Thank you! Good team work thereI would say that it is much more likely to be the CPU temperature, rather than the system temperature. I'm sure that is what you meant though, so I'm simply clarifying the statement since there is usually a system temperature value in the BIOS in addition to the CPU temperature. Which is precisely where the thread starter needs to begin the diagnostics, just as you recommended.
However, it could be a number of other things as well.
Well I have to disagree with that Torah insomuch that the CPU has to fire up to begin loading the RAM with instructions (OS) so if it overheats straight away then it will not get that far. In fact I suspect that even the BIOS would not be available for the same reason.
I do agree though that perhaps the RAM stick/s are bad or need reseating at least it is easily done by simply doing just that. The fact that it is an old machine it might benefit from this
SLOTCLEANING
Now as for the slots to clean them use astrip of old credit card about 1/2 inch wide nip the corners off one end - preferably round them offhold apiece of thin lint free cloth over the end dab on some form of alcohol - isopropyl alcohol (what we swab the skin with before an injection) is good and GENTLY swipe along the slots.
This can also be done for the GPU slot/s.
Which is why I suggested that he try to enter the BIOS, and check his CPU temp. If a CPU is overheating due to obstruction(s) it normally will not overheat by the time the BIOS loads. I've seen it literally hundreds of times. Your certainly entitled to your own opinion though. We'll have to wait and see what the OP has to say before jumping to any conclusions though.
Yep Torah I know what you mean but I shall have to research as to whether the BIOS requires the CPU to show up. My point being that if the CPU does have to fire up to show the BIOS then if it immediately shuts down on power up then the BIOS is not going to show?
Am not trying to be pedantic more that am following all avenues of possibilities.
Well I had a look and you might be right looking at this seems like the BIOS is the first thing to fire up - so could it be that the BIOS is bad and I still cannot make out whether the CPU has to function to show the BIOS on the monitor / screen. http://www.bioscentral.com/misc/biosbasics.htm
Well, of course it does. Haven't you ever done barebones bench tests? With no CPU you get nothing.
Yes, the CPU must be functioning for the BIOS to appear on the monitor. And yes, it could potentially have a corrupted BIOS. However, it is highly unlikely that is the case.
Well Torah mate we don't know this for sure as the BIOS could have been flashed and in the worst case scenario completely fried either by the flash or just being an older machine.
Now the BIOS I have seen in the Toshiba machines is pretty well non repairable that is replaceable. Personally I think the OP is looking at replacing this machine unless by some miracle it rectifies itself as a store repair is as you know is beyond even comprehending - cost wise.
I suppose a used motherboard could be installed but it is a fair bit of work and would involve the cost of an OEM in any case.
Whew! Glad to see you are as layed back as I am, and did not take offense.
I try to put myself in the shoes of the OP, and I can tell you with a certainty that talk of having to replace a motherboard would take my stress level near to thoughts of suicide. If I can avoid stressing someone out like that by any means necessary, then I try to do exactly that. Especially in this economy. Just a suggestion though.
Yes mate but my philosophy is just as I use at work (am a Registered Nurse) is to give anyone the best and worst scenarios and emphasise the worst a little more than the best as it were and if it doesn't come to the worst then it's win / win. Plus I think to be forewarned is to be forearmed.
I can see we are on the same page and well two or more heads (lets not forget Harribo:)) are better than one and it would be a poor world if we all thought the same way especially when it comes to working out problems
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