Comp won't post

scoot1on1

Hi
Hope someone can help or give me an idea why my computer won't work!!

Ok some background information running XP on Asus A7n8x Deluxe Motherboard and ATI 9600pro Graphics card and I have been having problems with my on/off button sticking and on many occasions the computer started then went off and I had to keep pushing button in to eventually get it to stay on, however when this occured it took me to the BIOS page to reset my CPU speed, I just usually ignored this came out of Bios and all resumed as normal.

Deep breath.

However today I connected my Comp up to my TV through a new DVI to HDMI cable, connected all other components (keyboard mouse etc.) turned computer on and nothing appeared on the TV screen.

Ok I thought the cable may be faulty so I attached an S-cable to my video card and then to my TV still nothing (left DVI cable in).

So then I thought I'll try my computer monitor so plugged that in also ( i now have 3 cables attached to my video card 2 going to TV and VGA cable going to Monitor) my monitor makes a few clicking noises turns itself on and off a few times and finally shows windows XP splash screen and it loads.

I then change the channel on the TV and hey presto Ive got a picture on my HDMI channel so I then remove the s-video cable, leaving the monitor switched on. I messed about with different games etc on the TV changiing resolutions on the Catalyst Program for ATI for better performance, and generally mucking about.

I then shut the computer down so I could move the PC back to its original place and so the missus wouldn't shout about it being in the middle of the floor with leads all over the place when she wanted to watch Eastenders, but when I attempted to switch it back on the monitor wouldn't power on the keyboard doesn't even light up, and although everything is happily whirring away inside the Hard Disk light on the case doesn't stay on either.

So have I
A: Blown the Video card (fan still working on it)
B: Blown the Motherboard
C: Hard Disk Blown (only a few months old)
All of the above

Or anything else you knowlegable Peeps may come up with.

Cheers
Jon

Dack

I'd hazzard a guess that the CMOS battery has died - this would mean that it would have the same sort of effect as if you had the jumper in the 'clear cmos' position i.e. to all intents and purposes a dead machine. Given that you've had faults requiring you to reset values in the bios it would be the first thing I'd change.

Failing that - reseat the graphics card. It may simply have moved a little causing a bad connection due to all the cable insertion and removal.

With the switch on problem - the standard ATX power supplies switch off if the power button is held in for about 20 seconds. When you are switching on you need to ensure that the push button doesn't become stuck at the 'in' position otherwise this occurs. (happened to me in work last week)

rogerramjet

do you have a PS2 keyboard and mouse or USB mouse/keyboard?

The reason for asking is if you have PS2 its very easy to put them the wrong way around which can mean the computer makes the appropriate noises but will go no further.

From the info provided there could be a vast array of issues, if you feel confident (I assume you have more than a basic knowledge) it maybe worth opening up the case (if out of warantee...don't bother if still in) and as already suggested look at re-seating graphics, memory, IDE leads and then try starting. if that doesn't work try disconnecting all peripherals items leaving just graphics card, hard drive, memory and processor connected and then try booting.

wolfman

It won't be the hard drive. A computer can still post without it hooked up. Same with regards to the mouse and keyboard.

Most likely something to do with the motherboard. Firstly, I'd disconnect anything that you don't need. No hard drives, no cd/dvd rom's. Basically a motherboard, with cpu, memory and graphics is all you need.

Next make sure everything is seated properly. You may want to take some things out and refit them. Moving the case could have moved something out of position. It's easy to do considering the weight of some graphics cards and heatsinks on cpu's.

If it doesn't work after the above, your getting into tricky waters. If it's just blank it's difficult to know what or where the problem lies. It's generally a process of elimination then, where you swap out parts with other parts (maybe from another machine) that you know work.

I'm suprised the motherboard hasn't made any beep noises. Usually if something is wrong it'll make a specific length and number of beeps which will define what the problem is.

scoot1on1

Cheers for the replies, I'm hoping its the battery (fingers crossed) however Ive resetted the Bios and still nothing but that was using the old battery. I will remove everything tomorrow and rebuild it with new battery and if that doesn't work then it will have to be new motherboard and hope to hell I havent blown the graphics card with it!!
Thanks all

PS motherboard makes single beep as normal, then HD just whirrs then light goes out

rogerramjet

A single beep would indicate everything is fine.....maybe a monitor problem or defective graphics card..you state it has a few outputs, maybe one output has failed which could mean it would give a post beep but no more.

link to beep codes below

http://www.helpwithpcs.com/upgrading/post-beep-codes.htm

http://www.uktsupport.co.uk/reference/biosb.htm