Computer will not post, black screen.

[Madgoat]

Going to try to explain this the best I can. Thank you for any help you can offer in advance.

My computer locked up while playing a game. When I rebooted the machine it went to the screen that gives you the option to boot in safe mode, but locked up on this screen as well. I rebooted again and my monitor will not come out of safe mode.

As it stands.....My rig turns on like normal with no beeps, all fans, lights, drives etc are working properly. Rig will not post and monitor will not come out of safe mode. Monitor is working properly with another computer and I tested the internal speaker by taking out the ram and booting, which produced beeps.

Any ideas????

 

[sdotbrucato]

Well you posted in the wrong forum. . .

But do you have another videocard to test? Possibly powersupply?

 

[Oldie]

I moved this to the general hardware forum, you'll get better help here.

Now just to clarify, when you say your monitor is in safe mode, I'm assuming you mean your monitors default display screen since your system won't post; not the Windows Safe Mode right?

It would be a good idea to list the specific hardware you have. If it wouldn't post with the ram in, but you did get post beeps with the ram out, have you tried one stick at a time (if you have more than one)?

You should probably also try resetting your BIOS. On most mainboards there's a jumper right by the battery you move to reset it. If you're not sure how, post your brand/model mainboard and we can find instructions.

 

[Madgoat]

Sorry about posting to the wrong area, it will not happen again. Try and forgive a newb =).

I will try and answer all the questions the best I can:

Mobo: MSI P6N SLI Platinum
RAM: 2 X 2G sticks of mushkin ram

When I try and boot the machine the monitor never leaves "power save" mode. I have tried to boot with one stick of ram ( trying this with both sticks ) with the same results. I do not see a jumper on my mobo to reset the BIOS, there is however a little red button.

 

[Madgoat]

Things I have done:

1. Switched out the PSU with another had the same issue.
2. Switched out the mem with different sticks, same issue.
3. Reset my CMOS, same issue.
4. Switched out to a different PCI video card, same issue.

I am still getting no post and a blank screen. I guess this means it is the Motherboard. I just find it odd it caused the computer to lock up all of a sudden and not allow it to boot or post. I could find no burn marks or anything visually wrong with the motherboard. I am going to hold off ordering a new MB until midday tomorrow to see if you guys throw any ideas at me.

 

[DrDoU]

Take mother board out of case and place on cardboard and test from there,one stick,video card.If does not boot mother board may have taken a dirt nap.

 

[Massacre215]

I know this might sound weird... But do you have a stock heatsink on your processor? Did you build this machine? Try taking the heatsink off, pull the processor (carefully) reseat the processor and put NEW thermal paste on (Artic silver 5 is my fav) then reseat the heatsink. I have seen machines that overheat within seconds of turning on and lock up. Give it a shot and let me know if it works out!
-Massacre

 

[Kaiga]

just a quick question, when you try to boot the pc without ram, (just processor, thats it) does it beep?
If not more than likely your motherboard has gone out if it doesn't post at all.

 

[engiNURD]

just a quick question, when you try to boot the pc without ram, (just processor, thats it) does it beep?
If not more than likely your motherboard has gone out if it doesn't post at all.

... I tested the internal speaker by taking out the ram and booting, which produced beeps.

Any ideas????

What other RAM did you try? (specific model# please)
What other PSU did you try? (specific model# please)
With RAM, CPU, Mobo, and no vidcard, do you get error beeps?

From the Basic Troubleshooting Sticky thread:

... If your system doesn't POST...

This is basic troubleshooting if your system has never POSTed (as in, you just put it together); Though, it may be helpful to others whose system no longer POSTs...

If you have both the 20/24 pin main ATX connector plugged in, AND the 4-Pin (or 8-pin) ATX12V P4 CPU connector plugged in, then the board should boot fine (unless it requires more power connectors from the PSU). First, try clearing the CMOS w/ the proper jumper or button.

The next thing you could do is test the PSU. Jump start it (on the main atx connector, short the green wire with any black wire, using a paperclip), and see if it stays on. If not, then its probably a faulty PSU. If it works then you can proceed with the suggestions below. ***NOTE: The paperclip trick is a simple test for those that do not have PSU testers, multimeters, nor a spare PSU to test with. It is not a 100% conclusive test of the PSU.

How to test with a multimeter @ BFG

Setup everything outside of the case, with the mobo on top of its cardboard box. Plug in only the essentials: (this is also known as a barebone bench test)
- PSU (namely: main 20/24-pin ATX connector and 4-pin ATX12V P4 CPU Connector; The 4-pin should work in the 8-pin EPS12v plugs, too)
- CPU w/ HSF
- Single stick of ram
- Videocard if there is no onboard video (along with its molex or PCI-E power connector, if it has one)
- System speaker/buzzer (your board may have an on-board buzzer/speaker)
- Monitor & Keyboard

Reset/Clear the CMOS by following the instructions in your mobo manual.

* Use a screwdriver if your board doesn't have an onboard power switch. Jump the two power switch leads to turn the power on (connect both pins for 1-2 seconds with something conductive).

If it won't POST, try different RAM slots. If it still won't post, pull out the ram (so no ram in the system) and listen for error beeps. If none, pull the vidcard and listen for error beeps. If none, re-seat the CPU and HSF, then try again. Report back with results if you're still having issues.