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Almost a year ago, a friend helped me pick out and build a pc (since I'm still a newbie to computing hardware), mostly for music use. Since then, it has constantly locked up with no pattern to it. Just random freezing. I've bought a new NIC card and a new graphics card, both not fixing the problem. I finally went out and purchased new RAM. Here's my problem: After shutting down the computer, unplugging it, grounding myself to the casing and installing the new RAM, I don't get a boot up. The fans spin, I get one blink of light from the front of the case, but no beep or monitor signal. I've reinstalled the old ram, but it still continues to not boot. I'm guessing something happened which would require a new motherboard. I am unsure where to go from here. Any help would greatly reduce this ongoing frustration.
Try this, (may sound weird)
Boot up, after a couple seconds when you know it should have posted, hit the reset and see if it then powers up. My computer actually does this once in a while, and I've yet to figure out what it is. If that doesn't work try a new video card (hopefully you have a spare or a friend with one)
Also disconnect everything else you do not need (like sound) and see if something else is causing the problem
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After reading a few similar posts around the forum, I've tried the reset thing where it should have posted to get it to fire up (never had that prob in the past). I've just tried disconnecting as much to minimum, and tried another vid card. Still nothing... but a headache.
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Is it a PCI video card?
If so try a different PCI slot.
Check the CMOS battery and verify it's within spec. (10% of voltage)
I'm also assuming you still have the "known good" RAM still in there
Maybe try hooking everything back up to old mobo (ugh!!!!) and ensuring all still works.
Other than that, maybe someone else has ideas. I'm rapidly running out.
I leave for work in 30 minutes, I'll stay on and try to help, mull some things over, and repost as I think of it. Hopefully someone else will be able to help out too.
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Before I go, my vid card isn't PCI, and the "known good" RAM has been in place the whole time trying these fixes. The mainboard I have is a Shuttle AV42. Also, I don't understand "old mobo".
Again, thanks.
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Sorr about the "old mobo". Momentary brain fart. I was thinking at the time you changed motherboards
If it ain't broke upgrade it!!!
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HI all
remove the power to the hdd, cd, floppy and reset the power connector to mobod. also reconnect the cpu fan connector. If you disconnected any plug when installing new ram verify you did not put connector in wrong. IF still will not power up replace the power supply.
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I don't think it's the power supply since the LED's do lit and the fans spin.
Did you check the specs of the card and compared to to your motherboard's? Some motherboards cannot handle for example a 8x VGA card.Do you still have your old video card? Try installing that, that will rule out a broken AGP slot. If it doesn't work, I'd recommend to buy a new (doesn't have to be expensive) motherboard. I have great experiences with Asus motherboards.
If the old videocard does work, try to flash your BIOS, maybe the new version has a fix for your AGP slot.
Also try to install the 'new' videocard in an other system (maybe your friend's if you don't have a 2nd one)
If the video card doesn't work in the 2nd system either then you'll know that it's defective.Good luck and keep us posted
~Lizette
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Everything was working for almost a year (with a few probs here and there) before I put in the new RAM. A couple weeks ago I flashed the BIOS to the latest version, and everything continuted to work until last night. I don't understand how a video card can play a role in a problem like this, but, I'll try my vid cards in another computer.
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I figure I'll just take care of it all (and bump up my cpu speed while I'm at it) by buying a new motherboard/CPU combo. In your opinion, would this solve the 'not posting' prob, or could there be another factor? I'd rather not put down a bunch of money and find out that this isn't the prob after all.
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Its is possible your mobod went south on you but I would say not likely. Have only the video card, memory card and cpu connected to comp and see if it will post. Note: be sure the memory card is setted correctly and locked in place and that the cpu fan is connected correct. look for any other connecter that might have been knocked loose.
It can be the power supply is not puting out a correct voltage.
Are you sure the new memory card was correct for you mobod?If you buy a now mobod do not overclock till you know all is working good first.
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The reason why I bought new RAM was because I think the previous sticks I had weren't correct. So, I reseached it a bit more to make sure I got what I need.
If I could get it to post with the very, very bare essentials, what would I do from there, as I would need the other componets for what the computer was originally built for.
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if you get it to post then add one item at a time till it will not post, that item may be bad or to much current draw for power supply.
Be sure to remove power cable first.
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I've had a similar problem in the past, and it was always a problem with the ATX motherboard not sitting correctly in the case. Grounding is crucial. The best way I've found to test the motherboard is to take it completely out of the case and set it on top of something else (preferably something with no static charge but also not metal).
Next, connect power to the motherboard, insert only the video card and some RAM.
If it posts, then you know you have an ATX grounding problem. Make sure that your motherboard is inserted correctly with the proper risers and all of that stuff. Eventually, it will work, God willing.
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What are the specs on your power supply? not just the wattage, but how are the amps distributed over the +3.3v, +5v, & +12v rails? Also, are you certain that the extra P4 power lead is plugged into the board?
What about BIOS settings?
Try booting up with the absolute minimum hardware necessary...CPU, videocard, keyboard, & ONE stick of RAM...nothing more. Don't just unplug the power to your hard drives & CD drives, unplug the ribbon cables from the board too...remove all your PCI cards as well. If you're able to post with the minimum, start adding hardware items, one at a time, reboot each time & see what happens....
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