Came home to find my clocks blinking and computer idling (nothing on the

screen but fans running. Turned computer power off and restarted after 15

seconds with no startup but fans running and no beeps. Pulled power plug and

recycled start up with still no running. Pulled power of one hard drive and

has a flash. Left power cables off both hard drives, floppy and CDROM with

still no startup. Any suggestions?

 

Was thinking maybe the cmos is messed up or would there be a fuse that can

be replaced?

Before you pulle the power from the drives, did you see any flashing of

drive activity light?

 

Maybe problem is with video card or monitor?

 

Was everything on a decent surge protector?

 

 

"drb" <drbtoshX@pacbell.net> wrote in message

news:uE4ovNruHHA.1496@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...

> Came home to find my clocks blinking and computer idling (nothing on the

> screen but fans running. Turned computer power off and restarted after 15

> seconds with no startup but fans running and no beeps. Pulled power plug

> and recycled start up with still no running. Pulled power of one hard

> drive and has a flash. Left power cables off both hard drives, floppy and

> CDROM with still no startup. Any suggestions?

>

> Was thinking maybe the cmos is messed up or would there be a fuse that can

> be replaced?

>

My other computer has the similar problem, when starting up after reading

the bios specs and 5 sec after it shuts down. I think it's because i had

erased all of system logs etc. so this files are empty. I am not into system

functioninig but i suppose its the reason why it shuts down!?

 

 

 

"Val" <vmanes@NOSPAMrap.midco.net> wrote in message

news:6fOdnXl0zqloLRjbnZ2dnUVZ_j6dnZ2d@midco.net...

> Before you pulle the power from the drives, did you see any flashing of

> drive activity light?

>

> Maybe problem is with video card or monitor?

>

> Was everything on a decent surge protector?

>

>

> "drb" <drbtoshX@pacbell.net> wrote in message

> news:uE4ovNruHHA.1496@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...

>> Came home to find my clocks blinking and computer idling (nothing on the

>> screen but fans running. Turned computer power off and restarted after 15

>> seconds with no startup but fans running and no beeps. Pulled power plug

>> and recycled start up with still no running. Pulled power of one hard

>> drive and has a flash. Left power cables off both hard drives, floppy and

>> CDROM with still no startup. Any suggestions?

>>

>> Was thinking maybe the cmos is messed up or would there be a fuse that

>> can be replaced?

>>

>

>

Had a surge protector but nothing special about it. Replaced video card with

old one. Still no startup not even able to get into bios. Turn monitor off

and still no startup. Any fuse to check?

 

 

"Val" <vmanes@NOSPAMrap.midco.net> wrote in message

news:6fOdnXl0zqloLRjbnZ2dnUVZ_j6dnZ2d@midco.net...

> Before you pulle the power from the drives, did you see any flashing of

> drive activity light?

>

> Maybe problem is with video card or monitor?

>

> Was everything on a decent surge protector?

>

>

> "drb" <drbtoshX@pacbell.net> wrote in message

> news:uE4ovNruHHA.1496@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...

>> Came home to find my clocks blinking and computer idling (nothing on the

>> screen but fans running. Turned computer power off and restarted after 15

>> seconds with no startup but fans running and no beeps. Pulled power plug

>> and recycled start up with still no running. Pulled power of one hard

>> drive and has a flash. Left power cables off both hard drives, floppy and

>> CDROM with still no startup. Any suggestions?

>>

>> Was thinking maybe the cmos is messed up or would there be a fuse that

>> can be replaced?

>>

>

>

Not similar to my problem since I can even get it to start into bios.

 

Any other suggestions?

 

"Efirmitiv" <smirnoff@imsim.tm> wrote in message

news:f64jq1$djd$1@news1.carnet.hr...

> My other computer has the similar problem, when starting up after reading

> the bios specs and 5 sec after it shuts down. I think it's because i had

> erased all of system logs etc. so this files are empty. I am not into

> system functioninig but i suppose its the reason why it shuts down!?

>

>

>

> "Val" <vmanes@NOSPAMrap.midco.net> wrote in message

> news:6fOdnXl0zqloLRjbnZ2dnUVZ_j6dnZ2d@midco.net...

>> Before you pulle the power from the drives, did you see any flashing of

>> drive activity light?

>>

>> Maybe problem is with video card or monitor?

>>

>> Was everything on a decent surge protector?

>>

>>

>> "drb" <drbtoshX@pacbell.net> wrote in message

>> news:uE4ovNruHHA.1496@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...

>>> Came home to find my clocks blinking and computer idling (nothing on the

>>> screen but fans running. Turned computer power off and restarted after

>>> 15 seconds with no startup but fans running and no beeps. Pulled power

>>> plug and recycled start up with still no running. Pulled power of one

>>> hard drive and has a flash. Left power cables off both hard drives,

>>> floppy and CDROM with still no startup. Any suggestions?

>>>

>>> Was thinking maybe the cmos is messed up or would there be a fuse that

>>> can be replaced?

>>>

>>

>>

>

>

Sounds like something blew when the power came back. Sometime when power is

restored it surges and bounces bit.

 

Next thing to get checked is the Power Supply, it seems to be delivering 12V

for the fans, what about the 5V lines?

 

Motherboard?

 

Looks like a trip to the repair shop, if the machine is worth it.

 

Val

 

 

"drb" <drbtoshX@pacbell.net> wrote in message

news:ueKAdxsuHHA.4868@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl...

> Had a surge protector but nothing special about it. Replaced video card

> with old one. Still no startup not even able to get into bios. Turn

> monitor off and still no startup. Any fuse to check?

>

>

> "Val" <vmanes@NOSPAMrap.midco.net> wrote in message

> news:6fOdnXl0zqloLRjbnZ2dnUVZ_j6dnZ2d@midco.net...

>> Before you pulle the power from the drives, did you see any flashing of

>> drive activity light?

>>

>> Maybe problem is with video card or monitor?

>>

>> Was everything on a decent surge protector?

>>

>>

>> "drb" <drbtoshX@pacbell.net> wrote in message

>> news:uE4ovNruHHA.1496@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...

>>> Came home to find my clocks blinking and computer idling (nothing on the

>>> screen but fans running. Turned computer power off and restarted after

>>> 15 seconds with no startup but fans running and no beeps. Pulled power

>>> plug and recycled start up with still no running. Pulled power of one

>>> hard drive and has a flash. Left power cables off both hard drives,

>>> floppy and CDROM with still no startup. Any suggestions?

>>>

>>> Was thinking maybe the cmos is messed up or would there be a fuse that

>>> can be replaced?

>>>

>>

>>

>

>

CDROM light comes on and draw opens. Is that a 5v line going there?

 

 

"Val" <vmanes@NOSPAMrap.midco.net> wrote in message

news:f4idnRCrFbl4RxjbnZ2dnUVZ_oCmnZ2d@midco.net...

> Sounds like something blew when the power came back. Sometime when power

> is restored it surges and bounces bit.

>

> Next thing to get checked is the Power Supply, it seems to be delivering

> 12V for the fans, what about the 5V lines?

>

> Motherboard?

>

> Looks like a trip to the repair shop, if the machine is worth it.

>

> Val

>

>

> "drb" <drbtoshX@pacbell.net> wrote in message

> news:ueKAdxsuHHA.4868@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl...

>> Had a surge protector but nothing special about it. Replaced video card

>> with old one. Still no startup not even able to get into bios. Turn

>> monitor off and still no startup. Any fuse to check?

>>

>>

>> "Val" <vmanes@NOSPAMrap.midco.net> wrote in message

>> news:6fOdnXl0zqloLRjbnZ2dnUVZ_j6dnZ2d@midco.net...

>>> Before you pulle the power from the drives, did you see any flashing of

>>> drive activity light?

>>>

>>> Maybe problem is with video card or monitor?

>>>

>>> Was everything on a decent surge protector?

>>>

>>>

>>> "drb" <drbtoshX@pacbell.net> wrote in message

>>> news:uE4ovNruHHA.1496@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...

>>>> Came home to find my clocks blinking and computer idling (nothing on

>>>> the screen but fans running. Turned computer power off and restarted

>>>> after 15 seconds with no startup but fans running and no beeps. Pulled

>>>> power plug and recycled start up with still no running. Pulled power of

>>>> one hard drive and has a flash. Left power cables off both hard drives,

>>>> floppy and CDROM with still no startup. Any suggestions?

>>>>

>>>> Was thinking maybe the cmos is messed up or would there be a fuse that

>>>> can be replaced?

>>>>

>>>

>>>

>>

>>

>

>

On Jun 30, 12:52 am, "drb" <drbto...@pacbell.net> wrote:

> CDROM light comes on and draw opens. Is that a 5v line going there?

 

Without results that provide numbers, then everything will be

nothing more than wild speculation. For example:

> Sounds like something blew when the power came back.

> Sometime when power is restored it surges and bounces bit.

 

When power comes back on, due to so many things being powered

simultaneously, then voltage remains low and slowly rises up. This is

the best type of power up to electronics. In fact, electronics often

contain a device to create this slow voltage rise. However people

without electrical knowledge assume voltage surges high when first

powered on only due to feelings. Do they first learn facts? No.

They hear that power surges when first turned on. They assume 'surge'

means high voltage. The resulting current surge means no excessive

voltage; great power-on for electronics and poor power-on for electric

motors.

 

If damage was created with power loss, then damage was more likely

created before power went off. Again, another example of others who

somehow know only using feelings.

 

Back to the original problem. Lights can illuminate; fans can spin;

and voltage is still too low. Everything inside that computer is

'unknown'. Solution begins by placing various parts of a computer,

one sub-system at a time, into either the 'definitely good' or

'definitely bad' category. Notice the ternary conditions: good, bad,

and unknown.

 

A tool sold even where screwdrivers are sold (even K-mart) is

required. This 3.5 digit multimeter provides numbers in but two

minutes. Voltage numbers are taken on any one of orange, red, purple,

and yellow wires (from power supply to motherboard) both 'before'

power button is pressed and 'when' power button is pressed. Those

numbers must exceed 3.23, 4.87, and 11.7. Even an Ipod is more

complex. Some pictures demonstrating where that measurement is taken

are

http://techrepublic.com.com/5102-10586-5566528.html

http://www.helpwithpcs.com/courses/power-supply-basics-inc-pinouts.htm

 

Your replies will only be as useful as numbers and facts provided.

Power supply 'system' (more than just a power supply) is the

foundation of a computer. Everything can appear defective if those

above numbers are not in spec. Nobody can provide a useful answer

without those numbers. Power supply 'system' is the first system to

take from "unknown' to either 'definitely good' or 'definitely bad'

state. Only if that subsystem is 'definitely good', then we move on

to other suspects.

 

Notice you don't disconnect anything since too many changes may only

exponentially complicate the problem. Shotgunning is another bad

diagnostic procedure.

 

If surge protector was adjacent to computer, then it may have

contributed to computer damage. Again, many somehow know when hearing

the word 'surge protector' and then assume that means 'surge

protection'. Those are two different items. But again, an example of

people 'feeling' rather than first learning.

 

Use two minutes and that 3.5 digit multimeter to obtain numbers.

Posting those numbers here will result in replies from people with

technical knowledge. How complex is that meter? So complex as to be

sold in Home Depot, Radio Shack, Wal-mart, Tru-Value Hardware, and K-

mart for about $20. A tool as necessary as a screwdriver.

Hooked a dc pocket meter to hard drive power cable black+red=5v and

black+yellow=12v. Same thing true with connector to motherboard as well as

black+orange=5v. Also connected another power supply to motherboard and got

same results with no startup with fans running.

 

For a couple restarts the lights flashed on the keyboard. After taking out

the 2 sticks of ram and putting 1 in at a time the lights no longer come on.

Odd?

 

Also disconnected everything (HD, cdrom, floppy) and no change. Changed the

video card with no effect. What else can I do or test?

 

"w_tom" <w_tom1@usa.net> wrote in message

news:1183215357.932881.63940@q75g2000hsh.googlegroups.com...

> On Jun 30, 12:52 am, "drb" <drbto...@pacbell.net> wrote:

>> CDROM light comes on and draw opens. Is that a 5v line going there?

>

> Without results that provide numbers, then everything will be

> nothing more than wild speculation. For example:

>> Sounds like something blew when the power came back.

>> Sometime when power is restored it surges and bounces bit.

>

> When power comes back on, due to so many things being powered

> simultaneously, then voltage remains low and slowly rises up. This is

> the best type of power up to electronics. In fact, electronics often

> contain a device to create this slow voltage rise. However people

> without electrical knowledge assume voltage surges high when first

> powered on only due to feelings. Do they first learn facts? No.

> They hear that power surges when first turned on. They assume 'surge'

> means high voltage. The resulting current surge means no excessive

> voltage; great power-on for electronics and poor power-on for electric

> motors.

>

> If damage was created with power loss, then damage was more likely

> created before power went off. Again, another example of others who

> somehow know only using feelings.

>

> Back to the original problem. Lights can illuminate; fans can spin;

> and voltage is still too low. Everything inside that computer is

> 'unknown'. Solution begins by placing various parts of a computer,

> one sub-system at a time, into either the 'definitely good' or

> 'definitely bad' category. Notice the ternary conditions: good, bad,

> and unknown.

>

> A tool sold even where screwdrivers are sold (even K-mart) is

> required. This 3.5 digit multimeter provides numbers in but two

> minutes. Voltage numbers are taken on any one of orange, red, purple,

> and yellow wires (from power supply to motherboard) both 'before'

> power button is pressed and 'when' power button is pressed. Those

> numbers must exceed 3.23, 4.87, and 11.7. Even an Ipod is more

> complex. Some pictures demonstrating where that measurement is taken

> are

> http://techrepublic.com.com/5102-10586-5566528.html

> http://www.helpwithpcs.com/courses/power-supply-basics-inc-pinouts.htm

>

> Your replies will only be as useful as numbers and facts provided.

> Power supply 'system' (more than just a power supply) is the

> foundation of a computer. Everything can appear defective if those

> above numbers are not in spec. Nobody can provide a useful answer

> without those numbers. Power supply 'system' is the first system to

> take from "unknown' to either 'definitely good' or 'definitely bad'

> state. Only if that subsystem is 'definitely good', then we move on

> to other suspects.

>

> Notice you don't disconnect anything since too many changes may only

> exponentially complicate the problem. Shotgunning is another bad

> diagnostic procedure.

>

> If surge protector was adjacent to computer, then it may have

> contributed to computer damage. Again, many somehow know when hearing

> the word 'surge protector' and then assume that means 'surge

> protection'. Those are two different items. But again, an example of

> people 'feeling' rather than first learning.

>

> Use two minutes and that 3.5 digit multimeter to obtain numbers.

> Posting those numbers here will result in replies from people with

> technical knowledge. How complex is that meter? So complex as to be

> sold in Home Depot, Radio Shack, Wal-mart, Tru-Value Hardware, and K-

> mart for about $20. A tool as necessary as a screwdriver.

>

On Jul 1, 12:06 am, "drb" <drbto...@pacbell.net> wrote:

> Hooked a dc pocket meter to hard drive power cable black+red=5v and

> black+yellow=12v. Same thing true with connector to motherboard as well as

> black+orange=5v. Also connected another power supply to motherboard and got

> same results with no startup with fans running.

>

> For a couple restarts the lights flashed on the keyboard. After taking out

> the 2 sticks of ram and putting 1 in at a time the lights no longer come on.

> Odd?

 

Changing things without first identifying the problem is called

shotgunning. IOW you may have just exponentially complicated the

original problem.

 

Using a pocket meter, what was the purple wire voltage before power

switch was pressed? What was the purple wire voltage when power

switch was pressed? What was the orange wire voltage before power

switch was pressed? What was the voltage as power switch is pressed?

The previous post asked for each number during each action. Your

replies will only be as useful as numbers and facts provided.

 

Of course that pocket meter must be 3.5 digits minimum.

 

So what were those numbers for each wire before and when power

switch is pressed? Is every number zero? Is one at 0.65 volts?

That's not zero. Every number is significant information that may

mean nothing to you. Another reason why numbers are collected - so

that others with fundamental knowledge can identify things not so

obvious. Post every number - and do not shotgun the problem.

In article <1183308897.916563.246910@k29g2000hsd.googlegroups.com>,

w_tom1@usa.net says...

> Of course that pocket meter must be 3.5 digits minimum.

 

Bull crap, even an old analog meter would work to test the power supply

output on any current computer.

 

If the OP were to disconnect the devices, install a cheap PSU, we could

have this narrowed down to the parts that your testing with a DVM won't

show as faulty or not.

 

--

 

Leythos

- Igitur qui desiderat pacem, praeparet bellum.

- Calling an illegal alien an "undocumented worker" is like calling a

drug dealer an "unlicensed pharmacist"

spam999free@rrohio.com (remove 999 for proper email address)

Thanks for the down to earth clarification. It prompted me to check out the

CPU after I hooked up another power supply with no success.

 

Put my CPU into another computer and found it not working. Don't know how to

test the Soyo Dragon Lite motherboard so probably will have to take it in or

probably cheaper replace both and get later hardware. I assume that if a

processor blows from a surge the motherboard went with it, right?

 

Thanks everyone for giving me your input. I did learn a few things.

 

"Leythos" <void@nowhere.lan> wrote in message

news:MPG.20f1e0221f1ac571989773@adfree.Usenet.com...

> In article <1183308897.916563.246910@k29g2000hsd.googlegroups.com>,

> w_tom1@usa.net says...

>> Of course that pocket meter must be 3.5 digits minimum.

>

> Bull crap, even an old analog meter would work to test the power supply

> output on any current computer.

>

> If the OP were to disconnect the devices, install a cheap PSU, we could

> have this narrowed down to the parts that your testing with a DVM won't

> show as faulty or not.

>

> --

>

> Leythos

> - Igitur qui desiderat pacem, praeparet bellum.

> - Calling an illegal alien an "undocumented worker" is like calling a

> drug dealer an "unlicensed pharmacist"

> spam999free@rrohio.com (remove 999 for proper email address)

On Jul 1, 9:02 pm, "drb" <drbto...@pacbell.net> wrote:

> Thanks for the down to earth clarification. It prompted me to check out the

> CPU after I hooked up another power supply with no success.

>

> Put my CPU into another computer and found it not working. Don't know how to

> test the Soyo Dragon Lite motherboard so probably will have to take it in or

> probably cheaper replace both and get later hardware. I assume that if a

> processor blows from a surge the motherboard went with it, right?

>

> Thanks everyone for giving me your input. I did learn a few things.

>

> "Leythos" <v...@nowhere.lan> wrote in message

>

> news:MPG.20f1e0221f1ac571989773@adfree.Usenet.com...

>

>

>

> > In article <1183308897.916563.246...@k29g2000hsd.googlegroups.com>,

> > w_t...@usa.net says...

> >> Of course that pocket meter must be 3.5 digits minimum.

>

> > Bull crap, even an old analog meter would work to test the power supply

> > output on any current computer.

>

> > If the OP were to disconnect the devices, install a cheap PSU, we could

> > have this narrowed down to the parts that your testing with a DVM won't

> > show as faulty or not.

>

> > --

>

> > Leythos

> > - Igitur qui desiderat pacem, praeparet bellum.

> > - Calling an illegal alien an "undocumented worker" is like calling a

> > drug dealer an "unlicensed pharmacist"

> > spam999f...@rrohio.com (remove 999 for proper email address)- Hide quoted text -

>

> - Show quoted text -

Surges typically do not damage CPUs. With an incoming path and no

outgoing path, no electrical circuit (for a surge) exists through the

CPU. No incoming and outgoing path means no surge damage.

 

CPUs are rarely damaged. But CPUs may be harmed by a short list of

suspects including internal manufacturing defects, excessive

temperature (AMD types only), and excessive voltage. CPUs have their

own dedicated power supply that is controlled by the CPU. Just

another reason why surges don't harm CPUs. To have excessive

voltage, that 'motherboard resident' power supply would have to fail.

Install another CPU, and it too might be damaged by motherboard power

supply.

 

Other reasons for CPU failure also exist (far less likely) including

some reasons created by removing and installing CPU. CPUs are one of

the most robust components on a motherboard. It is rare to have CPU

failure without something else - typically on motherboard - creating

that failure. Some of these failures can occur during normal

operation; don't appear until later when power cycling occurs.

 

If you really do have a CPU failure, it is probably best not to put

a new CPU is what is now an unknown motherboard. However CPU failures

are so rare that you might want to reevaluate your test in the other

motherboard - whether that other motherboard really supports that

unique CPU.

 

On Jul 1, 9:02 pm, "drb" <drbto...@pacbell.net> wrote:

> Thanks for the down to earth clarification. It prompted me to check out the

> CPU after I hooked up another power supply with no success.

>

> Put my CPU into another computer and found it not working. Don't know how to

> test the Soyo Dragon Lite motherboard so probably will have to take it in or

> probably cheaper replace both and get later hardware. I assume that if a

> processor blows from a surge the motherboard went with it, right?

In article <#jRHeUEvHHA.4720@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl>, drbtoshX@pacbell.net

says...

> Thanks for the down to earth clarification. It prompted me to check out the

> CPU after I hooked up another power supply with no success.

>

> Put my CPU into another computer and found it not working. Don't know how to

> test the Soyo Dragon Lite motherboard so probably will have to take it in or

> probably cheaper replace both and get later hardware. I assume that if a

> processor blows from a surge the motherboard went with it, right?

>

> Thanks everyone for giving me your input. I did learn a few things.

 

Unless the CPU was designed for the motherboard you installed it in,

well, there was little hope that it would actually work. Soyo is not

exactly a quality board vendor, so there could be many problems.

 

I've seen surges fry everything on a motherboard, RAM, CPU, CAPS, etc...

 

In all my years, 30+, I've only seen a handful of CPU's go bad, but I've

seen a ton of motherboards and improperly jumpered CPU settings (making

it look like a bad CPU).

 

With nothing connected except Video, PSU and CPU you should get a POST

of some type - or at least a series of beeps, with RAM added you should

see it count the memory.

 

You should also reset the BIOS to factory defaults and CPU detection to

automatic if the board has it.

 

What CPU do you have for this?

 

--

 

Leythos

- Igitur qui desiderat pacem, praeparet bellum.

- Calling an illegal alien an "undocumented worker" is like calling a

drug dealer an "unlicensed pharmacist"

spam999free@rrohio.com (remove 999 for proper email address)