Windows Vista PC won't even boot to BIOS after Vista Install

Hey guys,

So my pc was running like a dream on Windows XP 64-bit Professional. But me being a graphics *****, I just had to have Directx 10. So I loaded my Vista Home premium 64-bit DVD in the drive and began the installation process. The only option it gave me was a clean install (the 'upgrade' option was grayed out).

I chose the clean install, the vista dvd copied over and extracted the necessary files and said that a reboot was necessary. I was well on my way to 64 bit Vista glory.....except:

Upon restarting the computer does not boot at all. It doesn't load to bios, it doesn't show anything on the screen. The PC turns on and doesn't even make the customary beep that comes with the motherboard's detecing a video card and proceeding to Bios boot.

Any ideas what could have caused this?

I've tried booting with the Windows XP cd, nothing changes, still black screen, still no load to bios. Same thing happens with the Vista DVD in the drive and with my motherboard manufacturer's (ASUS) cd in the drive.

I've also tried switching my motherboard jumper to clear the BIOS and it does nothing.
I've also tried unplugging my SATA hard drive in the hopes of being able to just boot to the bios, no dice.

My PSU and motherboard both still show green lights meaning they're providing power throughout the system. The dvd drive spins up, but just nothing happens bios or vista wise.

Thanks for any help guys.

wustl285

 

I've no idea of the cause but your next step should be to remove all unneccessary devices.

Keep Memory, Keyboard and Graphics, disconnect all drives/add on cards and external peripherals.

Try rebooting with this and if it works add your hardware one device at a time.

 

roger willco.

One question, I've seen some stuff on forums talking about how Vista boots differently than xp. Anything to this?

 

I couldn't comment on Vista's boot process other than it is different.

Your problem however is happening during POST (Power On Self Test) and this will not change on your computer no matter what OS you are using.

 

Try changing the button cell on the motherboard. A long shot but may work.

 

Yeah, its a hardware issue if it won't reach BIOS, let alone Vista. Do you have a spare PC you can try some of the parts in?

 

Hi Lukeno1,

It is a hardware issue but not neccessarily faulty hardware, trying the devices on another system is fairly pointless right now.

 

I have had a similar problem. After reinstalling the OS the computer would not boot or POST. First thing I checked was the power supply, with a ps checker. They are very inexpensive and will save you the trouble of switching ps unnesscessarily(sp?). Hope you can resolve the issue. It is most probably a hardware problem.