Did you have something unusual, like a power failure, shutdown etc?

 

[emannPC]

not as far as i can recall

 

[Megahertz07]

In all computers I have worked on, I have only seen memory beeps that a good cleanup with a contact cleaner has solved.

Remember that memories are always powered, even with the computer off.
If you ever need to take or insert memory stiks, always disconnect the power supply cable from the outlet and wait a minute to discharge the capacitors.

 

[emannPC]

ok..so i plan to first try the keyboard replacement...i should have a friend bring a spare one to try out and see if this changes anything.

then i will check the memory....now to remove the memory sticks - do i need to press down on the lever on the sides or push these levers laterally to ensure I do not damage anything pls.

thanks for your help.

 

[Megahertz07]

Before removing or installing a memory module, make sure to turn off the computer and unplug the power cord
from the power outlet to prevent damage to the memory module.

To remove, move the he clips at both ends of the socket and the memory will pop out.

To Insert, make sure the the clips at both ends of the socket are open and then press the memory into the socket.
Note the orientation of the memory module. Spread the retaining clips at both ends of the memory socket. Place the memory module on the socket. Place your fingers on the top edge of the memory, push down on the memory and insert it vertically into the memory socket.

 

[emannPC]

ok..so first i disconnected the keyboard...switched on and no beeps.

Then I reconnected it and 6 beeps again.

I removed it once more and no beeps on switching pc on.

Then I connected an old keyboard that my friend got me - switch on and no beeps. Booting fine. I switched on and off about 6 times now and it always boots up without any beeps.

Guess then that the keyboard was the issue - at least i hope.

Thanks for the help to all.

 

[Megahertz07]

Good to know you found and fixed the issue.

Please mark this thread as Solved