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Computer won't boot up

18 years ago

A couple of days ago I was using my computer and it locked up. I shut it down and when I turned it back on nothing happens. It doesn't boot up or get into setup to check anything. Any ideas? The computer has a new motherboard and hard drive that was installed about a month ago.

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Comments (11)

johnkr
18 years ago
The first think I would check is the power supply (back of PC near power cord). Is the power supply fan spinning? If you open the case, are any leds on? Does the processor fan spin? Any audio beeps?
owbist
18 years ago
Grannytoo a make and model might help to identify a problem. Any chance the is an eMachine? Why was the motherboard replaced and who replaced it?
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User
Original Author
18 years ago
johnkr - All the fans are working. There are no audio beeps.

owbist - It is a HP A244. The motherboard was replaced because the onboard ethernet and the PCI slots weren't working. Fry's Electronics replaced the motherboard.
DA_Mccoy
18 years ago
Disk in a drive? It's an old problem that is not too common anymore, but depending on startup configuration it can be a cause.

DA
owbist
18 years ago
Well if the mobo was replaced a month ago we should be able to eliminate Frys. Did you remove the left side panel and see if the fan over the CPU heatsink was spinning? If you are comfortable inside the case then remove the power cord from the back of the tower, remove the side again and look to see if the heatsink is fastened tightly to the CPU. Rest an arm on the metal case while gently trying to move the heatsink. Strangely I recently read an article about a broken heatsink retaining bracket.

If the heatsink is loose this could well cause the computer not to start as the built in safety factor will kick in preventing you from burning out the CPU or processor.

While you are inside take a look at the 20 or 24 pin power connector coming from the power supply to the motherboard to ensure that is seated and the retaining clip is in place.

Restart with the side off to watch the fan plus see if the LED lights on the front of the case light up at all.
User
Original Author
18 years ago
owbist - The lights on the front of the case light up. The heatsink is securely fastened. The light for A drive (the 3 1/2 inch floppy drive) doesn't light up during startup. I replaced the A drive and the light for the replacement A drive doesn't light up.

damccoy - There is no disc in either of the drives.
zep516
18 years ago
See if you can boot to the safe mode:

Restart the computer now keep tapping the f8 key, try this several times...
User
Original Author
18 years ago
zep516 - Computer won't boot in safe mode.

I took the computer back to Fry's and they said it's the motherboard ~ again.
owbist
18 years ago
Ah, good news grannytoo. Assuming you have a reasonable warranty on the computer of course. Wonder why 2 motherboards would go bad? Just curious, it can happen to any computer of course
zep516
18 years ago
Next time you speak to them, ask them if they think the power supply is causing a problem with the mother boards that are being installed, it's kind of odd 2 mother boards go bad in such a short time...
User
Original Author
18 years ago
owbist - The motherboard is still under warranty so will be getting a replacement.

zep516 - Thanks for the tip on the power supply. I'll have them put a new one in. That would be cheaper and easier than hassling with motherboards.

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