Member Avatar for bobrobon

I have a custom-built Gateway PC here that I used to use for several years in the early 90's. Since then it's been sitting in my closet and recently i decided to resurrect it and install linux on it. I turned it on and the computer started beeping non-stop. Seemed to happen in about 1 second intervals for as long as the comptuer was powered up. I got annoyed so i unplugged the speaker from the motherboard temporarily because it was so loud and persistant. Secondly, nothing is showing up on the moniter. I've switched ports for the video card and used a different video card and different moniter a few times, but still no luck. All fans, power units, lights, drives, and moniter are powered and running when I turn the computer on.

A few specs:

OS: Windows 98SE
RAM: 64MB
80GB free disk space
CD drive, CD-RW drive, and floppy drive installed
Not sure of the models, but i have a video, sound, and modem card plugged in.


I've searched many other forums including this one with no light shed on the situation.
--It doesn't matter if everything gets erased/reformatted because there's nothing valuable on it anymore.--
Thanks to anyone who can spare some advice :mrgreen:

-Dan S.

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Dani AI

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Brief, practical diagnostics for an old Gateway that boots with continuous beeps and no video (context from ; has already pointed at memory/power as likely areas).

Recommended quick checklist (safe, in-priority order):

  1. Safety first — unplug mains before touching the case, remove jewelry, and ground briefly.
  2. Reconnect the internal speaker (do not leave it unplugged). The pattern of beeps is the primary clue on a dead POST. Note the exact rhythm (steady single beep every second, repeating groups, long/short combinations).
  3. Minimal-boot test — remove all nonessential cards and drives so only CPU, motherboard, one memory module (or one matched SIMM pair on very old boards), and video remain. Try each memory module or matched SIMM pair in every bank, one configuration at a time. Early-90s boards commonly require SIMMs installed in matched pairs; incorrect population can prevent POST.
  4. CMOS reset and battery — while powered down, remove the coin cell for a few minutes or use the clear-CMOS jumper. Replace the battery with a fresh 3V cell.
  5. Visual inspection — look for bulging or leaking electrolytic caps on the motherboard and inside the PSU. Swollen tops or brown crust are common failure signs in old gear.
  6. Power-rail check — if a multimeter or PSU tester is available, verify rails when the system is on: +5V ≈ 4.75–5.25V, +3.3V ≈ 3.135–3.465V, +12V ≈ 11.4–12.6V; +5VSB should be present with PSU plugged in. If voltages are out of range, try a known-good ATX PSU.
  7. If POST still fails after the above, swap in a known-good memory stick or PSU (bench test). Failing both narrows blame to the motherboard or CPU socket (bent pins, corrosion) — those are usually repair-or-replace cases.

Notes: a silent speaker masks the only built-in diagnostics; repeated beeps are not noise — they are information. Given already tested spare monitors/cards, focusing on power, memory population (SIMM pairing), capacitor health, and CMOS/reset is the most efficient next step.

Member Avatar for dbell

Contstant beeping means CPU can't find any RAM. Open box up and see if any RAM is present. Then borrow it back!

Member Avatar for bobrobon

RAM is present, there is still beeping. :/

Member Avatar for dbell

If the power supply isn't supplying the proper voltage it would look as if there was no RAM present. Another possiblity is that the RAM was damaged. I would look at the supply 3.3 vots to the board. The beeping suggests a front end problem i.e. work out from the power supply to find the difficulty.

Member Avatar for bobrobon

dbell: thats a large possibility being that it's been nearly 8 years since i've last used the computer, something might be wacked with the power supply.Thanks.

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