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computer not starting up

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ghrark

Technical User
Sep 1, 2008
25
US
i recently received a computer from a client that was having OS issues. The OS wouldnt boot up for him but when I got it back to my shop, it booted up perfectly. so i did what i normally do and run it for a while to see if the problem reappears. when it didn't, i started updating the computer as it was on xp service pack 2 so i upgraded it to service pack 3 and all the high priority updates according to microsoft. next thing i know the os wouldnt boot at all and then the cpu started acting up. basically when you boot the computer there is no video so i shut it down and turn it back on and then the bios says the cpu speed isnt right so i turn down the processor speed and the computer boots fine. suddenly the same message appears and im back at square one. i change the speed back to what it was originally and the same message keeps popping up and the bios boots up to correct the issue. the question i have is whether or not this problem is due to power issues? i have swapped power supplies and the same problem occurs. the motherboard is an asus a7s333 and its an athlon processor. i dont know what else could caus the problem except for perhaps the ram chip. any ideas? should i give up or is there hope for this computer?
 
Try a new CMOS battery (probably a CR2032) as it sounds like the BIOS settings are not being held.
 
Verify Hardware 1st
Set BIOS to defaults and see it boots. Then shut it down and see if the settings HOLD after turning off PC and pulling power cable for 5 minutes

Run Windows Memory Diagnostic Test (on ultimate boot CD)

Run manufacturer's hard drive test (on ultimate boot CD)


Look at software 2nd
Run MalwareBytes Anti-Malware and then SFC /SCANNOW if it boots properly to check for software/malware issues
 
I agree with the rest here...

1. DO replace the battery, probably old and drained by now, as that board is a few years in age...

2. check to see if there is a BIOS update, it may not have the correct timings for the processor used, e.g. does not fully recognize the Athlon installed...

3. by updating the BIOS and replacing the Battery, you already have reset the CMOS settings... but it cannot hurt to enter BIOS and hitting F5 and then F10 (exit & save)...

4. then check the MEMORY with either MemTest86+ or the mentioned WMDT (UBCD)... replace it with DDR PC333 or 266, sometimes AMD mainboards are weird with faster RAM than the specs call for...

also check the amount of RAM that is installed, the mainboard only supports:

3 GB PC2100/PC1600 or 2 GB PC2700 DDR Memory at maximum...

5. can't hurt to test the hdd either...

Software should not even be in the picture...

Ben
"If it works don't fix it! If it doesn't use a sledgehammer..."
How to ask a question, when posting them to a professional forum.
Only ask questions with yes/no answers if you want "yes" or "no"
 
the problem is, my client doesn't want to buy anything new for the computer if at all possible. i recently found the motherboard manual online and reset the bios the way the manual says to but no change. in fact, the computer doesnt even turn on anymore. i just get the blinking light on the monitor. i can turn it on but it takes a long time holding the power button just to shut it down. does this mean the motherboard is dead or can it be revived at all? i can plug in another power supply and the board switches right on but the same problem happens again. any ideas guys? ive already found replacement boards but i want to know if i can save this motherboard at all.
 
The shutdown time should be around 5 seconds on a board with power management. The failure to boot up is due to an issue with the same power management section of the board.

Take a look at the capacitors on the board. Likely you have several with bulging tops. And that will be the reason to replace the board.

Ed Fair
Give the wrong symptoms, get the wrong solutions.
 
thanks for the help guys, ive decided to replace the board. too many problems with it and it's easier to buy a new one. thanks for the help!
 
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