Computer died - will not boot - even to show system bios?

Question

The computer died, and when restarted it won't even show the system bios/setup screen. Have determined that the monitor is fine. Will not boot to a CD or any other drive. Power supply shows lights, and CD drive receives power when turned on. The computer is approximately 2 year old HP a6300f

Answer 1

Replacing battery every year is a good practice, some computers give problem like this when RAM stops working or need to be reset for this first take out the RAM from the slot give it a rest (make sure don`t touch the shining surface of the RAM) leave it untouched for 10-15min there is little charge in it this duration will help to release that charge and then reinstall it back to the slot one by one may be one of them stops working install one and restart check if its working then install the second.



Open the access panel

Use the following steps to open the case:



WARNING:The edges of metal panels can cut skin. Be careful not to slide skin along any interior metal edge of the computer.

CAUTION:This product contains components that can be damaged by electrostatic discharge (ESD). To reduce the chance of ESD damage, work over a noncarpeted floor, use a static dissipative work surface (such as a conductive foam pad), and wear an ESD wrist strap connected to a grounded surface.

NOTE:If you need product model specific graphics and instructions for opening the PC, search for a support article that specifically pertains to your computer. In the Search field (or Questions or keywords field) at the top of this page, type your computer model number, a space, and the words "opening the case."

1. Turn off the computer and unplug all cables, except for power, and write down each cable location.

2. Unplug the power cable and press the Power button.

3. If possible, move the computer to a clear, flat, stable work surface over an uncarpeted floor.

4. Remove the panel retaining screws

5. Slide off the panel to expose the inside of the computer.

6. If opening the case is difficult, search for a support article that specifically pertains to your computer. In the Search field (or Questions or keywords field) at the top of this page, type your computer model number , a space, and the words "opening the case ."



Determine if memory needs to be removed

Use the following steps to locate the memory sockets:

Look inside the computer and locate the memory modules on the motherboard. Memory modules are long thin boards, short in height, that stick up from the motherboard at a 90 degree angle.



Use the following steps to remove a memory or continuity module:

-Pull out, and then press down on the holding clips that retain the memory modules. The memory modules should rise up slightly out the socket.

-Pull out the memory or continuity module (for RIMMs) and place it in a static-safe container.



When inserting a memory module into an empty socket.

Push straight down on top ends of the memory module until the memory module is fully seated in the socket. The retaining clips on the ends of the socket lock into place when properly seated.



and you are good to go

Good Luck!!!

Answer 2

Replace the motherboard battery first. Open the computer. Look for a small slot, round, about the size of between a quarter and a nickel. There is a flat shiny battery there. Depress the holder clip with a small flat head screwdriver and it will pop out. Itshould be a CR 2032 battery, go and buy a new one (make sure it is the same number!). Insert the new battery face up in the slot and the retain should click in place =:)



Turn the computer on - you may have to go into BIOS to reset some basic settings but taking the battery out will reset the BIOS to factory default settings so you should be fine.



I am betting this is the problem. If not, you have a half dead power supply, one arm of the PSU is gone but not the other arm so it is supplying a trickle of power, that is why you see the lights and maybe the fans kick on, but not enough power to kickstart the computer. Replacing the PSU is your next option after the battery replacement.

Answer 3

I'm curious if you can hear the fans running and is the indicator light coming on for power, not power supply but the light on front of the pc? Big difference whether they are or are not. I lean toward a bad video driver and will give this exact effect. Try this.. put Windows install disk in drive, turn pc off and then back on. Hit the space bar every 3 seconds for about 3-4 minutes. If it's the driver causing this you won't see the prompt to "hit any key to boot from disk". Keep trying that until it boots up from Windows disk

Answer 4

happened to one of my old computers too. i fixed it buy switching out the power supply unit. i know it doesnt make sense, it didnt to me either. my computer turned on as in the lights were on but would not do much other then that.



obvious thing would be to check the power wires for loose connections but otherwise you could try switching out the psu like i did.



if you were working on the insides when it died did you make sure to ground yourself? my buddy killed his mother board from this before, but i have a feeling its not the easiest thing to do as i work on computers alot and have yet had this happen *knock on wood*

Answer 5

You need to check each component separately to see what is causing the system not to boot. Also check to see that all cards are secure in their slots. If they shift when the PC is on , this can cause the problem you describe. remove all cards and ram and install them again. However you still need to check each piece of hardware esp. CPU, motherboard, ram, video card and power supply.

Answer 6

I think your mainboard died. Could be a result of a static discharge especially if you're on carpet or air is dry.