Re: [CGUYS] Computer won't Boot
StarTech.com Mfr Part #: PCIPOST PCI Post Diagnostics Test Card http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0218332 Simple and easy to use, but you have to go online to the BIOS manufacturer's website to get all the latest codes, which makes sense. Richard P. On Tue, Oct 7, 2008 at 7:41 AM, Jeff Wright [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: What is the post test board you bought? -Original Message- Went out and got the Post Test Board in an attempt to finally figure out what's going on but it came up with an FF code which according to the AMIBIOS site means: * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** * * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Computer won't Boot
What is the post test board you bought? -Original Message- Went out and got the Post Test Board in an attempt to finally figure out what's going on but it came up with an FF code which according to the AMIBIOS site means: * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Computer won't Boot
Went out and got the Post Test Board in an attempt to finally figure out what's going on but it came up with an FF code which according to the AMIBIOS site means: The flash has been updated successfully. Make flash write disabled. Disable ATAPI hardware. Restore CPUID value back into register. Give control to F000 ROM at F000:FFF0h. I'm guessing that it is recognizing that I cleared the CMOS memory, which doesn't help much with diagnosing the issue. I probably should have performed this post test initially and it might have shown the original problem. I do appreciate all the suggestions and I've learned about the Post Test Board. Thanks for the reality check about investing more money into old technology. Part of me really wants to fix this just for the challenge but financially it doesn't make sense. By the time I'm done, I'll have $250 in this and just last week, my relative bought a new HP tower with 500GB hard drive, 3GB memory, and Vista home premium for $300 after rebates. I should have gotten one for me at the time. Thanks to all that helped me sort this out. All the tips were helpful and I really learned a lot during the process. Richard P. On Sun, Oct 5, 2008 at 11:30 PM, Rev. Stewart Marshall [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Usually the two lights on your Case are power and HD. I have a MSI board and there are no LED's. Your best bet is (If you want to follow this more) buy a POST test board to test out the MD. Or just buy a different MB and put all the stuff on it. OK Couple of issues. You will have to do a repair reinstall no matter what. Yes it does come down to how much do I want to stick into this pig before I slaughter it for bacon question. You have replaced the Harddrive. So that is a no brainier. If this is a MSI board are we talking about an OEM machine? You should be OK no matter what. You do have the original Install CD's right? You are at the point where technology might say, upgrade. Depends on what you want to go with. A newer AM2 board dual core with DDR2 memory would be your best bet. You should be able to find something that would fit your case. Stewart At 10:03 PM 10/5/2008, you wrote: Thanks for the clarification on the D bracket. It looks like I don't have one. FYI, with power on, the Ethernet connector does light up so that works. Tried clearing the CMOS, without any change. If I go the motherboard route, will I have any problems with the operating system compatibility. This OS came with the computer and I seem to recall an issue about swapping motherboards and having the OS not recognize it as the original machine. Also with the motherboard, should I go ahead and just get the processor too? At some point it might not make sense financially to keep buying hardware. I've already got $100. in this with the hard drive and if I get this working, I'll want to upgrade the memory. Things to ponder. Richard P. Rev. Stewart A. Marshall mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Prince of Peace www.princeofpeaceozark.org Ozark, AL SL 82 * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** * * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Computer won't Boot
Yes it can have you tried a different monitor? Stewart At 10:48 PM 10/4/2008, you wrote: Will a bad video card keep the computer from booting? It is an onboard video card. Richard P. Rev. Stewart A. Marshall mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Prince of Peace www.princeofpeaceozark.org Ozark, AL SL 82 * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Computer won't Boot
One note on this I have seen memory cause this problem too. Reseat your memory and possibly change it out to see if this problem continues. Stewart At 10:48 PM 10/4/2008, you wrote: Will a bad video card keep the computer from booting? It is an onboard video card. Richard P. Rev. Stewart A. Marshall mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Prince of Peace www.princeofpeaceozark.org Ozark, AL SL 82 * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Computer won't Boot
I saw that it was a typical error page but the screen disappeared before I could read it. Cannot boot up at all, nothing shows on the monitor so getting to the BIOS is not possible at this point. Richard P. On Sat, Oct 4, 2008 at 11:40 PM, Ellen Rains Harris [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Any clue what the error might have said? Can you get to the BIOS setup? - Original Message - From: Richard P. [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: COMPUTERGUYS-L@LISTSERV.AOL.COM Sent: Saturday, October 04, 2008 11:15 PM Subject: [CGUYS] Computer won't Boot PC had trouble with the video display where the picture went bad with everything going diagonal. After several reboots, the computer and picture came up fine but then the picture went diagonal again. The third time it failed, a screen came up briefly announcing an error before it all disappeared. Tried rebooting but now only the fans run continuously with no activity on the monitor. Tried a different monitor without success. Tried putting in the recovery disc and booting from that without success. All it will do now is run the fans continuously. There is no activity on the monitor except a blinking standby light. Any ideas? If it's not one thing, it's another... Win XP SP3 Thanks in advance, Richard P. * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** * * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** * * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Computer won't Boot
I reseated the memory with no resulting change. Richard P. On Sun, Oct 5, 2008 at 9:38 AM, Rev. Stewart Marshall [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: One note on this I have seen memory cause this problem too. Reseat your memory and possibly change it out to see if this problem continues. Stewart At 10:48 PM 10/4/2008, you wrote: Will a bad video card keep the computer from booting? It is an onboard video card. Richard P. Rev. Stewart A. Marshall mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Prince of Peace www.princeofpeaceozark.org Ozark, AL SL 82 * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** * * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Computer won't Boot
Yes, with no change in outcome. Same blinking light on the monitor. Richard P. On Sun, Oct 5, 2008 at 8:31 AM, Rev. Stewart Marshall [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Yes it can have you tried a different monitor? Stewart At 10:48 PM 10/4/2008, you wrote: Will a bad video card keep the computer from booting? It is an onboard video card. Richard P. Rev. Stewart A. Marshall mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Prince of Peace www.princeofpeaceozark.org Ozark, AL SL 82 * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** * * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Computer won't Boot
I will try a video card this morning and report back. Richard P. On Sat, Oct 4, 2008 at 11:58 PM, Tony B [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Yes, it could. But my tack was that the computer may actually be booting, but you can't see it. There would be other clues like the startup .wav and the hdd activity though. On Sat, Oct 4, 2008 at 11:48 PM, Richard P. [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Will a bad video card keep the computer from booting? It is an onboard video card. Richard P. On Sat, Oct 4, 2008 at 11:29 PM, Tony B [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Try a different/separate video card. Otherwise, it sounds like a bad motherboard. On Sat, Oct 4, 2008 at 11:15 PM, Richard P. [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: PC had trouble with the video display where the picture went bad with everything going diagonal. After several reboots, the computer and picture came up fine but then the picture went diagonal again. The third time it failed, a screen came up briefly announcing an error before it all disappeared. Tried rebooting but now only the fans run continuously with no activity on the monitor. Tried a different monitor without success. Tried putting in the recovery disc and booting from that without success. All it will do now is run the fans continuously. There is no activity on the monitor except a blinking standby light. Any ideas? If it's not one thing, it's another... * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** * * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** * * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** * * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Computer won't Boot
Bad ram could do this too. Might try simply re-seating the module(s) --- Will a bad video card keep the computer from booting? It is an onboard video card. * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Computer won't Boot
A new PCI-E video card installed to replace the integrated card did not work. Any way to test the motherboard or processor? Richard P. On Sat, Oct 4, 2008 at 11:29 PM, Tony B [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Try a different/separate video card. Otherwise, it sounds like a bad motherboard. On Sat, Oct 4, 2008 at 11:15 PM, Richard P. [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: PC had trouble with the video display where the picture went bad with everything going diagonal. After several reboots, the computer and picture came up fine but then the picture went diagonal again. The third time it failed, a screen came up briefly announcing an error before it all disappeared. Tried rebooting but now only the fans run continuously with no activity on the monitor. Tried a different monitor without success. Tried putting in the recovery disc and booting from that without success. All it will do now is run the fans continuously. There is no activity on the monitor except a blinking standby light. Any ideas? If it's not one thing, it's another... * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** * * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Computer won't Boot
Try unplugging all USB peripherals and taking out all unnecessary adapter cards. If the power supply is failing, reducing the load on it can help start up a computer ... sometimes. Might try another keyboard and mouse too ... in case one of those had gone bad. db Jay Montero wrote: Bad ram could do this too. Might try simply re-seating the module(s) --- Will a bad video card keep the computer from booting? It is an onboard video card. * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** * * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Computer won't Boot
I tried re-seating the ram without success. I even tried swapping them over to the second set of modules. This is dual channel so is it possible that one memory went bad? Can a dual channel computer run on a single stick? Richard P. On Sun, Oct 5, 2008 at 10:38 AM, Jay Montero [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Bad ram could do this too. Might try simply re-seating the module(s) * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Computer won't Boot
Yes, but not as quickly as with 2 modules. You should be able to get post messages without memory installed. If you have nothing on your monitor, and have tried different video cards and monitors, then it's either your motherboard or CPU. The only practical way to test them is to replace them with known good parts. -Original Message- I tried re-seating the ram without success. I even tried swapping them over to the second set of modules. This is dual channel so is it possible that one memory went bad? Can a dual channel computer run on a single stick? * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Computer won't Boot
I pulled the memory modules, one at a time and tried to boot up each time without change. I disconnected the fans to better hear what's going on and the hard drive is spinning up. The on/off switch works consistently and holding the switch still allows the computer to turn itself off. I reseated the CPU without change. It would be nice to try a CPU/motherboard but I don't think I have any. How interchangeable are they? The CPU is an AMD Athlon 3200+ and the motherboard is a MS-7207; Version 1.0 Richard P. On Sun, Oct 5, 2008 at 2:16 PM, Jeff Wright [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Yes, but not as quickly as with 2 modules. You should be able to get post messages without memory installed. If you have nothing on your monitor, and have tried different video cards and monitors, then it's either your motherboard or CPU. The only practical way to test them is to replace them with known good parts. -Original Message- I tried re-seating the ram without success. I even tried swapping them over to the second set of modules. This is dual channel so is it possible that one memory went bad? Can a dual channel computer run on a single stick? * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** * * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Computer won't Boot
I don't recall if anyone has suggested this, but have you tried clearing the CMOS via jumper yet? MSI has a good troubleshooting section on their support site: http://www.msicomputer.com/support/sup_tshoot.asp#1_1 Any beep codes? As long as the mobo will support the CPU that you have, they are interchangeable. -Original Message- I pulled the memory modules, one at a time and tried to boot up each time without change. I disconnected the fans to better hear what's going on and the hard drive is spinning up. The on/off switch works consistently and holding the switch still allows the computer to turn itself off. I reseated the CPU without change. It would be nice to try a CPU/motherboard but I don't think I have any. How interchangeable are they? The CPU is an AMD Athlon 3200+ and the motherboard is a MS-7207; Version 1.0 * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Computer won't Boot
Are the hard drives spinning up? If it was caused by the power supply failing, the MB could light up but the drives wouldn't spin up... db Richard P. wrote: I pulled the memory modules, one at a time and tried to boot up each time without change. I disconnected the fans to better hear what's going on and the hard drive is spinning up. The on/off switch works consistently and holding the switch still allows the computer to turn itself off. I reseated the CPU without change. It would be nice to try a CPU/motherboard but I don't think I have any. How interchangeable are they? The CPU is an AMD Athlon 3200+ and the motherboard is a MS-7207; Version 1.0 Richard P. On Sun, Oct 5, 2008 at 2:16 PM, Jeff Wright [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Yes, but not as quickly as with 2 modules. You should be able to get post messages without memory installed. If you have nothing on your monitor, and have tried different video cards and monitors, then it's either your motherboard or CPU. The only practical way to test them is to replace them with known good parts. -Original Message- I tried re-seating the ram without success. I even tried swapping them over to the second set of modules. This is dual channel so is it possible that one memory went bad? Can a dual channel computer run on a single stick? * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** * * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** * * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Computer won't Boot
I just tried clearing the CMOS via the jumper with no change. There are no beep codes. When powering up, I can hear the DVD drive being accessed momentarily and the hard drive does spin up. Thanks for the MSI troubleshooting website; I'll work through that. Any other suggestions are greatly appreciated. Richard P. On Sun, Oct 5, 2008 at 5:58 PM, Jeff Wright [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I don't recall if anyone has suggested this, but have you tried clearing the CMOS via jumper yet? MSI has a good troubleshooting section on their support site: http://www.msicomputer.com/support/sup_tshoot.asp#1_1 Any beep codes? As long as the mobo will support the CPU that you have, they are interchangeable. -Original Message- I pulled the memory modules, one at a time and tried to boot up each time without change. I disconnected the fans to better hear what's going on and the hard drive is spinning up. The on/off switch works consistently and holding the switch still allows the computer to turn itself off. I reseated the CPU without change. It would be nice to try a CPU/motherboard but I don't think I have any. How interchangeable are they? The CPU is an AMD Athlon 3200+ and the motherboard is a MS-7207; Version 1.0 * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** * * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Computer won't Boot
The hard drive is spinning up. Is there a physical light on all motherboards which will light up when powered or are you speaking figuratively? Richard P. On Sun, Oct 5, 2008 at 6:01 PM, db [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Are the hard drives spinning up? If it was caused by the power supply failing, the MB could light up but the drives wouldn't spin up... db Richard P. wrote: I pulled the memory modules, one at a time and tried to boot up each time without change. I disconnected the fans to better hear what's going on and the hard drive is spinning up. The on/off switch works consistently and holding the switch still allows the computer to turn itself off. I reseated the CPU without change. It would be nice to try a CPU/motherboard but I don't think I have any. How interchangeable are they? The CPU is an AMD Athlon 3200+ and the motherboard is a MS-7207; Version 1.0 Richard P. On Sun, Oct 5, 2008 at 2:16 PM, Jeff Wright [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Yes, but not as quickly as with 2 modules. You should be able to get post messages without memory installed. If you have nothing on your monitor, and have tried different video cards and monitors, then it's either your motherboard or CPU. The only practical way to test them is to replace them with known good parts. -Original Message- I tried re-seating the ram without success. I even tried swapping them over to the second set of modules. This is dual channel so is it possible that one memory went bad? Can a dual channel computer run on a single stick? * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** * * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** * * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** * * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Computer won't Boot
The hard drive is spinning up. Is there a physical light on all motherboards which will light up when powered or are you speaking figuratively? Yes, all mobos should have a power LED on the PCB, so you know when voltage is going through it. According to the MSI site, you should also have a cluster of 4 LEDs somewhere (probably on the I/O plate) that give diagnostic codes. * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Computer won't Boot
Very old motherboards didn't have lights... I think all newer ones do have LED lights on the MB and their blink codes indicate states of function. Find the name and model of MB on the MB and see if you can google an online pdf manual which will tell you about the power light codes. The manuals usually have labeled diagrams... If you have an inexpensive Chinese off brand 3rd drawer mother board, often used by small local shops, you won't be able to find a manual db Richard P. wrote: I'm having trouble finding any of the LEDs. There are no lights that come on anywhere on the motherboard. The MSI troubleshooter refers to a D-Bracket. Is that something that is obvious when you look at the motherboard? Richard P. On Sun, Oct 5, 2008 at 7:06 PM, Jeff Wright [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: The hard drive is spinning up. Is there a physical light on all motherboards which will light up when powered or are you speaking figuratively? Yes, all mobos should have a power LED on the PCB, so you know when voltage is going through it. According to the MSI site, you should also have a cluster of 4 LEDs somewhere (probably on the I/O plate) that give diagnostic codes. * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** * * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** * * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Computer won't Boot
His motherboard is a Socket 939 and it does not have LED's. (The 939-940 is the processor before the AM2) I have not had one yet that had LED's. (I am still a cycle or two behind on processors and I do not build gaming machines) Maybe some of the geewhiz motherboards have LED's but most of the low end good motherboards do not have LED's. They used Beep codes to trouble shoot. Yeah I have done that more than once. The best tool for any geek to have handy is a POST test board that you can plug into a PCI slot to diagnose boards. I have not had one in some time, but I usually replace boards when they stop working. It is counterproductive and not cost efficient to diagnose a bad board. Even my own. Nine times out of ten what is wrong with it cannot be fixed by you and you have to replace it anyway. I recently worked on one of my members computer. Shop had told them they needed to replace the motherboard. Would not boot. Open machine up, pulled dial up modem and extra video card installed for games. Computer booted right up. The shop did not even bother to open the machine up to diagnose. Replaced the video card and we were back up and gaming. If pulling memory and swapping monitors and pulling cards does not fix the board it is probably too far gone to be any good. I checked Ebay and there were a load of those boards for sale (MS-7207). Most of them were not working. Stewart At 08:17 PM 10/5/2008, you wrote: Very old motherboards didn't have lights... I think all newer ones do have LED lights on the MB and their blink codes indicate states of function. Find the name and model of MB on the MB and see if you can google an online pdf manual which will tell you about the power light codes. The manuals usually have labeled diagrams... If you have an inexpensive Chinese off brand 3rd drawer mother board, often used by small local shops, you won't be able to find a manual db Rev. Stewart A. Marshall mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Prince of Peace www.princeofpeaceozark.org Ozark, AL SL 82 * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Computer won't Boot
This is less than 5 years old. I was able to find a motherboard manual and the only lights it shows are wired from the motherboard up to the front panel. The switch light does come on and the amber light below it comes on momentarily and then goes off. I haven't been able to find out what the amber light is for. Richard P. On Sun, Oct 5, 2008 at 9:17 PM, db [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Very old motherboards didn't have lights... I think all newer ones do have LED lights on the MB and their blink codes indicate states of function. Find the name and model of MB on the MB and see if you can google an online pdf manual which will tell you about the power light codes. The manuals usually have labeled diagrams... If you have an inexpensive Chinese off brand 3rd drawer mother board, often used by small local shops, you won't be able to find a manual db Richard P. wrote: I'm having trouble finding any of the LEDs. There are no lights that come on anywhere on the motherboard. The MSI troubleshooter refers to a D-Bracket. Is that something that is obvious when you look at the motherboard? Richard P. On Sun, Oct 5, 2008 at 7:06 PM, Jeff Wright [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: The hard drive is spinning up. Is there a physical light on all motherboards which will light up when powered or are you speaking figuratively? Yes, all mobos should have a power LED on the PCB, so you know when voltage is going through it. According to the MSI site, you should also have a cluster of 4 LEDs somewhere (probably on the I/O plate) that give diagnostic codes. * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** * * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** * * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** * * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Computer won't Boot
Usually the two lights on your Case are power and HD. I have a MSI board and there are no LED's. Your best bet is (If you want to follow this more) buy a POST test board to test out the MD. Or just buy a different MB and put all the stuff on it. Stewart At 09:54 PM 10/5/2008, you wrote: This is less than 5 years old. I was able to find a motherboard manual and the only lights it shows are wired from the motherboard up to the front panel. The switch light does come on and the amber light below it comes on momentarily and then goes off. I haven't been able to find out what the amber light is for. Richard P. Rev. Stewart A. Marshall mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Prince of Peace www.princeofpeaceozark.org Ozark, AL SL 82 * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Computer won't Boot
Thanks for the clarification on the D bracket. It looks like I don't have one. FYI, with power on, the Ethernet connector does light up so that works. Tried clearing the CMOS, without any change. If I go the motherboard route, will I have any problems with the operating system compatibility. This OS came with the computer and I seem to recall an issue about swapping motherboards and having the OS not recognize it as the original machine. Also with the motherboard, should I go ahead and just get the processor too? At some point it might not make sense financially to keep buying hardware. I've already got $100. in this with the hard drive and if I get this working, I'll want to upgrade the memory. Things to ponder. Richard P. On Sun, Oct 5, 2008 at 8:20 PM, Rev. Stewart Marshall [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: The D bracket is an external bracket that hooks up to the motherboard for the extra USB ports. If it did not come with it, it does not have it. It might have a network LED (by the RJ-45 Ethernet connector) On most motherboards, unless you have a POST card that you can plug in, it is diagnosis by guess. You have checked virtually everything you can. Here is an off the wall suggestion. Mostly motherboards flake out not processors. Go to www.geeks.com and check out their selection of Socket 939 motherboards. I am not wild about Foxconn and have never heard of Winfast, but Asus is good. But depending on how much you want to spend get one of those and see if the processor works. I bet it does. Here is one final suggestion. Clear the CMOS and see if you can get into the BIOS that way. Sometimes I have done this as a last resort, but if the board is fried it will not work. Stewart At 07:01 PM 10/5/2008, you wrote: I'm having trouble finding any of the LEDs. There are no lights that come on anywhere on the motherboard. The MSI troubleshooter refers to a D-Bracket. Is that something that is obvious when you look at the motherboard? Richard P. Rev. Stewart A. Marshall mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Prince of Peace www.princeofpeaceozark.org Ozark, AL SL 82 * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** * * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Computer won't Boot
OK Couple of issues. You will have to do a repair reinstall no matter what. Yes it does come down to how much do I want to stick into this pig before I slaughter it for bacon question. You have replaced the Harddrive. So that is a no brainier. If this is a MSI board are we talking about an OEM machine? You should be OK no matter what. You do have the original Install CD's right? You are at the point where technology might say, upgrade. Depends on what you want to go with. A newer AM2 board dual core with DDR2 memory would be your best bet. You should be able to find something that would fit your case. Stewart At 10:03 PM 10/5/2008, you wrote: Thanks for the clarification on the D bracket. It looks like I don't have one. FYI, with power on, the Ethernet connector does light up so that works. Tried clearing the CMOS, without any change. If I go the motherboard route, will I have any problems with the operating system compatibility. This OS came with the computer and I seem to recall an issue about swapping motherboards and having the OS not recognize it as the original machine. Also with the motherboard, should I go ahead and just get the processor too? At some point it might not make sense financially to keep buying hardware. I've already got $100. in this with the hard drive and if I get this working, I'll want to upgrade the memory. Things to ponder. Richard P. Rev. Stewart A. Marshall mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Prince of Peace www.princeofpeaceozark.org Ozark, AL SL 82 * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Computer won't Boot
Thanks much. -- Your life is like a penny. You're going to lose it. The question is: How do you spend it? John Covici [EMAIL PROTECTED] * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Computer won't Boot
Richard P. wrote: ... At some point it might not make sense financially to keep buying hardware. I've already got $100. in this with the hard drive and if I get this working, I'll want to upgrade the memory. Things to ponder. Exactly... if you keep buying new parts that will work with your old setup you are going to spend a few hundred dollars and end up after a significant amount of shopping assembly and reload labor on your part with a patchwork collection of new up to date technology and old out of date tech. Just go to http://www.dell.com/outlet and spend the same $300 to $600 on a new scratch and dent or refurbished unit of the latest technology of your choosing that comes in one week in working order and with a warranty and new OS. Won't cost you any more and it will take you less time and effort. db Richard P. On Sun, Oct 5, 2008 at 8:20 PM, Rev. Stewart Marshall [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: The D bracket is an external bracket that hooks up to the motherboard for the extra USB ports. If it did not come with it, it does not have it. It might have a network LED (by the RJ-45 Ethernet connector) On most motherboards, unless you have a POST card that you can plug in, it is diagnosis by guess. You have checked virtually everything you can. Here is an off the wall suggestion. Mostly motherboards flake out not processors. Go to www.geeks.com and check out their selection of Socket 939 motherboards. I am not wild about Foxconn and have never heard of Winfast, but Asus is good. But depending on how much you want to spend get one of those and see if the processor works. I bet it does. Here is one final suggestion. Clear the CMOS and see if you can get into the BIOS that way. Sometimes I have done this as a last resort, but if the board is fried it will not work. Stewart At 07:01 PM 10/5/2008, you wrote: I'm having trouble finding any of the LEDs. There are no lights that come on anywhere on the motherboard. The MSI troubleshooter refers to a D-Bracket. Is that something that is obvious when you look at the motherboard? Richard P. Rev. Stewart A. Marshall mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Prince of Peace www.princeofpeaceozark.org Ozark, AL SL 82 * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** * * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** * * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
[CGUYS] Computer won't Boot
PC had trouble with the video display where the picture went bad with everything going diagonal. After several reboots, the computer and picture came up fine but then the picture went diagonal again. The third time it failed, a screen came up briefly announcing an error before it all disappeared. Tried rebooting but now only the fans run continuously with no activity on the monitor. Tried a different monitor without success. Tried putting in the recovery disc and booting from that without success. All it will do now is run the fans continuously. There is no activity on the monitor except a blinking standby light. Any ideas? If it's not one thing, it's another... Win XP SP3 Thanks in advance, Richard P. * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Computer won't Boot
Any clue what the error might have said? Can you get to the BIOS setup? - Original Message - From: Richard P. [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: COMPUTERGUYS-L@LISTSERV.AOL.COM Sent: Saturday, October 04, 2008 11:15 PM Subject: [CGUYS] Computer won't Boot PC had trouble with the video display where the picture went bad with everything going diagonal. After several reboots, the computer and picture came up fine but then the picture went diagonal again. The third time it failed, a screen came up briefly announcing an error before it all disappeared. Tried rebooting but now only the fans run continuously with no activity on the monitor. Tried a different monitor without success. Tried putting in the recovery disc and booting from that without success. All it will do now is run the fans continuously. There is no activity on the monitor except a blinking standby light. Any ideas? If it's not one thing, it's another... Win XP SP3 Thanks in advance, Richard P. * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** * * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Computer won't Boot
Will a bad video card keep the computer from booting? It is an onboard video card. Richard P. On Sat, Oct 4, 2008 at 11:29 PM, Tony B [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Try a different/separate video card. Otherwise, it sounds like a bad motherboard. On Sat, Oct 4, 2008 at 11:15 PM, Richard P. [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: PC had trouble with the video display where the picture went bad with everything going diagonal. After several reboots, the computer and picture came up fine but then the picture went diagonal again. The third time it failed, a screen came up briefly announcing an error before it all disappeared. Tried rebooting but now only the fans run continuously with no activity on the monitor. Tried a different monitor without success. Tried putting in the recovery disc and booting from that without success. All it will do now is run the fans continuously. There is no activity on the monitor except a blinking standby light. Any ideas? If it's not one thing, it's another... * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** * * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
