newbie build will not post

[Windhund]

I did my first build today with an ECS KA3 MVP motherboard and got the following message:

"Keyboard error or no keyboard present
CMOS checksum error-Defaults loaded"

All other hardware is properly identified. I tried three (3) separate PS/2 keyboards that are known to work with the same result. I also did the following:

Reset CMOS
Checked CMOS battery (battery OK)

As this is my first build, I checked some computer sites on the net and saw some references to the keyboard controller being defective or that the motherboard itself is defective. I tried to email ECS but they insist on the serial number before they will accept a tech inquiry. Problem is, I could not find a serial number anywhere on the board.

Does anyone have any idea what might be the problem here?

 

[Harvey]

If your motherboard isn't defective, it sounds like you may have a short from the board to the case that isn't shorting out any power connections.

Try removing the mounting screws and slightly elevating the board with some kind of insulator, such as a paper or plastic card, especially around the area around the keyboard connector to see if that helps. Also, look for any other places where something could be shorting to the motherboard. It could even happen if a mounting hole is slightly off center and shorts to a screw head or mounting standoff.

If that helps, reassemble it carefully, and check again. If it doesn't it may be time to take it back to your vendor.

Good luck.

 

[Windhund]

Thanks for the advice Harvey. I'll do what you suggest and see what happens.:thumbsup:

 

[GZeus]

Good advise from Harvey. Definitely try that first, though from the sounds of your search it maybe a common defect with the board.

While your 'in there', you should be able to find the serial number of the board printed somewhere on the front side. When I build, I make a spreadsheet of all the parts, their serial numbers and other details - you might want to consider something than that.

Good luck!

 

[bamacre]

You could also try disabling the reporting of keyboard errors. See if it boots up and Windows detects your keyboard.

 

[stogez]

bamacre: I was going to suggest that but if his KB doesn't work, how will he get into the BIOS?

Try using a USB keyboard if you have one around. Also you could try running the board outside the case to make sure nothing is shorting.
The serial number should be printed by the CPU socket or by one of the PCI slots.

 

[bamacre]

Originally posted by: stogez
bamacre: I was going to suggest that but if his KB doesn't work, how will he get into the BIOS?

That's a damn good question. :laugh:

 

[Windhund]

I checked everywhere on this board and can't find a serial number. A reviewer of the board from another website commented that he could not find it either. I'm going to call ECS and see what's up with this. Thanks everyone for the assistance.

 

[Windhund]

I finally found the serial number (it was a tiny sticker under the video card) and emailed ECS about the problem. I also hooked up my PS/2 keyboard to a USB port using a patch convertor cord. The "keyboard error or no keyboard present" error disappeared but the "CMOS checksum" error remained. Also, the keyboard would still not work.

I forgot to mention in my first post that a small white plastic bolt holding down one corner of the passive aluminum heatsink on the Northbridge chipset was sheared off and rattling around in the box. So the heatsink does not sit on the chipset properly. It would seem that the motherboard must have taken a jolt for this to happen. Maybe that's why I'm having problems getting the motherboard to post.

 

[stevty2889]

Look in your manual for the clear CMOS jumper, they mave have shipped the motherboard with the jumper in the clear position, which will give you a checksum error every time you boot up. If you can get the keyboard working, try going in the the bios yet, sometimes just going in to bios and saving will clear that error also.

Of course it may not be good to run with the northbridge heatsink mount broken, as it could very easily overheat if it's not getting good contact with the heatsink.

 

[Windhund]

No, the keyboard still does not work. The "keyboard error or no keyboard present" message is gone though. Therefore I'm still unable to enter the BIOS.

I double checked the CMOS jumper and it's in the correct position (2-3) according to the manual. The (1-2) position is correct to reset it, which I've done a couple times.

Maybe the fact that the heatsink is not seated on the chipset is causing my problems. The only odd thing is that the Northbridge chipset (this is a Crossfire board) is for video card function as far as I know and my video card is identifed on the boot up screen and I do have an image. So how would this chipset impact the PS/2 keyboard? Weird