I've got an old Gateway 2000 Pentium 200MHz PC that is to be used for file transfers between our mainframe host and internal PC LAN. The PC has been unused for months. When I started it up yesterday, it went part way through the POST then shut down - WITHOUT any beep codes. I checked the cables, reseated the memory chips and interface boards and powered it on a second time and the same thing happened. I then removed all the interface boards, swapped in "known good" memory chips, and disconnected the CD and HD drives, again with the same results. I started reattaching the IDE cables and drives. During one of the restarts, the PC finally booted up. I reattached all cables, etc. and was able to format the hard drive, install Windows 98SE and configure it to attach to the PC LAN - all without any difficulty - no problems during any of the reboots. I then powered it off at the end of the day.
This morning the power-off problem was back - but after restarting the PC 2 or 3 times, it finally booted all the way up. Without the beep codes, I really don't know where to start troubleshooting especially since the memory, drives, etc. all work once the system is up. I'd appreciate any comments or suggestions any of you may have in how to proceed with the troubleshooting.


[This message has been edited by CotaG (edited 08-16-2001).]

It sounds like a power supply problem more than anything else. Attaching a known good one or new one to the system and see how it reacts. If your still getting the same problem, it could be a short someplace in the system case. Hope this helps.

------------------
BiosCentral (http://www.bioscentral.com)
BiosCentral Forums (http://www.bioscentral.com/cgi-bin/UltraBoard/UltraBoard.cgi)

Hi;

Agree with Postcode, especially if it is an older system and has been sitting around collecting dust. I would make sure that there is no dust in the case and on the components, and since you have been tinkering around, reseat the ram and video card. If either are just not quite seated properly....make sure the card and memory "snap" into place and the video card does not move when you secure it with the screw.