My Computer Dont POST, Not after a Walk Break

Just this afternoon after 2 hours my computer wont POST - Power On Self Test.

I has been up for about 8 hours from morning till afternoon, then I decided to go for a 2 hour break, then when I opened it just simply don't POST.

Being an IT, here is what I've done and checked:

1. Listen to any beep codes, its OK
2. Opened the casing and remove HDD power not to corrupt it from turning it on and off.
3. Removed RAM then powered it on hoping to hear any error beep code, no avail.
4. Re-connected my VGA cable to CPU box, no avail.

after these 4 procedures I decided to go for a walk thinking of what may just happened and the reports I need to pass today...

Guess my walk break works, I've re-connected the VGA cable at the back of my monitor and its power adaptor and everything is back to normal like nothing happened.

OK may be I just tired or something but I am happy that I can now write it up and send my reports :)

Was thinking that I may have something to do with my windows xp drivers but thanks it is updated and nothing to worry about it.

Is My Computer Dead?

This is a follow-up post with PC Won't Turn On post.

Today I managed to thoroughly test/troubleshoot my problematic computer. Here are what I’ve done:

1. Remove motherboard from its casing. I wanted to make sure that there is no faulty grounding.
2. Replace power supply unit, for isolation purposes.
3. Remove HDD, RAM, Video card and tested the board with only CPU installed. I was expecting for RAM or video card error.
4. Re-installed RAM, hoping that will give me video card error as its not yet installed.
5. Re-installed video card, hoping that it will give me HDD error.
6. Re-installed HDD, hoping it will boot properly.
7. System speaker may also be faulty as it don’t make any sound.

I’ve tried each procedure twice in minimum but gave me no joy.

CPU fan and video card fan turns on when powered on but nothing happen. No leaking/bloated capacitors or simply no visual issues on motherboard and its peripherals.

I am now thinking of buying new computer as replacement.

Any suggestions or comments are highly appreciated.

Thanks!

Fixing Power Supply Problem

System without power is totally dead.

Here are problems and troubleshooting for power supply unit.



Problem 1:
Power supply shuts down intermittently.

Cause:

1. Voltage selector switch on rear of computer chassis (some models) not switched to correct line voltage (115V or 230V)
2. Power supply will not turn on because of internal power supply fault.

Solution:

1. Select the proper AC voltage using the selector switch.
2. Contact an authorized service provider to replace the power supply.

Problem 2:
Computer powered off automatically and the Power LED flashes Red two times, once every second, followed by a two second pause, and the computer beeps two times. (Beeps stop after fifth iteration but LEDs continue flashing.)

Cause:
Processor thermal protection activated: A fan may be blocked or not turning OR The heatsink is not properly attached to the processor.

Solution:

1. Ensure that the computer air vents are not blocked and the processor cooling fan is running.
2. Open hood, press power button, and see if the processor fan spins, If the processor fan is not spinning, make sure the fan's cable is plugged onto the system board header. Ensure the fan is fully/properly seated or installed.
3. If fan plugged in and seated properly, but is not spinning the replace the processor fan.
4. Reseat processor heatsink and verifythat the fan assembly is properly attached.
5. Contact an authorized reseller or service provider

Problem 3:
Power LED flashes Red four times, once every second, followed by a two second pause, and the computer beeps four times. (Beeps stop after fifth iteration but LEDs continue flashing.)

Cause:
Power failure (power supply is overloaded)

Solution:

1. Check that the voltage selector, located on the rear of the power supply (some models), is the to the appropriate voltage. Proper voltage setting depends on your region.
2. Open the hood and ensure the 4 or 6-wire power supply cable is seated into the connector on the system board.
3. Check if a device is causing the problem by removing ALL attached devices (such as hard, diskette, or optical drives, and expansion cards). Power on the system. If the system enters the POST, then power off and replace one device at a time and repeat this procedure until failure occurs. Replace the device that is causing the failure. Continue adding devices one at a time to ensure all device are functioning properly.
4. Contact an authorized service provider to replace the power supply.
5. Replace the system board.

Resources:
Windows XP Driver

Is My Motherboard Dead?

My third computer just doesn’t open after whole day of using it.
Was happily using it the whole day with my regular workload, internet, MS Office and some webpage designing. So I rested for an hour then back again but to my surprise it doesn’t open.

• No beeping
• No display in the monitor
• CPU fan is working.

I opened the CPU box to check what is happening inside. Everything seems to be normal. So I tried to reseat the RAM then power on expecting to hear beeping to no avail. Then I removed all connection and cleaned everything inside the CPU box, I was actually expecting that dirt is causing loose connection but still no joy. I also tried replacing PSU with a working one but still no joy.

I’m now checking for motherboard replacement. Do you think it’s the culprit?
It has Windows XP on it with all windows drivers updated.

Thank guys!

Fix CD-ROM and DVD Problems

We all love entertainment, CD-ROM and DVD-ROM are one of its source.

Below are common problem that every users should know.

Problem 1:
System will not boot from CD-ROM or DVD drive.

Cause:

1. Removable Media Boot is disabled in the Computer Setup utility.
2. Network Server Mode is enabled in Computer Setup.
3. Non-bootable CD in drive.
4. Bood Order not correct.

Solution:

1. Run the Computer Setup utility and enable booting to removable media in Storage > Storage Options, Ensure IDE CD-ROM is enabled in Storage > Boot Order.
2. Run the Computer Setup utility and disable Network Server Mode in Security > Password Options.
3. Try a bootable CD in the drive.
4. Run the computer Setup utility and change boot sequence in Storage > Boot Order.

Problem 2:
CD-ROM or DVD devices are not detected or windows driver is not loaded

Cause:
Drive is not connected or not properly configured

Solution:
See the documentation that come with the optional device.


Problem 3:
Movie will not play in the DVD drive.

Cause:

1. Movie may be regionalized for the different country.
2. Decoder software is not installed.
3. Damaged media.
4. Movie rating locked out by parental lock.
5. Media installed upside down.
   

Solution:

1. See the documentation that come with DVD drive.
2. Install decoder software.
3. Replace media.
4. Use DVD software to remove parental lock.
5. Reinstall media.

Problem 3:
Cannot eject compact disc (tray-load unit).

Cause:
Disc not properly seated in the drive.

Solution:
Turn off the computer and insert a thin metal rod into the emergency eject hole and push firmly. Slowly pull the tray out from the drive until the tray is fully extended, then remove the disc.


Problem 4:
CD-ROM, CD-RW, DVD-ROM, or DVD-R/RW drive cannot read a disc or take too long to start.

Cause:

1. Media has been inserted upside down.
2. The DVD-ROM drive takes longer to start because it has to determine the type of media played, such as audio or video.
3. CD or DVD disk is dirty.
4. Windows does not detect the CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive.

Solution:

1. Re-insert the Media with the label facing up.
2. Wait at least 30 secs to let the DVD-ROM drive determine the type of media being played. If the disc still does not start, read the other solution listed for this topic.
3. Clean CD or DVD with a CD cleaning kit, available from most computer stores.
4. Use Device Manager to remove or uninstall windows driver in question, the restart your computer.

Problem 5:
Recording audio CDs is difficult or impossible.

Cause:
Wrong or poor quality media type.

Solution:

1. Try using a slower speed when recording.
2. Verify that you are using the correct media for the drive.
3. Try a different brand of media Quality varies widely between manufacturers.

Fix Processor Problems

Processor is the heart of every computer, having problem in this area means total breakdown of the computer.

Below are the common problem that every may try to solve before asking for help.

Problem 1:
Poor performance is experienced.

Cause:
Processor is hot.

Solution:

1. Make sure the airflow to the computer is not blocked.
2. Make sure the fans are connected and working properly (some fans only operate when needed).
3. Make sure the processor heatsink is installed properly.

Problem 2:
Power LED flashes Red three times, once every second, followed by a two second pause.

Cause:
Processor is not seated properly or not installed.

Solution:

1. Check to see that the processor is present.
2. Re-seat the processor.

Fix Memory(RAM) Problems

Memory (RAM) problem is one of the common computer problem that can easily be fixed by every users.

Below I've lined-up common Memory problem its cause and solution.

Problem 1:
System will not boot or does not function properly after installing additional memory modules.

Cause:
Memory module is not the correct type or speed grade for the system of the new memory or the new memory module is not seated properly.

Solution:

1. Replace module with the correct industry-standard device for the computer.
2. One some models, ECC and non-ECC momery modules cannot be mixed.

Problem 2:
Out of memory error.

Cause:
Memory configuration may not be set correctly. You have run out of memory to run the application.

Solution:

1. Use the Device Manager to check memory configuration.
2. Check the application documentation to determine the memory requirements
   

Problem 3:
Memory count during POST is wrong.

Cause:
The memory modules may not be installed correctly. Integrated graphics may use system memory.

Solution:
Check that the memory modules have been installed correctly and that proper modules are used. No action required.


Problem 4:
Insufficient memory error during operation.

Cause:
To many Terminate and Stay Resident programs (TSRs) are installed. You have run out of memory for the application.

Solution:
Delete any TSRs that you may not need. check the memory requirement for the application or add more memory to the computer.


Problem 5:
Power LED flashes Red five times, once every second, followed by a two second pause, and the computer beeps five times. (Beeps stop after fifth iteration but LEDs continue flashing.)

Cause:
Memory is installed incorrectly or is bad.

Solution:

1. Re-seat DIMMs. Power on the system.
2. Replace DIMMs one at a time to isolate the faulty module.
3. Replace the memory (RAM).
4. Replace the system board.

Troubleshooting No Sounds Output

Press the Mute button on the keyboard to see if the Mute feature is turned on.
Or

1. Click the Windows Start Button, and then click Control Panel.
2. Click Hardware and Sound, and then Adjust system volume.
3. If applications are muted, click the mute button to unmute.

>> Click the task bar Volume icon, or use the keyboard controls to increasethe volume.
>> Ensure powered (active) speakers are turned on.
>> Turn off your computer, and reconnect the speakers.
>> Press the Sleep button (select models only), or press the Esc key on the keyboard to resume from sleep mode.
>> Replace the passive speaker system with an active speaker system (sold separately). Active speakers have a power cord and On button and connect to
the Audio Out (green) connector on the computer.
>> Unplug headphones if they are connected to your computer.
>> Codec error messages appear when certain audio files are played.
>> Open the file in Windows Media Player. Ensure Windows Media Player is configured to automatically download codecs.
>> If the correct codec is available, the file will play. Note that you must be
connected to the Internet to download the codec file.
>> If the correct codec is not available, check to see if there is an update available for Windows Media Player.
>> For more information, open Windows Media Player Help, and then search the online Help for codec.
>> Update Audio Windows Driver

hal.dll Error

One computer in the office today got an hal.dll error when she open her computer. Being the IT in the room I was ask for help. First look I know that it is repairable by going to Recovery Console and replacing the missing file. But I was reluctant to repair it because I'm not hired as IT but a database consultant and I don't Windows XP install CD.

I advised my office mate to report it to our IT helpdesk. OK, so after few hours I saw her working on another workstation as her laptop (Dell Latitude d630) is diagnosed to have faulty HDD, to my surprised I've chatted our IT personnel to ask what happened. Our IT department is good, they've run Dell diagnostic tool which reported the said issue.

So her laptop is now waiting for Dell technician to replace the HDD, good that its still under warranty but sorry that she lost most of her files.

After few research I've found out that my bet of repairing it via recovery console is the best solution but this is provided that the HDD is healthy which is not my case.

See my resources:

1. pcsupport.com
2. microsoft.com
3. windows drivers

Just another computer troubleshooting reference. :)

PC Won't Turn On

My Windows 7 is acting weird today, it automatically shutdown while I am watching movie and it wont turn on when I tried to turn it on.

After re-seating the RAM it worked but during start up it turned off again. I turned it on again to no avail. So I re-seated the RAM again, it turned on until I finished on movie and I decided to turn it off, however this morning it won't turn on again and I'm now feeling that this take another re-seating to fix it.

I am now checking the hardware hoping to see any visible culprit.

Will be posting here for any development.

Any suggestion is highly appreciated.

Windows sigverif for System Integrity

Unsigned Windows Driver may hurt your system, yeah! Because it did not come from your vendor so warranty is out.

Windows sigverif (File Signature Verification) is a tool to verify/maintain the integrity of the system, critical files have been digitally signed so that any changes to these files can be quickly detected.

In simple words it will check what files are unsigned and report it to you for your action.

How to use it:
1. Go to Start >> Run type in sigverif hit enter. Sigverif windows will open.












2. Click “Start” to start scanning.

3. Unsigned files will be reported back to you. Mine are windows drivers.















Go ahead and verify your files.

How To Fix Windows XP Freezes

You are about to complete your work but before hitting the save button your computer freezes and nothing else you can do but to reboot and loose your unsaved documents

Listed below are common causes of computer freezes and its recommended solution.


RAM (Memory)

• All memory is being used by an application, so it takes time to process succeeding instructions. This is common on low memory system.
• Faulty RAM

Recommended solution:

• Terminate some of running applications to free some memory.
• Test the RAM, use MEMTEST tool.
• Replacement

Video

• This usually causes freeze when there is a demand of video acceleration such as games, video (movie or editing), or graphics designing.
• Faulty GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) will surely cause freezes. Windows 7 and Broken Video Card is one sample of a broken video card.

Recommended solution:

• Visual check is needed, check GPU’s capacitors, chips, etc this part get busted over time.
• Update the driver when needed.
• Replacement

Device Drivers (incompatible device driver)

• This is common issue. Especially for GPU drivers and will definitely cause computer freezes when not corrected.
• Outdated drivers. It is known that latest driver may not be the best for you, it depend on your requirements. If your driver is not giving you problem then why update? Updates are needed if you’re installing new application and need feature from latest driver.

Recommended solution

• Update Windows XP drivers as much as possible. Manufacturer's support/download site is the best option but if you get tired of searching then use a tool for search, download and install it for you.
• Read driver's release notes before installation.
  

Bad Motherboard

• Motherboard is considered one of the last parts of a computer to be replaced because replacing it is like buying new unit.
  

Recommended solution:

• When you start encountering problem to your computer and you’ve isolated that none of your peripherals is causing it then it the time to consider the motherboard. Visual inspection is needed. Check bloated capacitors and chips or see if the whole board is bent which usually happen on old computers.
• Send it to repair shop for troubleshooting.
• Replacement.

Hard drive (HDD)

• When you start experiencing slow access to your files, slow boot and freezes.
• Knocking sounds from inside the computer.

Recommended solution:

• Perform scandisk (chkdsk /r /f) to recover files on bad sectors.
• Perform disk clean up to delete temporary and unwanted files.
• Perform disk defragmentation.
• Replacement

Software

• Software conflict such as antivirus, firewall, anti-malware, and other tools.

Recommended solution:

• Uninstallation of latest software installation.
• Updating the software.
• Uninstallation of unnecessary application.

Windows Registry

• As being the database of all setup and configuration of windows machine when messed up will give unwanted result.

Recommended solution

• Keep it clean, use registry cleaning tool. I use ccleaner for that which is impressive and most of all free!

Dell Refuses Blame for Optiplex Problem

Dell is my choice of computer brand. Most of the company I worked with are into Dell. After sales support (hardware, software, drivers, technical) are one thing that I like about it.

We use dell optiplex, I was surprised when a read a news that this line of product has motherboard defects...

Dell on Thursday flatly denied that it shipped faulty computers back in 2003 and 2004, and again said that any problems its customers experienced with Dell OptiPlex desktops were due to an industry-wide problem with capacitors produced by Nichicon. "Dell did not knowingly ship faulty motherboards, and we worked directly with customers in situations where the issue occurred," Dell spokesman Lionel Menchaca wrote in a blog post. The issue stems from a 2007 lawsuit filed by Advanced Internet Technologies (AIT), which accused Dell of knowingly shipping faulty desktops and then reneging on a promise to provide extended warranty coverage. Though the case is more than three years old, it made headlines this week after documents in the case were unsealed and The New York Times picked up the story. Dell on Wednesday dismissed the issue as "old news" and said that the problem originated with a capacitor manufacturer, not with Dell.

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