Computer Hope
Hardware => Hardware => Topic started by: ashleygl on October 28, 2006, 04:17:16 PM
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Hi everyone,
Anytime I start my computer, I get this message:
Self Test G
Check Your PC
R
And Signal Cable
Monitor is Working B
I've done some internet searches to figure out what it is, but I've ran out of options.
Here's what I've tried so far, from different solutions I've found online:
Switched the monitors
Switched the monitor cables
Switched the power supply cords
Took out a battery on the motherboard and put it back in after waiting awhile
Some other people I've read that have had this problem heard some beeps when starting their computer, but I don't hear any.
Has anyone ever seen this before? Any other ideas on what I can do to try and get this working again?
Computer is eMachines C2480, Windows XP Home Edition.
Thank you in advance!
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Since it says RGB, can you pull up the OSD and set it to a different input? D-SUB fore example?
If you only have a D-SUB connector; can you replace the videocard?
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Hi, thank you for your reply. Sorry if this seems completely obvious, but how do you pull up the OSD and change it to another input?
As far as the video card, I'm pretty sure it's an onboard video.
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Hi, thank you for your reply. Sorry if this seems completely obvious, but how do you pull up the OSD and change it to another input?
As far as the video card, I'm pretty sure it's an onboard video.
Then put in an expansion videocard.
OSD = On Screen Display.. Where you change the Contrast, etc..
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I'll check if I have another video card in another computer I'm not using, I'll let everyone know how it works out. I tried to pull up the menu (OSD) on the monitor and nothing happened, just that same Self Test message. If anyone has any other ideas, please let me know.
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What type of monitor is this? CRT/LCD? What brand? What year?
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I don't have another video card, so I won't be able to try that one suggestion unfortunately. The monitor is a CRT, eMachines... not sure of the year but it's newer.
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Does it have two connectors on the back? One for RGB and one for D-SUB (VGA)?
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No, just the one connector. Also, when I looked on the back for the connectors, the date of the monitor is 2003. I don't know if that makes a difference.
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And you're certain all the cables are firmly plugged in?
I'd try switching videocards and testing the monitor on another PC.
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Thanks again for the replies. I have triple checked the cables so many times. It's starting to make me go crazy, because I really don't know what it could be. I just tried the monitor on another PC and it works fine.
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Now try another monitor on this PC. That should tell us where the problem is.
Keep the link to this page. Do you have a manual? If not, that is there also. ;)
http://emachines.com/support/product_support.html?cat=Desktops&subcat=C-Series&model=C2480
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I already tried another monitor on the PC, and nothing happened. I didn't even get the Self Test Check Your PC etc etc message. Just a blank screen.
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If you don't even get a POST screen (white writing on a black background) your PSU would be the 1st suspect.
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Thanks for the link to the manual. I actually tried the eMachines tech support, and the guy suggested unplugging all the cables inside and replugging them back in. I did that, and still nothing. :-?
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If you don't even get a POST screen (white writing on a black background) your PSU would be the 1st suspect.
Yeah, that makes sense. Thank you. I just realized when unplugging those cables, that when I plug the power supply back in, it makes a really weird humming sound that I never heard before.
Is it hard to replace the PSU?
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It's a simple task but if you don't feel confident you may be able to get a friend who can do it for you.
Do you know anyone who would lend you one to try before you purchase one?
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Usually only four screws once the case is opened and unplugging and replugging wires.
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=how+to+change+power+supply
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So I got a newer power supply (one that was in a computer that was barely used), figured out how to get it out. Took the power supply that I figured wasn't working in the problem computer... only to realize that the two power supplies are different so I can't even hook the other one up to the problem computer to try it. I put the power supply back in the problem computer for now, and it powers up so I didn't ruin it. Now I'm confident that when I get the right power supply I'll be able to switch them. It'll be a few days now before I can post an update to see if that will work. In the mean time, anyone else have any ideas?
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No further ideas are needed as you are on the right path...don't let them talk you into a cheap PSU...they're kind of an important part of a well running machine.
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Did you try swapping the videocard yet?
I'd reset the CMOS.
Just to get things straight: The PC does power on, right?
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The PC powers on, but the only thing that shows up on the monitor is that Self Test Check Your... message.
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Reset the CMOS.