System build issues ... please help system builders!

[dud]

So here is my sad story:

Due to an extensive system upgrade my son had a number of surplus parts left over. Instead of tossing them he sent them to me so that I could build an HTPC. I received a nice aluminum Antec ATX case, Asus A8N-SLI MB with 2GB RAM, two vid cards and assorted other parts including a DVD drive and a 250 GB HD.

I assembled the parts and held my breath as I powered on the system ... and then the frustration started:

1) The MB has two (2) LEDs ... one is red the other green. The green LED is supposed to glow brightly after you flip on the PS switch, indicating that the system is ready to be powered up. Instead, the LED glows dimly for about 15 seconds AND THEN glows brightly.

2) After I turn on the PC the system boots to the BIOS screen where I get the "checksum error - loading defaults" message is received. I have removed/replaced the CMOS battery and shorted the appropriate pins to clear the CMOS but I continue to get this message. Normally, this would not be too much of a problem as all I would have to do is hit F1 or DEL ... but guess what ... the system will not recognize my keyboard no matter which USB port I insert it in. In fact, it will not recognize it even if I use a PS2 adapter!

I've tried everything I can think of and searched the Net a bit but everything I try leads no where ... the system will NOT recognize my KB, therefore I cannot enter the BIOS and modify the settings there. If I try to use the KB on my other system it is recognized immediately after I plug it in.



Can anyone recommend any possible solutions to the CMOS/keyboard issue? My son told me that everything worked before he shipped it so that could mean something was damage in transit. Eliminating that possibility ... what could be the problem and how do I get this system up-and-running?


Thanks for the help ...

 

[Bubbaleone]

I'd suggest removing and examining the CPU and socket for damage. Unplug and carefully examine all power connectors and sockets for burned or damaged pins. Be sure mobo isn't grounding somewhere on the case, they way you have it installed.

Reseat video card/s, reconnect monitor, and install just one stick of RAM. Disconnect the HDD, DVD drive, usb mouse, and keyboard. If the USB game port is installed, disconnect the cable from the mobo socket.

Remove CMOS battery for three minutes before reinstalling. Boot in this configuration and note any difference in the the LED's, and screen display, shutdown.

Reconnect USB keyboard only, to back panel connector, reboot. If no change in LED's, and USB keyboard, the mobo may be damaged, or the BIOS may be corrupt.

If you don't have one, here's the manual: A8N-SLI.pdf

Please, post back with outcome.

 

[dud]

I'd suggest removing and examining the CPU and socket for damage. Unplug and carefully examine all power connectors and sockets for burned or damaged pins. Be sure mobo isn't grounding somewhere on the case, they way you have it installed.

Reseat video card/s, reconnect monitor, and install just one stick of RAM. Disconnect the HDD, DVD drive, usb mouse, and keyboard. If the USB game port is installed, disconnect the cable from the mobo socket.

Remove CMOS battery for three minutes before reinstalling. Boot in this configuration and note any difference in the the LED's, and screen display, shutdown.

Reconnect USB keyboard only, to back panel connector, reboot. If no change in LED's, and USB keyboard, the mobo may be damaged, or the BIOS may be corrupt.

If you don't have one, here's the manual: A8N-SLI.pdf

Please, post back with outcome.

Thanks for replying and offering assistance. I tore down the whole PC and started re-building from scratch. During installation of the MB I found that I had the correct number of stand offs ... but one was in the wrong position. Once I had corrected that and put it all back together it boots. I installed an OS and now need to install an external USB wireless adapter to update and install drivers.

Thanks for the help ... after this episode I feel that I now have re-learned the skills that I assumed were lost.