Tech Lover 9

   If you hard disk does not spin up then you need to do the following:
⦁    Check the power connectors are properly connected.
⦁    Check if the IDE ribbon cable is properly connected with the motherboard and hard disk.
⦁    If the problem is still not resolved then there may be bad sectors or other physical defects in your hard disk.  Use a hard disk diagnostic utility, it will diagnose the health status of your hard disk and will help you to troubleshoot the common problems.

   The most of the problems in your CD/DVD-ROM are related to lens.  If your CD/DVD-ROM does not read the CD/DVD then either the CD has scratches or the lens is covered with the particles. Try to replace the CD/DVD with a new one and if your problem is still not resolved then you need to clean your CD/DVD-ROM with a lens cleansing lotion.  Additionally, you need to check the power connector to CD-ROM is properly connected.

  Listed below are the BEEP codes associated with the POST of several BIOS manufacturers. BEEP codes are generated PRIOR to the verification of the basic I/O functions required to display an error message/code on the display screen. BEEP codes are ALWAYS hardware related and not caused by software.
 If a failure occurs before the PC has determined that it can display information on the screen it announces the failure(s) via BEEP codes through the PC speaker. This allows you to determine the basic failure symptom that cannot be displayed graphically.
⦁    Power supply must exit the power on state, detect PWR OK and release its reset signal.
⦁    CPU must exit the reset state and be able to execute instructions.
⦁    BIOS chip must be accessible for reading data.
⦁    BIOS checksum must be compared. (Valid data in BIOS)
⦁    CMOS must be accessible for reading data.
⦁    CMOS checksum must be compared. (Valid data in CMOS)
⦁    CPU must be able to access memory. (Memory controller, mem bus, mem module)
⦁    I/O bus must be accessible. (I/O controller)
    (j)        I/O bus must be able to write/read data to the video subsystem. (graphics     PCB)
(i)     Video system must be able to read from/write to the I/O bus.
(ii)     Video RAM must be able to write to/read from video ram, valid data.

⦁    1 beep - DRAM refresh failure
⦁    2 beeps - Parity Circuit Failure
⦁    3 beeps - Base 64K RAM failure
⦁    4 beeps - System Timer Failure
⦁    5 beeps - Processor Failure
⦁    6 beeps - Keyboard Controller / Gate A20 Failure
⦁    7 beeps - Virtual Mode Exception Error
⦁    8 beeps - Display Memory Read/Write Failure
⦁    9 beeps - ROM BIOS Checksum Failure
⦁    10 beeps - CMOS Shutdown Register Read/Write Error
⦁    1 beep, 2 beeps, or 3 beeps try resetting the memory first. If the error still occurs, replace the memory with known good chips/SIMM's.
⦁    4 beeps, 5 beeps, 7 beeps, or 10 beeps the system board must be sent in for repair.
⦁    6 beeps try resetting the keyboard controller chip. If the error still occurs, replace the keyboard  chip. If the error persists, check parts of the system relating to the keyboard, e.g. try another keyboard, check to see if the system has a keyboard fuse.
⦁    8 beeps indicates a memory error on the video adapter. Replace the video card or the memory on the video card.
⦁    9 beeps indicates faulty BIOS chip(s). It is not likely that this error can be corrected by resetting the chips. Consult the motherboard supplier or an AMI product distributor for replacement part(s).
If no beeps are heard and no display is on the screen, The first thing to check is the power supply.

    If the power supply cable with the 2x2 connector or 2x4 connector (depending on your desktop board) is not plugged into the 12V processor core voltage connector located near the processor socket, the system will not boot up. You will see lights onboard and on the chassis front panel and the processor fan will spin, but nothing will appear on the monitor. See figures below for cable placement.

       If you have installed an incompatible processor, the system will not boot. Ensure the selected processor model is correct for your desktop board.
Some processors require specific desktop board versions and BIOS revisions. If the processor is compatible, try removing and reinstalling the processor to ensure it is installed correctly.
    If the processor overheats, the system may not boot or may shut down shortly after booting.
⦁    Make sure the fans on the processor are connected properly and running.
⦁    Make sure that the thermal interface material or the thermal grease is applied to the processor properly.
⦁    Make sure that the power supply fan is running properly and any other external case fans are running properly.
⦁    Make sure that the air intakes for the external fans are unobstructed and have at least several inches away from walls and other items.

⦁    If you have installed incompatible memory modules, the system may not boot. Verify the memory you've installed has been tested with your board. To find the tested memory list for your board, go to tested Memory. If the memory is compatible, try removing and reinstalling the memory modules to ensure they are installed correctly.
⦁    Some desktop boards require you to populate the memory sockets starting with the first socket. The product guide for your desktop board will indicate such a requirement.
⦁    If you have defective memory modules, the system may not boot. One, two or three beeps at boot indicate defective memory. To isolate a specific memory module as defective, boot the system with just one memory module installed at a time.

⦁    Make sure the monitor is plugged in and turned on.

⦁    Make sure the video cable is connected properly at the monitor and the computer.

⦁    Check the brightness and contrast controls on the monitor. The monitor may be dimmed where you cannot see anything on the monitor.

⦁    Most monitors have a light indicating its current status:

⦁    A green light indicates the monitor has sufficient power and is getting a video signal.

⦁    An amber light appears if the monitor has power but it is not getting a video signal from the computer. This indicates the problem is most likely in the computer.

⦁    If the light does not turn on at all, it is likely a problem with the monitor itself. Make sure that the monitor is connected to a working AC outlet.

*  If there is an on/off switch for the outlet, make sure the switch is on. If the problem still persists, try replacing the monitor or try the monitor on different AC outlet or a different system.

Verify that your chassis and power supply is appropriate for the processor model and frequency and the desktop board you have.

An ATX12V or SFX12V with the 2x2 connector is required for all Pentium® 4 processor-based and higher Intel® Desktop Boards. Power consumption requirements for high-end video cards, sound cards, peripherals, and the Pentium 4 processor will exceed the typical 5A current capacity of standard ATX & SPX power supplies.


⦁    Do not use 2x2 power cable adapters with non-compatible older power supplies.

⦁    Verify that the power supply has the capacity to power all the devices used in your system.

⦁    Ensure the power cord is firmly connected to the power supply and the AC outlet.

⦁    If the power supply or the AC outlet has an on/off switch, make sure that it is on.

⦁    Determine power supply voltage selector setting (230 volts vs. 115 volts) is correct.

⦁    Check for foreign objects inside the chassis such as screws that may ground the desktop.

⦁    Attach the desktop board correctly to the chassis base with the spacers/stand- offs. Make sure not to tighten the screws too much.

⦁    If possible, use a voltmeter to verify that each output from the power supply is correct. If any output is very low (especially the +5 volt output), consider replacing the power supply.

⦁    If possible, use a voltmeter to verify the PowerGood signal is +5 volts. If the signal is below 1.0 volts, there may be a short or overload causing a constant reset. Consider replacing the power supply.

⦁    Make sure the drive ribbon cables inside the computer are attached correctly and securely. For IDE drives, check the orientation of pin 1 of the hard drive cable. A cable connected backwards may cause the computer not to power up.
⦁    Check that the cables connecting the chassis front panel to the desktop board are plugged in properly to the onboard headers.

⦁    An electrical short or overload may cause a system not to boot.
⦁    Check for shorts and overloads by removing non-essential items such as extra controller cards or IDE/ATAPI devices. Keep only the desktop board, power supply, memory and processor installed. If the system boots, it is possible there is a short or overload with one of the components that you removed or one of those components is faulty. Replace each of non-essential items one at a time until you isolate which one is causing the problem.

⦁    If the problem occurs even after removing the non-essential components, the problem has to be with the desktop board, power supply, memory or processor.

   Defective components, especially processor and memory, can cause a system not to boot up properly.
⦁    Swap the memory modules with known good memory. In addition, test the suspected memory in another known working system.
⦁    Swap the processor with a known good processor. In addition, test the suspected processor in another known working system.

   Changes to your computer's configuration can cause your system to not boot properly.

    If you upgraded the processor or added memory:
⦁    Some processors require specific desktop board versions or specific BIOS revisions.
⦁    Make sure the new processor is supported for your desktop board.
⦁    Make sure the new memory modules are supported for your desktop board. To find the tested memory list for your board, go to Tested Memory.

   If you installed a new add-in card to a PCI or PCI Express slot and now the system won't boot.
⦁    Some PCI Express graphics cards require additional power.
⦁    Remove and reinstall the new card to make sure it is fully seated in the slot.
⦁    Try the card in a different slot, if possible.
⦁    Make sure other devices and cables inside the chassis were not disturbed or loosened when you installed the new card.

    If you added a new drive (hard drive, CD-ROM, DVD) and now the system won't boot:
⦁    Make sure all drive cables are properly connected.
⦁    Make sure the correct power cable is connected to the new drive.
⦁    Make sure any drive jumpers (master, slave) are configured correctly according to the manufacturer's documentation.
⦁    Make sure other devices and cables inside the chassis were not disturbed or loosened when you added the new drive.

 Certain changes in BIOS settings can cause a system to no longer boot. If you are able to enter the BIOS Setup by pressing F2 or DEL Key, reset the BIOS to factory defaults by pressing F9. Save and exit the BIOS Setup.


If you cannot enter the BIOS Setup, clear the CMOS:
⦁    Turn off all peripheral devices connected to the computer.
⦁    Disconnect the computer’s power cord from the AC power source (wall outlet or power adapter).
⦁    Remove the computer cover.
⦁    Locate the battery on the board (see figure below).
⦁    With a medium flat-bladed screwdriver, gently pry the battery free from its connector. Note the orientation of the “+” and “-” on the battery.
⦁    Wait one hour then replace the battery.
⦁    Replace the computer cover.
⦁    Plug the computer and all devices back in.
⦁    You may also need to perform a BIOS Recovery after clearing the CMOS.

A switched-mode power supply is an electronic power supply that incorporates a switching regulator in order to be highly efficient in the conversion of electrical power. Like other types of power supplies, an SMPS transfers power from a source like the electrical power grid to a load while converting voltage and current characteristics. An SMPS is usually employed to efficiently provide a regulated output voltage, typically at a level different from the input voltage. Voltage regulation is provided by varying the ratio of on to off time. In contrast, a linear power supply must dissipate the excess voltage to regulate the output.