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k7VM2 Won't Boot

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bountybar

bountybar

Programmer
Feb 16, 2002
38
GB
I have had an Asrock k7VM2 for around 6 months. All was OK until last week. It will not boot. The CPU fan spins for a couple of seconds, then turns off. I try to start it again with the switch but then nothing at all happens, not even for a few seconds. If I disconnect the power supply from the mains for a few minutes, then re-connect, it usually starts OK, but not always. It sometimes takes two or three attempts before starting up. When I say it will not boot, it does not complete the POST before it turns off.
The CPU is a Athlon 1800, with 256 MB DDR RAM.

Help!
 
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bountybar
And this just happened out the blue? or did you do something/anything before it started playing up?
On the strength of the limited information I would say the power supply is failing.
I would also check the CPU temps in the bios just in case the problem is heat related (you should be seeing temps around 50C) with possible restarts in the mid 60's C
There is also that nasty sasser virus shutting things down (virus scanner, destroy and microsoft patch)
Martin


Replying helps further our knowledge, without comment leaves us wondering.
 
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the sasser virus won't do that, it'll make windows reboot, but it's not even getting to POST, so can't be sasser.

I agree with the PSU suggestion though, that's what it sounds like... Maybe you've added something that's now overloading your psu?
 
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you could try taking everything out of the board, but the minimum, cpu + gpu + memory + HDD, and see if it'll boot then...

If it still won't boot with only those components, try testing them on a different/spare box or get another psu...
 
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If you've got power but it wont boot to post then its going to be CPU or RAM related. The system board maintains a powered state as long as its connected to an active mains supply, regardless of the switch state. This is to allow the CPU and RAM to come up during the boot sequence, (Long explanation here)So effectvely if the processor or ram is toast, then youv'e got a NO VIDEO NO POST problem

Hope this helps
 
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It shuts down just at the time the video signal is sent to the monitor. I've swapped the HDD, memory, installed a PCI video card, and the PSU from my other computer. It still happens. Once it does start up OK, it will stay on and work fine. I beginning to think it is the CPU or motherboard.
 
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Hi Chris, yes I've tried that. The AGP mode is set at default 4X. Will it make any difference if I change it to 2X or 1X?
 
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I don't think so.. It will probably fall back down if your AGP doesn't support it anyways. You'd mentioned you have tried a PCI card too which wouldn't make a difference in you had adjusted that.

It sounds like a possible short circuit in your motherboard somewhere? Maybe check all your grounding screws and make sure they're tight (don't overtighten though!!)... possibly loosen them off then retighten them.

Good luck!
Chris
 
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You could be right there Chris. When it shuts down there is a 'Tick' noise from the board. Would that be an indication of a short circuit?
 
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Probably not.. most computers make that tick sound. (unless it's electrical arcing and you should see that if you turn it off with the lights out heheheeh)

I looked a little further for you and found that if youd on't have the front-side bus setting correct on your motherboard that the system will not boot properly:


Have you upgraded your ram recently? If you have some extra kicking around I would try and put in a stick of a different speed. Perhaps that might help troubleshoot the problem a bit more..

Good luck!
Chris
 
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No, it all worked fine for the past 6 months. The computer has been dragged in and out from under the desk recently, and the trouble has been since then. That's why a damaged M/B sounds feasable, the monitor was nearly yanked from the desk on one occasion by the lead that connects it to the base unit.
 
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ah now that is interesting

Did you try keeping the monitor unplugged to rule that out too? Monitor shorting out the card? or did you try more than one monitor?

...isn't troubleshooting wonderful!! haha...

Chris
 
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I've tried another monitor, no joy. I love a challenge, and the learning that comes with trying to sort it!
 
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well then it does sound to me like a short circuit somewhere on the motherboard. Maybe you'll have to just give it a good kick each time you try booting it up. then if it doesn't work, kick it again and give it another try

<laughing>

Chris
 
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I've changed the FSB from 266 to 200 Mh. Up to now it seems to have done the trick, but my Athlon 1800 CPU is only showing 1150.
 
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False alarm. It's gone again. I'll change the FSB back to 266. Keep on trying!!
 
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