Pinpoint computer problem - help

Sniipe

Hi ya,
Major problems with my computer. The thing won't start. I boot it up but nothing appears. The screen is blank and afaik, nothing is happening. All I hear is an initial beep (which is normal) then nothing. The fans come on and the HD powers up but nothing else happens.

I strip down the computer to nothing but CPU, Mainboard and PSU. The exact same thing happens. Isn't there ment to be beeps to say the ram or graphics card is missing?

The Mainboard: Socket 754 - model K8N-E >linky<
The PSU: Q-Tec 400 (Dual fan gold)
The CPU: AMD 64 3500

(Other spec - graphics: ATI 9700pro, ram: 1024mb TwinMos)

Any help or recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

smeggle

Have you checked your monitor? If thats ok - and you've stripped everything down to the minimum requirements to boot to basic cmd prompt screen (Which includes ram btw), then I'd suspect a dodgy MB.

Boot from a basic windows98 floppy boot disk to get to cmd prompt...

Sniipe

Monitor works, plugged the monitor into the lappy.

Nothing comes up at all. The mainboard in under warrenty - thank god - tis the only piece I have under warrenty.

If u plug everything out shouldn't there be diagnostic beeps to say the likes of HD, or ram are missing. I didn't take out the CPU, as i find it too delicate.

Any other ideas. I've nothing up with me in dublin, so I'm going to go home and grab another PC and whop the HD (under warrenty also, I think) and graphics into it. I've rarely seen a mainboard **** up.

diamondire

Hi Sniipe

You are right the computer should beep when there is no ram in it. This is done through the Power On Self Test. When you say you see nothing. Does that mean you don't even see the bios? If not that would explain the lack of beeps as POST is not running. When was it working last? It could be your motherboard or the battery.

diamondire

cc007

Hi Guys,

I'm also having problems with my pc (hope ye can help).

Basically it boots up but it ain't making the same (booting) noise as usual.

The login window appears and allows me to login. My problems start when I try to access anything in Windows, i.e. windows explorer, internet explorer or infact any application I've got installed. My pc just crashes / stalls.

Anyone got any ideas??

Cheers,

Carl.

Sniipe

cc007, it would have been better if u started up a new thread for your query as they differ.
diamondire - The bios does not appear at all. Was playing a game of unreal tournament when the computer froze and I had to reboot. so at the same time I decided this would be a good time to install my DVD writer (so I took out the other DVD writer - and put in the other one +)
It took a few restarts to get the bloody thing to boot into windows. I thought there was problems with the graphics card... but that wasn't the case. Eventually I took all parts out and put them back in again (carefully) and I got absolutely nothing, no beeps (besides the initial one) and nothing on the screen...
I'm stumped.

Carl, try putting in your windows CD and do a repair. U may have sypware or a virus - Was ur AV up to date and was your anti-spyware up todate? Try rebooting in safe mode (press f8 at the start) and then get ur anti-virus(www.grisoft.com) and anti-spyware(www.microsoft.com - popular downloads) running

Sniipe

... u mentioned the battery... that could be the problem - as before this all happened - I used to get a thing where my Bios would somehow loose its date/time and ask me to re-enter it... I could try a new battery - could it really be that simple? (I take it I can get the battery in any jewlers

diamondire

Hi Sniipe

Ok. I suggest you start from the beginning again. Put all the basic components back in. Your HDD, RAM, old writer. Double check that the cables are in correctly with the red line next to the power. Also check that the IDE cables are connected correctly to the motherboard. I have lost count of the number of times I have panicked and have put a cable in wrong in a rush. You could also make sure that there is no dust in the connections. Make sure that all cards and RAM are seated correctly.
Failing all this if you are still not getting any post codes and the computer is not booting then I think it may be your motherboard or battery.

Hi cc007

I agree with Sniipe. It sounds like a spyware problem. I use Adaware a lot and find it very good.


diamondire

diamondire

Hi Sniipe

Yes you should be able to get a replacement in a jewellers. Just bring the old one with you. Also when you install your new DVD writer be sure to check the jumper settings.

diamondire

cc007

I've started a new thread guys .. Sorry, my mistake ..

Sniipe

Jumper settings were wrong on the DVD writer - my problems could have started there.

Anyway, I took everything apart again, and took out the battery and gave it a good rub. I'm sorted. I'm on my machine again. Haven't a clue what actually went wrong. Could have been the Bios battery - if so I'm sure if its running low on juice I'll have the same problems.

Could be the graphics card. I'm going to give unreal Tourney a go and see if that ****s it up.

Could have been the DVD writer - I've got it working now anyway. Altho, a friend put cable ties on the ide cables and I as I was taking them out (the wrong way, by getting a screwdriver and twisting them) I snagged the ide cable... I can see the copper wires out of the plastic coating, but it still works!!!

Thanks Diamondire, I would have just left the PC there and scratched my head for years if u didn't persuade me to start from scratch again.

diamondire

Hi Sniipe

I'm glad you got it sorted. I always find the best thing is to start at the beginning again.



diamondire

budrick

hey sniipe :::, get yourself a new ide cable for your drives (replace them quick), having the wires exposed is not good,their supposed to insulated for a reason , interferance etc,it can cause damage ,shorting out if touched by anything that can conduct power ,if that happens say good bye to your drive or mb ,dont take a chance .