Generic PC black screen

Hi, I recently bought a bunch of computer stuff off craigslist. There is a tower that won't boot. When I opener it up, it was the dirtiest computer I have ever seen. I used a can and a half of compressed air. But it gummy like. There is no name on the tower so I assume it is a home or custom build. The light comes on on the motherboard and all the fans power up. The CD Rom and DVD Rom also have power. But all I get is a black screen. Thinking it was the video card, I pulled the card out of my good tower and put it in. No difference. I can't even get the BIOS to come up. I also tried a different monitor. I am stumped as what to do next. I would really appreciate any suggestions anyone may have. Thanks.

Lisa

 

If it was "gummy like" it must have come from a home that had pets, lots of dust, or smokers. There's a slight possibility that it could have been stored in a wet area such as an attic, basement, garage, or storage facility. & built up gunk from heat or something. What I would do is try the integrated video connection if it has one on the mobo. If it does and that still doesn't work try cleaning the connectors with a small piece of an eraser. It may be dirty... Worst case scenario is that the mobo is fried.





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Thanks, I'll check that. I was taking it apart to better clean the components and accidentally bent the pins on the hard drive.:-o Luckily I have a 20 gig laying around. Thanks again.

Lisa

 

What mobo do you have on your comp.Is it with AGP or PCI .If you have PCI graphic card,test the comp to see if AGP slot is dead.BUT give us some spec about the comp.

 

I tried plugging the video card from my Gateway into the broken PC. The video card from the bad system plugs into the white PCI connection. The video card from my Gateway plugs into the brown connector, I guess that is AGP. It still didn't work. I have never had this system boot up and there is no manufacturers card on the back or anywhere else. So I have no way of finding the specs. The Mobo is a Gigabyte or at least that is what I see on the Mobo. It has these numbers33006. I don't know if that helps or not. Thanks.

Lisa

 

when you plug the pci card,do you plug out the agp card?
If yes,then at least your graphic part of the mobo is dead.

 

Okay, thanks. I don't plug in both video cards at once. I think that is what you mean. So I guess I will part it out. With it having been so dirty, do you think the DVD/Rom is salvageable? I have cleaned it on the outside and the connections as best I could. I just don't want to damage my good system by putting it in but I would like to at least get something for the money I spent. Thanks.

Lisa