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Sony VGX-XL2A Media Computer not booting.

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  • TV
  • Sony
  • Computers
  • Systems
Last response: in Systems
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September 28, 2014 6:57:49 PM

I recently acquired a Sony VGX-XL2A media computer from a friend. He says it works fine, and that windows XP had been reinstalled, but it doesn't seem to output anything from the HDMI port (No bios, no nothing. The TV can detect no input). You can hear and see the fans and hard drive working, but it doesn't give an output. I have tried it with 2 TVs, but to no avail. I will attempt to boot again using the component connections, and try to boot from a disk. Has anybody had a similar problem, and/or what may be causing it. It also may help to mention that my friend has an ~80 inch TV, while I'm trying this computer on a ~40 inch one.

On a side note, if I ever get this thing running, I have a Core Duo I would want to replace the stock Pentium D with.(Just to get those extra FPS in minecraft ;)  ) Can anyone tell me if this would work?

Thanks,
Domo

EDIT 9/29/14:Ok, I've found the answer. It turned out that the graphics card in the thing was overheating and shutting down. I tested that by taking out the stock PCI-e card, and putting in one that I knew worked. It turned on. Therefore, I knew that the stock one was bad. On a hunch, I took it out and removed the heat sink. Guess what? The thermal paste was all grey and old, which explained why the heat sink never got too warm after turning it the computer on. I wiped off all the remaining thermal paste, applied some new paste, put the heat sink back on, plugged it in and presto! Turned on first try! It may be worth noting when troubleshooting these computers, that they give a small beep if start up is successful. If you get rapid beeps, there's a problem. (Something not plugged in, etc) I'm hoping to install win. 7 on it next. Thanks for everyone's help!

More about : sony vgx xl2a media computer booting

September 28, 2014 7:00:00 PM

Did someone install the video drivers?
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September 28, 2014 7:07:17 PM

Paul NZ said:
Did someone install the video drivers?


I'm not sure. All I know is that he "restored" Win XP media version, which came with it. I got it for free, so it's not a HUGE loss if it's dead, but I would like to get it working. Also, I thought that BIOS didn't use drivers to boot, but don't quote me.
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September 28, 2014 7:09:16 PM

Check in device manager under the video what does that say? Or in add/remove programs
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September 28, 2014 7:16:07 PM

Paul NZ said:
Check in device manager under the video what does that say? Or in add/remove programs


The problem is, the thing won't even boot. No Bios, no XP... The TV doesn't even get an input from the HDMI. Testing the component output right now...
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September 28, 2014 7:23:06 PM

Try it on something else with HDMI
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September 28, 2014 7:32:52 PM

Paul NZ said:
Try it on something else with HDMI


Component is dead as well... Starting to think the graphics card is dead, as the HDMI and component are connected. What do you mean "Try it on somthing else" ?
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September 28, 2014 7:40:16 PM

Another TV / monitor with HDMI
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September 28, 2014 7:43:07 PM

Paul NZ said:
Another TV / monitor with HDMI


I've already tried two.
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September 28, 2014 7:45:05 PM

Does it turn on at all?
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!