New PC, No Boot

[DontLetEmKnow]

I have the same problem as someone else just recently posted.. I built a new computer from scratch, and I get a beeping noise when I turn the power on.. I had 2 sticks of 512MB DDR PC2100 originally, then saw the post about the other person's problem, then I just went out and bought a new stick of 256MB DDR PC2100 just to see if the memory I originally had was the problem.. well that didn't fix the problem, I still get the beautiful beeping noise and a blank screen. I have tried the stick of 256MB in each of the 3 slots and no success.. Could my motherboard be the problem? Video card? thanks in advance for any replies to this! =)

[sharifat]

Hi
Be sure all setting switches or jumpers are correct in your new mobo, like clock setting and multiplier.
in some mobo it is possible to overclocking the cpu in cmos, if it is set too high your pc will not start at all, remove the backup battery for about 10 mins and place it again and try to start again, all setting of cmos now must be in safe default mode, if still no luck try to dissconect every thing except garphics card and one ram module, remove even floppy and hard drive, now check with this minimum system. don't forget to check all setting with mobo manual again and try to start if still no luck change the gaphics card be sure it is inserted well in the slot.
I looking to hear the result.
bye

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Navid Sharifat

[ski]

Also, make sure the memory is fully inserted. Sometimes it needs a hard push in order to seat properly.
And if the video card is AGP, then check that it's compatible with the MB. Some AGP cards are rated for 3.3 volts and the MB's AGP slot is rated for 1.5 volts only.
If the memory and video cards are ruled out as the culprits, then the MB or CPU may be bad. Either swap out, or have them tested or replaced.

[Whyzman]

Hello DontLetEmKnow,

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

Would you be a bit more specific about the beeping? Usually there is a Morse Code like pattern, or just a long continuous. Also, on you MotherBoard, what BIOS chip are they using? Should say in your MB manual.

Indeed, remove the battery on the Motherboard...checking to see if the manufacturer inserted a piece of plastic/? to save battery life.

What MotherBoard are you using...and what type of Video Card?

Also, it should tell you in your Motherboard Manual if you are using only one stick of RAM which slot you want to place it in. Make sure that the retaining clips for the RAM are indeed locked on securely...insuring that the RAM is seated properly.

As mentioned, try the "basic" system...MB, Vidcard, RAM.

Also, are all your fans spinning up?

Hang in there...you're doing well! http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/wink.gif

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May all your dealings in life be win/win!


Whyzman
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Reserved for Punishing Humor...A Pessimist's blood is always B-negative!


[This message has been edited by Whyzman (edited 05-24-2002).]

[DontLetEmKnow]

thanks for the replies sharifat, ski, and whyzman.


Would you be a bit more specific about the beeping? Usually there is a Morse Code like pattern, or just a long continuous.


its a long continuous beep. after powering on the system, about 5-10 sec later, it does a beep for about 5-10 seconds, then it'll repeat the process.



Also, on you MotherBoard, what BIOS chip are they using?


This is what it has in my motherboard manual under the BIOS specifications:
-Award Plug & Play BIOS



What MotherBoard are you using...and what type of Video Card?


the motherboard is a VIA P4XB-S part of the P4X-266 series. the video card is an 4xAGP GeForce4 TI 4600.



Also, it should tell you in your Motherboard Manual if you are using only one stick of RAM which slot you want to place it in. Make sure that the retaining clips for the RAM are indeed locked on securely...insuring that the RAM is seated properly.


i think i've shoved the memory in each slot as hard as i possibly could (haha well not really that hard). i even had a friend come over and push the memory in himself.


As mentioned, try the "basic" system...MB, Vidcard, RAM.


that's the setup i have right now.. at first i had one of my new hard drives and the floppy drive plugged in.. but then stripped it down to just the MB, video card and RAM.


Also, are all your fans spinning up?

all the fans are spinning, on the P4 chip and on the video card and also the ones in the case (although i only have 2 hooked up). i even took the fan/heatsink off the P4 chip to see if i had slotted it wrong (which later i found out is pretty much impossible to do unless you break some pins on it) and i left the fan/heatsink off when i powered on for a few seconds. i touched the p4 and felt some heat so i suspect that it is working..

i'm going to check the jumper setting on the motherboard again right now, although the board only has like 3 or 4 total jumpers (1 for CMOS, and like 2 for this audio codec thing). i'm looking in the manual right now and can't find the voltage for the AGP slot, i'll look online more to see if i can find that number. i'll also remove the battery and check it out right now (i just woke up so give me a sec http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/smile.gif). i want to try to make returning the motherboard/video card the last resort ya know, considering it is a pain to do that kinda stuff. thanks again for your replies and i hope the info i gave you will help!

[This message has been edited by DontLetEmKnow (edited 05-24-2002).]

[DontLetEmKnow]

alright i just removed the battery and reseated that also.. no plastic under it or anything.. still the same old beep. i'll wait for a reply before i try anything else http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/tongue.gif

[ranchdog]

There is an issue with the GF4 and some Mboards. Due to the
length of the card it doesn't fully seat in the AGP slot
as it should. Comes in contact with a capacitor of some sort.

Might want to check this out closely.


Luck.


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....How long is a minute... depends on which side of the Bathroom door you're on. ......
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[DontLetEmKnow]

alright well after looking at the support forums on VIA's website, it seems like there are lots of other people having the same issues with the motherboard. so i'm just going to go back to fry's and hopefully get store credit or something so i can buy a better board (this one was a package deal with a 1.7GHZ P4 for $179) so that should solve everything. thanks for takin the time to reply to my initial posts, i really appreciate it and keep up the good work, you guys are great! http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/smile.gif