The computer POST (Power On Self Test) tests the computer, insuring that it meets the necessary system requirements and that all the hardware is working properly before starting the remainder of the boot process. If the computer passes the POST, the computer will have a single beep (with some computer BIOS manufacturers it may beep twice) as the computer starts and it will continue to start normally. However, if the computer fails the POST, the computer will either not beep at all or will generate a beep code, which tells the user the source of the problem.

BIOS beep codes is a simple tool that will explain the BIOS POST beep codes your motherboard emits. It has an extensive database with the beep codes from all major BIOS manufacturers (AMI, AWARD, Phoenix, IBM). This BIOS beep codes tool can be used by greenhorns and gurus alike to quickly lookup the sound codes a motherboards emits on failures. If you have ever experienced a PC fail its POST then you'll know how useful a BIOS beep codes lookup tool can be. Typically, without the BIOS beep codes tool; you will get some pattern of beeps - one long and three short, say - and then be left hunting for your system manual to find out what these noises could possibly mean. With the BIOS beep codes lookup tool, though, it is all very different; it will explain these mysterious sounds. The program is portable, so you can save it to a USB flash drive and launch it from basically any PC. When you need to use it; choose your BIOS type (it can be seen on the boot screen, if you still get one), and click on the beep code you're hearing for a detailed description of what its trying to tell you, and how to fix the problem.