This is the problem and to whom have experienced let me know.
Computer was working fine(as always before something bad happens) and it just went black screen while comp is still on.
Symptons:
Have to turn on/off p/c through the back power supply.
When computer is turned on, keyboard num lock key flashes once, fans kick on and hard drives spin as if they were booting but then stop in mid-stream.
The led(front of pc) that usually stays solid(mobo) is now off and the led that usually blinks (hard drive) is now solid.
I cannot open the cd-roms while computer is on and monitor just stays on when i even shut the p/c off through the back.
I did however disconnect the IDE from the mobo, still giving power to the cd-roms and they work(as far as open/close).
What is the deal here?
FYI, it is a product manf. back in '98, i have frankenstein this pc with the o.e 8g hard drive. I have had my share of problems with this and fixed them all, but now i am dumbfounded by this. Can anyone have an idea? I know buying a new p/c would be easy, i have been thinking about it. This comp still works fine and haven't had any true bad problems until now. I like to keep it going and then maybe buy a new p/c down the road to network with it. I can give you more info about the p/c, but just want to see where i stand first. No point putting more money into it, might as well invest into a new pc or mac. Thanks!

-PAUL-

IMHO it isn't worth spending any money or time on trying to resurrect this one. The symptoms you describe could indicate any number of hardware failures including powersupply, motherboard and or harddrive.
And how did you even manage to get XP to instal on a system with 250 mHz processor?

I used to have a signature but it disappeared and I just couldn't be bothered writing another so please feel free to ingore this.

FYI, it is a product manf. back in '98,

If I were you I would feel very fortunate to have a computer that lasted 10 years. I guess it outlasted its life expectancy (average 5 to 7 years MFT). Perhaps it's time to give this Aptiva R.I.P.

i_Xp/VistaUser

A way to diag it would be to start some tests. Use DVTVM to check voltages. Remove all but the most basic components and try to boot from floppy alone. As always use esd safe and remove ac power when inside box. Consider re-seating boards and such.

That model has post tests also if you can see video. I think you press F1 at boot for extended post. Might still be able to get diags on IBM site. (that is the good thing about buying big name stuff)

I read it wrong and answer it wrong too. So get off my case you peanut.

If the CD drives 'will not' open/close with the hard drive connected and 'will' open/close with it disconnected, that would tend to indicate that the hard drive is defective and killing the power supply.

I didn't mention that i also did take my primary out of the cpu and slaved it onto another computer and everuything checks out fine. I overclocked the pc to 300 and i added ram from 64mb to i think 288mb, two 128mb and a 32mb for the three sim slots. I added a 200g maxtor hard drive and partition it to do everything except windows. The 8g primary is just c:\ for windows and my program files i put in the partion as d:\. I did however to manage to install usb 2.0 and allow myself to put an external dvd-burner. Yeah since the time i have owned and just upgraded it, im surprised the power supply stayed in tact. I added more fans, etc. So i am glad it lasted this long. At least i still have my data.
Im going to put my slave in the other computer i have(moms) and network it with my xbox, because i have a bunch of movies/tv shows/music/games on my mass storage of a 110g.
Thanks for all your opinions, it was a deciding factor to just finally put the aggrevation away. Any ideas on what to go for next? I was thinking a Mac machine(great hardware) with windows base XP, any opinions on that anyone?

-PAUL-

Hello,

Windows xp can run just fine on a 250mhz
computer with that much memory.I've put
togather many old computers and i've owned
computers from 1995- till now that still run
my moms computer still has edo ram and still
runs every day. My p-4's might die in 2 more
years, they make too much heat

win98 & xp
computers.