Blank Screen. No self test POST beeps.

[bakura82]

Compaq Evo D51c (HP lists as D510 Minitower)
Windows 2000

I was doing some work with the machine over my network (it serves as my server of a sort).  Windows hung in while RealVNC was in use (without my knowledge).  I had to do a hard power down.  After that, the PC will not boot.  The power supply and processor fans turn on, but the nothing further happens.  Black screen only and no self test POST beeps.

I believe this is a hardware issue and I can use any advice on where to start hunting down the problem.

I believe this is the correct model:
http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bizsupport/TechSupport/Home.jsp?&lang=en&cc=us&prodTypeId=12454&prodSeriesId=316510&submit.y=0&submit.x=0&lang=en&cc=us

[Peccavi]

Check power block, reset cards (rams, graphic, etc), check all the cables and plug firmly.

[bakura82]

Check power block

You mean the power supply?  How can I check this?  It's powering the fans and the power light.  I can check all the connections with a voltmeter, but I am not exactly sure what voltage should be emitted by the power supply.

reset cards (rams, graphic, etc)

Remove and replace you mean?

[Hoop2077]

No, just unplug everything and plug it back in firmly to make sure you are getting good connections.

Hoop2077

[Raptor]

Replace the CMOS battery, it may be empty. CR2032 if you need to go out and buy a new one.

Could be that you just need to reset your BIOS, which is done by removing the battery for 10 seconds (Power off the PC) and putting it back in.

[bakura82]

Power supply is fine.  Voltage checks out and I managed to coax the machine into some POST beeps for me (after CMOS resets).  I moved around the RAM module to the other slot and it now gives me two errors:
201 - Memory Error ( No beeps. RAM failure. Run diagnostics. Replace failed assembly as indicated.)
162 - System Options Not Set (2 short beeps)

At one point, I got the 201 Memory Error and then started to spit out tons of blocks of colors on the screen... who knows what that was about.

Anyway, I think the RAM module may have went bad and I don't happen to have any DDR PC 100 available.  Go figure.  I have so much other junk.  So, I can't test that yet.

At one point, I got the RAM to check out and it only gave the 162 error.  When I hit F1 to save the basic settings it wanted, it went back to hanging.  Grrr....

So, this is where I am at now.

Thanks for the help thus far!

Esteban

[Raptor]

Diagnose RAM after resetting BIOS.

[bakura82]

Diagnose RAM after resetting BIOS.

Can't.  If I cannot boot, I cannot test the RAM.  :/

Anyway, I have now cleaned the contacts of the RAM and also the socket to no avail.  The first time after boot, it didn't give the error code, but after the memory check, colors just started flashing on the screen.  After a rebooting, it went back to square one: black screen (monitor saying no valid input) and the computer hanging.

I am reseting the CMOS now and hopefully I can try a couple of other things... but this is where I am now.

PS - I lied about the RAM.  I don't know why I said what I did.  It's a 512 DDR PC-2100 with CL 2 I believe.

[patio]

MemTest is bootable...it may just work.

[Raptor]

Diagnose RAM after resetting BIOS.

Can't.  If I cannot boot, I cannot test the RAM.  :/

Anyway, I have now cleaned the contacts of the RAM and also the socket to no avail.  The first time after boot, it didn't give the error code, but after the memory check, colors just started flashing on the screen.  After a rebooting, it went back to square one: black screen (monitor saying no valid input) and the computer hanging.

I am reseting the CMOS now and hopefully I can try a couple of other things... but this is where I am now.

PS - I lied about the RAM.  I don't know why I said what I did.  It's a 512 DDR PC-2100 with CL 2 I believe.

   Lie: a false statement made with deliberate intent to deceive; an intentional untruth; a falsehood.

Did resetting the CMOS result in anything useful?

Try replacing the RAM modules with known working ones, also boot with minimal hardware attached. Connect a different videocard if possible.

[bakura82]

MemTest is bootable...it may just work.

I cannot get to a bootable state.  The system hangs even before I have the option of checking out the CMOS settings.

Did resetting the CMOS result in anything useful?

There is a "Reset BUtton" on the MB for the CMOS.  When I do that in conjunction with removing the battery for about 10 minutes, I have one chance to see the errors displayed on the system (201 and usually 162).  When I try and enter the settings, it hangs again...

Thing is though, I have had memory go bad in the past and I can usually boot to a degree.  This hangs before the system is even ready for booting.  That leaves me a little confused.

Try replacing the RAM modules with known working ones, also boot with minimal hardware attached. Connect a different videocard if possible.

Working on acquiring some RAM.  I don't have any spare of this type.   As for the video card, it is part of the MB.  I have no extra cards attached.

[Raptor]

There is a "Reset BUtton" on the MB for the CMOS.  When I do that in conjunction with removing the battery for about 10 minutes, I have one chance to see the errors displayed on the system (201 and usually 162).  When I try and enter the settings, it hangs again...

You don't have to combine, it's an or/or situation. You did power down the PC when doing this, right?

Working on acquiring some RAM.  I don't have any spare of this type.   As for the video card, it is part of the MB.  I have no extra cards attached.

I'd still add an expansion videocard.

[bakura82]

You don't have to combine, it's an or/or situation.

One would think so, but the CMOS button didn't seem to work.  The only thing that brought about any change was removing the battery for about 10 minutes (which I thought should only need to be 10 seconds normally).

You did power down the PC when doing this, right?

Yes.

I'd still add an expansion videocard.

I think that is a good idea.  I aqcuired some RAM today.  I will also test a card alternately.

[Raptor]

Let know what happens!