Boot probs...

[wviperw]

I'm trying to fix a friend's computer, and I'm not having too much luck. When you turn it on, it has power and the fans are running, but there is absolutely nothing on the screen--almost as if the monitor isn't plugged in. So this would make you think a video card/monitor problem, right? Well, I've tried multiple monitors and that hasn't worked. I tried the video card that is in his computer in one of my computers and it worked--so the video card is still functional. I tried plugging the monitor into the onboard video and that didn't work.

So maybe its not a video problem? I checked the HD's/CD-ROM's and they don't seem to be getting power or something. I don't hear/feel them spinning and there are no LEDs that go on. Also, there is no beep when you turn on the computer (I think a single beep means normal op). Is it possible that because the HD's/CD's aren't getting power the computer isn't showing anything on the screen? I figured there'd at least be a POST and I'd be able to get in the BIOS, but no.

I'm kind of running out of options. Any more ideas for debugging?

(BTW, its a Duron 1.3ghz, BioStar M7VIG system)

 

[pyrojunkie]

This machine has fans spin but the hard drives and cdroms don't power on? Sounds like a power issue to me. Try a new PSU.

 

[LiLithTecH]

You might want to try Clearing the CMOS (remember to remove the power cord).

Also, try reseating the RAM modules or moving them to different slots.

Finally, remove the IDE cables from the Motherboard and power from the Drives.
Then try to power up the PC.

 

[wviperw]

This machine has fans spin but the hard drives and cdroms don't power on? Sounds like a power issue to me. Try a new PSU.

Really? Why would part of the mobo be getting power and part of it not then?

You might want to try Clearing the CMOS (remember to remove the power cord).

Also, try reseating the RAM modules or moving them to different slots.

Finally, remove the IDE cables from the Motherboard and power from the Drives.
Then try to power up the PC.

Hmm, tried all that already. I tried clearing the CMOS multiple times hoping that it would default the onboard video back on, but it didn't help.

 

[jsanders]

I run into this problem before and believe or not it was a bad CPU! Try replacing the CPU and see if that takes care of the problem

Jsanders@ezeeweb.com

 

[wviperw]

Computer still isn't working. I tried replacing CPU's and it still didn't work, so its not the CPU. I tried replacing the PS to no avail, so its not the PS. So I guess the only thing that leaves me is the mobo?

What are ways of checking to see whether a mobo is working or not? I mean, technically, if all the other parts work, then it HAS to be the mobo, right? I just don't want to go out and order a new mobo only to see it continue to not work. Are there any tests I can run to see whats up w/ the mobo (remember, the fans are getting power, but there is no vid, and no power to the ide devices)?

Thanks

 

[BubbaMorg]

I had the same problem with my new Gigabyte board. Did everything you mentioned, then bought a couple of the PCI POST analyzers and it said the board was not reading the BIOS at all. Not sure what the problem is exactly, but I bought a new board and the rig started right up and ran.

 

[crisp82]

Chipset me thinks....

What caused the original error?

 

[BubbaMorg]

I plugged the monitor back into the computer after unplugging it to run it on a laptop. It froze right in the middle of a screensaver. Must've got a shock, for all I can figure out.

 

[crisp82]

sorry, I meant wviperw.

Have you removed everything from the board, then the board form the case?

Re-seat all drives, cards, and cables, and leave the CMOS battery out while you do so.

 

[Lawranch]

You might want to take the motherboard out of the case, sometimes the board grounds to the case and it won't start.

 

[wviperw]

Originally posted by: crisp82
sorry, I meant wviperw.

Have you removed everything from the board, then the board form the case?

Re-seat all drives, cards, and cables, and leave the CMOS battery out while you do so.

Ok, will try that I guess (though it doesn't sound fun ).

As for what caused the original error, I"m not sure. My friend, (who's not exactly the most tech savvy person) was trying to install a CDRW drive on his own. So its possible it could be that he accidently discharged some static electricity without knowing it. He also told me that he used a magnetic screwdriver to open the case. (Doh!)

 

[crisp82]

Did he flash the BIOS / ROM?

 

[wviperw]

Nope.

 

[NurFACE1]

You can try to reseat mobo and only use onboard video and memory along with power supply and check your led connections. Oh! one beep is good. You should get a post with mobo, video, memory, and power. Clear your cmos via removing jumpers.