Computer Hope
Hardware => Hardware => Topic started by: cloudcars on May 25, 2009, 08:52:57 AM
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The power comes on and the computer fan and noises run hard like regular start up, but it doesn't stop...nothing loads....no pictures, nothing on screen...
Running an Emachine desktop, Windows XP, 512mb, AMB Sempron
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Can you see anything at all? Are you able to see the BIOS version when you first power on the computer?
Have you made any software or hardware changes recently?
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Nope, absolutely no response...nothing on screen. We haven't installed or made any changes in several weeks. This just started last nite.
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The first thing I would try first, verify that the monitor is correctly attached to the computer and plugged in.... If that is all good, then see if you can borrow a monitor from another computer and swap it with the current monitor.....Then when you turn on your computer, if you can see everything, we've isolated the problem to your current monitor...
If when you power on the computer with the new monitor and NOTHING is being displayed then the problem is likely with your computer........Try another monitor first ;)
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We did that before posting here....a different monitor didn't make a difference.
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Ok so the problem is with your graphics card or something else
Do you currently use a graphics card in the problematic computer, or do you plug the monitor directly into the motherboard....(on-board graphics card)?
Some computers don't have onboard graphics chip and need to use a card, but either way we need to determine if your graphics card is faulty
edit: If your computer has both built in graphics chip and a video card, shutdown the computer, unplug it, open the case, pull out the video card and try using the onboard VGA/DVI port instead.....
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The monitor port plugs directly into the motherboard. The graphics card is built into the motherboard. When we turn it on, it keeps running like its loading but won't go any further.
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I'm inclined to think that the motherboard is bad (someone correct me if they have any other ideas).
You could try borrowing a video card from another computer and plugging it into your motherboard and going through the card instead of the onboard port... I wouldn't buy one though, until you know for sure that is the problem... If once you do this, you still have no picture then the problem must be the motherboard and you'll have to order another one..
When you turn on the computer, do you hear any beeps?
Have you tried plugging the monitor into a different wall outlet (plug)?
I should have asked that a long time ago :P
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Everything plugged into that power strip is working, so the plug is good..... No beeping sounds when we start it up....When we unplug the power cord from the back of the computer, and replug it in...the computer tries to start WITHOUT us even pushing the button. The CD Rom "drawer" opens when we push the button for it.
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Do you have a power supply that you can pull out of another computer temporarily, to try?
What is the make and model of the computer and how old is it?
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about 2.5 yrs old
Emachine W3118
Have an older Emachine, will see if the power supply from it will work
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Tried another power supply, with no results...Computer has same symptoms as with original PS
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Most likley the board is bad: E machines are one of the worst PCs
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Does the old eMachines computer by any chance have a graphics card that you can remove and put into your current machine? ;) Kind of difficult to tell at this point if the problem is the mboard or simply the graphics chip...Buying a graphics card might be a cheaper way to fix this as opposed to buying another motherboard, but if the motherboard is bad, a NEW card won't make any difference... Do you have a friend that you can steel a graphics card from, for a little while, just for troubleshooting purposes ;D
This is a long shot, but the ram in your old eMachines computer might be compatible with the motherboard in your current computer, try swapping out the RAM, and see if it makes any difference.
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if no go on that........here you go:
http://cgi.ebay.com/eMachines-W3118-W3115-W3107-T3418-T3418-Motherboard_W0QQitemZ270367058868QQcmdZViewItem
edit: just remember, this is only a motherboard....the cpu and heatsink will not be included, so be sure to buy some "Thermal Grease" to place on top of the cpu when you install your current cpu to the new board....Google for instructions on using ZIF sockets and installing CPUs
by the way, I'm not too familiar with eBay so, you may want to do some background checking on the person selling the board! What is their rating?
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My son's computer acted this way. His processor was dead. We went through testing his monitor, power supply, motherboard...etc, before finding that the CPU had died. Replaced it and all other items reinstalled and working.
We were fortunate to have several identical builds we could swap and test parts with.
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My son's computer acted this way. His processor was dead. We went through testing his monitor, power supply, motherboard...etc, before finding that the CPU had died. Replaced it and all other items reinstalled and working.
We were fortunate to have several identical builds we could swap and test parts with.
What kind of processor does the old eMachines computer have? This could be your answer cloudcars
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kenny9dorf, were you able to swap/try the cpu with any thermal grease?
I understand that some processors are more tolerant to heat, than others
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Always carefully clean and apply new grease, is probably best.
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Always carefully clean and apply new grease, is probably best.
ok you hear that couldcars? It's probably best to buy some thermal grease, if the processor in your old eMachines will fit into your current board.... I think this would be the cheapest way to go, IF it works.....just order some thermal grease online
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As a matter of fact, it might be best (if the processor from Old computer doesn't fit into new computer) to order a new processor first before buying a mother board, that way you don't risk buying the wrong component.......If it works, great! If it doesn't work, then you'll have to order a board, but look at it this way, the primary components of your computer will be brand new.
OR, you can bring it to a technician and have him diagnose it for you, so you know exactly which component you need!
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Generally speaking eMachines are kinda like BiC lighters....when they stop running it's best to throw them away.
You can pull the drives though and add them to your new machine.
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lol I've never heard of an eMachine being compared to a bic lighter......definitely a new one
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Yeah, "Flick my E-machine" just doesn't have the same "ring" to it! ::) ;D
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lol
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Hello,
I was having the same problem with an hp. Running xp and about 6 years old. Have you been able to resolve the problem yet?
So far I have cleaned everything reseated and replaced the video card.
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Hello,
I was having the same problem with an hp. Running xp and about 6 years old. Have you been able to resolve the problem yet?
So far I have cleaned everything reseated and replaced the video card.
I did notice however on the motherboard by the processor there are some rectifiers, capacitors or whatever they are. Like4 or 5 of them have a brown crust or something on the end. Could that meananything?
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Yes.
This means the MBoard needs replaced...
Continuing to run it will eventually take out the rest of the expensive components 1 by 1.
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Thanks alot. I wasnt too sure. Thanks again.
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May I be so inclined to askone more question?
If the motherboard is gone and I need to get another I am under the impression I have two options Ebay, which i have found one that I am told will work or upgrading. Which would include me getting a new processor. I have an Intel pentium 4. And they say that would not work. Any more advice would be appreciated.
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I am having this SAME exact problem. I have tried switching out different Power Supplies/Video Cards/Cords/DVI, VGA Plugs except changing the Motherboard. So I am going to conclude it is my mother board.
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If the capacitors are leaking or crusted (they have a + on top of them) then the motherboard is usually toast......I continued to use a motherboard with 9 festering caps for over a year until the keyboard port failed and an acrid odor started.
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an acrid odor started
Nothing like the odor of failed electrical components. I experienced it last year with a "blown" power supply. ::)
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We see this all the time at work with older machines. Most of the time the CPU is still in working condition, but the motherboard definitely needs to be replaced. I find that the computers here with blown capacitors usually are due to a heat problem cause by dust buildup. I have also had that happen with projectors.
Most recently my personal laptop had the same issue >:(
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Its funny you say that. When I opened mine up the heatsink was full of dust.
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LOL ... could have assisted in disabling your computer. :(
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It just gives me the opportunity to learn something new!! ;D
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That is an excellent way of looking at it. ;D I'm glad you think that way!