Computer won't boot!

[kbrad]

I just took apart a Dell desktop computer and transplanted it into a new case so I could add a new CD burner (the old case didn't have enough space). But now that its in the new case it won't boot! When the power goes on, the hard drive spins up, CPU fan spins up, and a little light goes on the motherboard comes on but thats it. Nothing shows up on the screen. I unhooked the hard drive and it still won't even get to the bios. The monitor won't even come out of sleep mode. The video is onboard the motherboard, but I tried a spare PCI one and it did the same thing. This leaves me with a problem in the memory, motherboard, or cpu. Right? This computer was up and going perfect just 30 minutes earlier and I hooked everything up right. There is no clear CMOS jumper on the board. There is actually only two settings for the jumper, normal and maintenance (should auto boot to bios), and neither work. The only thing I can think of right now is that when I first put it in the new case I used a new power supply and NOTHING turned on, I found this odd so took out the old Dell one and put that in and now its doing this. Could that other power supply have fried something? Any insights or tips or anything is GREATLY appreciated!

Kevin

 

[leapingfrog0]

There is no clear CMOS jumper on the board.

You can try removing the battery from the motherboard for a few seconds, and then putting it back in to clear the CMOS. It did wonders for me when my computer wouldn't boot when I first build it.

 

[Slikkster]

I'd say you've got something loose (cable, cpu, ram, etc.). Reseat everything that's moveable. Did you install using standoff insulators (the little posts that keep the motherboard from touching the case siding itself)? Otherwise, you'll be electrically shorting out the board somewhere. Are you sure you've hooked up the wires from the case to the motherboard correctly (hard drive led, power button light, reset, etc.)? Check them all.

 

[kbrad]

I've taken everything out of the case and the motherboard, ram, cpu, and onboard video are the only thing going. The mainboard seems to be getting power (little yelow light comes on, and the fan on the cpu starts) however there are 4 diagonostic lights on the back that do not come on. According to dell's website (http://docs.us.dell.com/docs/systems/dmum/codemess.htm) this is a powerup default and the mainboard isn't getting power. I've reseated the ram and cpu and nothing. Is the mainboard fried? I don't see how if the cpu fan comes on and everything. The monitor even comes out of no signal mode but never shows anything when its turned on. Anymore ideas?

Kevin

 

[spidro]

I had about the same thing happen when building a new system. would not post but everything lit up. Turned out to be a bad stick of ram. Try removing the ram and booting with just one stick at a time swapping sticks to see if it will post.

 

[HappyPuppy]

Pull the motherboard out of the case and lay it on something anti static like a magazine or cardboard. Install the bare essentials and fire it up. If it works then the board was grounding in the case. If it doesn't keep trying.

 

[HappyPuppy]

Pull the motherboard out of the case and lay it on something anti static like a magazine or cardboard. Install the bare essentials and fire it up. If it works then the board was grounding in the case


Edit: Oops.

 

[AreEss64]

Swap the Dell powersupply over and test it. It MAY be proprietary with one changed pin. I've seen Compaq do this, I wouldn't put it past Dell or Gateway.