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Post by Randle-El on Dec 2, 2014 17:06:16 GMT -5
Even if it's the contact in the memory socket, there's no reason why the system shouldn't power up at all though. The BIOS might register an error when it tries to detect the memory, or the OS might not load, but the power should turn on. Generally whenever something doesn't turn on, the first things I would check are the power switch and the power supply.
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Post by DE Sinclair on Dec 2, 2014 17:12:40 GMT -5
Even if it's the contact in the memory socket, there's no reason why the system shouldn't power up at all though. The BIOS might register an error when it tries to detect the memory, or the OS might not load, but the power should turn on. Generally whenever something doesn't turn on, the first things I would check are the power switch and the power supply. Agreed, if there's absolutely no power or lights at all, but it's hard to tell without being there. I've had many computers, especially older ones, that if they don't have memory (or good memory) in the right slot the computer will do nothing, no POST, no BIOS test, just the power light. Some models will do a beep code, but not all. If there's no power light or the fan doesn't turn on, you're right, check the power supply/switch. |
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Post by gothos on Dec 2, 2014 17:29:14 GMT -5
Has anyone here had experience working on wikis?
I've got an idea for one in mind, but I have no experience with the code-writing side of it. Where might one start?
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shaxper
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Post by shaxper on Dec 2, 2014 20:34:33 GMT -5
Quarter of an inch by eigth of an inch flat metal piece with two folded tabs, almost making a "C". I'll post a pic tomorrow. Could it have come from the memory slot from when you tried to put in the memory? If it's one of the contacts from the memory slot, the system board would need to be replaced. Which could mean the other peripherals, video cards, etc, may not be compatible and would have to replaced as well. Considering the age of the computer, you very well may end up with replacing it with a new computer being the better option. Pretty sure it did not come from a memory slot. It's too large, I've never seen it there before, and, with 4 memory cards in, one malfunctioning slot would not prevent the computer from powering on -- it would just give an error screen upon booting up. I think des is right - its the contact in memory socket obviously we dont know your system but bear in mind that some operating systems will only allow 4gb anyway and not all memory is compatible with all motherboards I was very careful in checking what kind of memory and how much to get for my computer. It can take up to 16 gb. Even if it's the contact in the memory socket, there's no reason why the system shouldn't power up at all though. The BIOS might register an error when it tries to detect the memory, or the OS might not load, but the power should turn on. Generally whenever something doesn't turn on, the first things I would check are the power switch and the power supply. Exactly what I'm thinking. unfortunately, while I know my way around a memory slot, I know absolutely nothing about power supply. The computer isn't totally dead. If you plug it in, it attempts to power on, fails to do so, and tries again a moment later; repeat. It sounds like a metronome. There's also a brief flash of green light from the power light in the front and the ethernet port light in the back. Even if it's the contact in the memory socket, there's no reason why the system shouldn't power up at all though. The BIOS might register an error when it tries to detect the memory, or the OS might not load, but the power should turn on. Generally whenever something doesn't turn on, the first things I would check are the power switch and the power supply. Agreed, if there's absolutely no power or lights at all, but it's hard to tell without being there. I've had many computers, especially older ones, that if they don't have memory (or good memory) in the right slot the computer will do nothing, no POST, no BIOS test, just the power light. Some models will do a beep code, but not all. If there's no power light or the fan doesn't turn on, you're right, check the power supply/switch. No fan, but I think that's just because it isn't powering on long enough for the fan to kick in. Literally half a second of power, then none, then power, then none, then power, then none. Not a code. It's a rythmic startup, stop, startup, stop, etc. |
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shaxper
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Post by shaxper on Dec 2, 2014 20:47:24 GMT -5
The piece:  I don't see any soddering marks, so I'm hoping this can snap back in somewhere. Might have come from the battery? There's a small slot there that this might fit into, but I don't want to start cramming it places unless I know what I'm doing. |
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Post by Action Ace on Dec 2, 2014 20:51:01 GMT -5
If your computer starts to yell about how much it hates the Justice League call Wonder Woman.
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Post by DE Sinclair on Dec 3, 2014 14:23:30 GMT -5
Could it have come from the memory slot from when you tried to put in the memory? If it's one of the contacts from the memory slot, the system board would need to be replaced. Which could mean the other peripherals, video cards, etc, may not be compatible and would have to replaced as well. Considering the age of the computer, you very well may end up with replacing it with a new computer being the better option. Pretty sure it did not come from a memory slot. It's too large, I've never seen it there before, and, with 4 memory cards in, one malfunctioning slot would not prevent the computer from powering on -- it would just give an error screen upon booting up. I think des is right - its the contact in memory socket obviously we dont know your system but bear in mind that some operating systems will only allow 4gb anyway and not all memory is compatible with all motherboards I was very careful in checking what kind of memory and how much to get for my computer. It can take up to 16 gb. Even if it's the contact in the memory socket, there's no reason why the system shouldn't power up at all though. The BIOS might register an error when it tries to detect the memory, or the OS might not load, but the power should turn on. Generally whenever something doesn't turn on, the first things I would check are the power switch and the power supply. Exactly what I'm thinking. unfortunately, while I know my way around a memory slot, I know absolutely nothing about power supply. The computer isn't totally dead. If you plug it in, it attempts to power on, fails to do so, and tries again a moment later; repeat. It sounds like a metronome. There's also a brief flash of green light from the power light in the front and the ethernet port light in the back. Agreed, if there's absolutely no power or lights at all, but it's hard to tell without being there. I've had many computers, especially older ones, that if they don't have memory (or good memory) in the right slot the computer will do nothing, no POST, no BIOS test, just the power light. Some models will do a beep code, but not all. If there's no power light or the fan doesn't turn on, you're right, check the power supply/switch. No fan, but I think that's just because it isn't powering on long enough for the fan to kick in. Literally half a second of power, then none, then power, then none, then power, then none. Not a code. It's a rythmic startup, stop, startup, stop, etc. You're right, from that picture it's way too big to have come from the memory slot. It could be a battery contact if this is a laptop. Is it? If so, have you tried removing the battery and just booting on AC adapter power? |
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shaxper
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Post by shaxper on Dec 3, 2014 19:54:49 GMT -5
It could be a battery contact if this is a laptop. Is it? If so, have you tried removing the battery and just booting on AC adapter power? No, it's a desktop, but desktops do have batteries, and mine does look like it has a gap where this piece of metal could have come from. Does a desktop require power from the battery to initiate the power up? |
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Post by DE Sinclair on Dec 4, 2014 12:51:15 GMT -5
It could be a battery contact if this is a laptop. Is it? If so, have you tried removing the battery and just booting on AC adapter power? No, it's a desktop, but desktops do have batteries, and mine does look like it has a gap where this piece of metal could have come from. Does a desktop require power from the battery to initiate the power up? Generally, the battery in a desktop is a backup battery for the CMOS chip where the BIOS settings are stored. Usually if the CMOS battery is dead/missing it will still boot/POST, but it won't remember things like time & date, sometimes hard drive settings, etc. It shouldn't cause the issue you're seeing. Based on what you've described, I would look at the power supply as Randle-El suggested, but if that doesn't work the next suspect would be the system board. |
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shaxper
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Post by shaxper on Dec 4, 2014 19:59:47 GMT -5
I'm considering just buying a duplicate of the machine I already have, which shouldn't cost too much at this point, and then doubling up the hard drive and putting in the new memory for superior performance. I figure it will cost about the same as bringing this thing to a repair place. And there's no way I can replace a power supply or repair a system board on my own.
Thanks for all the help. I really appreciate it.
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shaxper
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Post by shaxper on Dec 4, 2014 20:34:52 GMT -5
Just grabbed a replacement computer, same model, for $50 (shipping included), just missing a hard drive. So I'll put in my hard drive and memory and should be in good shape. Far cheaper than taking it to a repair place, and now I have spare parts to boot  |
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Post by DE Sinclair on Dec 5, 2014 12:16:16 GMT -5
Just grabbed a replacement computer, same model, for $50 (shipping included), just missing a hard drive. So I'll put in my hard drive and memory and should be in good shape. Far cheaper than taking it to a repair place, and now I have spare parts to boot Good deal. I hope it all works out. |
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shaxper
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Post by shaxper on Dec 13, 2014 22:11:59 GMT -5
So I successfully transplanted my old hard drive and upgraded memory into the replacement computer today. Total success. Unintended side effect: the computer I bought is the same model but yet updated from the one I owned. It's about 2/3rds the size, has more usb ports, a better CD rom drive that actually grips the disc (this is necessary since it loads from the side), and a card slot reader! I've tested every function, and it works perfectly. Best yet, I have that 8 GB of memory I bought installed now! For the first time, I'm watching my CPU max out, and I kind of love it Edit: Just checked, and the ebay seller screwed up. This has a FASTER processor than advertised -- 3.0 GHZ. That's more than I had before! The one problem I ran into is that this newer case requires a different hard drive container (not included), so I duct taped my hard drive into place, pressing some bubble wrap against it to ensure it remains snug and does not jostle. The bubble wrap isn't going to melt from the heat of the hard drive, right? Thanks, everyone, for your help and support throughout this process! |
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shaxper
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Post by shaxper on Dec 13, 2014 22:13:56 GMT -5
Holy crap. I'm running Pandora,a bunch of updates, updating my dropbox folder and antivirus, backing up the hard drive, and posting here at the same time. My memory usage just jumped to nearly 4 GB of ram! This from a computer that only had 2 GB installed the last time I used it.
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Post by DE Sinclair on Dec 16, 2014 10:06:26 GMT -5
So I successfully transplanted my old hard drive and upgraded memory into the replacement computer today. Total success. Unintended side effect: the computer I bought is the same model but yet updated from the one I owned. It's about 2/3rds the size, has more usb ports, a better CD rom drive that actually grips the disc (this is necessary since it loads from the side), and a card slot reader! I've tested every function, and it works perfectly. Best yet, I have that 8 GB of memory I bought installed now! For the first time, I'm watching my CPU max out, and I kind of love it Edit: Just checked, and the ebay seller screwed up. This has a FASTER processor than advertised -- 3.0 GHZ. That's more than I had before! The one problem I ran into is that this newer case requires a different hard drive container (not included), so I duct taped my hard drive into place, pressing some bubble wrap against it to ensure it remains snug and does not jostle. The bubble wrap isn't going to melt from the heat of the hard drive, right? Thanks, everyone, for your help and support throughout this process! The bubble wrap probably won't melt, if the hard drive gets that hot there's other problems. The only concern might be static build up. Congrats on the upgrades. |
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