in urgent need of help ** computer not turning on

a geek · Post by **a geek** » Mon Apr 10, 2006 4:33 pm

My computer is not turning on (I am currently on another computer). It had a virus a few days earlier, and it was completely messed up, so I rebooted it, and then when I tried to turn it on, it worked fine, although the black screen with 'safe mode' options appeared, I chose to start the computer in safe mode, and when everything worked fine, I restarted the computer normally, and it also worked fine, although after that I just turned off the computer (I only wanted to see if it was working okay), but the day after (and now) it won't turn on.

Whenever I try to turn it on, the monitor is on, but it just says 'no video', which is what it usually says when you turn on the monitor, and then the computer starts beeping for a few seconds, and then the monitor/screen goes black. Does anyone know any way I could fix this? Any help would be greatly, greatly appreciated!

a geek · Post by **a geek** » Mon Apr 10, 2006 4:36 pm

By the way, my computer is a Dell - Windows XP, and we have completely rebooted the computer a few times, and brought to be fixed once (most of the cases due to viruses). But I think it has always performed really well for a computer that has gone through so many reboots, etc.

Brent · Post by **Brent** » Mon Apr 10, 2006 5:54 pm

Sounds like a Virus killed your BIOS (cause you aren't even seeing POST).

Sava700 · Post by **Sava700** » Mon Apr 10, 2006 5:55 pm

I'd say you have either video card or some of the ram has gone bad..maybe powersupply.. call Dell they warrenty what they build.
Timing was bad about the same time this virus hit ya...odd how this stuff happens at once

a geek · Post by **a geek** » Tue Apr 11, 2006 2:41 pm

OK, uhm, I'm not really a technical kind of person .. heh sorry.

So do you know if there is currently anything I can do to fix it without going to a shop to get it fixed?

a geek · Post by **a geek** » Tue Apr 11, 2006 2:42 pm

And do you have about an estimate of what it would cost to get it fixed?

WarriorII · Post by **WarriorII** » Thu Apr 13, 2006 4:02 pm

Do the fans spin up?

Does the box even make any noise?

Lights come on? or flash?

Pop the case side and take a peep inside while trying to boot up.

Hopeful · Post by **Hopeful** » Sat Apr 15, 2006 5:25 pm

I had an almost identical problem with my computer that i built myself... the computer beeps 4 times, and the moniter doesnt start up like the VG card doesnt send a signal.

My theory is a VG card overheat, cuz it'll work after leaving it off for about 5 minutes (pretty long for a cooldown time i suppose). I havent made an great attempt to fix it yet. Got stuck at the part where i unscrew stuff cuz im malequipt. If you have a card right next to your VG card, try moving it down a PCI slot, and giving it a few moments, and start it up. Then try a restart to see if it works.

terrancelam · Post by **terrancelam** » Tue Apr 25, 2006 11:13 pm

Since you aren't the technical type, my advice is to ask a friend to help you come help. Open up your computer and locate the clear c-mos jumper (it should be close to the circular battery.)

Make sure the computer is unplugged from the power outlet and that you unplug the PSU. Once you've come to this point, remove the c-mos battery and then put the jumper in place (others would say that connecting the jumper is enough at this point, but I like to be extra sure.) Wait about 5 minutes and everything should be reset to default with your bios, so put the battery back in, put the jumper back into normal position, plug the PSU back into the motherboard and plug the the powercord back into the outlet.

If your computer turns on at this point, I would say it's your c-mos battery acting up on you and replacing it should cost you no more then $10 bucks if that. If it still doesn't post, we'll talk some more.