Archived from groups: comp.sys.hp.hardware (
More info?)
You can try a PCI video card. If it works, you're home free. If not, then the
motherboard is probably toast. Do you have a hardware POST card to read out
motherboard voltages and POST (Power On Self Test) codes emitted by the BIOS???
If not, get one ASAP if you work on a lot of computers... Ben Myers
On Thu, 29 Apr 2004 10:38:36 -0400, "Louie T Lizard" <louie@nonya.com> wrote:
><ben_myers_spam_me_not @ charter.net (Ben Myers)> wrote in message
>news:40910a53.7828901@news.charter.net...
>> You've described a system with an apparently good power supply and a hard
>drive
>> that does its own initial calibration when first powered up.
>>
>> Is ANYTHING displayed on the screen of the monitor? If not, it's likely
>to be a
>> motherboard that died, or possiblya faild on-board video subsystem. Could
>also
>> be that excessive heat did in the CPU or motherboard. Open up the chassis
>and
>> see if the cooling fan(s) turn freely, inspecting them for a lot of dust
>and
>> dirt.
>>
>> You may be due for a replacement motherboard.
>>
>> This about the time, 5 years or so in age, when computer systems seem to
>break
>> down either due to intentional use of lower quality electronic components,
>poor
>> manufacturing methods, or improper care. I've handled quite a few 5-6
>year old
>> systems (HP and other) lately, doing necessary repairs or replacement
>systems.
>> Some of the systems I've touched are so full of dust and dirt that it
>amazes me
>> to see them running... Ben Myers
><snip>
>
>Hello again, Ben.
>
>*Nothing* at all is displayed on monitor. Guy said it started running slow
>and then, all of a sudden, wouldn't boot at all.
>
>On opening and inspecting, interior is *very* clean, fans turn freely (both
>with & w/o power). Matter of fact, it appears as though someone has
>recently cleaned it.
>
>*Can* I install a video card (PCI) if it won't even boot (can't get at
>BIOS)? I have several known good cards to try, along with HD's and CPU's.
>Soon's I find out what mobo it is, I can try known good CPU's.
>
>Heading to shop now......
>
>Thanks again,
>
>Louie
>Gainesville, FL, USA
>
>
>
>---
>Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free.
>Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).
>Version: 6.0.665 / Virus Database: 428 - Release Date: 4/22/04
>
>