I know what you're thinking: could this really be true? A former mac genius consultant here at my disposal giving me free computer advice? Yes, it's true. And as for my first blog post, I thought I would present to you an all too familiar computer problem that we techies are frequently asked about:
Problem: "My computer is beeping when I turn it on! It sounds like it's going to explode! Rob, what in the world is that?!"
Ok, no need to panic. Typically that is a faulty RAM stick(s) or RAM bank(s), both of which has no affect on your data. Time to stop worrying about the document you forgot backup.
The number of times it beeps is key. This list is straight from Apple's Kbase article ht1547 1 beep = no RAM installed
2 beeps = incompatible RAM types
3 beeps = no good banks
4 beeps = no good boot images in the boot ROM (and/or bad sys config block)
5 beeps = processor is not usable
Resolution: I have never seen this be software related, so a hardware repair may be needed to resolve your issue.
Here's what you can try to narrow down the problem: (Before trying any troubleshooting steps, be sure that the computer is powered off and you have grounded yourself. You do not want to cause further damage to your machine.)
1. If you do not want to try and troubleshoot it yourself, book a genius bar appointment or call AppleCare for support.
2. There are 2 RAM banks in majority of the computers, so, try removing the memory in one of the RAM banks and alternate the order it is in. BE SURE YOU TURN OFF THE COMPUTER WHEN REMOVING THE MEMORY. If you are uncertain how to do this, head over to ifixit.com for a pictured walkthrough
3. If you have extra RAM layin' around, repeat step 2 with it.
If you are still having the beeps when you startup, it may need a new logic board. If you are under AppleCare, the repair should be covered as long as you didn't drop it, spill your coffee/beer/wine/water/soda/juice on it, or had your your boyfriend/girlfriend mad at you so they threw it at you. All that to say, you need take it to an authorized Mac service center.
Okay, that's it for now. Let me know if you've had this problem and if you have any questions. Till next time.
Problem: "My computer is beeping when I turn it on! It sounds like it's going to explode! Rob, what in the world is that?!"
Ok, no need to panic. Typically that is a faulty RAM stick(s) or RAM bank(s), both of which has no affect on your data. Time to stop worrying about the document you forgot backup.
The number of times it beeps is key. This list is straight from Apple's Kbase article ht1547 1 beep = no RAM installed
2 beeps = incompatible RAM types
3 beeps = no good banks
4 beeps = no good boot images in the boot ROM (and/or bad sys config block)
5 beeps = processor is not usable
Resolution: I have never seen this be software related, so a hardware repair may be needed to resolve your issue.
Here's what you can try to narrow down the problem: (Before trying any troubleshooting steps, be sure that the computer is powered off and you have grounded yourself. You do not want to cause further damage to your machine.)
1. If you do not want to try and troubleshoot it yourself, book a genius bar appointment or call AppleCare for support.
2. There are 2 RAM banks in majority of the computers, so, try removing the memory in one of the RAM banks and alternate the order it is in. BE SURE YOU TURN OFF THE COMPUTER WHEN REMOVING THE MEMORY. If you are uncertain how to do this, head over to ifixit.com for a pictured walkthrough
3. If you have extra RAM layin' around, repeat step 2 with it.
If you are still having the beeps when you startup, it may need a new logic board. If you are under AppleCare, the repair should be covered as long as you didn't drop it, spill your coffee/beer/wine/water/soda/juice on it, or had your your boyfriend/girlfriend mad at you so they threw it at you. All that to say, you need take it to an authorized Mac service center.
Okay, that's it for now. Let me know if you've had this problem and if you have any questions. Till next time.
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