My PC has just stopped working. It gets past BIOS, then there is the choice of whether to choose Safe mode, or start Windows XP normally, but as soon as I choose an option, the computer stops, with a blank screen. I've tried to use Ubuntu live disk, which after choosing to run it from the live disk, just stops as soon as I choose it, leaving me with a blank screen except for the flashing white underscore in the top left hand corner. I've tried to use Damn Small Linux, but it freezes at the UNetBootIn interface. I've managed to run Memtest86+, which shows no errors. Any ideas how to get it running again?
can you get into safe mode? it maybe a few things- but it's strange you can't boot a linux distro could try replacing the sata cable, or see if it will boot off usb.. usually F12 or escape during post, select harddrive and the usb stick you setup will be in there
Its an IDE drive... And when I try to use safe mode, it starts loading items, then freezes, and stops. Just a few minutes ago. The computer would not load, and gave 3 beeps. We removed one of the RAM sticks and returned to the unbootable stage. Great.
and it passed memtest? it could be the ide bus what thinking (or sata if you had that) you try another ide ribbon cable.. also a good idea to try to boot from usb.. if it boots you might have narrowed it down this is assuming that memtest passed.. hope it helps
I'd take the board out the case.. that will eliminate grounding issues next strip any usb devices and anything the comp doesn't need.. you should have the hd, video card and that's about it if you have onboard video.. remove the video card and use that instead- or if you have a different card can try- you can play with it until you figure out what's causing the lock what gets me is it passed memtest.. so it's able to boot and the memory/cpu is operating properly.. sounds more like it's an issue initializing another part- like maybe the video card anyway it's best to eliminate as much as possible before the test and add things in as you go.. it'll help you find out what part is causing this it could be the mb in the end..
I'm going to remove every part of the PC except for the PSU, Mobo, CPU and I'll boot from a USB drive. Should bring it down to 4 possible components. EDIT:Tryed using that, didn't work. I guess it could just be the mobo. Would flashing the BIOS have any effect?