Boot Problems...

[VoopVoopVoop]

Five months ago I bought a pre-assembled computer from parts I specified. It worked wonderfully until a week ago.
The problem started when I went off to class one day with the computer running. The only extra thing running was SETI, and I had done a virus scan the night before.

When I get back from class the monitor has turned itself off but the case *sounds* like it is running fine.
I try to turn the monitor back on and it immediately pops off.
I try to do a reboot, nothing.
I try to turn it off using the front power key, nothing.
I eventually use the plug to turn it off ( I know ).

Here are my comp specs:
800 mhz anthlon
EP-8KTA Epox mobo
128 megs generic pc133 ram
generic geforce 2 mx video card
soundblaster live
Creative CDrw
DLink ethernet card
Generic modem
generic floppy drive

Here are some of the symptoms:
Every peripheral seems to have power.
The fans in the case run.
There are no beeps (and I know the computer CAN beep).
The monitor wont turn on at all.
The speakers dont pick up the typical windows boot sound.
The power supply indicator says 110 volts (although it always has).
The front power key doesnt work properly if pushed.
The front power key will turn the comp off if held for 5 seconds.


Some of the things I have tried are:
Reseating everything.
Made sure all data and power cords were connected.
Using a working graphics card.
Using working memory in varying DIMM slots.
Removing all extra peripherals.
Resetting the CMOS (someone told me to do this ).
Used a known working monitor.

Some of the things I have yet to do are:
Reseat the CPU ( I can't get the heatsink easily off ).
Remove the MOBO from the case and try it on cardboard or something similar (this would take a lot of fiddling around).

This is ready to drive me batty, any help would be greatly appreciated.
If you need more information then please ask.

[tjaymadison]

Welcome, Voop x 3! http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

The first easy thing to try -- disable ALL power management settings, both in BIOS and in Windows.



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"I am not able to rightly apprehend the kind of confusion of ideas that could provoke such a question."
-- Charles Babbage, mathematician, computer pioneer, analytical engine designer (1791-1871)
-- (Question: 'Pray, Mr. Babbage, if you put into the machine wrong figures, will the right answers come out?')

[VoopVoopVoop]

I don't think my computer boots far enough to edit bios or windows settings. Even if it did I am unable to make any changes that require the use of the monitor since the monitor doesn't show anything at all.

[steveo]

using a boot disk should get you far enough to access bios to make the changes

[Randy_tx]

A boot disk WILL NOT GET YOU INTO BIOS!!!! You dont need ANYthing to get to bios except the correct key hit when the computer powers up (if it does at all) - either the DEL key or one of several others depending on the name brand.
Unless the computer overheated (does the cpu fan come on when you try to power up?)it sounds like a motherboard or cpu or power supply problem. If the cpu fan doesnt come on and the power supply fan DOES come on.....then it's probably the motherboard or the cpu.

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Will XP save Me ?

[VoopVoopVoop]

The power supply fan as well as the CPU fan both turn on.

What should I try next?

[tjaymadison]

While the system was running and you were gone, any storms? Any clocks need re-setting?

Do you have a static internet connection -- cable, DSL, etc?
If no, was phone line left connected to modem, even if system not on-line?

------------------
"I am not able to rightly apprehend the kind of confusion of ideas that could provoke such a question."
-- Charles Babbage, mathematician, computer pioneer, analytical engine designer (1791-1871)
-- (Question: 'Pray, Mr. Babbage, if you put into the machine wrong figures, will the right answers come out?')

[Paleo Pete]

From what I see it looks like it's time to get your hands dirty...I think either the motherboard or power supply got fried, possibly CPU. If you can get another power supply try it, to test motherboard and CPU you'll have to take the machine apart, try both board and CPU in a known working system.

Looks like you've done all the preliminary troubleshooting already, so all that's left are those components. My guess is the motherboard is damaged.

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So many idiots, and only six bullets...
Note: Please post your questions on the forums, not in my email.

Computer Information Links (http://www.geocities.com/paleopete/)

[VoopVoopVoop]

My computer was connected to my college ethernet connection by a rj-45 cable.

I will try to do the things that were suggested.

Thanks for helping everyone.

[VoopVoopVoop]

I was able to get my computer working by reseating the cpu ( remove heatsink, pick up cpu, put it and heatsink back).

The computer worked for about 2 weeks and then the same problem as above reappeared. I reseated the cpu and it worked fine.

Now again I have the same problems and it appears that reseating the cpu isn't going to help this time. Any suggestions?

Is there anything special I should be doing when I reseat the cpu?

[mike3169]

Sounds like your CPU or CPU socket on the Mobo is bad. Check the Pins on the CPU underside and make sure there is no dirt or dust or any other foreign objects. Also check the socket on the Mobo for any dirt dust etc.(may need a flashlite to see) But, you may be beating a dead horse so to speak.


Mike