CPU problems- won't recognize?

Hi everyone,

On one of my computers, the CPU had disconnected from the heatsink and I was trying to re-attach it. I had no experience with thermal paste. So, not thinking at all, I put the entire tube (3.5 g) of thermal paste on. I put it on the processor and tightened the screws. Then, I found out later that it required as little as a drop to fix the heatsink to the CPU. So, off came the heatsink, and the CPU came off with it! I noticed all the excess thermal paste that had came out after I pushed the heatsink on to the processor and was able to clean it out with cotton swabs and isopropyl alcohol. I had it looking pretty good, and then I noticed a very, very tiny line of thermal paste that had gotten up onto the bottom of the CPU with the prongs. Of course, I freaked and tried to clean it. I succeeded for the most part, as the connection between the two prongs was not there anymore, but a very small portion still remained on the bottom. I decided it was no big deal as it was not touching any prongs. I let the CPU and heatsink set and then set it back in the plastic bracket underneath (is this the "chipset"?). I checked numerous times to make sure it was set in properly and then tightened the screws. After that, I hooked up the accessories and tried to start it. It started fine, but would not boot. The CPU fan kept spinning, and I read somewhere that they will keep spinning if they don't recognize a CPU. I checked, all cables are back in place where they need to be. Nothing will recognize, monitor, keyboard, CD drive... I eventually just shut it off.

I really need help on this project. I had never tried this before, so I'm sorry if I sound like a complete nut job.

Thanks.

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