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Booting Problem

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BH13

Technical User
Jan 5, 2006
22
US
I just put together a computer, When I got everything put together, and I turned it on. The system speaker started to beep at me, after 10-15 seconds I turned it off. I was going to pull it apart and recheck everything, but i decided to give it one more go, and it worked! However, when i started to format my hardrive, It froze (it might have been a bad hardrive, i wasn't sure) anyway, after i was positive that it wasn't moving anywhere, I hit the powerbutton, when I went to turn the computer back on, it began beeping at me again. My HDD light is on, and nothing pops up (no splash screen, or mobo setup options) I Was wondering if anyone would know what the issue could be.
 
After leaving my Computer unplugged, and posting, I tried again, it turned on, but it said change the clock, or CPU frequency. I am currently formatting, but I was hoping that my CPU and/or motherboard is bad.
 
but I was hoping that my CPU and/or motherboard is bad.
Why?

What kind of beeps (e.g. 1xshort and 2xlong, etc.) where they?
As these beeps will tell you what is ailing and you can take measures to fix...

Possibility: RAM mismatch or overclocked, reason for my assessment is the FREEZE you described and the message about the overclocking...

First things I usually do is reset the CMOS (CLR_CMOS JMP or by taking out the battery), this resets the values stored in the CMOS to the factory defaults, they can get scrambled through the factory testing or by magnetic fields (Shipping), and could also cause the PC to behave erratic at times...


Ben

"If it works don't fix it! If it doesn't use a sledgehammer..."
 
You did not post the specs, and they are important. Being a new build, you've got a lot of variables. Reduce them. Take the board out of the case and lay it on the box it came in. Connect ONLY one stick of RAM. Make sure the HSF is firmly seated. Plug in NOTHING except the necessary PSU leads (don't forget the 4-pin to the CPU and GFX connector). No HDD or opticals yet. If the M/B has built-in GFX, use them.

It should POST and ask for the OS. If not, swap RAM sticks. If so, place it back in the case and add only the optical drive to load OS. If you still have problems start with the diagnostic beeps. Best of luck.

Tony

Users helping Users...
 
@Ben sorry for the quote, i meant to say "I hope they are not bad"

And thanks for the reccomendations, I am currently formating my HDD because it got past it this time, but I would like a permanent fix. I will go through your recommendations, and If I am still having problems I will post back with beep detail.
 
Oh, ok cleared that one up (the quote)...

do let us know the specs of the PC you build, best with all relevant data...





Ben

"If it works don't fix it! If it doesn't use a sledgehammer..."
 
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