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| Thread ID: 39999 | 2003-11-25 03:58:00 | Boot up problem | Brian (1043) | Press F1 |
| Post ID | Timestamp | Content | User | ||
| 194405 | 2003-11-25 03:58:00 | Hi all! I've just been asked to look at a computer that has the following symptoms: Upon boot-up the computer will hang, straight away...it won't even make it to the "COMPAQ" logo... To override this problem I have to physically remove the power cord and reconnect it...then (if we're lucky) it will make it to the "COMPAQ" logo...but also on screen are some coloured squares... At one stage I managed to get the computer to actually boot up and got as far as the "Desktop"...but when I went to plug in the modem...the screen went blank...I turned off the computer and tried to reboot it...but alas it was dead :-( It had been taken to a computer technician...after it's return, then these problems started...here is a description of what the technician did (I don't know if it is related to the current problem): Found connector jammed between PSU and RAM disconnecting the RAM. Repaired RAM and repositioned the connector. Cleaned up system files. Does anyone have any ideas as to what's creating the problem? A faulty video/graphics card? The OS is Win98 Thanx in advance for any help! Brian |
Brian (1043) | ||
| 194406 | 2003-11-25 04:04:00 | It sounds like a dodgey graphics card. Is it onboard? If not, check to see that it is sitting in the slot correctly. |
CYaBro (73) | ||
| 194407 | 2003-11-26 00:13:00 | Hi CYaBro! Thanx for your reply...I've had a look and the graphics card is onboard :-( do you think it could be a virus? Or a dying CMOS battery? Thanx, Brian |
Brian (1043) | ||
| 194408 | 2003-11-26 00:22:00 | It won't be the battery. :D It unlikely to be a virus unless it has zapped the BIOS code. :D I would look hard at the motherboard for "silly things". Make sure all boards are plugged in properly. Make sure the memory is properly clipped in. Make sure all cables are in correctly. The "technician" should perhaps have a chance to fix the computer ... he didn't do that. :D |
Graham L (2) | ||
| 194409 | 2003-11-26 04:16:00 | i'm no expert, but i say faulty PSU. | Megaman (344) | ||
| 194410 | 2003-11-26 06:30:00 | try to update the bios if the video card is on board. | ilikelinux (1418) | ||
| 194411 | 2003-11-26 06:33:00 | Why would you update the BIOS if it was OK before? Bye |
Peter H (220) | ||
| 194412 | 2003-11-26 07:14:00 | because the bios sometimes cane get corrupt, but it is worth trying . btw: This would be my 300th post ( a great achievement for me!) |
ilikelinux (1418) | ||
| 194413 | 2003-11-26 07:39:00 | the last compaq i looked at did a simaler thing......turned out to be motherboard fault. what model is it? | tweak'e (174) | ||
| 194414 | 2003-11-26 08:02:00 | I would look at the RAM . The tech said he "repaired" it . Or did he?? The system is very erratic and produced coloured squares on the screen . Both these symptoms, together with the tech's work, suggest faulty RAM . Remember, the video is onboard so it is using system RAM . Faulty RAM would give strange screen displays like you are seeing . Nothing is a cert in this game but I would start with the RAM . Can you put this RAM into another machine to test it? But remember the tech said a plug was jammed so the RAM socket or holdind clips may be damaged . Check for this first . Good luck! |
linw (53) | ||
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