What does three short, three long, three short beeps mean (opposite sequence to http://support.apple.com/en-us/HT202768)

Question

What does three short, three long, three short beeps mean (opposite sequence to http://support.apple.com/en-us/HT202768)

What does three short, three long, three short beeps mean?

This is the opposite sequence to that mentioned at http://support.apple.com/en-us/HT202768.

Computer was working fine until a move, then no start up screen, only beeps.

I've read elsewhere about RAM etc, and tried to select d to start a hardware test before, during and after start up, but no response, although I am using a windows keyboard.

thanks for any ideas,

jason

iMac, OS X Mountain Lion (10.8.5), not sure of op sys

Posted on Feb 24, 2015 3:29 PM

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Answer 1

Feb 24, 2015 3:47 PM in response to jasonbrown1965

I have looked here on the board without too much success

9 Beeps (3 short, 3 longer, 3 short)

On startup, what does 3 short beeps, 3 long beeps, 3 short beeps, and a black screen mean?

Most people initially assume you mean 3 long 3 short 3 long.

Could you try an Apple keyboard instead of a Windows keyboard?

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Answer 2

Feb 24, 2015 3:52 PM in response to Sparkleberry

Thanks for the quick response!

And yes, definitely three short, three long, three short - happy to record and post if anyone needs the proof!

Am waiting for the keyboard and mouse, will try again with that. However it does the beep thingy without anything attached.

Will update.

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Answer 3

SeaPapp

Level 7

26,492 points

Feb 24, 2015 4:54 PM in response to jasonbrown1965

3 tones - 5 second pause - 3 tones indicates ram did not pass data integrity chrck Mac computers: About startup tones - Apple Support

If you computer shipped with install discs when it was new you'll need disc two of the install set in order to run The Apple Hardware Test.

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Answer 4

Feb 24, 2015 5:36 PM in response to SeaPapp

thanks mike,

does it make any difference that the tones I hear are the opposite of those described in the article you link to?

The article mentions three long, three short, three long beeps.

Mine is three short, three long, three short.

There is no five second pause.

Oh, and the screen is completely blank/black, no sign of life. Nor does the apple logo light up at any stage, if indeed it is supposed to!

jas

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Answer 5

SeaPapp

Level 7

26,492 points

Feb 24, 2015 6:06 PM in response to jasonbrown1965

I don't know if the difference in tones is really a difference or not. What model and year iMac are you having trouble with? Have you tried removing and reseating the ram? Resetting the SMC Intel-based Macs: Resetting the System Management Controller (SMC) - Apple Support and NVRAM How to Reset NVRAM on your Mac - Apple Support

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