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losing hardware?
by Rick
(Rochester NY)
My computer was running fine, then I when I went to use it (Was on in power save mode but this time no screensaver) it wouldn't reinitialize.
I restarted the system and the start up information was in gibberish, with multiple vertical lines displayed the screen.
After initial startup it just stops, and the monitor goes back into sleep mode. It would boot in safemode, and I tried to go back to an earlier save, but nothing changed, and the lines are still there. Help?
It sounds like your BIOS settings have become corrupt.
Try this -
Find the key press to get in to the BIOS.
Power down the computer, disconnect the power supply cable (you didn't specify if this was a desktop or laptop) if it is a laptop remove the power battery. Leave it down for a minimum of 10 minutes. If you know where the BIOS battery is remove it. Some motherboards have a jumper that clears the BIOS - move the jumper if you have that information.
If you changed the jumper or removed the battery put them back in the orginal postition.
Connect the power cord and power up, go in to the BIOS and reset the date. You will know if you cleared the BIOS if the default date and time is set.
Set any custom settings you may have been using.
Let the system restart.
Did this cure you problem with the missing paramaters for your hardware?
If not then the motherboard has failed and requires replacement, the BIOS Flash chip is the culprit.
Hope this helps...
Mar 04, 2009 Rating
Graphics card cooling fan by: Rick
It is a desktop. I just discovered that the graphics card cooling fan has failed. I suppose that a failing card could explain the vertical lines, I just don't know if it could cause the other issues. More advise is welcome, and I will try the advise already offered once I replace the card. Thanks.
Mar 04, 2009 Rating
Heat by: Support
Sometimes the same symptoms have a different cause.
You can find a replacement fan at most large electronics stores. As a matter of fact if it was my card I would measure the heat sink and see if I could get a better heat sink when shopping for a fan.
Or you could replace the video card, I don't think it has failed, to test the video card and see if it was damaged use an external fan to cool the card when it is powered up.
If the card operates fine with an external fan cooling it then you will save yourself some money.
Learn something new every day!
Thanks for the update!!
Mar 04, 2009 Rating
Success by: Rick
I replaced the video card (I did try external cooling with the same result) and reset the BIOS at the same time and everything is fine. Thank you for your help. A great site and will pass it on to others on my facebook page.
