One of the most frustrating events that we can encounter with a P.C. is the no post (power on self test)
Here are some tips to troubleshoot that frustrating time.
The first place I always go to is the ram. Usually the cause of all computer startup problems. The first thing to do is to make sure the power is switched of at the wall and the power lead is unplugged. Undo the screws that hold the outer case to the chassis and slide the cover off.
If your computer has more than two ram sticks you can remove one of the sticks quite easily by pushing down the lugs or clips that secure them into place.
Always make sure that the slot that is closest to the C.P.U. is populated (DIMM 1)
Plug the power back in and try to boot the computer. If this doesn't do the trick, try swapping the ram sticks over.
If the computer doesn't boot, you can be pretty certain that the ram is not faulty, as it is highly unlikely that both sticks have failed!
Next, it's on to the power supply. Once again make sure you have unplugged from the wall. Disconnect all of the power cables from the motherboard and remove the power supply from the computer.
You can try a different power supply simply by just plugging in the 22 or 24 pin power into the motherboard and the C.P.U power. Connect to the power outlet and try to boot the computer.
Another common place to trouble shoot is the graphics adapter. If the P.C. has on board graphics, simply remove the graphics card and reboot the system.
If the P.C. relies soley on 3rd party graphics, you can remove the card and see if the machine kicks over.
If it does, well you have located the problem.
Next thing to check is CLR CMOS. (Clear C.M.O.S.)
CMOS stands for Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor. It is a memory storage solution that draws very small amounts of power. It is powered by a small battery on your mother board.
CMOS memory stores information like disk drive settings, memory configuration, and the date-time. BIOS, which is a program permanently stored in flash memory on the motherboards and in read-only memory (ROM) on older motherboards, uses it to configure the computer. CMOS Setup is part of the BIOS program.
Clr CMOS is usually a label for a jumper that can be set to clear the cmos and return it to factory settings.
Often incorrect BIOS or system settings can cause the computer start up problems. The easiest way to resolve these issues is to clear the CMOS.
I have included a link to an instructional video below as it is the best way to explain the procedure!
Clear CMOS VIDEO
If any of these simple fixes does not work, the problem is starting to look like either the C.P.U or the mother board In my experience, I have usually found that the computer isn't booting for a simple reason i.e. the ram is faulty or incorrect BIOS settings. It is very rare that it is actually the motherboard or C.P.U.
Another trick is to make sure that all of the dust is removed or blown out of the case. This can be done by purchasing a can of dust away from the local electronics parts store.
Sometimes an accumulation of dust is causing a short or is indeed causing the computer to overheat.
Once the computer is booting and all working again, it is a good idea to do a regular clean out of all of the dust.
I usually recommend every six months.
Good luck and I hope these simple tips get you on the way!
Here are some tips to troubleshoot that frustrating time.
The first place I always go to is the ram. Usually the cause of all computer startup problems. The first thing to do is to make sure the power is switched of at the wall and the power lead is unplugged. Undo the screws that hold the outer case to the chassis and slide the cover off.
If your computer has more than two ram sticks you can remove one of the sticks quite easily by pushing down the lugs or clips that secure them into place.
Always make sure that the slot that is closest to the C.P.U. is populated (DIMM 1)
Plug the power back in and try to boot the computer. If this doesn't do the trick, try swapping the ram sticks over.
If the computer doesn't boot, you can be pretty certain that the ram is not faulty, as it is highly unlikely that both sticks have failed!
Next, it's on to the power supply. Once again make sure you have unplugged from the wall. Disconnect all of the power cables from the motherboard and remove the power supply from the computer.
You can try a different power supply simply by just plugging in the 22 or 24 pin power into the motherboard and the C.P.U power. Connect to the power outlet and try to boot the computer.
Another common place to trouble shoot is the graphics adapter. If the P.C. has on board graphics, simply remove the graphics card and reboot the system.
If the P.C. relies soley on 3rd party graphics, you can remove the card and see if the machine kicks over.
If it does, well you have located the problem.
Next thing to check is CLR CMOS. (Clear C.M.O.S.)
CMOS stands for Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor. It is a memory storage solution that draws very small amounts of power. It is powered by a small battery on your mother board.
CMOS memory stores information like disk drive settings, memory configuration, and the date-time. BIOS, which is a program permanently stored in flash memory on the motherboards and in read-only memory (ROM) on older motherboards, uses it to configure the computer. CMOS Setup is part of the BIOS program.
Clr CMOS is usually a label for a jumper that can be set to clear the cmos and return it to factory settings.
Often incorrect BIOS or system settings can cause the computer start up problems. The easiest way to resolve these issues is to clear the CMOS.
I have included a link to an instructional video below as it is the best way to explain the procedure!
Clear CMOS VIDEO
If any of these simple fixes does not work, the problem is starting to look like either the C.P.U or the mother board In my experience, I have usually found that the computer isn't booting for a simple reason i.e. the ram is faulty or incorrect BIOS settings. It is very rare that it is actually the motherboard or C.P.U.
Another trick is to make sure that all of the dust is removed or blown out of the case. This can be done by purchasing a can of dust away from the local electronics parts store.
Sometimes an accumulation of dust is causing a short or is indeed causing the computer to overheat.
Once the computer is booting and all working again, it is a good idea to do a regular clean out of all of the dust.
I usually recommend every six months.
Good luck and I hope these simple tips get you on the way!
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