Black screen after POST

[jaydub69]

Originally posted by: mechBgon
Troubleshooting starter

1. Overview of the problem
   Black screen on boot following BIOS screen. "99" error code (?). BIOS doesn't seem to use that code when I looked it up.
   
2. Full description of the problem and symptoms
   Six years old, built it myself. Its been working fine and was powered down normally last night. On power-up, the computer goes through the BIOS check screen and memory check, then it beeps once and goes to black screen with the top half filled with 99s, repeated over and over.
   
3. Did it work normally at one time, or has the problem always existed?
   Its been working fine. I haven't changed peripherals on it recently, and its been about 2 years since I replaced the PSU, following a video card upgrade.
   
   
   
4. Is the problem consistent and repeatable, or entirely random, or semi-random?
   Its perfectly repeatable! Power down, power down and wait, or hit reset and the same behavior occurs.
   
   
5. I already tried these steps:
   Went into the BIOS settings and changed it from quick boot to full boot so it would go through a full memory check. All 1GB tested fine.
   
   
6. My software:
   • WinXP Home SP2
   • AMIBIOS A630VMS V5.7 022403
   
   
   
7. My hardware
   • Homebrew system
     
   • Motherboard: MSI KT3 Ultra, VIA K7 chipset
   • Athlon XP 2400 O/C slightly (to 2GHz?)
   • EVGA NVidia 7600 AGP 256
   • RAM Kingston 266 DDR 1GB in 256M modules
   • PSU: Antec SP-500 180W
   
   
8. Other information that might be relevant
   Unfortunately I can't remember some of the specifics (exact OC speed, voltages), and the details are, naturally, on the computer that's down :/
   
   I'm hoping the 99 code will be interpretable to someone. Thanks in advance!

 

[mpilchfamily]

First thing you need to do is take the system back down to stock speeds. Then see if you still have the same problem.

 

[jaydub69]

OK, the system now reports the processor as an Athlon XP 1800+, with FSB at 100MHz, so all the overclocking is off. The problem is still occurring. No change in behavior. Just to be clear, I did the overclocking 6 years ago as well and the system has performed stably in all that time.

 

[mpilchfamily]

Next thing to do is replace that PSU. The Antec SP's have had many problems in the past. The fact that its lasted this long means you go lucky. If there are still problmes run memtest to see if the RAM is OK.

Considering the age of the system it may be time to build a new one.

 

[jaydub69]

I reset the CMOS as well, no change.

I'm surprised to hear the Antec SPs have had problems. Feature-wise, it seemed like a good match to the application. What should I look for? Also, why would a weak PSU cause this behavior? I would expect flaky video performance, not a failure to boot.

 

[KGB]

Given the age and model of that Mobo, check for BADCAPS.

This is a known condition with that generation of mobos.

Oh, BTW... welcome to the Forums. :beer:

 

[jaydub69]

Thanks . I was actually here quite a bit back when I built the system as well. I knew where to come when I ran into this.

I'm running memtest at the moment - I used my laptop to burn the .iso to a CD and set the system to boot from it. Since that worked, I figure its another piece of info about where the problem is occurring. Are there similar diagnostic tools for checking other hardware components? Once the memtest finishes its first pass I'll power down and check the caps. Thanks for the pointer.

 

[jaydub69]

Originally posted by: KGBMAN
Given the age and model of that Mobo, check for BADCAPS.

Well, it didn't take much to notice this cap. (No inline images here?) Other ones on the board have nice, flat tops on them. I'm not inclined at this point to so any soldering on the old board (though it might be interesting), so I guess I'll look to replace the mobo. Hopefully I can get a modern mobo to work with my current hardware, as substantial building cash won't be around until after Christmas.

 

[mpilchfamily]

Looks like you will be buying a whole new system. Even if you do find another Socket 754 board it wouldn't be worth it. The CPU is dated as is the rest of your hardware. If you don't need allot of power then pull together about $400 and get yourself a new Dell or HP.