Pc won't boot after removing thermal paste, beeps 4 times

[coolncoolsui]

I recently cleaned my pc cause its super old and dusty aswell so in the process I removed the cpu fan and and the processor itself and didn't apply the thermal paste cause I'm out of it.
But now the pc won't boot and beeps 4 times giving the overheating beep code
(Mobo - Intel D945GCR)
Could applying thermal paste be the solution or is there any other problem?
Thanks

 

[velocityg4]

Could have damaged the CPU if you ran it without thermal paste. Since you can develop hot spots which may not trip the thermal sensors. Paste is non-optional. It fills minuscule scratches and voids.

 

[Dugimodo]

Get some paste.

 

[Alabalcho]

Beep codes for legacy boards

4 Timer not operational

I would say, time to upgrade.

 

[coolncoolsui]

I used to have the same beep code when my pc had an overheating problem and used to shut down...its the 4 beep code high-low-high-low frequency

 

[WINTERLORD]

what strength rubbing alchol did you use? is ideal to use 91% not 50/50