very high fan speed - machine does not start

I have an IBM desktop unit that has ceased to work.

When I press the start button I always get a very high fan speed (seems typical of IBM's) which always settles down to normal after 2 seconds but now, the fan does not slow down and the machine will not start. There are no beep codes to go by either.

I replaced the HDD with one that was freshly formatted (empty) but problem is still there.

What should I be looking for here?

Thanks

 

Do you get any beeps ?

If no, your power supply or board may have a problem. I would also replace the on board battery - just in case.

 

Have you opened the case to see which of the fans it is, CPU, PSU, Video Card,
system fan would not matter. CPU or PSU. Faulty PSU could give incorrect voltage that sends the CPU fan into high speed, but will not supply the correct voltage to boot up the system.

 

No beeps are sounded

I see that it is the CPU fan

I changed the PSU but problem remains

 

In you system details you have two hard drives, which one have you replaced with an empty formated drive and which one has an OS installed on it.

When you hit the power button what appears on screen, anything?

Have you tried to boot the PC with an OS disc?

Have you replaced the MOBO battery as suggested earlier?

Check all the connections on your PC both external and internal by removing and reseating all the connections and any cards. Remove the memory module/s, clean the contacts with a pencil eraser and reseat them. Try to run the PC with just one module inserted and repeat for each module.

 

In your next post please supply the model number of your PC.

 

No Signal appears on screen - replaced the video card - same result

replaced the battery

tried to boot from install disk - it spins and the light flashes like it is being read but nothing on screen

replaced the RAM - same

removed and reset everything - same

It's a Think Center 8141-Y12

Thanks

 

Not sounding good.

All I can suggest is to boot with the empty hard drive (or no hard drives) so it is forced to boot from the CD drive with the OS disc inserted (that could be what you are already doing but you didn't answer my question about the hard drives). Have you tried another screen, or is it known to be OK.

With known good RAM and no BIOS screen appearing it sounds like the MOBO is dead or the CPU has failed.

 

I tried to boot with an OS disk to an empty HDD.

I'm thinking that it's going to be like pushing water uphill getting to the bottom of this one. Maybe time to look for a replacement mobo online somewhere.

Thanks

 

http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site.wss/MIGR-45385.html

I got this off the IBM site, if your bios has been messed up it might just do some good but you will need a floppy drive. Its clutching at straws but may be worth a go before replacing the MOBO, also consider, it could be the CPU.

You should find the correct Bios download on this site but might have to go for an american site for your model, I couldn't find your model number on the above site.

Good luck.

 

I found the bios on the US site. I'll try in the morning and let you know, thanks

 

Disconnect any unnecessary hardware. Remove any PCI cards, you can even start with all the drives disconnected.

IBMs can stop on some strange problems. It might be trying to identify a boot device, so even disconnect LAN cables and USB devices.

Start up with just the basics connected and see if the startup screens appear. You need to see the startup screens (IBM splash screens) or even get beeps, before worrying about what operating system it is going to boot to.

You might even want to swap the keyboard if you can. A system might not work if there is a problem with the keyboard.

markmadras's suggestion is to Clear the CMOS. Follow the steps in the link. You can't do anything to the BIOS if nothing is showing on the monitor.

Matt

 

I'll be darned if I can find the jumper pins to clear the CMOS. Is it possible that the board doesn't have such a feature?

Strike that, I found it

 

Running into a problem when trying to create a bootable floppy on a Win7 32 bit system. Getting an error

Downloaded the iso file and will try that.

Got to wrap the wife's present while she is out. I'll get back to you guys.
Thanks and have Merry Christmas if I don't get back today

 

Merry Christmas to you also.

Hope some life can be brought back to your PC, I'll keep my fingers crossed.

 

Tried the reset but no luck.

Thinking it's time to call it a day and retire the beast.

If anyone gets any brainwaves over the holidays, let me know otherwise, thanks.

All the best

 

Hi cspgsl,

Does anything show on your monitor? Can you get to the BIOS? Does it show your hard drive(s)?

 

no signal - doesn't show a thing... even when I stick a known good video card in

 

Have you tried hooking up just one monitor?

 

Yes, I tried the on board video out first, nothing

I then added a known good video card and tried that but the same thing happens

I never see anything on screen. No beeps and the fan does not settle down to normal.