I think I'm screwed!!!

TimeCode

TimeCode

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Got a client's PC and it had a bad HD. Not big deal, right? That's what I thought. So I put in a new HD, install XP and security progs and everything was kosher except for the fact that the lady didn't have time to pick up the PC. No big deal, I kept it for about a week and called her to pick it up. Here's where things get weird...

I decided to fire it up to update Avira and MalwareBytes. PC doesn't boot. I try this, I try that. Situation just keeps getting worse. I eventually swap out every single part except for the MoBo and DVD drives. MoBo is DEAD! Ok, so I have spare PC and I swap out the Mobo, PSU and processor to the old PC case and connect everything. DEAD AGAIN!!! Now I know that both MoBos worked before. I had installed XP on 1 and the other was my (work in progress) Linux Server. Now neither of them will even POST.

Voltage coming out of the wall is a pretty consistent 116.1 V.

What would you do?
 
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Are you getting anything from the computer? When you say dead, does that mean no fans?
 
eric76 said:
Are you getting anything from the computer? When you say dead, does that mean no fans?
Click to expand...

CPU fan comes on. No video. It won't POST. I come up with a (AMI Bios) POST Code error of C1 most of the time. Sometimes it gets past C1 and gets to 4E or something like that.

Other times there is just a quick blip of power and everything shuts off again. Does this with multiple PSUs.
 
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Have you tried plugging into a different outlet? How about resetting the CMOS? You also replaced the RAM?
 
eric76 said:
Have you tried plugging into a different outlet? How about resetting the CMOS?
Click to expand...
Yes, I have tried resetting the CMOS. From your suggestion I took it to another outlet and I got the same response. Yes, I have tried 3 sticks of RAM.

I should add that the only things plugged in are the video card (there is no onboard), RAM, video cable and keyboard & mouse. There is no HD, optical drives, no USB, nothing extraneous. I just want it to POST.
 
Sounds like you swapped everything that you could have possibly swapped. I was going to say a different PSU but you covered that as well. I guess when I run into crazy situations like that I just go back to square 1 and check the super obvious things like power cord and wall outlet. Other than that I had a bad video card in a G4 tower which was making crazy things happen once. If you checked these things call it a bad day and go back after it tomorrow.

Sorry, I was a little late on this post.

If you try it without RAM does it at least give error beeps?
 
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anonymous Mac Tech said:
Sounds like you swapped everything that you could have possibly swapped. I was going to say a different PSU but you covered that as well. I guess when I run into crazy situations like that I just go back to square 1 and check the super obvious things like power cord and wall outlet. Other than that I had a bad video card in a G4 tower which was making crazy things happen once. If you checked these things call it a bad day and go back after it tomorrow.

Sorry, I was a little late on this post.

If you try it without RAM does it at least give error beeps?
Click to expand...

No worries, I thank you for the response. Without RAM I get the same error. C1

It's a whitebox. Here are the 2 Mobos that I have been working with...
www.jetway.com.tw/jetway/downlo/manual/PT800DBR1A.pdf
http://www.msicomputer.com/product/p_spec.asp?model=845G_Max

I'd love to get back to it tomorrow but it was promised out (and was ready) early last week. Then I promised it today. I think I might just give the lady another PC.
 
I thank everyone for their suggestions. I wish they had worked but as I said in my title, I think I'm screwed.

I'll just have to face the music and give her another PC.
 
If it were me I'd yank it all out, place it on a table somewhere taking care about static, and hook up just the mobo, processor, and psu. Everyone I've ever had would at least beep and go crazy, then try different PCI, AGP video cards. One ram stick, two, etc. Eliminate EVERYTHING you can. Check the CMOS battery too, never know.
 
purple_minion said:
If it were me I'd yank it all out, place it on a table somewhere taking care about static, and hook up just the mobo, processor, and psu. Everyone I've ever had would at least beep and go crazy, then try different PCI, AGP video cards. One ram stick, two, etc. Eliminate EVERYTHING you can. Check the CMOS battery too, never know.
Click to expand...

These 2 don't even get far enough to go crazy. One puts up a C1 error and the other is FF. No keyboard, no RAM, no videocard, nothing but CPU and power. No beep codes. DEAD!

I have given up but I appreciate the post. :)
 
geez this would drive me nuts, let us know if you ever figure it out!:confused:
 
TimeCode said:
These 2 don't even get far enough to go crazy. One puts up a C1 error and the other is FF. No keyboard, no RAM, no videocard, nothing but CPU and power. No beep codes. DEAD!

I have given up but I appreciate the post. :)
Click to expand...

Well that sucks, but really what can you do. I would replace the motherboard instead of a new computer if I were you, instead of a whole new one. Then again if it wasn't your fault for it dying, then I would say tough... but it depends on the situation.
 
purple_minion said:
Well that sucks, but really what can you do. I would replace the motherboard instead of a new computer if I were you, instead of a whole new one. Then again if it wasn't your fault for it dying, then I would say tough... but it depends on the situation.
Click to expand...

Well, its a new client and she is starting up her own business soon so I want a piece of that action. ;) And I'm afraid that if I put ANOTHER MoBo into that case it will kill that one too. I have already lost 1 MoBo to it and I figure I should just cut my losses and get out.

It certainly wasn't my fault for it dying but it happened on my watch so I feel a responsible to make it right. If it happened after I gave it back, no big deal. But it happened here at my house so I see it as being my problem. And I have another used PC here with similar specs. I'll give her that one instead.
 
I have everyone sign a waiver stating they realized that pc's can go out at any time due to "natural causes". - just fyi

PC do and will go out on you from time to time.

I know this doesn't help right now... sorry about your dilemma.
 
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