topic Re: Desktop [:-/] in PCs & Accessories

Desktop [:-/]

faithx — Thu, 23 Sep 2004 21:19:27 GMT

Got a question guys, since I got my new desk top a couple of months ago, my old one has been gathering dust sat next to it. Me being a really nice person I've decided to give my old one to a friend.

Anyway, I was going to fully patch it up with all the latest security fixes but when I try to switch it on the bugger won't boot up. The screen doesn¿t even come on, all I get is a power light on the desktop, and the disc drive light is permanently on!

Any ideas?

Re: Desktop [:-/]

robpaxton — Thu, 23 Sep 2004 21:43:32 GMT

If it's been sitting there all alone for a long time then there is a good chance that the BIOS backup battery has died. You may need to enter the BIOS to set the hard disk drive detection to auto.

You could also try changing the battery.

Any beeps from the machine?

Re: Desktop [:-/]

faithx — Thu, 23 Sep 2004 21:45:19 GMT

Yeah but surely the screen would still come on, I don¿t see how I can go into the BIOS and set the drive if I¿ve got no screen?

Re: Desktop [:-/]

faithx — Thu, 23 Sep 2004 21:46:12 GMT

No beeps Rob

Re: Desktop [:-/]

robpaxton — Thu, 23 Sep 2004 21:46:18 GMT

I thought of that after making the post so edited to include the any beeps question.

Re: Desktop [:-/]

robpaxton — Thu, 23 Sep 2004 21:47:36 GMT

Are you sure the monitor is working? - try plugging the monitor into the working desktop.

Re: Desktop [:-/]

faithx — Thu, 23 Sep 2004 21:49:09 GMT

Yep, I've actually got the monitor on at the moment with my new desktop.

Re: Desktop [:-/]

kee-lo_ — Thu, 23 Sep 2004 21:51:52 GMT

Sounds like something had died.

Re: Desktop [:-/]

robpaxton — Thu, 23 Sep 2004 21:52:51 GMT

I would now take the back off the computer. I'd first push fairly firmly on all of the socketted chips and cards to ensure that they haven't crept out during storage. I would also remove and reinsert the memory cards. I would then try the machine again.

If still not working then I would remove the interface cables from the drives and try again.

Re: Desktop [:-/]

faithx — Thu, 23 Sep 2004 21:55:18 GMT

I really, really hope not. I suppose I might have to break it down bit my bit trying different components in my new one. So wait for the flood of questions

Re: Desktop [:-/]

kee-lo_ — Thu, 23 Sep 2004 21:55:50 GMT

Try to remove dust from contacts too.

Re: Desktop [:-/]

faithx — Thu, 23 Sep 2004 21:58:21 GMT

Thanks Rob, I have already had the back off and checked that the cards are seated properly, but I will go and do the other stuff you've suggested Watch this space¿.

Re: Desktop [:-/]

faithx — Thu, 23 Sep 2004 21:59:49 GMT

Try to remove dust from contacts too.

Yeah, good point Kee-Lo, might get the vac in there :smileygrin:

Re: Desktop [:-/]

robpaxton — Thu, 23 Sep 2004 22:01:29 GMT

The last one that failed on me like Faiths had a faulty hard drive.

Re: Desktop [:-/]

faithx — Thu, 23 Sep 2004 22:03:54 GMT

Well that's what I'm suspecting, that the hard drive or I/O controller is possible knackered

Re: Desktop [:-/]

robpaxton — Thu, 23 Sep 2004 22:05:17 GMT

Well rip out those IDE cables and see if the screen fires up.

Re: Desktop [:-/]

kee-lo_ — Thu, 23 Sep 2004 22:06:44 GMT

You'd think the BIOS would beep to let you know what's wrong though.

Re: Desktop [:-/]

robpaxton — Thu, 23 Sep 2004 22:07:59 GMT

There were no beeps from the one that failed on me - it just sat there poker faced.

Re: Desktop [:-/]

faithx — Thu, 23 Sep 2004 22:09:14 GMT

Right, I'm going to stuff my dinner down then be brutal with it!

Re: Desktop [:-/]

robpaxton — Thu, 23 Sep 2004 22:10:01 GMT

Oh how we love assertive women