Boot Problem: "cpu is unworkable or has been changed". Need help.

[needydude]

O.K. When I boot up, I get the following message: "cpu is unworkable or has been changed" followed by "hit f1 to continue or del to enter setup". The computer will not boot into windows unless I hit f1.

Also, sometimes after shutting the computer down and then trying to restart it, it won't turn on. It starts to come on, the fans start, then after just a few seconds, it shuts down again, the green power light staying on. And here's a strange thing. I opened the computer up and noticed that when this happens--after it had failed to boot and the power light is still on--one of the case fans and the cpu fan are turning, but at a very slow speed. These fans stop if I unplug the power cord.

So, what do you think? I'm leaning toward this being a power supply issue? Second thought is that I might need to replace the motherboard. Any thoughts or comments would be greatly appreciated.

Motherboard= Abit NF7-S
Processor=AMD Athlon XP 2.8 G

 

[KevinADC]

if you know how to check the BIOS thats the place to start. Did the CMOS get reset somehow? Did you do anything to precipitate this behavior? Change something inside the case?

 

[needydude]

Nope. No changes in BIOS. But, here'a another piece of information...

Everytime I restart the computer and it fails to start, when it finally does start/post--usually after numerous tries and waiting a while--that's when I again get the "cpu is unworkable.." message. If I just restart out of Windows, it will reload just fine and the message will never appear.

NOTE: I went over to the abit forum and lots of people have gotten this message...and no one seems to have a satisfactory answer to this problem.

 

[KevinADC]

NOTE: I went over to the abit forum and lots of people have gotten this message...and no one seems to have a satisfactory answer to this problem.

Ghost in the machine?

Any beeps that might help track down the problem while booting up?

Does the same thing no matter where the computer is plugged in?

All hardware and RAM is firmly seated and all cables are seated properly?

Maybe remove the power plugs from some peripherals (floppy/CD/DVD/etc) and power up with only the basic system stuff and see if there is any improvement.

 

[BadBigBen]

1.) Have you done a BIOS upgrade? if NO, then I would try that first...

2.) do you have a spare PSU? if YES, then try that avenue, kinda sounds like you aren't getting enough power or the PSU is not functioning correctly...

3.) Double check all Connections to the MOBO, ie. IDE, Power, FDD, etc...

Ben

"If it works don't fix it! If it doesn't use a sledgehammer..."

 

[mainegeek]

Also, try replacing the cmos battery and then go into the bios and select "Load Optimized Defaults".

 

[paparazi]

needydude
I agree with the above.

Change the CR2032 Lithium button battery

Reseat all power connections

My main suspect would be a failing power supply

Also check the motherboard for bulging capacitors see:

http://www.badcaps.com

I certainly would be trying to ellimate problems with any sort of addon devices by only connecting the bare minimum so pull out cards, go back to basic keyboard/mouse etc

Martin

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

 

[garebo]

I agree with all the above as well.
But, it sounds like either something is changing your bios setting or your battery is bad.
im really only piping in here to tell you that you can now get the battery for $1 at the $1 store! Thats better than $4.95 at bestbuy or walmart,lol. Same battery too! See if you have the standard 2032 and replace it. The battery, as paparazzi has corrected me so many times i now remember, is supposed to be 3.3 volts. A battery tester comes in handy here.
If all was well with your battery in the first place, then of course you gotta look at your power supply. The "tester" you get at bestbuy is not good for testing. You need a digital or analog multimeter to test the various rails or voltage levels. A good tutorial can be found at techrepublic.com. YOu have to join but its free, they dont bug you, and its a great site, all professionals, except for me, lol.


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