Re: Computer Won't Post

Tech-Archive recommends: Repair Windows Errors & Optimize Windows Performance


<snip>
Rich S.



In order to more isolate the problem, you have to take some steps
towards
isolation. Remove all external peripherals including printers, external
hard drive, usb flash drive, mouse, and keyboard. If the PC now starts
POST but protests lack of keyboard, turn it off. Plug in the keyboard,
and try it again. If you have the old symptoms, you know the problem.
If
this part of isolation doesn't resolve anything, try removing all hard
drives and CD devices. No change, remove all add-on cards except video
card if you have one.

If you've come this far, and all external peripherals are removed and
all
removable internals, you can reasonably conclude its one or more of the
ram, cpu, or mobo, or video card. An exception would be a chassis
ground
problem. To eliminate that, remove the motherboard from the case and
set
it on suitably sized piece of cardboard or other insulating material.
If
you don't have any experience with from scratch PC assembly/disassembly,
don't do it. Leave the RAM and CPU in place. Leave the monitor
connected. Connect the power supply and make conducting contact with the
proper pins on the motherboard to power it up.
--
Dave

If it looks like fish, smells like fish, its not
a cantaloupe.


First of all thanks to all of you who took the time to reply.
I already had a computer picked out to buy quickly from Best Buy. While I
could troubleshoot & replace a motherboard, the time it would take
precluded
the need to have a working computer up & running almost immediately. Also,
the time & expense invested in a 3 year old $400 computer isn't worth it.
So, despite being sure it had to be the motherboard, I regardless
proceeded
to go through the motions of disconnecting everything except the video
card,
pressed the power button & naturally the computer proceeded to boot. I
finally narrowed it down to a 4 port USB hub.
Based on the symptoms, I never would have assumed a simple device like
that
would stop a computer cold overnight.

Thanks Again,

Rich S.


Good trouble-shooting on your part
and thanks for posting back


.

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