i had a bad flash bios update and computer would not start. I got a new bios chip from mobo manufacturer, and now the computer starts, but hanvs during or right after post test. Here's the sequence of events: Turn power on and does ram check and recognizes video card. Then there is a Asus mobo flash screen, and then proceeds to the bios setup utility automatically. All the settings appear to be at the lowest setting, but i can't navigate or change any settings -- keboard is frozen. I tried removing the mobo battery, clearing cmos and replaced battery, but that did not solve any problems. I also checked all cables, cards and drives -- everything seems ok. Same thing happens when i disconnect the HD, so it's not the HD, video card, memory or keboard. Specs: Asus a7v8x-x chip: AMD athelon 1.8g (can't remember model) os: winxp thanks

It could be a fried motherboard. Check the tops of the capacitors on the motherboard. The capacitors look like little soda cans. If the tops look bulged or are leaking, then the motherboard is gone. This can caused by power surges or lightning, especially if there is insufficient surge protection between the wall outlet and the computer. Good luck.

Try unplugging al drives, keyboard and mouse. Any beeps? M2 If at first you don't succeed, you're about average.

What are the beep codes during POST? Do you hear more than one beep? Also, how is your keyboard connected, via USB or PS2? If you have a USB keyboard and basic USB legacy support is disabled,this could be the problem. You may have to switch to a PS2 input so you can access and change your settings. Your USB drivers aren't going to load until the bootstrap OS process completes. Is the BIOS on the new chip updated?

Thanks for the replies. the mobo appears ok. i've tried unplugging the HD, and that didn't seem to help. All i have plugged in is the monitor, power and keboard. There is one beep when powered on. The keyboard is a ps2 connection. I don't know what bios version is on the chip, but the manufacurer (asus) sent me a new one, which they indicated should solve my problem witht the bad flash. since i can't get too far, i can't update the bios.

If you have more than one mem stick, try them one at a time. BTW, what did ASUS charge you? M2 If at first you don't succeed, you're about average.

i only have a 512k memory stick. i tried booting without it, but wouldn't boot. it's $5 to flash (which covers shipping) and $20 for a new chip. They were actually extremly helpful and just sent it to me without any charges.