My computer won't start!

[Branmatt]

I started my computer and pressed F8 to start in safe mode and it went right into standby. Now everytime I turn it on it goes right into standby. I can't get any screens to come up or anything, Can anybody help? Thanks

[Pianorak]

Branmatt - Welcome to The PC Guide

What OS are we talking about?

Not sure I have got the answer, but in Windows 2000 the system may have been configured so that the logon password must be entered before the PC can come out of Standby mode.


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Our minds never work so fast as when they have to find an excuse J.L.H. Thomas

[Branmatt]

Originally posted by Pianorak:
Branmatt - Welcome to The PC Guide

What OS are we talking about?

Not sure I have got the answer, but in Windows 2000 the system may have been configured so that the logon password must be entered before the PC can come out of Standby mode.



Thanks for getting back to me. Actually it is running windows 98. I tried what you said but no luck. I don't get it, it starts up all the power lights flash but it goes right into standby. Very frustrating. Thanks anyways.

[Whyzman]

Branmatt,

I'm not sure if you can disable power management in BIOS. However, in the meantime you might want to use a Win98 Boot Disk and check to see if that can get you back on track.

Insert the Boot Disk and once to the A: Prompt type in Scanreg_/restore replacing the underscore (_) with a space. Select one of the registry restore options and see if that helps. Follow the steps, and be sure to remove the Boot Disk before restarting.

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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!

[Branmatt]

Originally posted by Whyzman:
Branmatt,

I'm not sure if you can disable power management in BIOS. However, in the meantime you might want to use a Win98 Boot Disk and check to see if that can get you back on track.

Insert the Boot Disk and once to the A: Prompt type in Scanreg_/restore replacing the underscore (_) with a space. Select one of the registry restore options and see if that helps. Follow the steps, and be sure to remove the Boot Disk before restarting.



Well I know it has been a while but I have tried to do this and had no success. I still can't get anything to come up. No screen at all. Just right into standbye mode even the monitor. But when I hook up my other computer to the same monitor everything is fine so I know it is not the monitor. If you have any other suggestions I am willing to try anything. Thanks.

[Whyzman]

Sounds like something possibly in the BIOS. When you boot up start tapping the DELETE key (or, check your manual for directions on how to enter the BIOS) and see if you can get in. I would navigate through the settings and look for something regarding POWER MANAGEMENT that might appear set wrong.

In any event, if you can get into the BIOS you might want to follow the directions to set the DEFAULT values, then exit and reboot.

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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 03-28-2002).]

[Branmatt]

Originally posted by Whyzman:
Sounds like something possibly in the BIOS. When you boot up start tapping the DELETE key (or, check your manual for directions on how to enter the BIOS) and see if you can get in. I would navigate through the settings and look for something regarding POWER MANAGEMENT that might appear set wrong.

In any event, if you can get into the BIOS you might want to follow the directions to set the DEFAULT values, then exit and reboot.


Thanks for the quick response.I tried tapping the delete key but it didn't work. I have no manual for this system I never did have. Do you know how to get into this?

[Whyzman]

Is there anything on the screen when you first attempt to boot up?

Is it a Dell or Compaq or.....?

We may need to go to just clearing the CMOS...which it would be nice if we knew the Motherboard for it's particular procedure.

Sorry I can't stay up any longer tonight...2:30 where I am...one of the folks will pick up the thread who's awake! 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 03-28-2002).]

[ErnieK]

Branmatt
Sometimes you have to press F1 to get into the BIOS instead of the delete key. If that does not work go through the "F" keys one by one. I have also heard that on a very few occasions it can be the "ESC" key. Try pressing the key continually (as though you wre doing morse code) and start doing so before you actually switch on.


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Ernie

[bassman]

Hi Branmatt,
We definitely need more system info and background info.
Did this machine work prior to this?
What was the reason for starting in safemode?
By "Standby mode", do you mean if you then hit the power switch again it will then start up, or does everything seems to power up (fans continue to run, power LED stays on, HDD makes a little noise,...) and just no display?
I know you said "No screens or anything", but I want to make sure, do you not even see a blinking curser for a moment in the upper right?

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A real Christian is one who can give his pet parrot to the town gossip.
Frank's Place (http://dreamwater.net/tech/frankscomp/)

[Branmatt]

Originally posted by bassman:
Hi Branmatt,
We definitely need more system info and background info.
Did this machine work prior to this?
What was the reason for starting in safemode?
By "Standby mode", do you mean if you then hit the power switch again it will then start up, or does everything seems to power up (fans continue to run, power LED stays on, HDD makes a little noise,...) and just no display?
I know you said "No screens or anything", but I want to make sure, do you not even see a blinking curser for a moment in the upper right?


Yes the machine ran fine before. I was starting it in safemode because I had just put in a new sound card and I had to turn off the default. It still started fine after this but the screen was all distorted so I was going to check and see if I had somehow changed a setting by accident. I pressed F8 repeatedly and it went into standbye mode. Yes everything powers up, fans run power light stays on but no screen. No I don't see a little curser in the upper corner. Just a black screen and the monitor light is orange.

[Whyzman]

Ah, Grasshopper....you've been "under the hood messin'" have you?

Best to check all connections on the Motherboard...especially your Video Card if it is not on board. Extract it and reseat it...of course making sure that the power to your board is off.

So, check cable connections and other cards to make sure they are well seated! http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/wink.gif

Oh, by the way, no need to requote entire posts...if a sentence or so is important that oughta do it! 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 03-29-2002).]

[bassman]

Hi Branmatt,
This might seem stupid but, have you tried hitting the power button on the monitor after the comp is started? Or check for a reset feature.
If everything is running and you are not getting beeps, you may have a problem with the monitor.

Try what Whyzman said too http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/wink.gif

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A real Christian is one who can give his pet parrot to the town gossip.
Frank's Place (http://dreamwater.net/tech/frankscomp/)

[borgdrone1of2]

hello
since you just added a sound card than take out the sound card .and retry computer.
allso f2 key on some machines for entering bios

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resistance is invigorateing lol