Hi All,

My parents computer won't boot up. It seems to post (if I understand the term correctly). The first screen on bootup SHOWS the standard stuff, that the HDD, CD-ROM and memory are all detected. But then the computer hangs on the next screen (see attachment) that shows the CHART of PCI devices, IRQ's, etc. I don't get anything like a BOOT DISK FAILURE that I've seen before on this screen at the bottom when Windows or the disk is corrupt, we just a hard hang.

One thing that does really concern me and I'm lost is that when I power it on, it doesn't start up right away (like the power supply is chugging away same when starting your car engine). What I hear is a very high pitch noise coming directly from the power supply, then after 5-10 SECONDS, the power fully kicks in. I listened to the HDD and it seems to be spinning fine and the CD-ROM works since if I put in the Windows installation disk, it want's to go into the installer.

I can't even get into the BIOS of the system from hitting DEL on the first screen because all the lights come lit up and say lit up on the keyboard when it powers on (caps lock, num lock and scroll lock) and won't accept any input I guess. Something is definetely wrong there. When the power is first turned on and I hear the high pitch sound, the lights turn on the keyboard as mentioned above, but very dim like MINIMAL power is getting there. After the 5-10 seconds, they light up fully when the fans start spinning, etc and the power seems to be full in the system. Also, just thought that I'd mention, the power light directly on the motherboard is always on so I know some power is getting there.

Ever seen anything like this before, or suggestions on what it could be? I still want to take the HDD out and TRY it in a another machine as a slave when I get a chance so I can rule out that it's not defective.

Thanks for your help!!!My main suspect here is the PSU...borrow a known working one of the same wattage or greater and swap it in there to confirm this.
When you replace it don't buy a cheapie...Hey patio,

Thanks for your feedback. I have just noticed that the fan on the PSU is not turning either, so possibly another indication that it may be shot. Unfortunately I dont have a PSU to swap out with with the right connectors for power to this motherboard (I don't think) so can't really test that.

Just wondering though why do you think (or anyone else) that the failing PSU would halt the loadup of Windows OS, but will boot to the installation if I use the Windows XP setup CD from the CD-ROM boot?It probably gets so far along then it overheats.
Like trying to drive a car without a radiator, you only get so far.

I would get that power supply outa there right away.
A dying power supply will often take other components with it!

As stated, beware of cheap, junk power supplies. There are lots of these on the market waiting for the bargain hunter.
Do your research and get a good one.Quote

Hey patio,



Just wondering though why do you think (or anyone else) that the failing PSU would halt the loadup of Windows OS, but will boot to the installation if I use the Windows XP setup CD from the CD-ROM boot?