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Old January 16th 08, 06:44 AM posted to alt.comp.hardware.pc-homebuilt
pcbldrNinetyEight
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Posts: 114
Default Computer will not start

wrote in
:

On Jan 15, 4:42 pm, pcbldrNinetyEight pcbldrninetyeight.com wrote:
wrote

om:



On Jan 14, 11:37 pm, pcbldrNinetyEight pcbldrninetyeight.com
wrote:
wrote

s.c om:
On Jan 14, 9:44 pm, pcbldrNinetyEight pcbldrninetyeight.com
wrote:
wrote

ups .co m:


I did not build this computer ... but I am trying to fix it.
The computer is a custom build.


I have an Altec SLK1650 case. I am trying to track down a
problem. If I can get the computer to start the computer
works fine. When I press the button to start the computer it
will make the appropriate sounds but within 1 second the
computer dies. If I press the start button repeatedly it
will act like it is going to start for progressively longer
times until it finally it continues running. At this point
the operating system is not running but the fans are
running. I then push the reset button and then the computer
start starts normally. I replaced the power supply (350W)
with a 450W but that did not help. At this point the
computer will not start at all. If I hold the reset button in
and press the start button the computer will sound like it is
running but will not boot. When I release the reset button
the computer dies. Just wondering if it might have
something to do with the start or reset buttons. Any
suggestions will be greatly appreciated.


Thanks in advance for the help ... Michael


You didn't describe the hardware. Make sure the CMOS jumper is
set properly.


I would assume that the CMOS jumper is set properly because the
machine has worked and nothing was changed.


I misunderstood. I was watching Tony Bourdain and making posts
during the commercials. In future I must do one or the other but
not both.


What other bits is this PC made of?


Thanks for the Reply ... the components a


Motherboard Foxconn 915M03
Intel P4 540 3.2GHZ (I think) the only numbers on it are 35505002
A2493
NVIDIA GeForce 6600 LE soundcard
ATX Ver 2.01 450W power supply
SATA Western Digital Hard Drive 200G
Altec SLK1650 case


You didn't specify what is ram type, maker, amount and number or
DIMM's?

If I understand correctly the PC worked properly for a time (possibly
a brief time) and now completely refuses to boot. May (or may not)
help me to know how many hours, days or months it functioned
properly.

I doubt the buttons are a problem but you may be able to remove the
front cover of the case and push the switches directly just in case
there's a mechanical problem with the front cover. IIRC the switches
are of the momentarily on type meaning that they complete a circuit
only for as long as you keep them depressed. You can unplug them and
test with a multimeter to verify if they are normally open when not
depressed and closed when depressed.

Read manual and verify that all power connections and case connectors
are correct.

The MOBO is in the discontinued list at
Foxconn:
http://www.foxconnchannel.com/produc...ds/unmake_list
.aspx

Link to Foxconn 915M03
page:http://www.foxconnchannel.com/produc...detail_overvie
w.as... en-us0000089

Link to
manual:http://www.foxconnchannel.com/suppor...etail.aspx?ID=
en-us0... Read manual, determine what options are on MOBO. Reply back
with full model number including suffix.

Try each of the following steps one at a time booting after each step
(unplug power cord before removing/installing hardware or
jumpers)(use grounding strap and observe ESD precautions):
Remove all boards except VGA (disregard if VGA on MOBO). Then boot.
If multiple DIMM installed remove all but one. Then boot.
Put in one DIMM then boot.
Repeat step with each DIMM singly booting each time.
Unplug all but boot drive. Then boot.
Enter BIOS and choose Load Fail-Safe Defaults. Then boot.
Reset BIOS. Be very careful not to power up before placing CMOS
jumper in normal run position. Then boot.
Remove processor heat sink and look for thermal paste. If none found
then remove processor and inspect socket and processor for damage.
Apply paste as needed, reinstall heatsink/fan then boot.

Reply back with your results.

I am fighting a particularly pernicious problem of my own with a CD
burner that corrupted my backups so I may be slow to respond.

--
pcbldrNinetyEight

--
pcbldrNinetyEight


The only board I have is the Video board GF 6600LE
I tried each of the memory boards separately and this did not help.
I looked at the processor.. It looks OK and I will have to get some
thermal paste.


If your heat sink has a gray stick on thermal pad then you will not need
thermal paste.

--
pcbldrNinetyEight