Blank screen and repetitive beeps at startup 1

[dhaeman]

Basically, the problem is that my computer beeps for about 1 sec every 3 seconds and doesn't stop unless I turn off the computer. Nothing shows up on the monitor but all of the fans eand such are going strong. I have AwardBIOS and apparently any beep other than 1 long with 2 shorts is a RAM problem. So I went out and bought new ram and it does the same thing with the beeps.

I've unplugged and replugged everything and tried both memory slots for the RAM. I've even tried running the computer with no power to anything but the CPU and heatsink fan but no luck there either.

A few other things that may be helpful:

- The new ram I bought is corsair and has an activity LED that stays on for about 7 seconds before turning off.

- I have something on my keyboard that turns off and on the function keys and theres a light on my keyboard tells you if its on or off (like numlock) key. It works fine until I press any other key and then whatever mode it's in it's stuck in until I power down and power on (reset key doesn't fix it)

- The last time it worked was a few days ago before I moved my computer via car to where I'm staying for the summer. As soon as I plugged it in here, the beeping started. I figured something was just loose but through replugging in everything I found out that wasn't the case.


Thank you in advance for your help. If you need any more info, I'll respond here ASAP.

 

[paparazi]

Most likely the Video card is loose or not seated properly?
If not try resetting the cmos (jumper) or removing the battery for a few mins and reset bios.
Martin


We like members to GIVE and not just TAKE.
Participate and help others.

 

[dhaeman]

Well, when I switch the jumpers on the CMOS to reset it and turn on the computer, it doesn't beep. So I wait a few seconds to turn it off and switch the jumper back to the normal position. Then the beeps start again! Don't understand the reason but thought it might help.

 

[micker377]

I moved my computer"

Keyboard and mouse in correct socket? If not, unplug both and see if anything changes.

 

[dhaeman]

Yep..I've unplugged and plugged in the peripherals (sp?) a few times but regardless I don't think those should cause it to beep.

I'm starting to wonder if somehow moving my computer messed up something with the RAM slots on the mobo? Like I said, according to AwardBIOS the beeps mean something is wrong with the RAM but I've tried everything to fix it other than sending the mobo in to Soltek since its under warranty. Though I'd rather not spend my entire x-mas break waiting for the stupid part to come back.

 

[Freestone]

Have you tried powering on with only the CPU and fan, memory and the video card installed? Nothing else installed on the motherboard, including mouse, keyboard, any hard drives and CD-ROM drives?

Have you tried reseating your CPU? Be aware that removing the heat sink to do this may necessitate reapplication of the thermal compound or thermal pad, whichever the case may be.

 

[Freestone]

Also wonder if the move has shifted the motherboard within the case which perhaps is causing a short. Try removing the board from the case and setting it up on a non-conductive surface; perhaps it'll reveal something.

 

[SkipCox]

I tend to agree with Martin. Remove the video card and reseat it. If that doesn't work, do the same with the memory chip(s).

Sounds like the video card got jarred loose in the move.

Skip

http://home.comcast.net/~skip9/index.html

http://scc.i8.com

 

[micker377]

Is this memory one stick or two? If two, try one at a time. If one, try in different slot. What I'm looking at is a possible bad mem slot.

 

[dhaeman]

Tried everything with the last 2 comments many many times.

I'm starting to think just when you put these componenets together they don't work! Soon I think I will be reselling the parts individually and buying a factory made computer with crazy warranties because the headache I've endured with this computer isn't worth it (I've had more problems than just this one).

Anyway, thanks to everyone who helped and if you have anymore ideas - I'll surely be checking this again.

 

[dhaeman]

Just wanted to let you know...

I replaced the Soltek motherboard with an Abit motherboard which fixed everything. So guess what? Instead of sending the Soltek in for the warranty it gets to meet my bat to fix all of my frustrations


Thanks again for the help!