Monitor Powers on, but nothing is displayed

[JonX]

For addtional information, here is a link to my first thread I posted a while back.

---------------------

I had problems with my computer for awhile now. I previously had an issue with the blue screen (windows XP) showing up awhile ago. I fixed the problem by removing one of the 2 sticks of RAM I had (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145034) and it seemed to work for a good while.

Around October, it happened again, but I was out of ways to fix it. The other stick of RAM I had was my last one, so I had to be left with nothing. Sometimes if I switched RAM slots, it would turn on, but it wouldn't last very long until the blue screen came up again.

Just a couple days ago, I bought new RAM as you can find here: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16820145184 . I just put them in and what happens? My monitor turns on, but nothing is displayed! I tried unplugging the cable and plugging it back in, and it will not work. I cannot even open my DVD Drive. I will link you to some of the specs of the desktop:

Processor: AMD Athlon 64 X2 4200+

Motherboard: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16813131183

I have HEARD that I have to clear something called the "cmos" but I have no idea how to do that. I was also told it has to do with the RAM I had compared to the RAM now. The RAM before was 2.10v and the new RAM is 1.80v.

ANY help/pointers will be greatly appreciated

[noknojon]

Hi JonX -

Was this the CHKDSK code that you have been trying to use ??- It will shut down, then restart your computer, then you allow 30mins for the check - You will find a full CHKDSK scan is run on a blue screen anyway -

CMD /C ECHO Y|CHKDSK C: /R | SHUTDOWN /R /T 30

CMOS = Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor - Please read the item in Wiki about this, and follow the links -

Thank You -

[JonX]

I have no way to do this, because the monitor will not display anything. That is my main problem.

[noknojon]

Hi again -

Just a silly idea, but do you have another screen that you can try ??- That will exclude one part of the problem -

Also did you reset the BIOS when you were fitting the new RAM sticks - On start up you need to hold a key down to enter BIOS - Mine is the Delete key , some are the F10 key (or similar) - Have you ever opened the BIOS to set the RAM and properly configure your other components ??

There must have been some instructions or a booklet that came with your new mother board -

Thanks -

EDIT - Also note that you are on a computer now with internet connection - You will need that one to do your research -

If you are having so many problems running it , then it may need a repair shop to test that you have installed All the components correctly - It is not hard to miss one step in the process and that can leave you with these type of problems -

[JonX]

Hmm. Will resetting the BIOS help with the display? Because my keyboard doesn't even seem to be lighting up or turning on either. How do I know if the BIOS is reset or not if nothing displays or my keyboard isn't on?

This motherboard that I am on is pretty old. I bought the computer around 2008.

[marktreg]

The first thing I would do is use newegg Memory Compatibility Tool here:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/SupplyFinder...rs%2fmemory.jpg

and check that the RAM you bought is actually compatible with your motherboard.

[JonX]

Well I don't see it on the list, but I also don't notice much of a difference. For instance THIS seems to be the same as my CURRENT RAM.

[marktreg]

I have HEARD that I have to clear something called the "cmos" but I have no idea how to do that.

Clearing the CMOS memory will erase any settings that pertain to the previous memory, so you should definitely do that. Here's how to do it.

(I also have the user manual for your motherboard which will tell you how to set up the BIOS etc. Let me know if you need me to attach it to my next post for you.)

[JonX]

I am not sure how to remove the battery. I also don't see anything pertaining to Jumper Caps. Is it under the battery?

[marktreg]

The CMOS battery on motherboards is usually removed by either sliding it out from under the battery clip or lifting the battery clip. The CLRTC jumpers are not underneath the battery, they are next to the battery. Be careful you don't damage anything, especially the battery clip, when trying to remove the CMOS battery.

[JonX]

Nevermind, I got it. I am trying now....

EDIT: Nothing.

The system turns on, the monitor powers on, but nothing is displayed. My mouse lights up, but the keyboard does not.

[marktreg]

There may be some kind of compatibility issue that requires the help of someone from the Official Corsair Support Forums.

Ramguy should be able to help you if you post your problem here:

http://forum.corsair.com/v3/index.php

[Firefox]

1. Just curious, when you turn on the computer, do you hear any beeps?

2. Are they short beeps or long beeps (if you hear any)?

3. What happens if you put the old ram back in?

[JonX]

No beeps at all. And no matter what RAM I use now, it does the same thing.

[Firefox]

if you pull out all ram, no ram at all, then power up the pc do you hear any beeps?

[JonX]

No beeps.

I am really at a loss here. I tried everything I could for the past 150+ days.

[Firefox]

If you have power on that computer, and the hard drives turn on, power supply turns one, and you have no memory on the computer, you should be getting beeps from the mother board letting you know you have no memory.

This tells me your mother board is burnt out. It could have just been the culprit from the get go and your ram was OK, or you may have burnt it out putting in the memory you bought.

But you will have to replace the motherboard. If you like you can take it into a shop to confirm.

[JonX]

Well... that's not good.

If I replace the motherboard, will everything on the hard drive (OS, files) be functional?

[noknojon]

Hi -

Did you use your official XP CD to install and check for repairs - Or have you Not re-registered your version of XP ??

If you have just inserted the CD and run it then after one month (or so) it will cease to run - You must register it for that computer -

Thank You -

[JonX]

Yes, I have done that long before this as well as a system restore, and nothing helped. My version of XP is official.

[Firefox]

Well... that's not good.

If I replace the motherboard, will everything on the hard drive (OS, files) be functional?

If you could find the exact same model of motherboard, then yes, (assuming you did not get hit by a virus that erased your hard drive and flash the bios on your motherboard rendering it useless, like the cynobal virus for example).

If I was going to replace the motherboard I would use something like this SATA/USB to USB adaptor and plug that drive on another computer to backup my system first, or at least my important files. Then after the backup is complete, I would replace the drive back to the system, install the new board, then fire it up. It will go through the motions of found new hardware and reboot several times. After all that, XP will tell you it noticed significant changes to your system and ask you to reactivate.

Make sure you get the right memory for that new board. Go to a computer shop, and get the board there, and have them test you existing memory to make sure its good and it will fit the new board.