Member Avatar for dino1234

Hi, Need someones help. This is for my parent's PC, it will not start up, and all it does it make noises. The monitor doesn't even get a signal. The pattern for the noises goes like this:

L (long) about 4 second long beep
M (medium) about 2 second long beep
S (small) less than a second beep

MML MML MML MML MML SS SSSSSS

Hope you can understand that, I have no idea what i can do. Also to add, im gonna be blunt, my dad HAS been going on explicit websites, and hes a complete noob to surfing the net so I wont be suprised if it is a virus.

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by sparkax

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Startup beeps are BIOS POST codes: the motherboard is telling you a hardware problem before Windows ever loads. For an exact meaning you need the board/BIOS beep-code table — as suggested, consult the manual or the BIOS vendor chart rather than guessing.

Basic, safe troubleshooting (power down and unplug before opening the case):

  • Ground yourself and remove/reseat each memory module one at a time; try a single stick in the primary slot to isolate a bad stick or slot.
  • Reseat the video card (or try onboard video), disconnect nonessential drives/cards, and ensure all PSU connectors (24‑pin, CPU 4/8‑pin, GPU power) are firmly seated.
  • Inspect for bulging/leaking capacitors and loose speaker/header leads.
  • If nothing changes, clear CMOS (battery removal for a few minutes or use the jumper) and test again. If the PC is still under warranty, contact the manufacturer before opening.

If you can eventually get past POST and see video, run a full memory test (Memtest86) and then a clean Windows start/virus scan. If POST does not complete and the beep pattern persists, the fault is almost certainly hardware (RAM, GPU, or motherboard) rather than malware.

Useful references: general POST/beep-code explanation and mappings on Wikipedia, memory testing with Memtest86, and the manufacturer support portal at HP Support. As noted, isolating the RAM by testing one module at a time is often the quickest practical step.

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Member Avatar for dino1234

Also, the PC is an HP Media Center m8000, with vista home

Member Avatar for RLHennig

You'll need to check the manual for the motherboard to understand what those beeps mean. Each is different.

Member Avatar for sparkax

If the first two beeps are short then the problem is usually related to the memory on the majority of motherboards.
Check the RAM is seated correctly or replace RAM module/s if necessary.
If this works then you should run a virus check as a matter of course.

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