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Computer won't boot!

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Name: aznmaven
Date: November 11, 2005 at 17:11:44 Pacific
OS: Windows XP Pro
CPU/Ram: Athlon 64 3500+, 1 gig DD
Comment:

CPU: Amd Athlon 64 3500+
Ram: 1 gig DDR
OS: Windows XP Pro
Video Card: Ati radeon 9800 all in wonder
Sound Card: Soundblaster audigy 2 ZS
Power source: 480 watts

The computer was working fine until today, for some strange reason. I turned on the TV guide software on my computer (Gemstar +)and the screen went dark. The TV guide also turns on the TV at the same time. My computer had been on for several days non-stop before. After trying to reboot manually, it did not work. Therefore, I turned off the power switch and turned it back on. Then I turned on the computer. A very high pitched noise occurred, and the computer froze. I tried a few more times and got Windows to boot. I tried the TV Guide once again, and it worked for a while. The high pitched noise had gone away. However, after a few minutes, the same problem occurred. I tried again shutting off the power source several times, but the computer would just freeze before loading Windows, with the same high-pitched sound. I tried again several times, but after a while, the screen did not respond to me turning on the computer. To further worsen my problems, the computer started turning on as soon as I flicked the power source back on, which gives me no control as to when and how I turn on my computer. Right now, nothing is working. Only a blank, dark screen, and no sound (of windows loading, or anything). Anybody, please help!!! I have important projects to finish on that computer!!!



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Response Number 1
Name: Musky
Date: November 11, 2005 at 17:18:52 Pacific
Reply:

Can you determine where the "high pitched noise" is coming from?

Open the case and try to listen to where it's coming from. Sounds like the hard drive, but I hope I'm wrong.

Musky
If the voices inside my head paid rent, I'd be rich!


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Response Number 2
Name: per
Date: November 11, 2005 at 17:36:04 Pacific
Reply:

I would also suspect the hard drive. Hope you had backup. I would suggest you stop now and go no further if you have important data. Remove the hard drive and install it as a slave on another machine and copy the data to another hard drive or some media before you lose it all.

http://computervitals.com/


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Response Number 3
Name: per
Date: November 11, 2005 at 17:38:06 Pacific
Reply:

Hi Musky. I am afraid he may have lost it all!

http://computervitals.com/


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Response Number 4
Name: Richard59
Date: November 11, 2005 at 17:40:25 Pacific
Reply:

Disconnect the drives by all means then try to see if it will boot into bios. I suspect you may have either a motherboard problem or the powersupply is failing.

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.


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Response Number 5
Name: aznmaven
Date: November 11, 2005 at 17:46:15 Pacific
Reply:

after unplugging the hard drives, there is still no image on my monitor. I tried unplugging and replugging my video card. Do you have any ideas?


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Response Number 6
Name: aznmaven
Date: November 11, 2005 at 18:13:04 Pacific
Reply:

By the way, there are also no beeps that I hear. I just reinstalled RAM and tried a minimal install, but to no avail. Could it have something to do with my powersupply?


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Response Number 7
Name: per
Date: November 11, 2005 at 18:21:56 Pacific
Reply:

It may also be the cpu fan but I would still recover the data before going any further.

http://computervitals.com/


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Response Number 8
Name: Richard59
Date: November 11, 2005 at 18:24:35 Pacific
Reply:

Given the odd behaviour when connecting power,ie: PC tries to start without pressing the go button, and the High Pitched screaming you've heard, I suspect either the motherboard or powersupply. Check for any visible signs of damaged capacitors on the motherboard. Any swelled up or leaking?
Remove the powersupply and open that up, being careful not to touch the innards since they can retain dangerous voltage even when disconnected. Any sign of damaged capacitors?
While you have it out and open check and clean it's fan.

Troubleshooting a failing system has been described here many times. Basically to get a bootup you need only PSU, Motherboard, CPU with Heatsink/fan, 1 stick ram, Graphics and keyboard. If you strip it back the that and still do not get any display or bios POST beep then one or more of the basic components has failed. The only way for an amatuer to verify which is to test with known good components. IE try with another powersupply, Test the ram in a known compatible working system, test the graphics card likewise, test the CPU likewise. If you do not have another compatible working system to use as a testbed then take the whole box to a tech and have them run the tests.

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.


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Response Number 9
Name: aznmaven
Date: November 11, 2005 at 18:43:21 Pacific
Reply:

Thanks for the info... I'll try that. Damn computers always bust at the WRONG times.


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