This computer showed no video display, no beep, and as observed the cpu fan spins erratically. The problems seem complicated and our instincts tell us. This Compaq Presario SR1000V had not been used for about five months because of this problem.
Troubleshooting this type of computer problem does require a lot of patience specially that you are not hearing any beeps and seeing no display. You might want to suspect problems with the video card, RAM, power supply unit, or the motherboard itself. Proper troubleshooting procedure and technique, troubleshooting safety, and documentation must be observed so that you may be able to solve the problem quick, systematic, and efficient.
The procedure done below is a very good example on how a computer troubleshooting procedure should be done correct. This is a step by step tutorial and guide on how a newbie should when troubleshooting a computer.
Date Fixed : January 13, 2011
Problem : No Beep, No Video Display, and Fans Spins Erratically
Motherboard : Compaq Presario SR1000V, 2.6 GHz 512 MB
Operating System : Windows Media Center
Technicians : Computer Hardware Servicing Class of CLHIDO
Weblog : http://clhidohsr.blogspot.com
INTERVENING FACTORS
- No Motherboard Support CD
OBSERVATIONS
- No Video Display
- No Beep on POST
- CPU fans spins but erratic
TROUBLESHOOTING PROCEDURE
- Before testing the system unit, we must first ask few questions to the owner of the system unit to give us some clues on what and when's regarding the computer problem encountered. Remember that first hand information about the computer problem encountered by the owner or user is the most near-reliable source of idea on what really is the problem of his or her computer. But be warned, I have had said near-reliable because most users being asked lies on the details fearing that the blame is on them. You must ask them in low tone, soft, non-vindictive, and non-agitating manner. The details they give might be useful for your approach in troubleshooting.
- After gathering the information provided by the user, you must verify it by checking and testing the system unit. Be sure to physically check the peripherals first before testing. Try to see if there are missing, blown, or poorly attached cables and peripheral cards. Then after a thorough check, test the system unit and do a detailed observation.
- Upon turning on the system unit, we have noticed that there was an obvious whining sound inside the DVD ROM. There was no video display, no beep or beeps heard, and we can see the fans spinning erratically by when it spins fast then slows down to the extent of almost stopping then turns fast again. This must be a PSU or RAM or motherboard problem. Since there were drives attached, they need to be removed. Once the hard drive, floppy drive, and DVD ROM were removed, the system was powered on and again carefully observed for. The whining sound was gone but there was still no video display or a beep and the fans still spins erratically. The whining sound must have been caused by either of the drives which we verified later.
- Having eliminated the observed whining sound, we must now find out which peripheral or peripherals are failing. On our list we had the PSU, then the RAM, and finally the Motherboard. But among the three, PSU is the nearest candidate to be failing because it main function is to supply power to all the components of the motherboard including the CPU fans. But the RAM is also suspected to be defective so we have to check the easiest component to test which is the RAM. We cleaned the RAM's connector edge with an eraser and powered the system, but it was all the same. The fans still spins erratically. So we transferred the RAM to the next slot and again observed if CPU fans will spin regularly but it didn't. The RAM or the slots must be defective. Since we have an extra RAM, we swapped it with a known good RAM and powered the system unit again. Alas! the fans spins quite regular and we now have a clear display but we can still observe a little erratic spinning.
- Knowing that the RAM was indeed defective and has been tested, our attention switched back to the PSU. It doesn't mean that when as the RAM was initially replaced, it had already solved the problem. Logically, what made the RAM failed is either the motherboard or the PSU. So knowing this, the PSU must be checked.
- Upon checking the PSU, we were not surprised to see three blown capacitors. Though it may be ok to replace the blown capacitors, it is recommended to buy a new one. The system unit that we were troubleshooting had its defective PSU replaced by a new one.
- Two problems found and solved. Now let us go to the whining sound observed earlier. When we plugged in the drives we could hear that the source of the sound is really coming from the DVD ROM and as we tried to open the rack tray, it was stuck. So we manually opened the tray by pinching an eject hole of the DVD ROM and found a CD in it. When we closed the tray back and powered on the system unit, the sound was no longer heard.
- Installation of the operating system was done, appropriate drivers, and the necessary programs were finally installed. The system is now up and running.
SUMMARY
- Troubleshooting problems like this seems so common. The most common problems we have encountered are these the ones we have just worked on. No video display, RAM, and PSU problems are the most common computer problems.
- As we have made the troubleshooting procedure above, problems with display are commonly caused by a failing RAM provided that the video card is ok. Fan problems are generally attributed by a failing PSU or worse a failing of defective motherboard. Also, abnormal sound produced by a system unit may be coming from a CD or DVD ROM, Hard Disk Drive, and or Fans.
Showing posts with label Computer Servicing And Troubleshooting Examples. Show all posts
No Beep, No Video Display, and Fan Spins Erratically
Thumbdrive, Flashdrive, or USB Devices Can't Be Used or Recognized, HIMIPX.EXE Error
In this troubleshooting example, an EMachines D725 laptop can recognize USB devices but refuses to load it up. When a Globe Tattoo was plugged in an error message of the dialog box appears as : "The file or folder 'himipx.exe' that this shortcut refers to can't be found" and the dialog box can't be closed. This restricts the USB device to be loaded. The laptop has Win 7 operating system with an expired Avira Antivirus - which I suspect caused the problem. I was able to remove and deactivate the himipx.exe (himip.exe) but I suggested that the laptop should be reformatted as soon as possible. The fix made was not full because they need to have the laptop sent to the school just half an hour when I was "fixing" it.
Date Fixed : December 12, 2010
Problem : When a flashdrive or a USB device is plugged in an error message appears as : "The file or folder 'himipx.exe' that this shortcut refers to can't be found"
Owner : Gwen Amante
Unit : Emachines D725 T4400 2 GB RAM
Operating System : Windows 7
Technician : Drokz
Weblog : http://clhidohsr.blogspot.com
INTERVENING FACTOR :
- The laptop needs to be fixed around 30 mins
OBSERVATION :
- The laptop just boots fine and there seems to be no problem. But when a flashdrive or thumbdrive or any USB device is being plugged in, an error message appears and the dialog box could not be closed and likewise the USB device is refused to be recognized.
TROUBLESHOOTING PROCEDURE :
- Since the antivirus has already expired, I have a suspicion that a virus must have caused the problem. So I plugged in a wifi kit (Globe Tattoo) then a dialog pops up and shows the himipx.exe error. So I checked in the task manager if the himipx.exe is active in the memory but what I found out was its process name is himip.exe. So I need to find himip.exe in the registry and manually delete it.
- To be able to find himip.exe in the registry, press Win+R and type in "regedit". As the registry dialog box appears, click or highlight "My Computer" and go to the "Edit" tab then to "Find" then type in the text input box "himip.exe" and press "Enter". A few seconds after, it should display in the left pane of the registry dialog box a string value entry named "himip.exe" then click right on it then choose delete.
- You have just deleted the first himip.exe and you need to find the other string value by going to "Edit" tab again then to "Find Next". It should reveal another himip.exe string value entry and delete it.
- Now the known registry values has just been deleted, we need to disable the startup item for "himipx.exe" or "himip.exe" in the System Configuration Utiity. In order to do so, press "Win+R" then type "msconfig". As the System Configuration Utility appears, go to the "Startup" tab and uncheck the the item for "himipx.exe" then click "ok". Restart your computer.
- As I have accomplished this and had the computer successfully boot up, I tried to plug in a USB drive (Globe Tattoo) and the error message did not come out! I was already able to use the wifi kit then later uninstalled the expired Avira Antivirus and replaced it with the 1 year trial of Avast Pro. The laptop is now ok but I strongly suggest that it should be reformatted.
SUMMARY :
The Emachines D725 laptop virus infected by the malware "himipx.exe" or "himip.exe" could not be able to use a flashdrive or a thumbdrive or any USB device. The only way to do this aside from having your computer scanned by a good and updated antivirus is to manual deletion of the registry values of the "himipx.exe" and its derivative "himip.exe" and disabling its startup item in the System Configuration Utility. I also found no other problem made by this type of malware so far.
Computer Restart After a Few Minutes of Operation
Computer troubleshooting is sometimes confusing and costs you a lot of time. But with the help of this computer troubleshooting guide; you will be able to learn basic computer repair, troubleshoot computer hardware problems and many other basic computer repair tutorial provided with this blog.
In this troubleshooting example, an ASUS P5PE-VM has having problems with constant restart some few minutes after being turned on. Basing on the past computer troubleshooting experience, this is attributed to the overheating of the CPU or the Video Card. But there was no video card and as I have checked on the BIOS hardware monitor, the system voltage, motherboard temperature, and CPU temperature, everything seems just fine. And to add more problem, the hard drive has farmed with a lot of computer virus through mp3 downloads via torrent. But one thing I have noticed is that if I just leave the machine running without opening any application, the computer doesn't restart. And if I try to open a memory and cpu intensive application like a game or movie maker, the system shuts down. That leaves me to suspect the RAM or CPU to be failing.
Date Fixed : November 11, 2003
Problem : Computer restarts after a few minutes of operation
Owner : Ms. Luna (PESO Office, Dumageuete)
Motherboard : ASUS P5PE-VM
Operating System : Win Xp Sp2
Technician : drokz
Weblog : http://clhidohsr.blogspot.com
INTERVENING FACTORS :
- No motherboard support cd
- HDD is infested with many variants of virus
OBSERVATIONS :
- Boots normally and everything seems fine
- Computer restarts if a RAM or CPU intensive application is being run
TROUBLESHOOTING PROCEDURE :
- Before doing anything, safety must be a primary concern. Be sure to turn off the AVR and unplug the power cord from the system unit before opening or handling it. Be sure not to wear any metallic objects on your body. Drain off ESD by touching the unpainted part of your system unit chassis for a minute before opening the side cover of your computer.
- Based on our previous observation, we know that the computer boots fine but only restarts when we try to open an application that is RAM or CPU intensive. This signifies that either the two peripherals when pushed too hard will cause the whole system to function. And with this type of error, video card or CPU is likely overheating. But again, there was no video card so it is least to be suspected.
- Since I have suspected the CPU to be overheating, we need to check first if the CPU heatsink fan is spinning normally. So open the side cover and flip the open side up, turn on the system unit and try to see and feel if the CPU fan speed is normal. But as I have checked, it seemed just normal so I need to check it in the BIOS to verify that there is a less possibility of an overheating CPU.
- Restarted the computer and pressed "del" (some are to press F2 to access BIOS settings), chose hardware monitor to check for voltage abnormality or motherboard and CPU overheating. But I found the voltage normal and the temperature on both the motherboard and CPU is even below normal. CPU overheating is not the most possible cause of the problem.
- I could not directly point that the RAM is failing because it has handled and passed initial memory test at POST. The operating must be corrupted due to virus infection and it is not out of the possibility. So I tried to backup the files but I always get an error message. This must be due to the effects of the virus infection.
- To copy the files needed, Mini Xp was used to boot up the computer and run unstoppable copier and finally got the files needed for backup. After the successful backup, we are now ready to re-install the operating system.
- As the boot sequence was configured in the BIOS and restarted the computer, Xp installation began. But a few minutes on the process of installation, there was a Blue Screen of Death or a Memory Dump Error. Bang! That's it, it could either be a Hard Disk or a RAM error. Since checking the RAM is easier as to check the Hard Disk, we can easily do so by replacing the peripheral with a known good one.
- The computer was turned off then had the RAM removed, replaced it with a known good RAM then retried installing Win Xp. Not with a big surprise, the installation continued. The RAM must be the one causing the problem. To verify this, all necessary software must be installed and test run every applications.
- Appropriate device drivers using a driver pack, Win Office 2007, VLC, Google Chrome, and other essential programs and utilities where installed. Had some games and RAM or CPU intensive applications opened but the computer just ran fine. The RAM has caused the problem. I reported to the system unit's owner that the RAM is defective and a few days later, she bought and had the RAM installed. Also, the backup files were virus scanned and copied back to her drive.
SUMMARY :
- Troubleshooting intermittent problems are one of the hardest computer problem to troubleshoot. As for our troubleshooting tutorial via example was, a sudden restart is not entirely caused by a video card or CPU failing or overheating. As for this experience, the RAM has caused the problem.
This computer troubleshooting tutorial has been tailored to let readers imagine and think how the actual computer troubleshooting really works. If you think there is a better way for you to learn, then let us know. :-)
No Display, Continuous Short Beeps , All Fans Spin, No Keyboard Response on a P4GE-MX Motherboard
Troubleshooting this P4GE-MX motherboard is not as easy as one may think. I have encountered a lot of computer troubleshooting similar to the problem of having no display, continuous short beeps and with all the fans spinning. But as guided with the knowledge of beep code errors, continuous short beeps leads us to say that there is something wrong with the system board. Of course, we can't directly jump into conclusion that the motherboard is defective. I have taken detailed observation and verification before making such conclusion. See the text below how I did the troubleshooting procedure for this computer problem.
No Fan Spins, No Power and No Display on a JetWay PM2MP
Troubleshooting this Jetway PM2MP computer seems easy to do. We know that is has no power and no display and what directs us to check is the PSU. So my c0-computer technician checked the PSU (Power Supply) by removing it from the system unit and opened it. As computer technicians, it will not be surprising for us to see burnt components on the board of the PSU but in this case we were. The burnt components were completely fried and really surprised us how it did happen. See how we did our computer troubleshooting in this example.
An IBM 6790KBM Computer Constantly Restarts on Boot
An IBM 6790KBM computer restarts after showing the Win XP bootscreen and also briefly shows the memory dump error or commonly called the Blue Screen of Death or the BSOD. It was handed to us but the system unit was already been tried to be fixed by another technician. We then asked the computer technician on what problems did he encounter and the fixes he has done. The computer technician said that he was suspecting the following components to be defective and has taken some actions or fixes.
P5PE-VM Motherboard Dead?
A P5PE-VM motherboard was declared dead by the City Computer Technician and when the system unit was handed over to us, it resurrected. As many computer technicians say "If you can't replace the motherboard, replace your technician". This may sound mean but why not consider this thought. As we checked the system unit by powering it up, we noticed that the computer was "dead". There was no video but the fans are all spinning. After some few moments of trying to point out the problem. We got it solved and here's how we done it.
Date Fixed : July 20, 2010
Problem : Computer is dead, No Video but Fans Spin.
Owner : The Dumaguete Public Employment Office (PESO)
Motherboard : P5PE-VM, P4 2.6 Ghz
Operating System : WIN XP PS 2
Technician : Drokz
URL : http://clhidohsr.blogspot.com
INTERVENING FACTORS :
No motherboard support cd
PC Must be fixed in a day.
OBSERVATIONS :
Upon turning on the computer, we noticed that there was no video but all fans are spinning. so we need to check the RAM's, video card, reseat the processor, and power supply.
Also, the video card fan spins quite abnormally slow.
TROUBLESHOOTING PROCEDURE :
- With this type of trouble are almost always expected to be a video card fault. As observed, all fans are spinning and no video display. So we pulled out the video card and visually checked for blown or leaky capacitors but found nothing different or faulty. So we cleaned the connector edge of the video card with a contact cleaner and inserted it after to its slot. Still upon powering the system unit back, no video, no beep and all fans are still spinning.
- So we switched our suspicion to the RAMs. So we cleaned all the RAMs' connector edges and checked it individually by inserting one RAM after the other on each of the DIMM slots. After doing so, we found no clue to what really caused the problem. We can actually check for the power supply right away but it is best to check the components that are accessible and easier to test. So we decided to finally check the PSU for fault.
- As we open and see the insides of the PSU, we weren't surprised to that some capacitors are leaking. Even if there are capacitors leaking, the PSU may still give enough power to spin up the fans and light the LED's. But the power it produces is not enough to make the system to normally run. So we replaced the PSU and the problem was resolved.
- After replacing the PSU the system runs fine for a few minutes but then restarts. As timed, it was about three minutes before the computer restarts. As observed earlier, the fans of the video card spins slow. So we attached a 12 volt fan to the video card. And upon powering up the system unit, there was no restarting of the computer after three minutes. The over-heating of the video card caused the computer to repeatedly restart.
- Problem Solved!
SUMMARY :
- PSU's can still produce enough electricity to spin up the fans and power the LED but not sufficient enough to power the system unit normally when its capacitors are leaking. So consider checking PSU's if you computer gives you no video yet the fans are spinning.
- An over-heating video card can cause a computer to restart after some few minutes when its components can no longer take the heat.
No Video, No Beep, MoBo LED Lights on, Fans don't spin, on a Biostar TF7100P - M7
The issues of the Biostar TF7100P - M7 Computer comes quites complicated. It shows no display, No beep, both fans of the CPU heat sink assembly and power supply fan won't spin, but the motherboard LED lights on. We may suspect that the video card or RAM must be failing but we can't be too sure. A thorough check must be done at the beginning of every computer troubleshooting. Assessing the present condition of the computer and observing for physical damage and other minute details must be carried out before anything else. To find out how we made the fix, see below.
No Video, Has Power on a P4VM - MX Motherboard
NTLDR Missing NEC LL550 / G
Date Fixed : 05.04.10
Toshiba Satellite A135 - S4527 - No Sound, Media Player won't play media files, Photoshop won't load up
Date Fixed : 04.16.10
Computer Boots Up and brings to the Welcome Screen and Freezes
ACER M5640 0x0000007b BSOD Error
No Power | Fans not Spinning
NTLDR Missing | Virus Infected | Backup Needed
Owner: Ms. Jaqueline
Address: El Amigo, Silliman University Area, Dumaguete City
Processor: Intel Dual Core 2.8 GHz
Memory: 512 MB DDR2
Motherboard: D945GLF (Intel Motherboard)
Operating System: Win XP SP2
Hard Disk Drive Size: 160 GB
Technician: Rogin Diez
PROBLEM
- "NTLDR Missing" text appears upon bootup
- Virus Infected
CLIENT REQUEST
- File and multimedia backup
INTERVENING FACTORS
- Motherboard support CD lost
- Peripheral drivers lost
OBSERVATIONS
- Power OK
- Unable to boot up, "NTLDR missing" code appears
TROUBLESHOOTING PROCEDURE
- Re-installation of Win XP without formatting the drives
- After successful istallation of the OS, backup requested files (Documents, Pictures, MP3's, etc..)
- Run DXDIAG by going to "Run" of the Start Menu (WIN+R) then type dxdiag,look for the motherboard description, the motherboard manufacturer for driver download reference.
- After determining the motherboard and file backup, install back the OS and I partitioned the drive twice with 50% each of the total drive space.
- After successfully installed the operating system, I then installed additional application like MS Office 03 and 07, an antivirus, USB Security, USB Safely Remove, Teracopy, Regcure, VLC, Firefox, etc..)
- Download the missing drivers from the web.
- The downloaded motherboard drivers are then installed.
- System restart was necessary then.
- After the restart, defrag the drives then assign larger virtual memory for both drives C: and D:
- Restart, then run Regcure.
REPORT
- The system was then functioning well. Computer Troubleshooting do require patience in the procedure. And careful understanding of the functions of the peripherals is a must. 0_o
No Display | 1 Beep Sound | Monitor Pilot Lamp Steady Green
Owner: City Periculture Office of Dumaguete
Address: Dumaguete City
Motherboard : ASUS P4PG - MX
Processor : Intel P4
Memory : 512 Mb
Operating System : Win XP Sp2
Technician: Rogin Diez
OBSERVATIONS
- A beep on boot-up
- No Display
- Display Monitor pilot lamp is at steady green.
SUSPECTED TROUBLE
- Video Card
TROUBLESHOOTING PROCEDURE
- Unplug the system unit from the AVR
- We unscrewed and remove the left side cover of the system unit. Turn the side down with the open side facing up.
- Removed the peripherals ( HDD, CD - ROM, Sound Card, and the WLAN Card) Thus leaving just the ram and video card intact.
- Turned on the system unit, we then observed the system now beeped once indicating that the system is ok. CRT Pilot lamp flashes a steady green light and having no display.
- We turned off the system then unplugged, we removed the video card and depended on the VGA port instead. And upon turning it on, still 1 beep, a steady green light on the CRT, and NO VIDEO DISPLAY.
- We checkedif the RAM is defective, cleaned its connector edges and transferred it to another slot. And then again, 1 beep, steady green light, and no display. RAM and the slots should be ok.
- The CPU was then reseated and applied with a thermal paste on its heatsink contact surface. The heatsink will increase or fill the micron gaps between the cpu and the heatsink.
- But when the system was turned on again, the result were stiull the same. A beep on boot up, green steady light on the CRT, and NO DISPLAY. The CRT must be defective.
- We borrowed another CRT and connected it to the system unit we were fixing and as it was turned on, there was a display. The CRT is found to be defective.
- The removed peripherals were then installed back and upon turning on the system using the good CRT. Everything is just OK.
DEFECTIVE PERIPHERAL
- Cathode Ray Tube (CRT)
In checking display problems, stick to checking the display peripherals rather than jumping from one that is non-relative to the probable cause of the display problem.
Computer Freezes, then Restarts
Owner: Vicon Jake
Address: Villa Rosa Subd., Sibulan, Negros Oriental
Motherboard: P5PE - VM
Processor: INTEL Core 2 Duo 2.4 Ghz S. 775
Memory: 256 Mb
Operating System: Win XP Sp2
Internet Connection: Globe broad band
- File backup (pdf, word, excel, pictures and mp3's)
- antivirus installation
OBSERVATION
- Computer Stalls upon win xp boot screen
- CPU temperature soars high from 128 C to 170 C on the BIOS hardware monitor tab. Then system shuts down.
TROUBLESHOOTING PROCEDURE
- Since the CPU temperature is so high, we removed the cpu fan and heatsink assembly. Cleaned the contact surfaces with a clean paper to remove the dried out thermal paste.
- We then applied a pea-sized amount of thermal paste on the center of the conducting surface of the cpu and half of a pea-size for the heatsink and spread it equally across its surface.
- Install back the fan-heatsink assembly on the processor / socket.Upon turning it on, we checked on the hardware monitor of the BIOS and found the cpu temperature reading wa less then 56 C.
- And upon booting up to load the Operating System, the system stalls but no longer shuts down.
- The easiest way to backup the files is to re-install the operating system without formatting.
- After installing a new O.S. and successfully booted, we proceeded with the file backup.
- And also, we downloaded the appropriate system drivers for P5PE - VM (the installation cd was lost) motherboard from an internet face just within the subdivision.
- Re-installation with formatting was then made after the file backup and the drive was then partitioned in four (C: D: E: F:). Appropriate drivers were then loaded, ms office '07, USB Safely Remove, Tera Copy, and WinRAR were installed respectively.
- Defragmentation was followed using the SmartDefrag program then RegCure was installed to defrag the registry.
- Virtual memory was also increased on all drives.
- We finally downloaded AVIRA anti virus from the internet from Vicon's computer and internet connection.
PARTS FOUND DEFECTIVE
- No hardware found seriously defective but only a over-heating cpu and a virus infected hard disk drive (HDD) that needs a backup.
CPU over-heating may cause system halting, freezing, or constant restart or unexpected shutdowns. A thermal paste is enough to patch up that problem.
Defective Motherboard | Defected RAM | BIOS Problem?
Reported Defect: No video no beep codes sounds dead system unit
Computer Name / Owner : Bobo Pague
Date fixed: August 23, 2009
Place: Barangay Taclobo, Dumaguete City
Unit: ATX
Computer Description:
Motherboard: ASUS
Processor: Intel ® Celeron ® 1.80 Ghz
RAM: 1 Gb
Operating System: Win XP SP2
Checked By: Andrew Dahilan - 09058538259
Interview Report:
The owner said just one day it turned off and then really gone dead. The system was sent to two respected Computer Servicing Shops in Dumaguete and both shops said the motherboard is defective or dead.
Observations:
>No Display
>No Beep code
>PSU and CPU Fans Spinning
>Numlock don’t lit on startup
Troubleshooting Proper:
>Since the system was already passed down to me, I assumed its peripherals had been checked thoroughly. So I removed all the peripherals and tested each to verify “their” findings.
>First, I removed ALL removable components and turned on the system then observed the total functioning.
>Then, after which, the CMOS Battery was inserted and turned the system on. Still observing, the result was the same as the first approach.
>The CPU was then placed back in its socket and retested by turning it on. No beep codes, and display.
>The RAM was then tested next, yet still ..no life.
> Power supply was then suspected to cause the problem. PSU was then removed and opened to see if there are blown components (look for blown capacitors) but we found the PSU in good condition.
>Going back to see if it’s a RAM related problem, we inserted a known good RAM. But then again, still no display and beep codes. Changing the slot placement of the RAM and tested each attempt, still there was no sign of “life”.
>It could be the processor that is dead or perhaps really the BIOS or RAM. Confusion begins to pile up. So I rechecked each major component back again and to which I should be starting with the Motherboard.
>Reviving the Motherboard back to life (if is it dead or it could be) is an impossible task. A cell phone techie told me that you really can’t fix its board, but instead it is just to be “heated-up” using some hot air equipment. So I guess it should work the same as the motherboard (technically they are both computers). Instead of using the hot-air equipment used by the cell phone technicians, we borrowed and used Carla’s hair blower (the beautician downstairs of our center). We then removed the components from the motherboard and the motherboard itself from the system casing and checked the motherboard for cracks or other visible and possible defects. Then the heating and blowing process continued using Carla’s equipment. After heating the motherboard and its components, we re-installed the board and its components back to the system case for testing.
>Inserting back the CPU, CMOS battery, and RAM to the board, ALAS! There was a display on POST! But it just lasted for about 4 seconds and the system shuts down. At least there was a sign of life. ?
>Still confused, re-checking the major the components back for the third time and the attempt seemed to be doomed for failure. The motherboard is the last to blame for this stubbornness of the problem. But in the contrary, why were it able to show us the POST? Think. ?
>BIOS loads its information to the memory during POST right? Let’s check the memory.
>I have reseated the RAM to the other slots but it seems the only functioning slot was the first slot we tested where the POST was temporary seen. So I cleaned the slot by running a thin flat screw driver unto its slot and brushed it up (use a contact cleaner, the method used here is barbaric!). After which, the system was up and running and was able to enter the BIOS setup!
>I tested the HDD if it is running but unfortunately the BIOS cannot detect it. We used another good HDD and that’s it!
>Win XP Sp2 was then installed on that hard disk and some utilities and applications.
>The system was brought to its good state after being observed for 1 week (it is still kicking to this day as I write this report). Well I told the system unit’s owner for what problems were found and what peripherals to buy…and guess what, the system was given to me. I now own the system. ?
Trouble(s) found / Defective components
>RAM is found defective
>DIMM slots were flaky and tarnished
>HDD is found defective
>Motherboard was possibly defective
Remedy:
>Heated-up the motherboard (Motherboard is suspected to cause the problem)
>Cleaned the DIMM slots and replace the RAM
>Replaced the Hard Disk and installed and Operating System and other applications and utilities.
Summary:
Check all major components first (RAM, Video Adapter [if present], CMOS Battery, CPU, Jumper Settings [use manual], and then the Motherboard. Use isolation method for troubleshooting. The possible defects of the fixed system were: poorly seated CPU, tarnished or non-conducting connector edges possibly because of humidity (DIMM slots), defective motherboard component(s), and incorrect BIOS settings.
Keywords: dead system unit no video no beep codes sounds
Virus Infected | Corrupted O.S.
Computer Owner: DILG
Unit: Full Tower ATX
Computer Description: Intel ® D850MV Chipset
Processor: Intel ® Pentium 4
RAM: 128 Mb (SDRAM)
Operating System: Windows SP 2
Technicians:
Mr. Ronald Suan 09269514596
Mr. Wilson Balbuena 09265150058
Observation:
>”Re-install a copy of the above file (Window root) system32\hall.dll” error report occurs upon bootstrapping.
Troubleshooting Proper:
>Re-installing Operating System (Windows Xp SP 2) without formatting the drives.
Trouble(s) Found / Computer Defect:
>OS Corrupted
Remedy:
>Re-installation of OS (Windows XP SP 2) and formatting the drives.
Summary:
>The computer was infected with viruses, namely Trojan and Worm Agents which causes the corruption of the Operating System. This is the main reason why the computer cannot boot up properly. In order to solve this problem, re-installation of the operating system without formatting was done in order to have a fresh copy of the operating system file and the virus to temporarily be inactive so we can backup. After the backup process, we re-installed the OS with formatting and now, the computer is functioning well and ready for operation.
Keywords : Virus Infected Corrupted O.S. (Operating System)
Problem : Virus Infected, ROM Drives not recognized
Computers with boot problem or operating system corruption due to virus infection can be resolved by running an antivirus or antimalware program to remove the virus infection then run a registry cleaner to roll back changes the virus has made. Boot problems can somehow also be attributed by a hardware failure like defective or failing hard drive, RAM, power supply unit or PSU, or the motherboard itself. To be able to fix such problem, one has to consider checking the most obvious and easier suspected troubles like programs than to that of the hardware. Safety and efficiency while troubleshooting a computer should be considered as well.
Date Repaired : October 21, 2009
Problem : Computer Virus Infected, CD ROM is recognized as DVD ROM in My Computer
Owner: Ms. Melchie Dorado, Dumaguete City
Motherboard : ECS Pentium IV 2.8 Ghz
Operating System : Windows XP SP2
INTERVENING FACTORS:
- Motherboard Support CD is lost
OBSERVATION:
- CD ROM wrongly recognized in My Computer
- Computer boots up so slow
- Task Manager has been disabled, likewise the folder view and Run
- Webcam won't work
- Computer restricts installation of an antivirus
- Cannot perform file backup, USB flashdrive is rejected to be recognized.
TROUBLESHOOTING PROCEDURE:
* Learn more about computer troubleshooting safety and safety do and no list before doing any fixes on your computer!
- Since we cannot install an antivirus and perform file backup because of the restrictions made, it is best to backup the drivers first then perform operating system re-installation but without formatting. We can do driver backup using double driver or driver backup pro.
- After successfully having backup of the drivers (which are of course virus infected but later be scanned), reinstall the operating system and choose not the format the partition.
- After successfully reinstalled the operating system without formatting, having file backup is now possible because the changes made by the virus has been removed through the re-installation of the operating system and renewing of the registry. After the file backup has been made, the final re-installation of the operating system with partition formatting now begins.
- Do operating system installation. While we waited for the os installation to finish, I had my file backup and the driver backup scanned with an updated antivirus from another working computer. * learn more about proper operating system installation guide
- As the operating system installation has been successful, the device drivers were installed and the backup was also restored back to the appropriate directory. Additional drivers were installed using a drivers pack for the webcam and the printer. * Learn more about device driver solution
- After installing the device drivers for the motherboard, we then tweaked the registry and performed disk cleanup. Basic programs were then installed like microsoft office 2003, adobe reader, vlc, flash, and many other programs.
- Additionally, utilities were also installed like teracopy, winrar, USB guard, regcure and smart defrag. Theses utilities will help the system run better and adds more style and functionality experience of the user.
- Smart defrag was launched to perform disk defragmentation and then later regcure to fix registry issues. These two programs were run to make files compressed and continuous and also make the registry run the system unit as a whole better. * Learn more about registry fixing
- An antivirus was installed and been updated as well.
- Computer was restarted and checked all the previously observed problems have already been resolved. The system is now ok.
SUMMARY
- Computer boot problems are generally attributed by computer virus attacks. The best way to keep your computer safe is to at least install an antivirus and if possible a good firewall. Boot problems occur when a virus attacks primarily the registry and boot files thus making the operating corrupted and useless.