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Author Topic: new computer won't boot  (Read 3858 times)

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godsenddeath

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new computer won't boot
« on: January 25, 2008, 06:59:40 PM »
I just built my first computer,  but it won't boot. it gets as far as the windows xp loading screen,  then shows a really quick blue screen then resets.  the screen flashes too quickly to read anything on it. 

Does anyone have an idea?   thanks alot
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quaxo



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Re: new computer won't boot
« Reply #1 on: January 25, 2008, 08:41:19 PM »
Can't even begin to guess without more information...
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godsenddeath

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Re: new computer won't boot
« Reply #2 on: January 25, 2008, 09:09:18 PM »
sorry,  hardware is as follows:

Motherboard - aBit AB9 QUAD GT

Videocard - Geforce 7600GT

CPU - P4 3.2 ghz

2 IDE hard drives

1 GB Ram


the only parts that weren't new were the processor and the hard drives.  i've tried other hard drives and they do the exact same thing,  so i've singled that out,  i read a post here where a similar situation was happening,  and they determined that it was teh ram,  but since i only have one stick of ram,  i can't test it.  i'm just wondering if someone has any ideas before i drop more cash on new ram,  or bring the computer in.

thanks for your time
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homer



    Expert
    Re: new computer won't boot
    « Reply #3 on: January 26, 2008, 02:00:58 AM »
    i strongly suggest testing the RAM. as for purchasing it, you really do not need to purchase new RAM, you could just temporarily borrow a stick of compatible RAM from your buddy.

    what type of RAM is it? we need the make/model. we need EXACT details for troubleshooting.

    Quote
    i've tried other hard drives and they do the exact same thing

    the other harddrives that you tested on the mobo, were they all IDE as well? if they were, i suggest trying out a SATA harddrive then see if the problem persists.
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    Dusty



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    Re: new computer won't boot
    « Reply #4 on: January 26, 2008, 02:11:58 AM »
    Memtest86 from http://www.memtest86.com will test your ram in situ.
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    dahlarbear



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      Re: new computer won't boot
      « Reply #5 on: January 26, 2008, 03:32:18 AM »
      If you can't read the Blue Screen of Death (BSOD), try to stop the reboot process.

      Power up the computer, tapping the F8 key about once per second (or wait for the keyboard LEDs to flash, then tap the F8 key).  You should see the Windows Advanced Options menu.  Select the "Disable automatic restart on system failure" item to stop the reboot cycle.  Hopefully instead of rebooting it will now stop on a BSOD.  If you get BSOD, copy the "exact" error message text and numbers and post here.  This information can be used to search Microsoft Knowledge Base and/or Internet for possible causes and resolution.
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      Deerpark



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        Re: new computer won't boot
        « Reply #6 on: January 26, 2008, 03:47:50 AM »
        godsenddeath, you say the hard drives aren't new. Are you by chance trying to load an old Windows installation present on one of those drives?
        When you make major hardware changes you will need to reinstall Windows, else it will crash in the way you describe.
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        homer



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          Re: new computer won't boot
          « Reply #7 on: January 26, 2008, 02:08:24 PM »
          Quote from: Deerpark on January 26, 2008, 03:47:50 AM
          godsenddeath, you say the hard drives aren't new. Are you by chance trying to load an old Windows installation present on one of those drives?
          When you make major hardware changes you will need to reinstall Windows, else it will crash in the way you describe.

          ahh, very good question deerpark. the OP did not specify if he reinstalled windows.
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          godsenddeath

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          Re: new computer won't boot
          « Reply #8 on: January 26, 2008, 03:05:34 PM »
          no i didn't re-install windows,  i figured windows would adjust itself.  i think that may be the problem
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          patio

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          Re: new computer won't boot
          « Reply #9 on: January 27, 2008, 09:49:32 AM »
          Repair Install of XP.

          NOTE: You need a MS XP CD for this procedure and it has to match your version....XP Home = XP Home etc.
          I suggest reading it thru to become familiar with the procedure. Pay special attention to the Warnings.
          Then print out a copy for reference.

          NOTE # 2: If done properly all your data and programs will be intact. Immediately after booting successfully install the MBoard drivers and vid card drivers.
          If done improperly you will lose everything and have a clean install of XP ...so make sure to backup anything important.
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          LeperMessiah

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          Re: new computer won't boot
          « Reply #10 on: January 27, 2008, 01:51:30 PM »
          original poster, your going to have to fresh install windows. i just put a new motherboard in my computer and i had to do a clean install of windows.
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          Deerpark



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            Re: new computer won't boot
            « Reply #11 on: January 27, 2008, 01:58:35 PM »
            Actually he don't, a repair install should be fine.
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            Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.
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            LeperMessiah

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            Re: new computer won't boot
            « Reply #12 on: January 27, 2008, 02:02:44 PM »
            Quote from: Deerpark on January 27, 2008, 01:58:35 PM
            Actually he don't, a repair install should be fine.

            that may work, but through my personal experiences it didnt.
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            LtRyan5184



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            Re: new computer won't boot
            « Reply #13 on: January 27, 2008, 02:21:23 PM »
            Quote from: godsenddeath on January 25, 2008, 06:59:40 PM
            I just built my first computer,  but it won't boot. it gets as far as the windows xp loading screen,  then shows a really quick blue screen then resets.  the screen flashes too quickly to read anything on it. 

            Does anyone have an idea?   thanks alot


            I had the same issue with a Pentum III socket 370, i fixed the problem by buying a  new 400w ATX power supply, it turns out that my DVD drive was pulling to much power. its only a suggestion though, be sure to do as Homer said, and check your RAM  ;)
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