Computer will not load up

[Bassiswild]

I had moved and unfortunately I let the movers move my computer. So I
hook everything back up to it and nothing. I gets to where it reads
the RAM. It will not even let me into the BIOS. I want to avoid
reformatting my HD at all costs. Any ideas to try and get my computer
running? It is running Win XP Professional has 1GB of RAM and I think
the processor is 1.6Ghz. Custom built system.

 

[Mike T.]

I had moved and unfortunately I let the movers move my computer. So I
hook everything back up to it and nothing. I gets to where it reads
the RAM. It will not even let me into the BIOS. I want to avoid
reformatting my HD at all costs. Any ideas to try and get my computer
running? It is running Win XP Professional has 1GB of RAM and I think
the processor is 1.6Ghz. Custom built system.

Something is loose. First thing I'd suggest is, find the mainboard manual.
Unplug the computer from the wall. Now disconnect EVERYTHING except CPU and
CPU cooler from mainboard. Expansion cards, RAM, power connectors, case
connectors, everything. Use the mainboard manual to re-install everything
on mainboard. I'd be surprised if that doesn't do it. It's also possible
your CPU has worked loose, but try reseating that as a last resort. -Dave

 

[John Doe]

I had moved and unfortunately I let the movers move my computer. So I
hook everything back up to it and nothing. I gets to where it reads
the RAM. It will not even let me into the BIOS. I want to avoid
reformatting my HD at all costs.

Why is that?
If it's because you have important data on the hard drive and you want to
avoid the trouble of copying it, you're making a serious mistake.

Good luck.

 

[Mike T.]

Why is that?
If it's because you have important data on the hard drive and you want to
avoid the trouble of copying it, you're making a serious mistake.

Good luck.

Dude has a loose cable or loose card somewhere, and you suggest reformatting
a hard drive?

 

[Bassiswild]

Why is that?

If it's because you have important data on the hard drive and you want to
avoid the trouble of copying it, you're making a serious mistake.

I have a lot of important files that I do not wish to lose. I am
unable to access Windows to copy the files. Thatt is why I do not
want to reformat. Is there a way to copy contents of HD without being
able to get into Windows?

 

[Bert Hyman]

(e-mail address removed) (Bassiswild) wrote in

It will not even let me into the BIOS. I want to avoid
reformatting my HD at all costs.

If it won't even load the BIOS, it's far too early to even think
about formatting your disk.

 

[Bassiswild]

Thanks for all the help!

Still at the main screen. I uplugged everyhting and plugged it back
it in. Including reseating my processor. Also replaced all my
cards. Still will not load up BIOS. I am using an USB Keyboard.
Maybe I should switch to my older keybeyboard to see if that would
work?

 

[John Doe]

Dude has a loose cable or loose card somewhere, and you suggest
reformatting a hard drive?

No dude, he suggested reformatting the hard drive. I was establishing
a prerequisite for doing anything with his computer. As opposed to
shooting from the hip, I am trying to understand what's going on and
to help the user solve his technical problems without creating dire
problems he doesn't currently have. I've been in this group long
enough to recognize the telltale signs of when a user is at risk of
losing his (or her) data. And I've been around long enough to hear
many sad stories about losing data. Besides needing backups to begin
with, one quick and easy way to lose data is when an inexperienced
user is trying to fix a difficult computer problem. The clue was when
he said "I want to avoid reformatting my HD at all costs." If he can
reformat the drive, he can clone the drive. If the user doesn't have a
backup of what he says are important files from his hard drive, he
shouldn't be using his computer until he does. And judging by his
reply to me, apparently he doesn't have copies.

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From: "Mike T." <noway nohow.not>
Newsgroups: alt.comp.hardware.pc-homebuilt
References: <1175796405.078510.114790 p77g2000hsh.googlegroups.com> <E0bRh.14349$Um6.5664 newssvr12.news.prodigy.net>
Subject: Re: Computer will not load up
Date: Thu, 5 Apr 2007 14:21:10 -0400
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[John Doe]

I have a lot of important files that I do not wish to lose. I am
unable to access Windows to copy the files. Thatt is why I do not
want to reformat. Is there a way to copy contents of HD without
being able to get into Windows?

At this point, I think you need the help of a local techie. He (or
she) might be able to clone the drive. I'm going on your statement
about reformatting, that sounds a little strange and I figure you're
pretty much lost.

However it's done, based on your assessment of the risk and the
importance of your files, you need to make a removable media copy of
any important files from your hard drive as soon as possible.

Good luck.

 

[Jan Alter]

Thanks for all the help!

Still at the main screen. I uplugged everyhting and plugged it back
it in. Including reseating my processor. Also replaced all my
cards. Still will not load up BIOS. I am using an USB Keyboard.
Maybe I should switch to my older keybeyboard to see if that would
work?

Not a bad idea going back to using a PS2 keyboard. Some of what I'm saying
may be obvious but I only mention it as a check and reminder. Additionally
have you checked that the CMOS battery is in its socket? You're sure you're
using the right key to go to bios set up? I would even go to the point of
simply resetting the bios to defaults by unplugging the computer from the
wall and then moving the jumper for the bios to reset it and then replacing
the jumper after 30 seconds. If you don't have a manual for the mb to note
where the reset array is then just remove the battery for 20 minutes and put
it back into its holder. While removed I would check the battery voltage. It
should be about 3 V.
One last thing I would do is to unplug all unnecessary peripherals except
the graphics card. You do not need a hdd connected to get into the bios.

 

[Frank McCoy]

I had moved and unfortunately I let the movers move my computer. So I
hook everything back up to it and nothing. I gets to where it reads
the RAM. It will not even let me into the BIOS. I want to avoid
reformatting my HD at all costs. Any ideas to try and get my computer
running? It is running Win XP Professional has 1GB of RAM and I think
the processor is 1.6Ghz. Custom built system.

I'd take your memory out and reseat it.
Push it back in *hard* until the latches click back into place.

 

[Bassiswild]

I was able to fix the problem of the computer not loading up. What I
did was to check all the cables, unplug and reconnect them. Unhook
and reconnect all of the power connectors, IDE cables, cards and RAM.
The final thing that I did was to get a new battery for the
motherboard. A simple type of watch battery and it started up like
gang busters. I can't thank all of you enough for your help.
Everyone on here was a real big help.