How to enable pc beep in Red Hat Enterprise Linux 6 ?

Solution Verified - Updated -

Environment

  • Red Hat Enterprise Linux 6
  • pcspkr module

Issue

  • PC beep is not working in Red Hat Enterprise Linux 6.
  • How to enable pc beep in Red Hat Enterprise Linux 6 ?

Resolution

  • Load pcspkr kernel module.
    Eg:
# modprobe -v pcspkr
insmod /lib/modules/2.6.32-358.18.1.el6.x86_64/kernel/drivers/input/misc/pcspkr.ko

  • Unmute beep volume setting in alsamixer:

    • Run alsamixer from console.
    # alsamixer
    • Press F6 for sound card selection.
    • Select appropriate sound card.
    • Use arrow keys to go to item Beep.
    • Check the status. If it is MM, then press "m" key to unmute it. Now it will become "00".
    • Use UP arrow or Down arrow keys to increase or decrease the beep volume.

  • Test PC Beep:

    • Login to any console by going to Ctrl+Alt+Function Key (F1 to F6). Use below command to produce beep:
    # echo -e '\007'
    • Open console in GUI mode and use below command to produce beep:
    # echo -e '\007' > /dev/console

Root Cause

  • pcspkr module was loaded on the system.

Diagnostic Steps

  • Verify whether if pcspkr module is loaded on the system.
    Eg:
# lsmod | grep pcspkr

This solution is part of Red Hat’s fast-track publication program, providing a huge library of solutions that Red Hat engineers have created while supporting our customers. To give you the knowledge you need the instant it becomes available, these articles may be presented in a raw and unedited form.

Close

Welcome! Check out the Getting Started with Red Hat page for quick tours and guides for common tasks.