Beeps From Computer At Startup

I know that a certain number of beeps at startup indicates diffierent problems, but what could be the problems, if there are no beeps, no display on the montior, fans are running, hard drive light on constantly and computer fails to boot. The CMOS is ok. To me it sounds like the motherboard is not getting power. If the processor is damage will a computer act this way or will it try to start and get a proessor beep error. Does the processor need to fire up before anything else will try to start up. Any thoughts will be appreciated.

 

onetime I damaged a motherboard with a butter knife trying to remove a cpu fan and heatsink. [Lesson: Always use the proper tools.] I don't remember if it beeped or not, I don't think it did, but it would "power up" the fans would spin but nothing after that would happen, and actually if I let it run like that for a while I think it eventually shut off. I ended up replacing the motherboard. If the fans are running that means the motherboard is getting power because the fans are plugged into the motherboard, but that doesn't nessicarily mean the motherboard is in complete working order.

 

bmartin

Did this just happen out of the blue so to speak?

Cleaned the inside of your box lately? Plugs or cards loose in sockets?

I just did my Sister's computer with the same symptoms by blowing out dust and a couple of pounds of cathair. Reseated all plugs and video card. Booted up OK from there.

 

Did the same thing as Bill on a PC at work that was operating in a very dusty area...took it apart, cleaned it, reinstalled all hardware and PC now boots up fine.

Speaking of dust...have a look at this link => http://www.geocities.com/wtpodunck/dustypc.html. I think you will find it amusing.

 

My wife cleans so much that dust doesn't have time to get into my computer case. I have inspected the case and it is pretty clean. Dust ain't the problem. I had already checked for lose cables. I suspected the motherboard. I order one and installed it only to discover my power switch connector doesn't match the power socket on the motherboard.. Now what does a fellow do?????

 

See your other thread if you have hotwired the "power on" pins:
http://www.windowsbbs.com/showthread.php?p=194147&posted=1#post194147

The PSU may be from an OEM "branded" system and could possibly (??) be wired differently from a standard ATX power system. STOP now! Get yourself a new case and PSU and cross your fingers there is no damage to the motherboard or CPU.

Sorry bmartin, the different switches should have rung some alarm bells. I hope you can get it going, otherwise chaulk one up for "experience ".

Matt

 

Reconsidering a little. If is beeping then the wiring should be OK. Your motherboard probably needs an extra power cable attached. On new PSUs you will see a square 4 pin power connector that recent (P4s, I think) Pentiums require. It connects to the motherboard. Check your motherboard manual.

Matt

 

Mattman I haven't wired or turned anything on yet. I believe maybe the trash can is the best place I can put this PC. Or maybe I need to call Pat who use to be on the Screen Savers. He had a Big, Big hammer as I recall.

 

If the wiring harness from the power supply won't hook up to the MB can't he just stick a new power supply in there. And on a side note. I had a friend who aquired a P4 but didn't have a p4 power supply with the extra square power plug so he chopped off the last 4 pins off an old ATX power, chopped off the end of another power connector and wired it up and it worked perfectly.

 

Beboh, my problem is not the power supply hookup. It's the power switch used to turn on the computer that is not the same. It does make any diffierence at this point. I can't get the motherboard to fire up. I think my processor is shot. My heat sink fan comes on for a few second and then go off. That tell me power to the motherboard is turning off.

 

some times if a modom or other card is bad the computer will not boot up.
If i was you I would remove all the cards and try it one card at a time. as for the power switch if its not right for the board I would buy a new case it is cheaper then buying a new motherbaord and cpu if you pick the worng pin.