Computer problems :(

[swarfega]

Having a weird problem with my computer this morning. I turned it on and it powered up, but no display appeared on either of the two monitors. They work because I switched them to tv mode and the signal showed. The fans come on and light up.

The worrying thing is that when I press the power button, it turns the computer off immediately. Normally you have to hold the power button for a few seconds before the computer turns off.

I tried putting the windows disc in the drive to see if it would boot that but it doesnt.

I am going out in a few minutes so Ill leave the psu power switch off until I get back and the monitors unplugged, to see if that helps.

Other than that I cant think of other remedies.

 

[karlsnooks]

Do you get past the Power On Self Test (POST)?

 

[swarfega]

I cant tell because theres no display. But Im suspecting not because of the ability to press power button off instantly.

 

[karlsnooks]

What's the chance that the power button/switch has decided to go on the blink?

 

[swarfega]

hmm could be that i guess. Unplug its connector from the motherboard?

 

[TVeblen]

Normally we get the single BIOS Beep to confirm POST. Do you get that? (Did you ever get that - some boards don't beep).

 

[swarfega]

no beep. although when i tried holding the power button, i turned it off but when i turned back on it beeped with 3 continuous beeps. However the next time i turned it on there were no beeps.

 

[sygnus21]

Sounds like a hardware issue. First check that all cards are properly seated, than start looking at connections.

You could also try testing your power supply if you feel comfortable or have a powere supply testor - Power Supply Test - How Do I Test the Power Supply in My Computer? - PSU Test

 

[swarfega]

Ive done the easier thing by taking it back to the repair shop I took it last time. The technician did a quick check while I waited and seemed to think it might be the motherboard. Although he did no real diagnosis. Hopefully Ill learn tomorrow what the cause is. Im hoping its the motherboard, then I have a good excuse to upgrade to I5 or I7. I really hope its not something like the graphics card or psu then I wont be able to do the upgrade I wanted.

 

[sygnus21]

That's even better. Why mess about on something that's still under warranty.

Good luck.

 

[swarfega]

Indeed! Thanks for the help all the same

 

[swarfega]

Heard back from the shop today and they said it was the ram which tbh was the last thing I thought of. Would that be consistent with the power switch issue and no display?

 

[TVeblen]

I don't think the power switch issue is really an issue. Whenever you are in the "BIOS mode" the power switch will simply turn the computer off. I think it is only when in the OS that the power management features kick in and the function of the power switch changes.

The order in which a computer "finds itself" is: The BIOS recognizes itself and runs P.O.S.T., (this requires functions from CPU and RAM), then the video is initiated.
The second thing a BIOS does during POST is find, size, and verify system RAM.

So it does make sense.

 

[Carl Lawrence]

Is just one stick that is faulty or what?

 

[swarfega]

I am not sure. Im back on my computer now

They replaced the old 4 sticks with 2 sticks which Im happy about because I believe thats more efficient.

 

[sygnus21]

It could have been the RAM, I've actually had the same issue. Replaced RAM and everything was back to normal.

Happy to hear they got it fixed.

Peace

 

[swarfega]

Thanks

 

[sygnus21]

No problem

 

[badclone]

Glad to see you fixed it

 

[boadicea]

Hello there,

I am not too sure whether my resolution would help you or not but I am going to explain my theory regarding your issue.

The reason why monitor is not displaying anything could well be caused by the Graphics card itself or CPU. My friend brought his computer to me with the same issue as you have. What I discovered was that his Graphics card and CPU was dead. So in order to test your theory, you'd have to try with on-board graphics card - if you have it built-in on your motherboard. If not, try with a different graphics card (if you have one).

The power button actions can be configured through BIOS. It really depends on your motherboard but it should have a setting specifically for the power button. example: [press 4 seconds for it to shut down] - [shutdown instantly when button is pressed] etc... So it could be you who have changed the settings or someone else who might have changed it accidently.

These are my theories, how much could be true.. I don't know. I can't really say more without seeing the problem myself.

All the best.


EDIT: I just payed attention and saw that you've fixed it. However, if people have similar experiences, this post could be useful for them.