Bios Problems

[Jaydub]

When I power up my desktop all I get is a blank screen. The video bios info and MOBO bios does not display. All fans appear to be working and the CD lights blink for a second, then nothing. Of course the harddisk doesn't even start and I can't get into setup. Can someone tell me if there is a test for CMOS battery or Bios chip? I have tested the monitor - OK. Would a bad video card cause these symptoms? How about power supply??
Please help.

[iisbob]

Welcome to the http://www.pcguide.com/ubb/pcgubb.gif !

First, do you hear any beeping noises?

Next, check to see if your monitor is truned on and the video cable is properly connected in back http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/smile.gif

Now make sure your memory is seated all the way down, make sure all internal connections are properly seated. This are a few trouble shooting steps to take to verify that all the hardware is in order.

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iisbob

Life of a tech-support specialist-
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Customer: "I don't have a right button."
Tech Support: "You should have a right button."
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[Jaydub]

Originally posted by iisbob:
Welcome to the http://www.pcguide.com/ubb/pcgubb.gif !

First, do you hear any beeping noises?

Next, check to see if your monitor is truned on and the video cable is properly connected in back http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/smile.gif

Now make sure your memory is seated all the way down, make sure all internal connections are properly seated. This are a few trouble shooting steps to take to verify that all the hardware is in order.


Thanks for the help. I checked all these items and inadvertently discovered that the machine would start if I took out one of the DIMM sticks. I've had these in for months. Do these things go bad in service? I also reset the CMOs and removed the battery for awhile. Got a message that the battery was low. Do these things need to be replaced? This is an older machine (4-5 years). Don't know which of these things worked or for how long - only time will tell I guess. Thanks again.

[mjc]

3 to 4 yreas is considered the average lifespan of a CMOS battery, replace it and try the DIMM again, it could be that the battery being low was not allowing the extra to be properly recognized...if the problem reappears after replacing the RAM then the stick has gone bad.

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mjc
Links list:Computer Links (http://www.dreamwater.org/tech/mjc/index.htm)

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