BIOS Problem

[Nitro89]

I just recently had a technician replace my motherboard, CPU and Fan (but same as my previous ones) and when my PC turns on, the screen is blank and it keeps beeping, I tried default settings on the BIOS but nothing happens, any help please?

[Xylob the Destroyer]

The beeps you're getting are the answer.
You're gonna have to dig out the owner's manual for your MOBO and dig through it to find the page that tells you what the beeps or sequence(s) of beeps mean.

When all else fails -- read the directions...

As the MOBO and CPU are the same as what you had before, it's probably something simple like a component didn't get completely seated when it was installed -- video card, RAM, etc...

[DB83]

Tested before 'technician' left ?

Ok. Can you boot up with your Windows Disk in the CD/DVD drive ? You may have to change your bios setting for this.

If you can then......

Chances are that your MB is not 100% identical to the previous one. Different bios ID, different manufacturer etc etc.

Solution......

Re-install Windows.

[Nitro89]

The Technician did test it before it went, it did do the same thing but he changed the BIOS a bit and then it worked, a few days later, it happened again, I don't have my MOBO instructions, I know its exactly the same, I will check the fugitsu-Siemans website for updates.

[ladyb1998]

This web site will tell you what the beep codes are for different motherboards.
http://www.amptron.com/html/bios.beepcodes.html

[Nitro89]

Its happens once I try to turn on my computer but opening the disc drive usually allows it to run, my beeps are fast and consistant and that site says my CPU is the problem which I doubt after it was replaced under a week ago.

By the way, how do you instal drivers? Do you just place them in a folder or is there an application you must open?

[DB83]

And this from someone who intends to build his own computer.

Its happens once I try to turn on my computer but opening the disc drive usually allows it to run, my beeps are fast and consistant and that site says my CPU is the problem which I doubt after it was replaced under a week ago.

By the way, how do you instal drivers? Do you just place them in a folder or is there an application you must open?

Check the bios settings as to the boot sequence for disks. Was there a disk in the DVD tray ?



Depends on the driver. A SATA driver could be installed from the installation CD that came with your MB or you gave to extract the driver from the CD (via Windows) and put it on to a floppy disk and install it from there.

Most drivers are installed directly from Windows.

[redwudz]

BIOS beeps are almost always related to hardware. The only drivers that relate to BIOS are in the BIOS itself. If the correct BIOS is installed, then you seem to have a hardware problem.

The first post has a good suggestion. Power down and make sure every connector, card and RAM module is seated. The beep code will usually tell you the device that causing the problem. But some codes are very general and just say 'motherboard' or something else generic.

My first guess would be a RAM module. If no luck after reseating, try pulling one or the other, if you have two, and booting. Next best candidate is the video card.

You also mention opening the disc drive to stop the beeps. Then I would unplug that disc drive connector and see if you get any beeps. It may be as simple as a bad disc drive cable or a dying disc drive. Even new drive cables or new disc drives can be bad.

[Nitro89]

I tried everything, I re-installed my drivers, it at least turns on properly, but when the Windows XP loading screen comes on, it goes blank and nothing happens, I tried the recovery console but my PC turns of after 5mins whilst I am using it.

[redwudz]

No more beeps then? Just the normal single beep?

What you are describing now sounds like a corrupted XP install. If you haven't done this, I would also update your BIOS to the latest version.

Once that's out of the way, you might consider re-installing XP. This all if you aren't getting 'odd' beeps. Normally changing the MB works best with a fresh install of the OS, even using the exact same MB. I have only had luck once or twice changing MBs and not doing a fresh install. Motherboards vary, even with the same model.

I've never got the 'Recovery Console' to be of any use. Better to just do a regular install, IMO. I would also repartition and reformat your hard drive or you may have a lot of old 'crap' left in there. A clean install seems the best alternative most times. If you still have problems, then I would go back to possible hardware problems.

And in BIOS, you might check your voltage, temp readings if your BIOS has those available. You may have a CPU temperature problem. Just something to check.

[Nitro89]

my CPU temperature is 45o, but I disabled the beeps for that, I will just probably try and re-install XP, but I need an external hard drive to save all my stuff, I have a huge collection of Music and Concerts

anyone know a cheap place to buy an external hard drive, I am looking for 500GB

[Krispy Kritter]

As you are in the UK, none of the places I shop are relevant. You may be better off buying your own external enclosure and adding a HDD. Otherwise, the WD units appear to work pretty well.

[Nitro89]

when buying an enclosure, do I just add an ordinary hard drive? Isn't that more expensive?

[Krispy Kritter]

Most enclosures support 3.5" HDD. You will likely want a self-powered unit as they are the most reliable. Otherwise, you only need to ensure that you get a unit that supports the HDD type you intend to use (IDE or SATA) and the interface type you need (USB, Firewire, or E-SATA).

And in most cases, cost is usually the same or cheaper.