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Thread ID: 52219 2004-12-13 09:23:00 Possibly faulty PSU? Jen C (20) Press F1
Post ID Timestamp Content User
302619 2004-12-13 09:23:00 Hi All

I have a P3 450MHz 128 MB RAM with a 230W PSU computer here belonging to a friend, which dual boots Win98 and W2K. They told me it had a virus, and didn't work anymore (that is the total description I got). Anyway, when I first booted it said it had detected a registry configuration error and then listed some errors.

Next restart informed me of a start disk failure, and by running Maxtor's HDD diagnositic utility confirmed the HDD was faulty (gave me an error number to use if returning the drive). I even booted the machine with Knoppix and was unable to mount the HDD. During the next boot up,the monitor started flashing constantly soon as POST finishes and just sits on the disk error. The screen flashes as well while in the BIOS. There is nothing wrong with the monitor as I can use it on another machine with no problems.

I then pulled out all the IDE and floppy cables/power and added them back one by one. After adding them all back, the monitor has stopped its continuous flashing problem, but still continues to flash once every minute or two otherwise.

So, I thought I had it covered with a dead HDD, but now this monitor problem gets me. Before going ahead a getting a replacement HDD, I am concerned about the what other underlying problems it might have, possibly the PSU?? ... but how much of a co-incidence would that be with a dud HDD as well? Any ideas?

Thanks
Jen :)
Jen C (20)
302620 2004-12-13 09:27:00 Does the monitor plug into the wall or the psu Rob99 (151)
302621 2004-12-13 09:29:00 It plugs separately into the power. Jen C (20)
302622 2004-12-13 09:31:00 I say the motherboard. george12 (7)
302623 2004-12-13 09:35:00 Oh I should add, although it shouldn't make a difference I think, this PC is on a KVM switch with another PC which doesn't have any display issues. Jen C (20)
302624 2004-12-13 09:36:00 Graphics card or onboard video are possibilities, it wouldn't be the first time multiple faults happen within a short space of time, especially in an older machine. However, the PSU is as good a place as any to start, do you have a spare lying around? I'd guess not or you would have tried it. What does the board itself look like, a bit dated for cap problems but, nothing obviouse? Murray P (44)
302625 2004-12-13 09:37:00 Ok, PSU or board, unless the HDD is on a contoller card? Murray P (44)
302626 2004-12-13 09:38:00 Sounds terminal

PSU?? Monitor?? HD??

What next??

Probally cheaper to buy cheap second hand computer than replace parts seperatly
Rob99 (151)
302627 2004-12-13 09:39:00 I do have my spare machine, which I could rip out the PSU of ... but a bit relunctant to do that at the moment.

I've checked the mobo for leaking cap's etc and apart from a truckload of dust (which I have cleared out), it looks fine. The PC was built in mid-1999.
Jen C (20)
302628 2004-12-13 09:43:00 > Ok, PSU or board, unless the HDD is on a contoller
> card?

HDD isn't on a controller card, and I think I have confirmed that as a dud now, just worried about the flashing monitor before recommending they spend money on a replacement one.

This PC is an old one now (they have just replaced it), and it is intended for their kids to play on only.
Jen C (20)
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