Bios & Firmware Error Codes

BIOS and firmware error codes help identify hardware failures before the operating system loads. These codes appear as beeps, hex codes, or on-screen messages depending on the motherboard manufacturer. Error codes shown before the power-up logo usually indicate low-level hardware initialization failures, while codes shown after the power-up logo often point to device detection or firmware configuration issues. This page lists the most common BIOS and firmware error codes used across major vendors.

AMI BIOS Beep Codes

  • 1 short beep — DRAM refresh failure
  • 2 short beeps — Parity circuit failure
  • 3 short beeps — Base 64K RAM failure
  • 4 short beeps — System timer failure
  • 5 short beeps — CPU error
  • 6 short beeps — Keyboard controller failure
  • 7 short beeps — Virtual mode exception
  • 8 short beeps — Display memory error
  • 9 short beeps — ROM checksum error
  • 10 short beeps — CMOS shutdown register error
  • 11 short beeps — Cache memory error

Award BIOS Beep Codes

  • 1 long, 2 short — GPU/Video card failure
  • 1 long, 3 short — Video card or memory failure
  • Continuous short beeps — Power issue or short circuit
  • Continuous long beeps — RAM not detected
  • Repeating high-low beeps — CPU overheating

Phoenix BIOS Beep Codes

Phoenix uses sequence beeps (for example, 1-1-2).

  • 1-1-2 — CPU failure
  • 1-1-3 — CMOS read/write failure
  • 1-1-4 — BIOS ROM checksum error
  • 1-2-1 — Programmable interval timer failure
  • 1-2-2 — DMA initialization failure
  • 1-3-1 — RAM refresh failure
  • 1-3-3 — First 64K RAM failure
  • 1-4-2 — Video test failure
  • 2-1-1 — Keyboard controller failure
  • 3-1-1 — Keyboard error

Dell BIOS Error Codes (LED / Beep)

  • 2 amber, 1 white — CPU failure
  • 2 amber, 2 white — Motherboard failure
  • 2 amber, 3 white — RAM failure
  • 2 amber, 4 white — GPU failure
  • 3 amber, 1 white — BIOS recovery needed
  • 3 amber, 2 white — CMOS battery failure

HP BIOS Error Codes (Beep / LED)

  • 1 beep — CPU failure
  • 2 beeps — BIOS corruption
  • 3 beeps — Memory module failure
  • 4 beeps — Power failure
  • 5 beeps — General motherboard failure
  • 6 beeps — GPU failure
  • 7 beeps — CPU overheating

Lenovo BIOS Error Codes

  • 1 short beep — Normal POST
  • 3 short beeps — System board failure
  • 5 short beeps — CPU failure
  • Continuous beeps — RAM not detected
  • 2-1-2 beep pattern — GPU failure

UEFI Firmware Error Messages

Modern systems often show text instead of beeps:

  • Boot device not found — Storage drive missing or failed
  • Secure Boot violation — Unauthorized bootloader
  • Invalid firmware image — Corrupted BIOS update
  • ME firmware failure — Intel Management Engine issue
  • TPM device not detected — Trusted Platform Module failure
  • Fan malfunction detected — Cooling system failure

Common Firmware Hex Codes

Some boards display numeric codes on a POST display:

  • 0x19 — Memory initialization
  • 0x55 — RAM not installed
  • 0x62 — PCH initialization
  • 0x92 — PCI/PCIe initialization
  • 0xA2 — IDE/SATA initialization
  • 0xB4 — USB device detection
  • 0xD0 — CPU initialization
  • 0xD6 — GPU not detected
  • 0xF2 — Recovery mode triggered

Typical Causes of BIOS/Firmware Errors

  • Faulty RAM
  • Dead CMOS battery
  • Corrupted BIOS update
  • Overheating CPU or GPU
  • Loose power connectors
  • Failed storage device
  • Damaged motherboard components

Troubleshooting Steps

  • Reseat RAM and GPU
  • Replace CMOS battery
  • Clear CMOS / reset BIOS
  • Disconnect all USB devices
  • Remove recent hardware additions
  • Update BIOS using manufacturer tools
  • Check for overheating or fan failure
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