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View Full Version : computer randomly stops booting, plz help


ToadJam
01-19-2002, 10:30 PM
Here's the story: I have a relatively new computer, AMD 1800xp, ABit KG7 motherboard, Gainward Geforce3, and 4 sticks of 256mb PC2100 Crucial RAM. The comptuer has been working fine for several months, though I haven't used it often. Just yesterday I finally got my two newest sticks of memory to work (bringing up the total to 4 after the two I already had), a process that involved flashing the BIOS (which I did correct and execute properly, I am almost positive). Last night, I checked the stats on the computer, and everything was operating perfectly.
This morning, I started it up again, and everything proceeded normally. The BIOS booted properly, all my RAM was counted, and WindowsXP was starting to load when I left the computer for a moment. The next thing I new, it had randomly shut off. An attempt to turn it on again results in working fans, but the monitor receives no signal. More detailed symptoms:
- no usb is going out, because my intellimouse connected to my usb keyboard displays no red light. This seems to indicate that the motherboard is not fucntioning properly, obviously.
- the case emits no beeping at any time. There is no single beep to signal a proper start-up at all. Nor is there any loud, continued beeping when memory is intentionally unseated (I experienced this a lot when installing the memory).
- every fan works perfectly fine, and since most are connected to the motherboard, it seems to be receiving power.
This is what I've tried:
- I've reseated the RAM, my vid card, and my PCI cards. I removed all memory cards but one. No effect.
- I cleaned off the gold connectors on my vid card with rubbing alcohol and a q-tip, to no effect.
- I tried removing all IDE plugs and cards from the motherboard. The fans work fine when booted. However, adding the GPU still produces the same result.
- I tried clearing the CMOS, however, I'm not clear about whether it worked properly. Though I'm sure I did it right at the end (turn off and unplug computer, move CMOS over and back again, restart computer), I originally tried it the IMPROPER way. This included turning on the comp when the CMOS was in the wrong position, and changing to position and back with the computer on. Though this may have extended the problem, perhaps, it did not cause it, as the CMOS was cleared in an attempt to solve it.
I'm afraid the problem is either the processor (which I hear needs to be working in order for the comp to beep) or the motherboard (whose problems are described). However, I am clueless as to which one it is, and how to solve it. Nor do I know how the problem was caused - again, everything was working fine the night before, and the problem only started after the OS (WindowsXP) began loading. If you guys can't help, I'm afraid I have to seek professional help. I thank you in advance!

Styx
01-20-2002, 12:33 AM
First try restarting with a WinXP (or any) startup disk in the [A] drive, choose to start with CDROM support, just to see if the computer will start; If it restarts, at the [A] hold down Ctrl + Alt + Delete key with the floppy removed and boot to SafeMode:

Does the computer start in SafeMode? (tap F8 twice per second during a restart; Choose option number three (3) in the Windows Startup dialog box using the arrow keys below the Delete key, and strike the Enter key; Click Ok when prompted):

If you can get into Safe Mode trying running System Restore; Click Start; Help and support; Click Fix a problem; click Use System Restore.

I hope you grounded yourself by touching the unplugged powersupply and holding your feet still when working inside the case.

No one told you over 512 Mb of RAM isn't tolerated well by some systems? Remove the two new chips of RAM. Try restarting then.

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"If you pick up a starving dog and make him prosperous, he will not bite you. That is the principal difference between a dog and a man." - Mark Twain

ToadJam
01-20-2002, 12:41 AM
The computer doesn't start at all. The monitor reads "no input." The motherboard does not beep at all. Only the fans are visibly active. And I'm sure static damage isn't a factor, as the machine worked perfectly fine the other night. Between that time and the time the problems started, I did not open the computer.