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AR15.COM
11/20/2002 8:37:53 PM EDT
My system crashed a couple weeks ago. I said "screw it" and decided to reformat everything and re-install Windows ME (yes, I know it sucks, but its what I have) and start all over.

The system is a 1.3 gig pentium 3 pc..a fairly new Gateway.

Ok, the problem is this...Every time I turn it on, it beeps and then does not proceed to load anything.

It is a long beep, followed by 2 short beeps, a slight pause and the 2 more short beeps.

I then have to hit the magical Ctrl+Alt+Delete, and then it seems to load fine and then runs fine after that.

What the heck is up with it?
11/20/2002 8:42:18 PM EDT
[#1]
Who makes its BIOS? Im not familiar with what Gateway uses. Its the power on self test finding a error, the beeps tell you what it is. If you look online you can find what they mean.
11/20/2002 8:44:50 PM EDT
[#2]
here's a link to find out which motherboard and what the beeps mean:
[url] http://support.gateway.com/support/techdocs/references/motherboard/ [/url]
11/20/2002 8:51:28 PM EDT
[#3]
Some of the gateways had phoenix bios chips.  the 1-2-2 code that you mentioned probably pertains to your ide devices.  You may have an DMA component on your MOBO that is defective.  Unplug all of the ide devices and see if it still beeps. If not then add the ide devices back on to see if one of them is causing the problem.  If your computer is not under warranty and if the ide slots on the MOBO are defective you can easily replace them with an expansion card. I think this may point you to a direction -- but not sure if it is the right one.
11/20/2002 8:56:32 PM EDT
[#4]
Quoted:
Who makes its BIOS? Im not familiar with what Gateway uses. Its the power on self test finding a error, the beeps tell you what it is. If you look online you can find what they mean.
View Quote


It appear that it is  (ACPI)? does that make sense?

Advanced Configuration and Power Interface is what ACPI stands for here.
11/20/2002 8:56:52 PM EDT
[#5]
If you remove any devices make sure that you power off your computer and unplug the power source.  (be carefull with static electricity ground yourself before touching anything) The new computers do not actually turn off when you turn them off and therefor could try to power on when a device is removed.  If the ide devices are ok try the cards in your computer.  You will have to systematically check each device until you find the failure.  I hope that this helps.
11/20/2002 9:00:02 PM EDT
[#6]
Your powersupply can also cause weird things.  If you think that it is the acpi then you can disable it in the bios.  Win98 and probably Win ME has problems with this anyhow.
11/20/2002 9:01:25 PM EDT
[#7]
The beep code indicates that a video error has occurred and the BIOS cannot initialize the video screen to display any additional information. This beep code consists of a single long beep followed by two short beeps. Any other beeps are probably a RAM (Random Access Memory) problem.

Try to reseat your video card and get any dust and dirt off of it.  An error was encountered in the video BIOS ROM, or a horizontal retrace failure has been encountered.  

One last thing and I am sure you have tried it.  Make sure your monitor is plugged and screwed in.

I vote of video card problem.  If you still get beeps after the reseating, try and get a different video card from a friend or another system to try out and see if it goes away.  If it does, your video card is kaput.

I am no expert but have had my share of headaches and troubleshooting sessions.
11/20/2002 9:10:56 PM EDT
[#8]
Quoted:
The beep code indicates that a video error has occurred and the BIOS cannot initialize the video screen to display any additional information. This beep code consists of a single long beep followed by two short beeps. Any other beeps are probably a RAM (Random Access Memory) problem.

Try to reseat your video card and get any dust and dirt off of it.  An error was encountered in the video BIOS ROM, or a horizontal retrace failure has been encountered.  

I vote of video card problem.  If you still get beeps after the reseating, try and get a different video card from a friend or another system to try out and see if it goes away.  If it does, your video card is kaput.

I am no expert but have had my share of headaches and troubleshooting sessions.  
View Quote


Yes...It is something along those lines...I did install a new video card not too long ago. When I start the computer it shows I have only 32 mbs of ram...After I c+a+d it shows I have 64 (which is the new card) and it runs fine...checking all now.
11/20/2002 9:14:04 PM EDT
[#9]
I just looked up the bios beeps on line for Gateway, here they are.

one beep    = shoot it
two beeps   = shoot it
three beeps = shoot it
four beeps  = shoot it
five beeps  = shoot it

[x]
11/20/2002 9:25:52 PM EDT
[#10]
You may also check your BIOS settings when booting up.  Look at the video settings. See if the old card is defined in there.
11/22/2002 4:53:51 PM EDT
[#11]
Well, did you get it figured out?