Big Computer problem

[snapperbait]

Help! I have a big problem, I think... Running XP home ed...<br /><br />I installed a new CD drive this evening exactly as per instructions, jumper on the drive in the same position.. <br /><br /> Now, the puter won't do anything at all... No screen, just black... Beeps when I turn it on.. Initial beep for a few seconds, then a long beep every few seonds.. Went back and checked that everything's plugged in correctly..<br /><br />I went back and put the old drive back in, I get the same results...<br /><br />I'm stuck on Pop's puter in slooooooow dial up hell...Please help..

 

[LubeDude]

Re: Big Computer problem

What the heck, Ill add something, right or wrong. Are you sure you used the same ribbon cable end? Are you sure you didnt turn it over, are you sure your not plugged into the same cable as your hard drive? If the cd is the only one, you use the end plug for the master. Just some thoughts.

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: Big Computer problem

Oh, beeps - would you say 2 or 8 long beeps? - reseat your RAM module, and the video card. I'd bet real money you pushed out the video card when you pushed down the ribbon cable onto your motherboard.<br /><br />Have a look at where the AGP connector (brown) and the video card mate. See any gold?<br />Good luck!

 

[snapperbait]

Re: Big Computer problem

Just disconnected the ribbon cable and power cable on the drive, slid the old one out, new one in, cables exactly as they were.. Did'nt touch anything else..<br /><br />Checked all the connections that could have possibly come loose, everything's pluged in...<br /><br />One long beep when i turn it on, then a long beep every few seconds.. Never stops beeping... Does not really seem to be a code as they describe at HP help site..<br /><br />I'm ready with the BFH....... I got a bad feeling that the thing is toast...

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: Big Computer problem

What kind of HP are we talking about here?<br /><br />1) Pull all your cards except video. Do you get a boot screen?<br />2) Pull your video card and put it back in. Do you get a boot screen?<br />3) Remove your ram and try to boot. Is the beep code different?<br />4) Reinstall your ram and try to boot.<br />5) (longshot) try reseating the CPU.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Big Computer problem

Man..... I Hate to say it.....<br />I Just went down this Exact same road........<br />After Days of Frustration, I bought a New tower.....<br />$460. from Dell, in 4 days.....<br />A Real Hot-Rod, compared to My old HP.......

 

[Xcusme]

Re: Big Computer problem

BTW, be sure you pull out the A/C line cord before you go pulling and replacing cards. The motherboard will still have power to it when the computer is "off".<br /><br />Make a note of which card goes in which PCI slot so you can replace them as they originally were, when you re-insert them.<br /><br />The CPU fan is spinning when you start it up right??

 

[snapperbait]

Re: Big Computer problem

Wheeeeew! got it... Pulled everything inside and re-connected em all... Something must have been just a tiny bit loose.. <br /><br />Fired right up... Was gettin the shakes... Had the BFH right handy and was full on ready to use it... Who says threatining the dang thing don't work, huh? <br /><br />Thanks Ya'll...

 

[Xcusme]

Re: Big Computer problem

HA!! Works every time!! Glad you got it sorted out. Wheew!

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: Big Computer problem

Glad to here your good to go!<br /><br />Threats seem to work good on computers. I think they know their own mortality (obsolescence), and they know you'll make good on your threat ('cause you want a faster one anyway).<br />Case in point, my old hard drive currently is on a stay of execution since it finally gave up most my data. It's holding a few important bits hostage. It knows the drill press is all too near...

 

[LubeDude]

Re: Big Computer problem

Sorry to say , that when others have trouble we all learn.<br /><br />Glad you got it sortted out.<br /><br />Computers, Love hate relationship.

 

[Scoop]

Re: Big Computer problem

Snapperbait, I am glad you got it back up and running. <br /><br />I just want to reemphasize for anyone that reads this to Unplug the computer and wait 10 seconds before adding or removing any cards or drives in your system. With the new systems, they always have power going to the cards when the computer is plugged in. If a card is removed, then you can blow up your motherboard. On most systes you will even see a green LED that is on until the power is removed. <br /><br />Don't panic if you forget. Components are made to withstand this better than in the past.

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: Big Computer problem

If you have a _good_ power supply with a switch on the back of it, use the switch and leave it plugged in. That way you're constantly grounding yourself against the case, minimizing ESD problems.

 

[Scoop]

Re: Big Computer problem

Good point Paul.

 

[BassMan283]

Re: Big Computer problem

yep. Most computers will straighten up and fly right after you show 'em the BFH.

 

[SpinnerBait_Nut]

Re: Big Computer problem

Originally posted by Scoop:<br />With the new systems, they always have power going to the cards when the computer is plugged in.

Good point and I have noticed that with my new system.<br />The computer can be off, but walk around back and look and it is still got a light on the back.

 

[sloopy]

Re: Big Computer problem

Just a Reminder, Did you clean the fan blades and the inside of the case? If you did, you should have a lot of paper towels and quetips with dust on them.<br /><br />-Sloopy<br />(likes clean things)

 

[SpinnerBait_Nut]

Re: Big Computer problem

That is after you take a good air-n-the-can and blow it out good.