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PC Crash, Help requested!

Forum Motherboards & Memory : General Motherboard - PC Crash, Help requested!

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gramps000   07-13-2008 at 12:25:12 AM

If I'm in the wrong thread I apologize, I'm new to this forum.

I have an HP m1160n which is an Athlon 3400+ 1GB XP Media Center w/SP2 .
Today when I fired it up. it stops at the opening HP Logo screen where I could normally choose to change BIOS settings, etc. The problem is that I cannot leave this screen. I suspect a motherboard failure.

I have removed the primary HD and put it in another PC and it is working just fine. I had a similar problem with another HP (exact same symptoms and hard drive test results) a month ago and although replacing the MB did fix the problem, I'm suspicious of 2 similar MB problems in such close time proximity. BTW, on the other PC I had to replace the CPU and memory because I did not use an exact replacement MB since HP wanted $400 for something not worth $50. (huge issues but that's for another post).

Is it likely this problem is really the MB? Any suggestions before I replace this MB too along with CPU & memory and then deal w/Microsoft t get the OS to work with the non-HP MB.

Thanks in Advance for your help.


Message edited by gramps000 on 07-13-2008 at 12:26:29 AM
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notherdude   07-13-2008 at 01:08:32 AM
- 0 +

So you can't even get into the BIOS?

I would unhook all unessential parts and try to boot it up with 1 stick of RAM only. No drives, no USB devices, just a PS2 keyboard. If that fails try another stick of RAM and then another RAM slot.

I would also take it apart and rebuild it. If after all that you still see the splash screen but can't do anything else I would assume it's probably the MOBO. Could be the BIOS chip itself.

Is there a key to disable the splash screen? There may be a message there from the boot block BIOS, possibly.


Message edited by notherdude on 07-13-2008 at 01:11:50 AM
------------------------------ tehhardpro wrote :


notherdude u have an old hand. Having an old hand doesnt make sence. Cuz its old. get a new one.. seems like ur hand doesnt understand what it is writing. So placve it in ur rig instead of vista human orgnoids will amke more sense
Reply to notherdude
gramps000   07-13-2008 at 02:48:15 AM
- 0 +

There is a way to disable the splash screen, but it's done in the BIOS!

I'll try your suggestions and let you know. Thanks.

Reply to gramps000
bobbknight   07-13-2008 at 03:19:13 AM
- 0 +

How old is it, you might try a new battery for the BIOS if it's over 3 years old.
Also try to reset the BIOS.

Reply to bobbknight
gramps000   07-13-2008 at 03:37:19 AM
- 0 +

The system is around 3 years old, but on the battery suggestion, wouldn't a weak or dead battery just lose the time, or maybe a system password, etc?

Also, I'm not sure what you mean by "reset the BIOS". The PC won't boot and I can't get to the BIOS setup. Are you referring to a switch or jumper on the MB perhaps?

Reply to gramps000
bc4   07-13-2008 at 03:52:01 AM
- 0 +

what mobo did you use to replace it?

Reply to bc4
gramps000   07-13-2008 at 04:03:12 AM
- 0 +

notherdude, I removed a TV video card that has been in the machine since day one, as well as 2 USB devices along with the HD and was able to get into the BIOS.

I made the change to hide the splash screen and see the diagnostics. I also put the HD back in. The PC booted up without a problem. I am amazed, and I thank you immensely.

I reconnected the USB devices one at a time and each (external HDD, wireless N adapter) is working just fine.

I had no idea an unused card could do something like this.

Thanks again for all your help.

Message quoted 1 times
Message edited by gramps000 on 07-13-2008 at 04:04:12 AM
Reply to gramps000
gramps000   07-13-2008 at 04:05:20 AM
- 0 +

bc, I used an Asus M2A-VM HDMI motherboard with an Athlon 5200+ chip.

Reply to gramps000
notherdude   07-13-2008 at 04:45:40 AM
- 0 +

gramps000 wrote :

notherdude, I removed a TV video card that has been in the machine since day one, as well as 2 USB devices along with the HD and was able to get into the BIOS.

I made the change to hide the splash screen and see the diagnostics. I also put the HD back in. The PC booted up without a problem. I am amazed, and I thank you immensely.

I reconnected the USB devices one at a time and each (external HDD, wireless N adapter) is working just fine.

I had no idea an unused card could do something like this.

Thanks again for all your help.



That is very good news!

------------------------------ tehhardpro wrote :


notherdude u have an old hand. Having an old hand doesnt make sence. Cuz its old. get a new one.. seems like ur hand doesnt understand what it is writing. So placve it in ur rig instead of vista human orgnoids will amke more sense
Reply to notherdude
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