Windows Server 2012 R2 won't boot

[Genralkidd]

I know this is a Windows 8 forum, but there's no Windows Server forum and Windows Server 2012 R2 is basically Windows 8. Anyways, I can't get Windows to boot. When I turn the computer on, it will reach the Windows log with the spinning dots underneath. It will spin once, then just freeze. At first I thought it was a software error, but then I tried inserting the installation disc and apparently the disc hangs on the same loading screen as well. Does anybody know what might be wrong? Could this be a hardware error?

 

[mi1ez]

Check your RAM. See if it will only boot with one DIMM, try all the DIMMs, try all the slots.

 

[Genralkidd]

Check your RAM. See if it will only boot with one DIMM, try all the DIMMs, try all the slots.

I found the problem, it's actually not the RAM, but rather the CPU and this affects all versions of Windows. Apparently, the CPU fan was not mounted properly and was at an angle, exposing part of the CPU. I'm guessing this caused the CPU to overheat during boot and freeze the system. Now for some reason, I can't screw the fan in properly because there's nothing to screw into. So basically the CPU fan is kind of loose but leveled properly.

Is there a way I can mount the CPU fan without screwing it in? Would electrical tape work or would that damage the motherboard?

 

[mi1ez]

Why can't you screw it in? what motherboard, CPU, cooler?

 

[Genralkidd]

Why can't you screw it in? what motherboard, CPU, cooler?

It's a BCM MX45GM motherboard. Not exactly your typical one. It is mini-itx. Anyways, there's holes on the motherboard, but that's it. There aren't any screw holes for the screws to go into. The CPU is a socket P Core 2 Duo T9300. And the fan was just a standard one that came with the motherboard.

 

[mi1ez]

How does the other screw fit? Does it have a backplate or anything? is it not a push-pin fitting?

 

[mi1ez]

I see it has 2 sets of cooler holes. Could you measure up the outer holes and see if takes an LGA775 cooler?

 

[mi1ez]

Looks like push pins (page 20)

http://www.bcmcom.com/admin/Manual/MX45GM_UserManual_V1.00.pdf

 

[Genralkidd]

Looks like push pins (page 20)

http://www.bcmcom.com/admin/Manual/MX45GM_UserManual_V1.00.pdf

Yeah they are push pins, but I can't seem to get them in. Am I just simply not pushing hard enough? I feel like I'm already using a lot of force as it is and I don't want to damage the motherboard or CPU.

 

[mi1ez]

Mmake sure they're in the correct orientation. If they're in the unlock/release position it will go in but not stay. I know the Intel boxed LGA775 cooler took an uncomfortable amount of force but can't vouch for this one.

 

[Genralkidd]

Mmake sure they're in the correct orientation. If they're in the unlock/release position it will go in but not stay. I know the Intel boxed LGA775 cooler took an uncomfortable amount of force but can't vouch for this one.

I've tried other fan solutions but none of them will fit. I'm only able to get one screw to fit. But if I leave it like that, the fan sits at an angle which is what caused the CPU to overheat before. I ended up just letting the fan sit on the CPU, completely loose. The computer will always be stationary so I don't have to worry about the fan coming loose. It's not a perfect solution because CPU-intensive tasks like Bitcoin mining will cause the CPU to eventually overheat. So all I have to do is just avoid stuff like that.

 

[mi1ez]

Get in touch with the motherboard manufacturer regarding the cooler. They'll be able to advise if it's a proprietary fitting.