Desperate for PC help

[hansolo77]

I'm not even sure if anybody is willing to help me or not, but I have to try...

So my server that was having all kinds of trouble with failing hard drives and whatnot seems to be up and running smoothly again. Now I'm having trouble with my main HTPC/Media Center. For the last few days, I've been having a lot of trouble with it failing to suspend/resume in StandBy. Let me explain what I have it doing, and then what it's not.

RIght now, I have the computer setup to go into standby when it's not in use. This is no big deal. I have it set to suspend, and then allow it to wake up when it needs to do a backup. It also wakes up when it's time to record a tv show. These are the only automated resumes I have. If I'm wanting to use the computer, or watch tv, etc; the computer can be awoken by either the keyboard, a mouse click, or pressing the power button on my remote control. This has always worked flawlessly until the last couple of days.

Lately, when I come home from work, the computer will be ON and not in standby as usual. When I look at the case, the power light is solid on, and the HD activity light blinks occasionaly as if it's doing it's normal thing. What's NOT normal is the TV/Monitor has no display, and the keyboard lights are off. What I think is happening is that the computer is attempting to go into standby but is getting hung up somewhere. The only thing I can do at this point is force the computer to power off by holding the power button in for a few seconds. When I reboot the first time, no display is given, so I turn it off and back on again. The 2nd time it's rebooted Windows throws up an error that it was unable to RESUME, and asks me if I want it to continue to try, or just load Windows normally. I tell it to just load Windows normally, and then it does. Everything from that point on works like it should. I can even tell it go into standby with my remote's power button, and it resumes when I press it again, just like it should. Then I go to bed and work the next day. I come home, and the computer is 'stuck' again, needing to go through the whole reboot process again. I don't know what the problem is, and I've not made any changes to the system (install new software/drivers, change the power settings, etc).

So today I came home from work to find the computer stuck again. I tried to force it to reboot as before by holding down the power button, but it didn't do anything for over a minute. I reached behind the case and switched off the power supply directly. That got the power off, but now I can't get it to come back on again! This is why I'm asking for help.

According to various resources on the net, I've tried a number of different approaches to fix this problem. I've switched off the power and held down the power button to drain the capacitors. I've unplugged the power for 30+ minutes. I've removed the CMOS battery. I've jumpered the pins to clear the CMOS. I've removed all external devices, like the monitor cable, audio cables, keyboard/mouse, network, usb devices, etc. I've even gone as far as to unplug the powersupply from the motherboard and used a paperclip to force close the circuit to trip the power supply on (and it DID switch on when I did that). Nothing seems to work. Then I remembered theres a light on the motherboard, identified as "sb_pwr". This light indicates there is StandBy Power. The light is usually on solid green, but its blinking very faintly. The manufacture's forum suggests this means one of two things; either the motherboard is in standby, or there is insufficient power on the +5v rail. Since I know I've been having trouble with the standby/resume, I assume this blinking light is related.

So what I think is happening, the motherboard has switched into standby mode and won't wake up until the appropriate trigger is received. Trouble is, I don't know what that trigger might be. If it's a command from Windows, it's not going to get it since I can't power the computer up. If it's a switch like the power button, I'm pressing it like crazy. I hoped resetting the CMOS/battery would clear the standby lockout but it's not working.

I just don't know what else to try. I'm really desperate for some help here because it's the only thing I have that I use for watching TV, playing games, surfing the net, etc. If anybody has had any kinda of similar situation, and remembers how to get out of it, PLEASE let me know!

[Adultery]

As a tech, I'd suggest one of the following is true:

Your power supply is failing. Easily tested and cheaply replaced, but a possible culprit. Not likely IMHO, but possible.

Your mobo is failing. My cabinet was acting the same way, except it would seem to be working fine minus the monitor and the keyboard. Like it was booting and not loading kind of... The power light was on, HDD activity was on, fans on, you could hear the HDD spinning, but no BIOS screen (the monitor was telling me it was unlugged), and the keyboard never responded. I replaced my mobo and the cabinet is working fine, even though the only component I changed was the mobo (same RAM, same processor, same HDDs, same video/sound cards, etc).

In all honesty you seem to be exactly where I was before the mobo replacement. It seemed to need coaching (like holding the power button, leaving it off and unplugged for 45 mins, cmos jumpers, holding the power button for 90 secs after unplugging...) and one day it just stopped turning on with even all the gentle pushing I was doing.. You ca get a mobo cheap on Amazon that will slide in where your last one was... Just don't get a refurbished one.

[hansolo77]

Yeah I'm really hoping it's not a matter of hardware needing replaced. I was sick all week last week and only worked 1 day; my paycheck was only like $40. I have other bills to pay. Whats so odd about all this is that it just started happening like 3 days ago, and since then its been a DAILY thing. But then once I rebooted it the 2nd time, it would work perfectly like it always had. I remember having this sort of problem years ago when I had Windows XP running on a Gigabyte motherboard. The system would get 'stuck' in standby, and even rebooting didn't wake it up. Back then, it only happened 3 times, but after the first time I learned how to make it work again. It was a simple matter of clearing the CMOS and then the computer would magically start working again. So of course that was my first thing to try this time, but it hasn't worked, and it's still not powering up. If it would just turn on, I'd be happy cause I could figure something else out (like if the drive wasn't working, or the monitor wasn't coming on). But right now, its like it's not getting any power at all. But it IS getting power, or else the 'sb_pwr' light wouldn't be blinking at me. I just don't know what to do.

A replacement board for my requirements would probably be a bit pricey. I need something that allows resume via USB. It would also need to have 1 PCI-Ex16 slot for the video card, 3 PCI-Ex8 slots for my tuner cards, and at least 1 PCIx16 slot for the other tuner card. The video card takes up 2 slots on the back of the case too. Plus I have 8gb Ram in 4x2gb slots. The processor is kinda old too, just a Core2Duo. Hopefully this will resolve itself soon.

[Draco1962]

I have to say that Adultery is likely on the money. You could try replacing the power supply but likely you are looking at the mobo. Core 2 mobos are not that expensive as it is an "entry level" chipset and mobo compared to what is out in the mainstream.

[hansolo77]

Well I totally fcked up now. I started taking everything out so I could try to start it up with bare minimum. The last thing I tried to take out was the heatsink/fan on the processor, and I broke the clips on the heatsink.. So now even if I was able to get it to power on, it'll die right away because the CPU isn't being properly cooled.

[Adultery]

Sounds like its time for that new mobo!

[hansolo77]

This sucks. My computer store here doesn't have ANY motherboards that meet my requirements. Its gotta have the right slots for my tuner cards. Ugh. Plus I now need to get a new processor too. Maybe I can just get an after market heatsink/fan if I can just get this thing to power on.

[Draco1962]

I think you are intent on frying what you have left. Better to stop before you do so, but what do I know. I fix PCs for a living.

[Adultery]

LOL @ Drac! Personally I love it when people come to me after taking that last step too far. It's how I make money to spend on my rig.

@Han: Amazon is your friend. I replaced my heatsink on my Core 2 Duo with an aftermarket, and glad I did. Intel's heatsink/fan combo was a joke... Never snapped on tight anyway. I also found a banging Mini-ATX board which has been a pleasure ever since I installed it. The board I bought was "outdated" by NewEgg standards, so it was cheap on Amazon. IF you really want a new CPU check out Tiger Direct.

[hansolo77]

Well, I'm getting closer now. I swapped out the power supply with the one from my server that was 'flaky'. Now the system can turn on, fans spin, hard drives spin up, etc. Only problem now is the system won't POST. No display on the screen. I have a number of possibilities. One is that the video card requires the special PCI-E 6-pin power cable, and this power supply doesn't have one. I found a splitter cable that gives me that plug, and you use a standard Molex plug. I tried it, but it didn't work. So to eliminate that problem all together, I swapped out the card for a really old 32mb VGA card that doesn't require any special extra power sources. It didn't work either. But until I figure out what's wrong, I'm gonna keep that card in there just incase I still end up having trouble with the other one. The next thing that might be giving me trouble is the battery. I may have done something to it when I removed it. It's a standard CR2032 button battery, and to remove it you need to use a screwdriver to pop it out of the holder. I might have drained it or something with the screwdriver. It's not a magnetized driver, but you never know... Another thing that could be giving me trouble is the RAM. I removed all the sticks and tried to boot up with no luck; I also tried just 1 stick, and then 2, still nothing. So it might be the RAM. The only other thing I can think of would be the processor, since I -KNOW- I broke the clips holding down the fan. The computer is horizontal, so it's not like it's standing up and the fan can't just be resting on top. Still, if the processor got hosed, there's no way to tell without replacing it. My biggest hurdle right now is the fact that I don't have a PC buzzer/speaker in the case; so I can't do any kind of diagnostics based on the beeps. If it was crapping out because of RAM, or processor, I'd know because of the beeps. I might have to just go and buy a cheap speaker if I can't find one.

Something else that's happening... the keyboard lights blink when I first power on, but then they go out. Usually the NUMLOCK light stays on. So I don't know if maybe it's having a keyboard failure. I think its unlikely, because if there was a keyboard failure, at least the POST would start and there would be a display that says "Keyboard Failure, press F1 to continue" or whatever.

[Draco1962]

To resurrect and paraphrase one of my favorite Star Trek TOC quotes.. "It's dead, Jim!"

[Adultery]

Well, I'm getting closer now. I swapped out the power supply with the one from my server that was 'flaky'. Now the system can turn on, fans spin, hard drives spin up, etc. Only problem now is the system won't POST. No display on the screen.

I'm telling ya my man, it's the mobo. Same exact thing that happened to my cabinet. Don't throw any money at it.

[hansolo77]

UUUHGGG!!! Nobody I know (dad, brother, server) has a speaker in their computer for me to borrow. My brother threw his away, and remembers doing it. My dad's computer has a permanent speaker soldered the mobo (it's a small little chip speaker, not a large one that attaches with a wire). My server doesn't have one either. So I'm still hung out to dry with no computer and no way to watch tv or play games. Gotta rely on my dad's computer or my iPod. I'm so depressed.

My thought processes are no gearing towards replacing the mobo, as suggested. Only problem with that, I'd need a new processor too since they don't make mobo's anymore that are compatible. So with that in mind, I'll probably also need to get new RAM too, since these are old DDR2's. Such an expense. I know if I were to just look for the cheapest available motherboard/processor combo sale, it's still gonna be a lot better than my current one. I just have to get something that's compatible with my tuner cards, or else it's a waste of money. On top of that, I'm only working part time at a grocery store; this week I'm working 19 hours. I can't afford a new computer now. I could probably get by with a really cheap pre-made one and take out all the parts, but again I'd be limited on expandability. I have 3 tuner cards, 2 of which are PCI-E slots, and a PCI-E x16 video card. I hate my life.

[nullPointer]

Dunno if this will help, but Newegg turns up several results that might (or might not) fit the bill (Socket LGA 775 right?). You may still need to narrow results according to the frequency of your existing RAM but it looks like there's a fair number of boards supporting DDR2 are still available.

Newegg - Socket LGA 775 Motherboards

[Adultery]

UUUHGGG!!! Nobody I know (dad, brother, server) has a speaker in their computer for me to borrow.

Been there, done that, it didn't help... It's not gonna beep... I'm telling ya.

[hansolo77]

My Xbox friend says he still thinks its the power supply since im using one that I know is already dying. I'm just going to have to wait it out until I get some money together. This sux.

[Draco1962]

Han - Just do whatever you think is best. It is obvious that none of the advice you are getting from anyone here with knowledge of these things is going to matter. You just seem to "hear" what you want to and not want to face up to the grim reality that you have a more expensive proposition before you. Providing advice for someone that does not want to listen is exhausting and too much like work for my taste.

[hansolo77]

I'm sorry you feel that way Draco. I don't appreciate the rudeness of your comment though. Perhaps if you didn't have job that paid well, and only worked 15-20 hours a week, and was on food stamps, you'd change your attitude towards me. You have to realize that in my situation, I'm really hoping to resolve the problem without having to spend a lot of money, because I don't have any. I'm trying to figure out what happened, and what single piece of hardware would need replacing. This is how you troubleshoot on a budget. Ask for help; and try everything you can think of. If I have a potential powers supply problem, the chance to try others is a free way of testing it without just going out and buying a new one. I don't have any other spare parts to try and swap, like a CPU, ram, mobo. And I hate the idea of just buying a new set of them when it could be something simple like just the ram, and go and waste all that money I don't have. So yea, if you're getting tired of "helping" me, then just go away and ignore the thread. Don't go shooting your mouth off because you're getting impatient, it's not welcome.

[nullPointer]

You could always start a Kickstarter campaign. Just kidding Han, I'm just trying to lighten the mood around here . . . <awkward silence> . . . Bit of a tough crowd tonight . . .

[Adultery]

/me shrugs

Well, all due respect... I try to help and it's almost like you don't hear me talking.

Let's address some of your issues Han:

A new mobo is >$50. I took every step you're taking, and I have A+ certification. So trust me or don't, but would you tell your doctor you weren't sick? C'mon now.

McDonald's always hires and they pay >$8.50/hr for as many hours as you want to work... Trust me, I did it for a while. I never got the whole "I can't find a job" thing, but I guess it's because I've always had one. Always. But I also have a family to support. All in all, there's plenty of jobs, and also too many people who would rather use my tax money in the form of benefits and be "above working just any job", so obviously aren't looking that hard. Then when I need these benefits, they say "Nope. You work. Earn your own." Yay America.

Don't be mad at Draco... He feels like he's banging his head on a wall with you sometimes. It happens, especially when you constantly undermine his authority in public.

As you were.

[Draco1962]

I'm sorry you feel that way Draco. I don't appreciate the rudeness of your comment though. Perhaps if you didn't have job that paid well, and only worked 15-20 hours a week, and was on food stamps, you'd change your attitude towards me. You have to realize that in my situation, I'm really hoping to resolve the problem without having to spend a lot of money, because I don't have any. I'm trying to figure out what happened, and what single piece of hardware would need replacing. This is how you troubleshoot on a budget. Ask for help; and try everything you can think of. If I have a potential powers supply problem, the chance to try others is a free way of testing it without just going out and buying a new one. I don't have any other spare parts to try and swap, like a CPU, ram, mobo. And I hate the idea of just buying a new set of them when it could be something simple like just the ram, and go and waste all that money I don't have.

Han - I understand you have difficulties and you are not alone in that. My family is facing its own share of financial difficulties and I have to scrounge for parts, improvise, even "frankenstein" a few things to keep things going. But that is not anyone's business in the forums so I keep it to myself.

I get impatient when someone asks for help/advice, sound advice is given, and then they turn around and do what they think anyway, only to continue to complain and whine about it.

So yea, if you're getting tired of "helping" me, then just go away and ignore the thread. Don't go shooting your mouth off because you're getting impatient, it's not welcome.

Seriously, you seem to have a beef with most of anything that I or any of the moderators have to say to you as of late that does not suit your fancy - whether in this thread or one of the others. You may not like what we have to say, and that is fine with me. But you will show some respect and restraint. This is a final warning.

[Tom Speirs]

There is some other history with Han slighlty overstepping the line which is related but I don't see anything in this particular topic that would constitute a warning or a ban even if it was frustrating. Just saying what I see. Maybe have a beer and chillax!

[Adultery]

No fair! Chillax is my word!

[Circo]

My .02

If your on that strict of a budget, quit shopping at local computer stores. The internet is soooo much cheaper. And if your getting $40 checks from your job, it's time to find another job (or three).

[hansolo77]

Anyway, here's an update;

• Swapped power supplies
  
  • Success! Powersupply seems to have gone bad, yet now pc won't POST.
    

  [*]Swapped video cards with 4 others, 1 PCI-E and 3 PCI's

  • fail (monitor remains in standby/no signal)
    

  [*]Swapped video cables

  • fail (monitor remains in standby/no signal)
    

  [*]Removed all expansion cards, all external cables, all drives

  • fail
    

  [*]Removed and reseated all 4 ram sticks individually into each slot individually

  • fail
    

  [*]Removed and reseated CPU

  • fail (and broke push pin clips that secure heatsink to mobo)
    

  [*]Found a spare mobo speaker in a computer in the basement saved from the fire

  • fail (no sounds come from it all, may be a bad speaker/water damage but Adultery's suggestion of no sound is holding)
    

  [*]Found a spare battery from the computer in the basement

  • fail
    

  [*]Use the CPU off the server to test processor fail

  • fail (same results so I don't think it's the CPU)
    

  [*]Removed Mobo from case to test for grounding issue

  • fail
    

  [*]Purchased a used Mobo from Ebay that we hope will fix the problem.

  • Nobody on Newegg, Amazon, Tigerdirect, etc are selling mobos that meet my requirements of expansion slots, sata connectors, coaxial spdif out connection, and are LGA775, so I had to rely on eBay. Found an identical mobo for sale, brand new, in Austrailia for $80 plus $20 shipping. Decided on a cheaper route that was in California and offered express shipping. Different brand, but has the features I need, plus the seller says it comes with the i/o plate (surprised that not alot of sellers offer that) and driver disk. Gonna have to wait and report back the results.
    
  • http://www.ebay.com/itm/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&_trksid=p4340.l2557&item=130672300768&nma=true&rt=nc&si=4YfD5pPfimo1jJdIFLDZ9uugqSU%253D&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWNX%3AIT&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc
    

For what it's worth... I appreciate the advise given, even though it seems I'm not wanting to listen. My primary reason for the post was to help me come up with ideas I hadn't already thought of. I wasn't ruling anything out. I was just trying to make sure I took care of absolutely everything it could possibly be before I devoted money into a purchase if I didn't have to. Thanks for the help guys. I'll keep you posted.