PC Problems!

[Rare Bird]

There's always something.

Latest issue that just sprung up is when i start my PC for the first time, just a blank black screen on the monitor, nothing is booting!, i can't shut the PC down unless pulling the mains plug, on re starting the PC all boots up fine, works perfect! this happens every day. I've run virus checks you name it nothing seems to be wrong.

Anyone any ideas?

[Welder]

Can you boot it up in safe mode Andre?

[WAD62]

Odd one Andre, as John said...plus

What are you running XP?

Do you see any activity at all before the blank screen, the usual BIOS stuff, HD lights etc. or is it just a complete blank?

Have you added any devices lately, any USBs perhaps ?

When you do eventually have it up and running can you successfully do a restart?

[Tim]

Andre, I'd like to try and help, but need some pointers first;


What O/S are you running
What is the computer - desktop/laptop
Make and model
How old is it
What hardware is installed
Have you installed any new software or Windows updates lately
Are there any beeps as it's starting up


Anything in here of help? http://tips4pc.com/articles/computer%20troubleshooting/computer_has_a_black_screen_and.htm

[The Vinyl Adventure]

Sounds like a graphics card niggle to me
I ha a problem with mine that turned out to be the 4 pin power supply for the graphics card was loose ...
If it switches on and nothing shows on the screen that would be the first thing to look at in my experience ...

[DSJR]

You'll just have to unplug, open up and wriggle all the boards on their pins...

Be warned - my laptop would blue-screen during boot, and after a couple of failed attempts, the hard drive became corrupted. Fault was a RAM card. Once I've finished the vintage turntable/cartridge quest, I'll buy the "Spinrite" software and see if I can re-build the NTFS sectors..

[Rare Bird]

Hi Chaps, didnt expect this much responce!

Ok it's a Shuttle Barebones i was using temporarily till i did some upgrades on my Desktop, but turned out i like this more than the Desktop so kept using it on everyday basis, it's the fastest PC i've ever used tbh..It has 'XP'/SP3 operator.All thats connected to the USB's are an outboard HDD & DAC, these were connected quite some time before this problem arose.No upgrades no nothing have been performed.

As mentioned: on initial start up in the morning, the screen is totally black nothing at all, i thought it maybe on the lines of what Hamish mentioned but when trying to power off the unit from the power switch on the front it does nothing,won't power down, i have to revert to pulling out the IEC mains from the back. when powering back up alls fine starts perfect, choose to restart through windows, it restarts no problem, shut it down again & leave it off ten mins again restarts perfect.

It's kinda like when it's been off all night! :scratch:

[DSJR]

Andr'e, can you go into "Event Viewer" via control panel and admin tools. Click on "Application" and see what's there. A red "!" should tell you what's failing with luck.

[Rare Bird]

Andr'e, can you go into "Event Viewer" via control panel and admin tools. Click on "Application" and see what's there. A red "!" should tell you what's failing with luck.

Hi Dave
Nothing it's fine..

[jantheman]

Deffo PSU problem.....

[Rare Bird]

Deffo PSU problem.....

Actually what i was thinking this morning.

[WAD62]

Actually what i was thinking this morning.

+1

[Rare Bird]

I've found a new Flex ATX supply £25 double the wattage of the original aswell, i'll try that.

Thanks for the time being commmrades

[YNWaN]

A few years ago we found that the majority of our computers were failing because of the power supply. The strain at startup seems to be the issue (when everything wants to run at once). Replacement with a higher rated power supply solved the problems (and was easily done).

[Rare Bird]

A few years ago we found that the majority of our computers were failing because of the power supply. The strain at startup seems to be the issue (when everything wants to run at once). Replacement with a higher rated power supply solved the problems (and was easily done).

Yes the new supply is double the size but is a drop in replacement which pleases me :) I've also noticed that some motherboard Electrolytics could do with a change for something better before they give up.Panasonic 'FC' will fit the bill

[Rare Bird]

Ok Shuttle fixed it was 8 x Electrolytics on the motherboard, managed to Replaced them this afternoon it's running like a good un now. My thanks once again to Nick (Lurcher) for letting me include them within his order..