HOWTO: Disable The PC (internal/system) Speaker

Preamble

This may also be referred to as the system beep. Ubuntu utilizes this function found on the majority of computers rather a lot, and it can, for some become an irritation.

A guide does already exist, but on reading seems tailored to laptop users: http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=126746

You may find suggestions else where that instruct you on how to remove the module, or indeed disable the terminal bell. For the purposes of this guide though we will be blacklisting the module as it is the more elegant means of disabling the internal speaker. The module will not even be loaded at boot time.

This has been tested and verified under the following, if you have success in other releases, please let me know and I can add to the list:

• Karmic (9.10)
• Intrepid (Beta, RC and 8.10)
• Hardy (8.04 and also 8.04.1)

Blacklisting the module

This method requires basic knowledge of the terminal, but is still very simple.

Fire up a terminal session (Applications > Accessories > Terminal) and proceed with the following command:

Code:

---

sudo gedit /etc/modprobe.d/blacklist

---

Enter your password when prompted, it will not display any input.

At the very bottom of the file that is now open in Gedit append the following:

Code:

---

blacklist pcspkr

---

Save and close. Next boot, the module will not be loaded and your annoyance ceases.

If you do not want to reboot to initiate the effects of the file, you can manually disable the module using:

Code:

---

sudo modprobe -r pcspkr

---

Bare in mind that this piece of code will only disable the module until next boot, if you do not use the above blacklisting method.

To reverse the process follow the same steps as above, but remove the line you added to the blacklist file.

Worked perfectly. Thanks.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by rossjman1

Worked perfectly. Thanks.

---

What version are you running may I ask?

Worked perfect, many thanks.

I'm on Hardy.

Code:

---

roccivic@roccivic-office-pc:~$ uname --all
Linux roccivic-office-pc 2.6.24-22-generic #1 SMP Mon Nov 24 18:32:42 UTC 2008 i686 GNU/Linux

---

Huh. My method is a tad simpler, really.

Code:

---

Pop case.
Yank cable.

---

Done. Even works for Windows! :D

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Greyed

Huh. My method is a tad simpler, really.

Code:

---

Pop case.
Yank cable.

---

Done. Even works for Windows! :D

---

Not in a laptop.

This works for 2.6.27-9-generic Release 8.10 (Intrepid) on Dell 4200

And if you want to avoid a reboot, just unload the module manually:

Code:

---

sudo modprobe -r pcspkr

---

THANKS steveydoteu. after updating to 9.10 the beep started but fortunately it has been banned now....

Thank you steveydoteu! :D

This worked under Ubuntu 9.04

GiveLove