DawgTalkers.net Forums DawgTalk Tailgate Forum Computer Won't POST

One of my computers will not boot thru POST.

1) I estimate the problem started when I could right click system tray items (Vista), but I could not execute anything (got the menu from an item, but could not select any option).

2) Next was a reboot I did not initiate while picking some crops in Farmville using the Chrome browser.

3) I rebooted and was able to run Chrome, but after the browser started I got no other function from the mouse other than being able to move the cursor.

4) I rebooted again and got nothing on the monitor. It would apparently engage in that the monitor light would turn green for a few seconds and then nothing.

5) I opened the case last night and re-seated the RAM. At first I got code "7F" from the EVGA mobo's LED which is:

POST check error - check POST error and display them and ask for user intervention

6) The next code was the apparently dreaded "88". The manual says it is "Reserved" and after checking at EVGA's forum and a few other google results it appears to be a generic kinda could be anything, likely hardware related, thing.

7) I did a general check of all connections and it appears all is OK. I attempted to reset CMOS by taking the battery out. I only waited 2-3 minutes for the reset, so perhaps I need to wait longer? It does appear that all components power up. I also tried to boot using on-board video with my video card out of it's slot.

There have been no recent significant changes to this computer that I know of. No new hardware, driver changes or Windows updates. The only thing I noticed was avast updating. I did start Steam to run Half Life 2 this weekend and was prompted to enter my password which I normally do not have to do since I set it up to remember the password. Steam did it's usual updates and I don't think any of this is associated my computer's inability to POST. I only mention it since it is something recent that was out of the ordinary.

A number of months ago I was experiencing reboots and stop errors that pointed to the RAM (page filing / checksum). Each of the two 1024MBCrucial Ballistix sticks tested OK in each of the two slots. After testing with Memtest86 and reinstalling the RAM the computer booted and ran, apparently properly. At that point I just assumed the RAM needed re-seated.

My next check is with a different monitor and I plan to check in at EVGA's site, but I thought one of my fellow DawgTalkers might have some helpful advice. I found a site that appears to have good instruction to troubleshoot this, so all hope is not lost even if I end up with all the components out of the case and laying on my dining room table.

This is a E2200 dual core, DDR2 RAM and all SATA drives. I can post further specs if needed.

If anyone has any advice, it would be greatly appreciated. I have to go to work, but I will check back tomorrow. Thanks.

Steps:

1.) Unconnect everything but the Motherboard, Processor, Video card, and power supply. Then restart the computer, see if it properly posts. If it does, there is probably a power fault in some other component.

2.) If you have multiple sticks of RAM, remove all but 1, try to see if it posts in this configuration. If it does, you have a bad stick of ram.

3.) After this, the question really becomes whether it's under warrenty, and how much it's worth to you....if you can find a backup power supply, you should plug that into the system, and see if it posts with that... otherwise it's probably a motherboard error, and it's probably best just to junk it (except for the hd's, which you'll want for data)

With as many off the wall computer issues as you have, hang it up and buy an Etch-A-Sketch

I'm slow, Lyuokdea posted exactly what i had typed up ;D

If the above fails try treating it with a BFH.

Focus on the RAM. Doing nothing but reseating it has twice made a major change in how the PC operates. This is not normal.

Also, bad RAM could account for all the symptoms observed.

Memory testing programs are almost totally worthless. The failure is usually intermittent, at least at first, and often do not occur during testing. A 20-second memory swap is far more effective than a 20 minute, or even 2 hour, diagnostic test.

Is there much board flex when you install the RAM? The flex could be affecting a hairline crack or other defect, though this usually causes a reboot or failure to boot.

Use one stick ONLY, and try different slots. If possible, buy or borrow some additional RAM to test with. Preferably borrow from a working machine. Groove into the concept of the KNOWN GOOD.

The disconnections others have advised outline the other major PC repair concept, ISOLATE and IDENTIFY.

After reading through the list of suggestions and efforts, I would look at swapping in some known good RAM ....... making sure the harddrive connections are secure ..... try a different power cord ...... and then look at other hardware issues.

It does sound hardware related, and that's often a PITA of swapping in and out components to see what has fubar'ed the works. I hate to say it, but there have also been some particularly nasty viruses floating around that can wreak havoc on hardware and BIOS.


I had a spider decide to commit suicide in a computer I worked on once. That was interesting. Big sucker .... landed on just the wrong spot and blew the hell out of the video card. (and himself) At least that's what I assume happened ... since the spider looked kind of well done and the card was well done.

I worked on another computer where something chewed through the power cord. No body ... so I couldn't identify whatever it was.

There are many times I am quite happy that I got out of the tech business.

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Memory testing programs are almost totally worthless. The failure is usually intermittent, at least at first, and often do not occur during testing. A 20-second memory swap is far more effective than a 20 minute, or even 2 hour, diagnostic test.

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That makes sense to me. The last time I experienced problems (as stated, stop errors whose messages seemed to point to RAM) Memtest86 showed 1,000s of errors before I changed anything. I then ran multiple cycles of the tests on each stick in each slot with no errors. After re-installing the RAM all appeared to be fine. I immediately thought about the memory this time since there have been no major changes since that last problem.

A shuffle and swap is next. I think I have a DDR2 stick still in the package somewhere and I can swap from my daughter's machine as well. Both are likely a lesser clock than the 800MHz PC6400 Crucial Ballistix that I'm using (or was ), but the mobo supports 533 / 667 / 800/.

Beyond that it is a process of elimination as you and all others have advised.

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I hate to say it, but there have also been some particularly nasty viruses floating around that can wreak havoc on hardware and BIOS.

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That did cross my mind, but I didn't notice anything when Vista was running that I would associate with a virus. Then again it's entirely possible I could miss it. The whole process I explained before happened in a fairly short span. Additionally, I don't visit sites on that computer where I would suspect infection is possible.

I also haven't noticed anything dead in there yet except the machine itself ( I do have power though).

Good point on the power cord and that is on my list, if needed. The day before this happened the monitor's on / off button got stuck in it's cabinet. I would find it hard to believe that has anything to do with this, but a number of tutorials related to not being able to POST did recommend trying other monitors. It can't hurt. Besides I've been wanting to replace the monolithic 20" Dell I've been using.

As always, thanks to all.