Windows Not Starting

URGENT HELP REQUIRED: over the last few days my PC has been failing to load windows successfully.
Initially it asked me to use safemode or last known good configuration. I tried the latter unsuccessfully, and it just reverted back to the rebooting sequence, after seeing a BSOD very briefly (unable to get any info.).
After several further failed attempts at the above, the PC switched on but the monitor failed to boot.
A few days later I managed to get to the POST screen which advised “CMOS checksum errors - default settings loaded", on entering:
F1 to continue – it would revert to brief BSOD and reboot, OR
DEL to enter BIOS setup – there was no response using the keyboard.

After trawling the ‘net about the CMOS error, results indicated a change of battery on mobo, which I tried without success.

I have also tried the disconnection of slave HDD, and an alternative graphics/video card, all with no success.
When I can occasionally access the PC in safemode, and both HDDs seem to be functioning and read and writable.

Other items of note:
Recently there has been strange noises inside the box, but am not sure if it is one of the HDD or a fan. The fan is my preference, can this be replaced easily at low cost?
I had one windows update a few days back, and I had installed software for Pinnacle Showcenter (PS) the day before crash, but was able to remove during one Safemode bootup. I also turned on my wireless facility to connect with the PS, but was also able to reverse during above safemode.

I assume that this narrows the problem down to the Motherboard, or a component on it, say Processor, RAM, or Fan.
Sorry for the longwindedness, but please help on any further troubleshooting on these items, e.g. programs I can run in safemode or at command prompt.

 

You have obviously been opening and closing the case a lot lately, How is the internal cleanliness? This may cause funny noises, as may a something left a bit loose and catching.
Fans should have about 1/2 mm of play up and down on their shaft. When they get several mm they can start to rattle.

I think the most likely cause of your problems howver is memory based. If you have more than one module try one at a time to locate a bad one.
You can also download various memory testers from Major Geeks, but obviously have to be able to run windows to use them. Did you have the foresight to make a boot disk?


Studio T

 

Thanks, yes been busy, and getting rather irritable, as I’m desperate to cure this with minimum risk and expenditure!!
Internal cleanliness is not good, any suggestions? Nothing seems to be annoying the fan.

RAM (I have 1 x 512MB in 1 of 2 slots)
I recall that when I bought the PC (08/2004) I had 6 months of hell, eventually proved to be the RAM after running memtest, which was eventually replaced by PC manufacturer.
I’ll try memtest again, as it can be done from a floppy (haven’t used one of them for a while!!).
I have no boot disk….any suggestions?

 

Well cleanliness is next to geekines, The solution is obvious. I use an air line.

If you can't borrow another memory module then take yours into a pc shop and ask them to test it. They may do this for nought in the hope of selling you a replacement.


Studio T

 

Just borrowed a 256 Memory Card, from IT geeks at work, still no success.
Can't do memtest as monitor rarely starts at initial boot.
As my monitor is failing to start more frequently, I have noticed that my PC isn't making the very small beep at boot-up when the monitor would normally kick in.
Seems to me that the mobo has died, looks like I need to get the rig checked out....
Is there an easy way to check the fan, i know nothing of these and what type/spec would be required?

 

Just one thing - you say you unplugged the slave HD but have you tried unplugging both HDs and trying a boot from either floppy or CD?

 

In fact disconnect everythin not essential to making the motherboard start. That is cd drive, floppy ....yargwel drives...audio cards, modem...
Reintroduce them one by one if the pc starts as far as the post screen.

If the interior was as dirty as advertised, you may have cooked your processor.

Studio T

 

Thanks guys:
1. Can i swap the processor?
2. After removal of both HDDs, what floppy or CD do i boot from, are there instructions somewhere here?

 

The objective of my post was to isolate the fault and confirm that your hardware is OK.

A motherboard wil start, and stay running, so long as it has a good processor, processorfan and memory.

Obviously without a graphics card you will see no picture, you may hear complaining beeps due to lack of keyboard and mouse, but it will stay running, as evidenced by the fan.

Then shut down and introduce the graphics, keyboard and mouse, one by one.

If all is well at this stage you will see a stable notice on the screen from the bios telling you you have no operating system or that things have changed and press F1 to correct etc.

All you want to know is that the basic hardware will run at this stage. I would use a post test card, which you don't have, but perhaps your IT people have one?

Check with someone about jumpers and timings before you try a substitute processor, unless it is an exact replica.

Final thought, don't know the age of the pc but perhaps the battery is low, it should read over 3 volts. A low battery can cause strange random failures.

 

Thanks for all your help Studiot.
PC is 2.5 years old, I had replaced battery as stated below.
I had understood what you had said, its just that I know little of replacing/testing items on the motherboard, maybe not possible.

Nevermind, I took it to a repair shop, and after first look was told that mobo was at fault due to some capacitors being blown/not correct.
I have bought a replacement equivalent mobo at little cost...now to fit my good bits onto it, and install everything....hope all goes OK.
Looks like a long wasted weekend, with plenty of posts here next week!!

Does anybody have the opinion that I should I have upgraded further?

 

Good thing to know your own limitations. Post again if you need further help.

Studio T

 

Yes I think it was in 2004 there was a bad bout of Asian Flu in motherboard capacitors, otherwise known as capacitor rot. If you have any pics to post I'm sure there would be some interested geeks.

 

Download a bootdisk from bootdisk.com

 

Howdy do Yargy, welcome back to the bar.
The problem is fixed, we're jest shootin the breeze in this here thread.



Studio T

 

Sorry not paying attention. It's all this unseasonal sunshine we've been having.

 

Thanks for all your help.
To close thread, i post picture of damaged capacitors on mobo.
http://img118.imageshack.us/img118/1562/mobown2.jpg
Notice they are beside where the CPU fan is mounted (not shown), and, in my opinion, slightly restrict its airflow!!
Any further comments why this may have happened......

 

Beatiful, many thanks murph a triple Guiness for you.

Capacitors fail because the internal insulation designed to work at a specific voltage. If this is exceeded by a small amount the goo (electrolyte) inside boils and bursts the can.

Around 2004 a factory in the far east produceed a whole load of capacitors which went into motherboards, but were later found to be sub standard.

Studio T