won't boot up

Our client had both air conditioners go out over the weekend in the server room. One NT server had replace system disk error message, thought HD dies, then they said it won't start at all, nothing no power. So now I have it. Sure enough, nothing. Replace power supply, still nothing. So I think MB, replace MB, still nothing , even the fan on the CPU won't spin, only light I see is on ethernet jack on board. Disconnected everything, tried other CPU, still nothing..what am I missing?

TIA

~d

 

Have you tried different memory, I've heard of something similar with bad memory.

On second thought if you're not even getting the fan to spin, maybe a bad switch?

 

bad switch

Anythings possible, but do you think just because it overheated that the switch could go bad?

The only RAM I had for testing is 512 PC133, it had (has) 128 PC100, but the motherboard, ASUS TUSI, can handle it.

Replacing the switch will pose a problem, it's a rack mount with a rocker switch.

~d

 

Overheating probably wouldn't hurt the rocker switch unless there's some electronic component in it like a resistor or capacitor, but another thought occurs, could there be a fuse somewhere that might have popped?

 

you may need a voltmeter or substitute to isolate the problem. Verify AC voltage outlet. Check output of P/S. If the fan isn't working you obviously are not getting AC so check all points up to the fan.

Two air conditioners going south at the same time supports a source problem. but doesn't rule out additional problems if there were a heat problem.

 

Consider this also, you may have more than one problem. If a component failed such as a hard drive, it could take out the power supply as well. The fact that it initially showed HD problems and then finally showed no power problems would seem to indicate the power supply subsequently failed from being overloaded so long during testing.

Then of course given that the mobo and processor control the power supply, you may have miswired the new mobo or have a bad connection at a cable terminal that occured as a result of being moved around.

Then another possibility is, there is an interlock switch that cuts power when you open the rack door for servicing.

Good luck.

 

Thanks for the replies, AAARGH!!! My "test" power supply was hozed! Found a PC to mess with, took power supply out put in other pc, wouldn't boot, took test power supply out, put in other pc, wouldn't boot, and of course, took power supply out of good pc, put in dead pc, it booted.

Lesson learned, need to clean up my spare junk around the shop!!!

~d

 

Your feedback is welcomed. Good to hear you solved the power problem.

 

You should confirm the old PSU was dead, in cases where a motherboard shutdown due to overheating (likely in A/C failures), then the way to reset is to disconnect the PSU plus from the motherboard, it is not enough to power off completely, you must disconnect it physically.

The old PSU may be fine, you might think that replacement solved the problem, but simply disconnecting and reconnecting the PSU is enough to solve a heat sensor cut out.

 

thanks

I'm pretty sure the old PS is dead, $30 and back in business : )
I will remember your advice for the next time...

~d