Help! Computer won't boot

[imported_Stew]

The other day,I turned off my PC before going to bed. When I got up, I turned it on, and it hummed, the cdroms and the hard drive started going, as usual. However, there was nothing on my monitor! The monitor's green LED just blinked occasionally, the way they do when the computer is off.

I've already checked some components in another PC, and they work fine. They are: Video card, Hard Drive, Monitor.

My system has no case, it just lays on my desk, and it is also overclocked a little. Is there any chance I fried my mobo or cpu? Maybe my memory?

My rig is:
Athlon XP 3000+
DFI Lanparty NFII
1x512 Kingston Value Ram
Radeon 9200se PCI
Samsung Syncmaster monitor

I think the cooling I have is adequate as well. I've got a huge CoolerMaster Aero CPU hs/fan on my processor, and my temperatures have been pretty good.

Please give me some tips. If not, I'll have to go to the local computer shop

 

[Topweasel]

If a computer will not Post tip one is always to reset the BIOS. Chances are either your memory or CPU is not handling the overclock as well as you thought might want to bring one or both of them back a bit.

 

[xXgambitXx]

I agree w/ topweasel
one of the first things you should do to troubleshoot a computer is return it to stock no matter how much or little it is OC'd. Also like he said, if you can't get into the BIOS then clear it.

It sounds like you've ruled out most of the obvious things like monitor/vid card.

Let us know whether clearing the BIOS and returning everything to stock helps or not.

 

[imported_Stew]

I've cleared the CMOS, and still get zilch on my monitor.

 

[imported_Stew]

Could my CPU be fried?

 

[imported_Stew]

Could it be my memory?

 

[Arsenik13]

Did you do anything specific to the computer when you shut it off at night? Were you adding a card or have the cord unplugged from the power supply??

 

[imported_Stew]

Nah, I didn't change anything.

 

[xXgambitXx]

I just realized the whole "there is no case, the computer sits on my desk" part of your OP.

It doesn't seem like there's going to be an obvious answer to this one. Do you have any pets or anything that could of messed w/ the open computer on your desk ?

All that I can suggest is: try throwing it in a case if you have one (why not)
If that doesn't work the only option is to just tear the system down to bare minimum and troubleshoot everything individually

 

[imported_Stew]

Hmmm, well I do get a bit of dust in my room. Could dust do it? I've tested almost all the components so far. Haven't done the memory, or cpu yet though.

This sorta sucks though. So random.

And no, no pets.

 

[imported_Stew]

bump

 

[wpshooter]

Did you try reseating the CMOS battery ?

Edit: Lighting storm just starting, got to get off. Will check back later.

Good luck.

 

[TGS]

Any beeps? If you CPU isn't working I don't think a power on will even work. Though with the components powering on, it sounds like perhaps the video has reached the end of it's times.

Try removing the card to see if the mobo beeps at you for not detecting a card. If it doesn't it may not beep on a PCI video error. If you could pickup a spare card from someone to test, after trying options with the video card that could be your next step.

When you are trying to troubleshoot core hardware problems, unplug all components. Only connect, the CPU, Memory, Video, and a keyboard/mouse (with power of course). If you have an issue with just those components, then it becomes much easier to find which is giving problems. Also, make sure your onboard speaker is hooked up as the beep codes will tell you exactly which component is generating errors. There should be a beep code list in the mobo manual, or hopefuly at the manufacturers website.

 

[leigh6]

Try reseating the video card. Make sure you put enough pressure on it and force it into the slot.

Just a thought

 

[imported_Stew]

mmm yes, I've even moved the card to another computer. I've tried it in other PCI slots as well.

 

[TGS]

Does that mean the card is working in another machine?

 

[imported_Stew]

As stated in the OP, the video card was tested in another computer and works perfectly.

 

[fuzzynavel]

take out the CPU...does it beep at you??
Take out the RAM...it should beep again...

Just leave the vid card and a stick of RAM and try to get it to post...

 

[imported_Stew]

So I should turn it on, then remove the CPU, and it will beep?

It will post without the cpu?

 

[imported_Stew]

?

 

[TwoBills]

Pull the cpu before you power up!

You might have a trojan. Go here and try their 30 day free trial link

 

[imported_Stew]

Will it post without the CPU in it?

 

[Markbnj]

No. The CPU is necessary to execute the BIOS code. But what will happen is that the part of the chipset that initiates communication with the CPU will send some beeps because it can't find one.

 

[imported_Stew]

Arright, so I leave the PSU on so the board has power, and remove the CPU. It'll beep, then I put the CPU back in, and boot up.

 

[Markbnj]

Um, don't leave the PSU on EVER when you are inserting/pulling components. All power off. Switch open. Plug pulled.

Now yank the CPU and then restore power. See if the board beeps its displeasure at having no brain.

Just what this tells you I will leave to the more knowlegeable members to explain.