So I’ve hit a computer issue I have yet to solve, and I dont know what step to take next
I have a ABIT Ka7 MBD. It has an AMB 750mhz processor (non-tbird), 128 MB of ram, an older PCI video card, and a 6.5GB WD HDD hooked up to it. When the system is turned on the begining bios screen is displayed until the point the processor is detected, then the system locks. It is impossible to make it into the BIOS setup
I’ve also tried clearing the NVram by moving the CMOS jumper on the MBD, but then the system does not even power up. I currently have the MBD battery out and the system unpluged to see if this helps…
If your BIOS is fried you’re screwed…time to buy a new mobo.
You might try to flash your BIOS with whatever the latest thing is out there. However, since your system won’t even post I doubt it’ll get far enough to allow you to flash the BIOS. What you have and are already trying seems to be about it to me. If they don’t work it may be a sign from the computer gods to upgrade.
Thoroughly gut your machine. Rip everything out you can and still have a working PC. Try different memory of you can and have only one stick in if possible. If you have a different video card replace your current one with it. If not move your current video card to a new PCI slot. If you have a different harddrive put that in and unlug the old one (the harddrive doesn’t even need to be formatted…you just want to see it get past the post).
It is possible something else in your system is somehow screwing your machine. Do whatever you can to get rid of other possibilities (bad memory would be my guess for most likely culprit but it could be a lot of things).
Um, well I know the memory works, I’ve put it in another system with no issues – the same for the HDD, it can be read and such on another system
The system dosent even get to the point of detecting the hard disk or floppy controller…I’ve got a real yuckie feeling the the BIOS, but it still dosent desciribe why it wont even power up with the jumper moved to clear the NVram…
You’re not alone. I have the same motherboard, and an almost identical setup (except I have an AGP video card). One day, it decided that it didn’t like booting up anymore. I’d hear the drives and fans power up, but only get a blank screen. After 2 or 3 tries, it would eventually boot. Flashing the BIOS made it worse. ABit’s website, frankly, sucks ass. In my case, I found the BIOS was searching first for a PCI video card (I don’t have one), and then AGP. Changing that partially solved the problem, so now it only takes 1-2 tries to boot. Doesn’t help you any, I know.
I would second Whack-a-mole, and pull everything non-essential, especially NIC’s or modems. Disconnect the IDE devices (HDD and floppy), and see if you can get past the POST. If that works, then start narrowing down the problem.
well I tried with everything disconnected from the MBD save the PCI video card, mouse, keyboard, and some different ram…same result
The damn thing still also will not power on with the CMOS jumper moved to clear the NVRAM – Its sitting unplugged with the battery out so hopefully that will force it to rebuild some settings
Some versions of Abit’s BIOS revisions require that the CPU fan be plugged into the correct fan header on the mobo or else it will not boot. Is your CPU fan plugged into the proper header?
Can you get INTO your BIOS? If so, make sure that the BIOS is looking for a PCI video card, not an AGP one.
I want to say that this is a memory problem. Try placing the memory in different DIMM slots. You BIOS memory settings aren’t whacked are they? (i.e. you’re not trying to run your memory at 160mhz)
When you clear CMOS via the jumper, are you putting it back in the correct position?
I have experienced some strange problems like this due to excess dust on the motherboard. (Must have had some conductive dust). Also, a friend of mine had some screws touching the back of the motherboard, and that kept his from booting. You can check these things.
I had this exact same problem and clearing the CMOS as dietrologia has said and also pop the battery out and leave it out for at least 10 seconds. This got me back to the point were it would boot up.
Is this a new problem with a previously working PC or are you trying to get these components to play nice together for the first time?
I know the ABIT is mostly jumperless but see if there is a jumper setting that will allow you to lock the system speed at a lower than 750 Mhz speed.
To eliminate grounding difficulties try removing the MB from the case and running it outside the case without being screwed in. It’s clumsy but it will illuminate a grounding issue if one exists.
Yes I am sure I’m placing the CMOS jumper back properly – and with it moved, or completely removed, the system will not even power up. With the CMOS jumper in the proper setting the system locks.
It is not possible to get into the system BIOS – it just locks
I removed the battery and unplugged the system for several hours – no go…
“No, it’s a PCI video card, it can be in any slot EXCEPT the AGP slot.”
I should have been more clear, what I mean is that you MUST have a card in PCI slot nbr one before you can use slot nbr two. slot one is great for a video card.