boot hang

[scott_w]

I had my computer up and running last night after adding some new memory. Now it hangs after memory check and says "301 keyboard error" and goes straight to cursor prompt. I do not hear any beeps but it does check CD, HD, floppy. Any ideas? I did take out the memory and restored it to original memory configuration.

Thank-you

[classicsoftware]

Whenever you troubleshoot, always check the obvious first.

Make sure the keyboard is plugged in and is in the correct slot.

Assuming that did NOT solve the problem and you have not added anything to the computer that the bios would have to deal with, try to get into the BIOS and reset the bios to the default settings.

If that did not work, remove and re-seat the memory chips. If that does not work, try to get the chips tested. If the chips test ok, there may be a problem with the motherboard.

[scott_w]

I can't seem to get into the BIOS. I have tried several variations of key commands upon boot-up, but so far no luck.

Thank-you

[yawningdog]

You forgot one classicsoftware. Try using a known good keyboard.

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He thrusts his fists against the posts but still insists he sees the ghosts.

[scott_w]

Actually, I did have a very cheap keyboard on this system, so borrowed a known good keyboard, but still no luck.

[iisbob]

don't take this wrong; but are you sure you had the keyboard plugged into the proper port? how old is the motherboard? if it's within the last 4 years then it should follow the specs called pc99-which is a color coding standard to help people hook up periphals( ie. green to mouse, purple to keyboard, blue to monitor, etc...) and make sure the system is off! you can seriously fry a motherboard if you try to plug in a mouse or keyboard that is not USB standard. http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/tongue.gif

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iisbob
"Soap and education are not as sudden as a massacre, but they are more deadly in the long run."

[scott_w]

I did check the keyboard port...

I am not that much of a novice--having been a Mac owner for 8 years, but this PC world is a whole new ballgame.

I have not a clue about BIOS. How do I get there from here??

Thanks

[sea69]

try your "F" keys: F1, F2, (F10)-, or hit "del" (delete key) to get into BIOS.

you have to set BIOS to let it know you have added more RAm.. or it won't boot correctly.. you don't just plug it in.

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sea1_69@hotmail.com

homepage (http://www.seanweb1.homestead.com/3.html)


;)~

[wiltrot]

When you see the bios logo, hold down delete key until bios comes up.

[scott_w]

I must have some deeper problems. I can't get anything to come up except Compaq logo and then a curser. Tried pressing escape and all the other keys. Nada...

[sea69]

it is F10 for Compaqs.

when you see the RED Compaq insignia at top of screen you should see a blinking cursor, you press F10 then.. after the blinking cursor is gone you have missed it and will have to try again.

http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/wink.gif

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sea1_69@hotmail.com

homepage (http://www.seanweb1.homestead.com/3.html)

[This message has been edited by sea69 (edited 07-15-2001).]

[iisbob]

i disagree with you sea, evey mobo i've worked on it the last 6 years always recognizes new RAM when it's been attached-i haven't come across a memory recognition prolem in a long time( even faulty memory has been recognized, before it crashes).

Scott_w, you aren't trying to use a usb board are you? inbstall the ne wram in memory slot 1, old to next slot, etc.. then try to boot up-first screen you should see is one showing that the system has recognized the new memory-you may have to get drastic and reset your CMOS; i've had to do that with a few Compaq retail systems-there BIOS settings are screwy, once you get it to recognize the correct amount of new memory-then press F10 to enter the bios.

Just a thought, but are you using the correct memory? ie, is it the same speed as your original( like pc66, or pc100, etc..)-are you using buffered nonecc ? is it the right # of pin DRAM? ( like 164 )
if you can give some more specs on your systems configuration we might be able to pinpoint your problem.

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iisbob
"Soap and education are not as sudden as a massacre, but they are more deadly in the long run."

[skhips]

With loads of respect Sea, i have never done any BIOS changes when changing or adding RAM, and touch wood have never had any problems.

However if i am missing something out then please advise.

Humbliest yours, SKHIPS

http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/smile.gif

[spaceAlien]

Greets --

I does appear that you keyboard and computer are not communicating. You will not be able to access the bios until you can use the keyboard.

If you have tried a different keyboard, then you either have 2 defective keyboards (wouldn't be the first time) or an upstream problem.

What kind of keyboard are you trying to use? AT, ps/2 or USB? Is there separate card that you plug the keyboard into, or is the keyboard plug right on the motherboard?

Grins --




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HEY YOU -- MODERATOR -- CHANGE MY STATUS TO "HECKLER"

[scott_w]

I attached the "good" keyboard and I can get the system to respond to some key commands. A utility setup did come up but I was not sure what to do to it. Problem is I still get the 01 301-Keyboard error, and nothing past the curser. (This is my son's computer.)

I then put the "lousy" keyboard on my system and it hung my system. I IMMEDIATELY took it off. When I re-booted with my good keyboard Windows had to re-build some files in FAT32 whatever, but seems I am OK. (whew)

Bottom line is, I think that POS keyboard either damaged some hardware or software on my sons machine (the Compaq).

anyone have ideas, and BTW thanks for all your help.

[iisbob]

quote;

" anyone have ideas..."
Well, you could take a hammer to the Compaq! http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/wink.gif After working on them and HP retail systms people buy cheap from wal-mart, i've gotten a healthy dislike for them! http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/tongue.gif
Seriously tho, it's sounding as if keyboard may have a short in it-and it could have damaged your sons motherboard-get a hold of another cheap keyboard, try it on your systm first to make sure it works good, then try it again on his compaq; if you still recieve the same errors it's likely you're going to have to have the motherboard replaced on your sons system. http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/frown.gif



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iisbob
"Soap and education are not as sudden as a massacre, but they are more deadly in the long run."

[sea69]

Originally posted by iisbob:
quote;

" anyone have ideas..."
Well, you could take a hammer to the Compaq! http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/wink.gif After working on them and HP retail systms people buy cheap from wal-mart, i've gotten a healthy dislike for them! http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/tongue.gif



absolutely,

I have recently been seeing first hand what many are talking about with these compaq/volkswagon (retail/cheapie/one size fits all) machines. http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/eek.gif

unfortunately Mr./Ms. Consumer does not think to look to detail when getting this 'One day Only!' sale at wal/mart, or computer show ripp off.

I have opened up the case to fix things that shouldn't be non working after a small amount of time and found that while the was precisely the exact specs for that particular model 100%.......... it also was built with 100% compaq refurbished parts. Not new anything.

When they are giving you this "Great Deal".. "Limited time only!!.. they don't bother to tell you that the computer is made form parts that have been sent BACK to compaq as defective.

of course with a 30 day warranty.

http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/eek.gif http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/eek.gif

thanks for pointing out my error, we don't want people having incorrect information here! http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/smile.gif

scot_w, do you have the restore disk for this compaq?

if so beware that while it may be an answer to possibly (without hardware damage ) bring the computer back like it was.. this is really a last resort as well. Doing the Restore will loose him all the current data and revert the computer back to like it was from the factory.


http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/wink.gif


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sea1_69@hotmail.com

homepage (http://www.seanweb1.homestead.com/3.html)




[This message has been edited by sea69 (edited 07-15-2001).]

[spaceAlien]

> I attached the "good" keyboard and I can get the system to respond to
> some key commands.

Some? Do we now have a partial failure mode, in addition to the total failure mode?

> A utility setup did come up but I was not sure what to do to it.

Skip the BIOS for now.

> Problem is I still get the 01 301-Keyboard error, and nothing past the
> curser.

Do you get this message with the good keyboard?

> I then put the "lousy" keyboard on my system and it hung my system.

Skip the lousy keyboard for now.

> When I re-booted with my good keyboard Windows had to re-build some
> files in FAT32 whatever,

Was this called SCANDISK? That's pretty standard when system is not shut down gracefully.

> but seems I am OK.

Did you get all the way to windoz desktop?

> (whew)

WHEW !

> Bottom line is, I think that POS keyboard
> either damaged some hardware or software

Possible

> anyone have ideas, and BTW thanks for all your help.

I'm still trying to concentrate on where the keyboard hooks into the computer, I'm trying to make sure you didn't knock something loose when you were messing with the memory.

Is it an "AT" keyboard (1/2 inch round connector with 5 pins) or a "ps/2" keyboard (1/4 inch round connector with 4 pins) or USB keyboard (rectangular connector)?

Does the keyboard plug directly into the motherboard, or does it plug into an expansion card which then plugs into the motherboard?

When you take the cover off a computer case, then turn it on its side, it's possible to flex the case, which in turn flexes the motherboard, which pulls the expansion cards ever so slightly out of their slots...

Grins --


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HEY YOU -- MODERATOR -- CHANGE MY STATUS TO "HECKLER"

[scott_w]

<Some? Do we now have a partial failure mode, in addition to the total failure mode?>

What I meant was either the esc or the F10 brought up the utility

<Do you get this message with the good keyboard?>

With both keybnoard but not everytime


<Did you get all the way to windoz desktop?>

No, I never got to Windows Desktop


<Is it an "AT" keyboard (1/2 inch round connector with 5 pins) or a "ps/2" keyboard (1/4 inch round connector with 4 pins) or USB keyboard (rectangular connector)?>

It's a 5 pin AT directly into the motherboard

<When you take the cover off a computer case, then turn it on its side, it's possible to flex the case, which in turn flexes the motherboard, which pulls the expansion cards ever so slightly out of their slots...>

Do you mean the memory slots? I checked them, they seemed very secure


The hammer idea is sounding better and better. Why do you think I gave the Compaq to my son? POS

Anyway, thanks... Thought I could do this cheap, but may have to spring for a new case and motherboard, and hopefully use the CPU, if I don't screw that up too!!



http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

[spaceAlien]

> It's a 5 pin AT directly into the motherboard

Is there a cable between the motherboard and the keyboard socket? or is the keyboard socket soldered directly onto the mobo?

Sometimes, the keyboard socket is on an expansion card, or there is a cable between the socket and the mobo. I thought something might have come loose.

Do a real close inspection of where the keyboard plugs in - any scorching or cracks or acrid smell?

You're not going to get very far without a keyboard, and if you have a "known good" keyboard, and there's not much to suspect between the keyboard and the mobo, then you gotta take a hard look at the mobo. One of those chips on there controls the keyboard, but I would be very surprised if it wasn't soldered directly onto the mobo...

I'm in over my head at that point ...

Grins --


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HEY YOU -- MODERATOR -- CHANGE MY STATUS TO "HECKLER"

[scott_w]

I am now getting a 164 Memory Size Error

I'm done. (done-in, that is)

[classicsoftware]

Have you tested the memory?
What Model Compaq Presario?
Can you boot to a floppy?
When you get into to the diagnostics/bios with the F10 key, do all of the keys work? Even if you don't know what your doing, can you navigate your way around?

[spaceAlien]

Hey Scott,

> I am now getting a 164 Memory Size Error

Did you go back to the original memory configuration? If you remove and reinstall (reseat) the (original) memory in its original location, and you're still getting this message, then my condolences... http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/frown.gif

I would say hardware failure...

Sorry I couldn't be of more help.


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HEY YOU -- MODERATOR -- CHANGE MY STATUS TO "HECKLER"

[scott_w]

no apoligies needed. I have learned alot doing this project.

1. Do not buy a Compaq
2. Stick with Macs
3. Don't buy cheap keyboards

kidding aside, it has been a learning experience and I appreciate your help. I am taking the box into work to let one of my buddies in IT pull his hair out trying to figure this out.

I will let you know.