PC doesn't boot up

[Hudzon Hawk]

Another of my hardware problems.
After I finally constructed my new PC, I put in the windows installation CD and booted it up. All I got was the screen displaying some of my PC hardware and a message "Press F1 to enter setup"(the bios setup). Well, I thought that the problem is within boot priorities, so I went to BIOS and set it the PC to boot from CD-Rom.
Reboot.
And I got the same screen.
So I decided that there's something wrong with my CD-rom. I took out the HDD and put it into my other PC, where is successfully installed WinXp.
Then I took out the HDD,put it back into my first PC, and booted it. Just to get that screen again.
I tried switching the boot priorities back to HDD, though it still ignores it.
What could the problem be here, and any ideas on how to fix it?

[Eroberer]

check all connection cables, make sure you're HDD is connected and you're CD rom is too.

what type of parts do you have - INCLUDE POWERSUPPLY

[tulo]

Maybe a master/slave problem?

[scruie]

Maybe a master/slave problem?

he already stated that he removed the hdd and successfully installed XP using another machine - so master/slave isn't the problem here (i hope)

Hudzon Hawk u mention a bios error/set up error - are the settings for the CPU correct; that is the speed/clock? if u could post the error here or at least what the messages says it would make life easier. also a full list of specs would be beneficial.

[Eroberer]

i just wanna make sure he's not having too little power (i got a similar error... tried powering a AMD 3400+ and a ATI Radeon 9800 Pro and 2 10,000 RPM Raptors in raid 0 array w/ 250 Watts lol)

[DeanznetStar]

Okay hey

Is there Any BIOS beeps?

Also Remove the Ram and try starting Up and than shutdown and put ram back in

[Invisible§niper]

So I decided that there's something wrong with my CD-rom. I took out the HDD and put it into my other PC, where is successfully installed WinXp.

I would really like to help you out, Hudzon Hawk except I'm a bit confused.

Why would you take out the HDD if you thought there was something wrong with your CD-ROM?
Do you mean...

it successfully installed WinXp
using that CD-ROM you say you thought was faulty or

it successfully installed WinXp
using the HDD?

[Dark Blaze]

It didn't show anything like unmountable_boot_volume or anything did it? Did it have a blue screen? try and be more specific on what it shows.

[j231]

Hmm, is the power plugged in?
Is all cords attached? Is the plugs plugged in? Did u install it correctly? Is yourm montitor plugged in? Is your sound plugged in?

[scruie]

the biggest clues given iare a list of hardware and the bios error message - 'Press F1 to enter Setup'

that would lead me to believe that he needs to configure some of the hardware - that could be the CPU/Memory clock speeds.

@ Invisible§niper i think he tested the hard-drive in another machine to see if it was faulty, the sucessful install on other machine means its not. this doesn't rule out a faulty CD-ROM unit - testing in the other machine would have confirmed this. even if he did have a successful install transfering the hdd to the other machine will still give him the error, as the primary fault isn't sorted.

this is all academic until he posts back giving more information such as the specs (components used).

[rought]

First thing .. I recommend is always assemble a computer outside the case.. on a piece of cardboard.. if everything is Ok then put it in the case..
Now in the bois does it list your Cdrom and your Hardrive in there.. if the hardrive is not in there then I could be a few thing….cable,jumper setting on the drive,no power,,but Im sure you checked these.. your problem could be you need to format the HD so the system can read it…if it wont do it from the XP disk ,, which It commonly will not..
Either get a formatting floppy disk from the manufactures web site,,or take the hardrive and install it in another computer were the CD rom was on the other computer and format it. Just go to my computer right click on the drive and format ..using NTFS
Then try it again. If the hardrive is not formatted window will not see it.
let me know the result will get you going

[Hudzon Hawk]

Argh..It turned out to be that my speed/clock settings weren't set on the PC >_>
Thanks for the help guys :)

I recommend is always assemble a computer outside the case.. on a piece of cardboard.. if everything is Ok then put it in the case..

Seems like a good idea...More comfortable than having to squeeze everything within the case. I'll try that out next time when I assemble a PC.

Well, now I need a bit more help to fix my brother's PC. The thing simply won't turn on. Now this time I'm 100% sure that every piece of hardware is functioning properly(except for the motherboard...I have no way of testing to see if it's Ok), plus all the cables are connected(checked that twice). Yet, it still refuses to load up. Any ideas on that one?

[scruie]

Hudzon Hawk u mention a bios error/set up error - are the settings for the CPU correct; that is the speed/clock?

not gonna say i told u so...instead....spammers ;)

glad u got it sorted, you don't seem to have much luck with computers....oh well.

if when u switch the pc on and all the fans spin or spin for a second or two but nothing else happens - then its a dead mobo.

you can test the components from brothers machine quickly in another rig, that will help rule them out. is the PSU (Power Supply Unit), working correctly? are the fans spinning, can u test it for voltages? otherwise ur looking at the mobo.


EDIT: test the switch is functioning. on the mobo u have header were u plug in small plugs for the hdd LED, reset switch etc. check to see if the power on is functioning - short it out with a small screwdriver.

[rought]

Scrue is correct .. …need to know if fans are spinning…first…
But could be several things…ram,cpu,motherboard,powersuppy,even hardrive.
If fans are spinning..i could be hardrive,video card,..maybe ram but not likely.. and hardrive meaning corrupt software not a bad hardrive..
To start just unplug what you can to the basics,,..take out all PCI cards,, sound ect..take out the ram expect for one stick..then start replaceding parts until you find out whick piece it is….borrow some ram and a video card from someone…or buy it and return it…if its not that..

[azncoke]

wut kind of mobo u have? some mobos have reset buttoms on the mobo, or call customer service.

[SsSStormTrooper]

try runnin a safe disk

[scruie]

safe disk?

do u mean running it in safe mode? or something else...

[PersonalNightma]

i think he means a rescue disk from another company not microsofts own xp cd.