Old Homebuilt System Does Not Boot

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Jack Carver

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Jun 12, 2014
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Hey gang


I recently picked up my old desktop pc from my parents house which I have not used for about 2 years. I have been trying to fix this issue for a while and I feel the easiest way to explain what I have already attempted is by footnotes.


PC will turn on with no success beeps when connected via VGA/DVI and stay on, although there will be no output on the monitor, I have tried this via the onboard VGA and my 5770's VGA port, both display no image.

PC Will turn on with two beeps when connected to a HDTV as a monitor via HDMI powered by a 7850, the TV will display signal but the only image is a small white flashing cursor in the top left of the screen. There is no media plugged in or in the disc drives, plugging in a USB keyboard has no effect and I am unable to pass this screen. Something else strange is the motherboard manufacturer and BIOS settings do no flash up, I just go directly to the white cursor.


I have been struggling with this issue for a while so any input is appreciated.
 
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Paperdoc

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Oct 19, 2006
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It's as if the BIOS is never working, but it must be doing something for you to get any action. The flashing cursor may only mean that your 7850 will display that output by default with no input.

Try these two things:
1. Disconnect all power to the machine, then open up. Remove the mobo's BIOS battery - the one about the size of a quarter. Check it with a voltmeter to see what its voltage is - could be weak or dead. Or, take it to a shop and have them check. If dead, buy a new one, but don't install yet.
2. This sequence is a complete BIOS Reset, modified for your situation.
a. Find the BIOS Reset jumper near the battery holder. Move it to the pair of "Reset" pins and leave on there for 10 to 20 sec. Replace it back on the "normal" pins for running.
b. Install the (old or new) battery.
c. Close up, reconnect power. You may have to connect your monitor to the mobo's own video output from its built-in chip - often that is the default video output device when the BIOS is reset. Turn on. If you get nothing, try again using the vid card output. Does it at least show you the BIOS POST display?

If you don't get a normal boot POST display now, you're not just dealing with a confused BIOS state, so quit now. However, if you DO get a POST display sequence, you can proceed with the rest of the Reset, as follows:
d. Go directly into BIOS Setup - often hold down the "Del" key while booting until the BIOS Setup opening screen shows.
e. Go to one of the last BIOS Setup screens and find the option to Load Optimized Defaults. Do that. This will ensure that a full functional set of BIOS options is loaded. Then go back through the BIOS settings to adjust any you know need it. For example, you might want to set it to use your video card in the PCI slot, not the on-board vid output system.
f. Remember to SAVE and EXIT. The machine should reboot.

Let us know what you find.
 
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Jack Carver

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Jun 12, 2014
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Hi, thanks for the response. I have ordered a new battery which should arrive by Saturday so I will update again then, I'm just going to assume the current CMOS is dead as the machine hasn't been powered in over 2 years. What exactly do you mean by "You're not just dealing with a confused BIOS state, so quit now?"
 
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Paperdoc

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What I mean is, Steps 1 and 2, a, b, and c will do a basic Reset of the BIOS. That should be enough to allow the machine to start up and show you the normal POST messages as it begins to boot. If you actually STILL cannot see any such messages on the screen, the problem was not a confused BIOS chip. It must be somewhere else. So there is no point trying to get into BIOS Seutp to Load the Optimized Defaults if you can't get ANY display.

If that is your situation, you should be following a much more organized process for diagnosing the real problem. Or, you might decide not to bother and quit trying to resurrect the old machine.

Read and follow this sticky from the top:

http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/261145-31-perform-steps-posting-post-boot-video-problems
 
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Jack Carver

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Jun 12, 2014
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Hi, The battery arrived and I followed your instructions, the machine will now boot up to the motherboard flash screen and freeze, I only get signal from the onboard vga port now so the BIOS must have reset. No matter how long I leave it or what I press the splash screen will freeze
 
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Paperdoc

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Well, two ideas to offer here:

1. MAYBE the key for entering BIOS Setup is not "Del". Watch the splash screen closely (usually at the bottom) for message about how to Enter Setup, in case it's a different key combo.

2. If that's not it, it almost appears your machine is not reading the keyboard and your keys pressed. Assuming for the moment that the keyboard works, maybe your older mobo is expecting something NOT a USB device. Can you borrow (or whatever) a different keyboard - maybe one that plugs into a PS/2 port on the back? Oh - and a side note: SOME mobos don't respond properly to USB keyboards plugged into USB hubs; the keyboard MUST be plugged into a USB port on the mobo, preferably one on the back panel.
 
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Jack Carver

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Jun 12, 2014
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4,510
Hi,


I followed what you said and this is a rather strange outcome. I plugged the keyboard in via a PS/2 Adapter directly into the motherboard on the back and booted the machine. After a few more crashes the post screen ran successfully and I was able to see some information, such at the BIOS date is 03/03/10. After this the machine attempted to autoboot into Windows and crash. Upon rebooting the machine now is stuck once again on the motherboard splash screen. I have tried plugging the keyboard into both the PS/2 port and USB ports on the back but it no longer responds. I have also tried booting without the hard drive connected and with a disc in and out of the drive. Still can't get past the splash screen. I appreciate your help so far, this issue increasingly frustrating and not my area at all
 
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