I have a computer that won't boot

[Washoe]

It is a Windows 2000 computer for work. It had started shutting down randomly a lot recently, then today it just shut down completely and now it will not boot. There is a weird message on the screen now that reads:

h1¥P#.c¥¥iF

(those '¥' symbols are actually infinity signs; I couldn't find how to make an infinity sign on my keyboard)

I have tried booting from emergency boot diskettes but the computer will not boot. When I hit restart and the computer starts back up I immediately get that h1¥P#.c¥¥iF message, nothing else happens.

Anyone seen anything like this? Any ideas?

 

[RyuRobD]

Have you done anything unusual with the computer lately? Have you made any configuration changes or installed anything that may have caused this?

What is the hardware setup?

 

[HeroOfPellinor]

Originally posted by: Washoe
I have tried booting from emergency boot diskettes but the computer will not boot. When I hit restart and the computer starts back up I immediately get that h1¥P#.c¥¥iF message, nothing else happens.

Where are you hitting 'restart' or do you mean the reset switch on the computer itself? Also, what do you mean by "will not boot"? Does it get to the BIOS?

 

[Washoe]

I mean hitting the reset switch. No it doesn't get to BIOS. It shows that code right away.

I am not sure of the hardware too much. Pentium chip I believe.

 

[Washoe]

anyone have an idea on possible meaning? Computer shows this code/message every time.

 

[imported_Aelius]

Workstations that don't POST usually mean some sort of hardware failure.

Check the motherboard to see if it has any expanded capacitors. If you are allowed to do that.

It may be either the Mobo or the PSU but I don't suggest opening up the PSU unless you know what your doing.

 

[speed01]

Sounds like a bad processor to me. I've had a few P3 Dells give me strange errors like that. Sometimes they even change to smileys and hearts....each time a new processor cured it.

Speed

 

[Washoe]

Thanks speed01, we're getting our pc-tech person out today to take a look.