Computer Not Booting Properly, Overworked Fan

Alright, here's another real humdinger which I will endeavor to be complete as possible while describing.

1. upgraded to windows 10 over a shaky install of win 7+random Linuxs

2. Installed the software for www.bluestacks.com which caused some sort of error message when run.

3. boot problems start occuring

4. a new cable was plugged into the back of the installed dvd drive in-between resets and the other ide half into a motherboard slot.

Now, not only is the system not booting, it won't power off unless I hit the main breaker switch in the back, the fan engines suddenly sound like they are trying to get liftoff, and the front power button ceases to respond when pushed. (although it still lights up)

I don't want to overload any more systems or eff up the new power supply I'd had installed recently.

p.s. all usb and cord devices have been removed

 

btw: dell optiplex 3400

2. message was sumthing about drive_stack_overload?

 

Installing Windows 10 and any Linux installation on the HD together is massively problematical and often simply wont work. Running Linux externally from a USB drive is by far the safest method in any UEFI based system.
Installing Bluestacks before you have done a successful Win 7 to Win 10 upgrade is also not a good idea.

 

I will gladly start from scratch with a fresh install once it starts loading again.

 

Over a "shaky" install of W7? That's what scares me. "Upgrading" an OS should only be done over a properly functioning OS - that is, it should only be an "upgrade" process, not a "repair" process.

Also, this does sound like there could be some power issues involved too. Why did you replace the PSU and did the new PSU resolve those problems completely?

I agree with Max as well about installing Bluestacks - or any application. That is, you should verify the OS upgrade was successful before installing other programs. Then start with security apps (if not using Windows Defender and Windows Firewall - which I use, BTW). So was Windows 10 working properly before you installed Bluestacks?

I suspect the error said "driver_stack_overflow". Stacks are reserved memory used to process hardware events. An overflow occurs when the system runs out of virtual memory (RAM plus page file) to run the hardware interrupts. Assuming you have an adequate amount of RAM (preferably at least 4GB), you left the Page File settings at the defaults (Windows managed), and you have lots of free disk space, I suspect this is due to a configuration setting with your dual-boot setup.

Not sure what to suggest at this point for I fear there has been too much corruption to safely roll back to W7. Plus, I have not messed with dual-boot setups for a long while to be offering any advice there. But if me, I would start over with a clean install from scratch - but with only 1 OS installed in a single boot configuration.

 

Yes, Digerati, I would agree with all that is stated here. The problem to this reinstall is that the external monitor does recognize any input when I turn on and an the system will not boot under an external dvd currently.

The PSU was a stock model that had suddenly fried itself just coming out of hibernation one time. Installing my new 750W corsair was able to clear up most of my old issues except for the dvd drive one which was referenced here.

 

External monitor? As opposed to what? An internal monitor? You link goes to a PC so I am confused.

Assuming a PC, I would try all ports. If still nothing on monitor, I would try another monitor just to make sure yours works.

 

determined the monitor is good by testing it on another PC and also tried a known working one with still receiving no visual input from the optiplex.

I have also resettled the video and made sure the contact ends were wiped.

(the word 'external' was floating around in my head because that was the type of dvd drive I was using for a reinstall)

 

Well, you already replaced the PSU otherwise I would suggest that. If you can round up a spare graphics card, you might give that a try, or, if the computer has integrated graphics, remove your card. That alone should re-enable the integrated graphics and then hopefully, give you a signal.

 

Biggest question - don't you mean its a dell precision t3400? (and the answer is crucial!!!)
If it is, what do the led's say is wrong? http://www.manualslib.com/manual/356820/Dell-Precision-T3400.html?page=33

 

100% not a Precision.

The case reads Dell Studio XPS 435MT.

The single LED light in the front remains unlit (although I got the DVD bay opening again).

an orange light also appears on the motherboard whenever I power on

 

"4. a new cable was plugged into the back of the installed dvd drive in-between resets and the other ide half into a motherboard slot."
The first step should have been to unplug that cable and try it again. Did you do that?
Also, there is no IDE connector in the PC. Did you mean to say SATA cable or, just where the heck did you plug it in?

"3. boot problems start occurring" Is that what you have since been describing; fans run full speed but no cursor or indication it is trying to boot?

On every modern PC, turning it on gets the fans running at full speed until the BIOS initializes the system and the fans then slow down to normal. The fact that it isn't happening indicates three possible failures: the power supply, one or more of the memory modules has failed or is misseated, or the system board is having a problem (in that order).
First turn it off and wait for the led on the system board to go out!!! Move the CLRCMOS jumper to the other side (its 3 pins on the bottom edge), reseat the memory modules, unplug everything except the keyboard, mouse, & monitor from the system, move the jumper back, and turn it back on. If it does the fan roar, hold the power button in for six seconds and it should turn off. If it then turns back on normally, the system was probably in a weird power state. If it still won't give you a display, turn it off, remove all of the memory, and try it again. You should get four beeps indicating a memory failure. Turning it off (again and every time you touch a part!), and putting one memory module at a time back into the PC will tell you which memory module has problems. If it just keeps doing the fan roar thing, either the power supply is bad or you need a new system board.

By the way; though, the original power supply probably had the 5 volt standby voltage go bad and it was most probably not due to the "power surge" you mentioned. Also, new power supplies can be bad, too.