Booting Problems

[kadu1669]

Hey guys, been a long time since I've posted.

I got a little big problem.

My (let me try to get it right) Step-brother-in-law's cusin's (I think is what he is) computer is an old compaq that I can't remember exact model. Any way... I bought him some memory it still uses pc100 and it worked fine for months now, he claims he didn't do anything, the PC won't boot up. Show compaq logo at first, runs a slow memory check, counts up to 383, 255, or 127 MB or ram depending how much memory I put on it. and after its done checking memory it just stays there. I tried booting only with ram, video, cpu and keyboard to see if maybe some other hardware was conflicting. But still the same problem. I tried using the original memory, tried using 2 other memory sticks that I know work on that pc for sure and still nothing. Could the BIOS be screwed up or what.

Thanks for helping out, ahead of time.

[Mobo]

Could be the bios. I would first look at resetting the defaults and then try a different battery.

[kadu1669]

I tried reseting it... with the jumpers. All I have to do is jump is to the setting that say reset to default and turn it on for a few seconds right. So it must be the battery then. I'm going to try a new battery and I'll let you know tomorrow if it worked. Thx

[Mobo]

Yes, correc5t. Just set it to clear cmos and attempt reboot. Then you have the option of trying your cmos battery in it. They are cheap though if it is the proble. I pick em up here for $ 1.00 a piece.

[kadu1669]

OK, battery didn't work... I tested it and had 2.95 V and I also used the one from my computer just to make sure and tried to clear bios again with different battery. Is there any other solutions or is the MOBO a gonner?

[Mobo]

Did you replace the cmos jumper settings ?
Then check the keyboard, video card and make sure there is no moden in at this time.

[kadu1669]

Yes, I did set the jumpers back and booted with key board video(integraded) and ram. But I thought it was kind of weird that when it was set on clear, the PC attempted to boot just like before by checking the ram and stuff. I thought it wasn't supposed to boot. The other thing is that it didn't want to turn off. Usually at boot if I press power switch it turns off, but when it was set on clear I had to hold switch for 5 seconds then it would turn off and imediately turn back on. I had to pull the plug on it to turn it off. So what do I do.

[Mobo]

When you try booting up normally can you access the bios at all ? If so try setting the bios defaults and save the changes then reboot.

[kadu1669]

No, I can't... As a matter of fact the keyboard doesn't even respond... Like if I press Caps Lock or Num Lock the lights don't go on. And is it weird that the PC didn't want to stay off while jumpered to clear?

[Mobo]

With the cmos jumper set to clear and you rebooted did you see any checksum error ?