Computer Not Starting!!!

[john222]

Hi everyone,

I have a pc that I am looking at for a friend because they need some help. When I took the PC home I opened it up and gave it a good clean up with the vacuum cleaner (may this be the cause of my problems?). Then I took off the heat sink of the cpu and (edit - cleaned) it out and took out the gfx card and sucked it out.

Then I put it all back together and started it (note with different screen/mouse/kbd than original). The first time I started it froze on the Windows Xp loading screen. The second time it froze on the countdown at 18 when it had a screen asking if I wanted to boot in safe mode.

A funny thing is my dell usb kbd stops working about 10 seconds into the boot-up and so I am not able to do anything when it asks me if I want to load in safe mode.

What do you think the problem is? Did I damage something when I vacuumed it or is it something else?

Thanks for your help,
John

[Majestic]

Is it a usb keyboard or PS/2? if Ps/2.. I know it may be obvious, but MAKE Sure it's in the right port (I think we've all made this mistake once every blue moon by simply not paying attention.) If it is USB and you've accidently reset the bios you could disable the usb keyboard after the initial beep and before the post. It allows you to access the cmos with a usb keyboard with it disabled but then will disable it. So make sure it's enabled or re-enabled in the bios.

Besides that like ACG was saying, check your fans and check that the thermal paste is ok. Also, check the cpu temperature in the bios.

Good Luck,

Majestic

[AtYourService]

thermal paste , and reseat everything

[sys-eng]

"I took off the heat sink of the cpu and leaned it out"

I don't recommend leaning out heat sinks. It burns the valves. ;)

[purple_minion]

I wouldn't use a vacuum, creates STATIC! Not only have I heard it here on technibble, but I have first hand experience just vacuuming, but it is fun to shock the cat when you're done. (By vacuuming I mean with the hose not with the rotating floor brushes creating the static.)

Also you should ALWAYS start the computer without doing ANYTHING, that way it gives you a baseline so you know what you are dealing with and what worked or didn't work.

[Jm Boyd]

I wouldn't use a vacuum, creates STATIC! Not only have I heard it here on technibble, but I have first hand experience just vacuuming, but it is fun to shock the cat when you're done. (By vacuuming I mean with the hose not with the rotating floor brushes creating the static.)

Also you should ALWAYS start the computer without doing ANYTHING, that way it gives you a baseline so you know what you are dealing with and what worked or didn't work.

A paint brush with soft bristles and a can of compressed air are much better cleaning options.

I also have to ask why you remover the Heat sink to start with? Normally removing the fan and using the brush and a few shots of compressed air clean the sink is more than sufficient.


When someone brings (or you pick it up)a machine to you for repair...ALWAYS start it up while they are still standing there with you. That way when something like this goes down they can't pull the ol' "It wasn't doing that before you worked on it" line on you.....this applies even for family and friends.

[john222]

Hi,

Thanks for your response. I am sure they heat sink of the CPU is on properly (and there is also a thin layer of thermal paste on the CPU and heat sink). Do you still suggest I add more thermal paste to what already exists there?

I started the PC this morning (I have a USB keyboard which does not work after the boot screen???) and it got past the countdown from 30 but when it got to the Windows Xp loading screen (where the blue bar goes across) it froze. What could be causing this?

I urgently need to get the computer back together working ASAP. Should I buy a new motherboard and try set it up with that? Or, buy a second hand computer and put the current hard drive in that and go from there?

I appreciate your help very much.
Regards,
John

[l337]

check usb ports arent dammaged if they are and are say front usb just disconnect them from the mobo. disable as many unecessary things like onboard audio lan etc. try and use a ps2 keyboard. try completly cleaning the thermal paste and applying some fresh stuff (preferably artic silver). try testing with another power supply. reset cmos.

that should be a start. no use buying a new mobo or second hand pc unless ur sure of whats going on

[john222]

Working - heat sink not on properly!!! :)

[sys-eng]

It is very unusual to remove a heatsink for cleaning. I would not suggest do that again.