Help needed with PC problem

[lamaar]

My PC has stopped working for no apparent reason. It is a PII with o/b Graphics card, CDROM and FD running Win98. There is power going to it as all the peripherals work. When I switch it on I get my green light and the HDD spins into action but nothing from there, it doesn't try to active the FDD. The fan on the CPU works too. The HDD is not dead at I have tried it in another machine and it works ok. Any help whatsoever would be grateful.

Thanks Lamaar75@hotmail.com

 

[cdogg]

So, the POST test completes correct? Does anything show on the monitor? Can you get into the BIOS? Might be the mobo or video card....

 

[dakota81]

Does the computer beep when you turn it on? If so, that's likely either the ram or the video card. I would try a different ram stick first.

 

[paparazi]

It is always good practice in instances like this to pull all conectors/plugs/ram etc out and refit them just to be sure.
Also try resetting the CMOS, either use the jumper next to the battery on the motherboard or remove the battery for a few seconds, you will need to reset bios afterwards if it posts and goes that far! Martin. Vote if you found this post helpful please!!

 

[cdogg]

Before following paparazi's suggestion, it may be a good idea to record your BIOS settings (such as for video) before resetting it. Also, if you do hear beeps during the POST, then the number of beeps will tell you what device is causing the problem. You'll need to consult the mobo documentation to go further...

 

[lamaar]

Thanks for the advice so far but I get no visualisation on the monitor. All that happens is as follows: Turn PC on, light comes on, HDD spins and then instead of beeping and going into POST I get nothing. I unplugged and plugged most things back in (except memory but I'll give it a go). Problem is that Video card is 'on board' so if thats dead then it a new motherboard I think! Lamaar75@hotmail.com

 

[cdogg]

Usually, you'll hear beeps if it's something wrong with an integrated video chipset. I would try a different monitor which will rule out the possibility that it's a cable or monitor problem. How long would you say the HDD light stays on? If for about 3 or 4 minutes then dies down, then it sounds like it is booting into Windows with no video!

 

[paparazi]

Of course if you suspect the onboard graphics you can always try a seperate PCI display card if you can borrow one.
But I would still clear the CMOS first. Martin Vote if you found this post helpful please!!

 

[lamaar]

I think that it is the video card, I tried another monitor on it and I get no signal from it. Unable to try a PCI graphics card as I cannot get into BIOS to disable the onboard chip. The HDD spins, it's light come on for about 1-2 secs then goes off. It does not attempt to access data on the HDD - it just starts it up. I have cleared the CMOS to no avail.

Thanks Lamaar75@hotmail.com

 

[Guest_imported]

Have you tried pulling the processor out and reseating it? Usually problems with ANY other devices will give you beep errors - none at all indicate a possible processor malfunction.


ROGER - GØAOZ.

 

[lamaar]

I shall try this - thanks for the advice. Lamaar75@hotmail.com

 

[cdogg]

Does the power light stay on after the HDD light goes off? If the whole system appears to shut off, then my second guess beyond a processor problem would be a faulty power supply. You should be able to go to your local CompUSA or BestBuy and grab a 300W for $25-$35. Take caution when attempting to replace one.

 

[lamaar]

Guys, it's all sorted - problem was.........the CPU - I ripped it out - cleaned it out and put the damn thing back in and suprise, suprise, the PC fired up all engines.


Thanks to all for their help. Lamaar75@hotmail.com

 

[Jakespeare]

* YAH! the newbie shows up and nails it.
I just read this for the first time, it's Friday 9 am,
and learned something from reading over this:
RE-READ the original post, before popping off with answers. His information wasn't complete,,,,POST or NOT POST was missing,,,,,,,,
so, the big thing was to get more info.
I have NEVER SEEN onboard VIDEO (which is built into the NB chipset) GO BAD. EVER. I'm not saying it can't happen, I have just never seen it.
I thought monitor, until I read his reply about NO POST.
I thought - with NO beebs.......... ??? And read on, and saw the simple solution, and learned.