PC Won't Boot

Sounds to me like it would be your CPU. Strip the computer down to nothing but the motherboard, CPU and power supply. It should at least give you an error beep for not having a keyboard, monitor, or any RAM plugged in. If you don't get a beep, you probably have a bad CPU -- possibly a bad motherboard.

Boot the computer while holding down any key on the keyboard to see if you can get into the CMOS setup,then check to see if the drives are being recognized,also if configuration is ok.

Being that computer is a compaq,you may have to visit their web site and download diagnostic software for that particular machine

Try resetting the BIOS, by moving the assigned jumper (JP3) from pins 1&2 to 2&3 for 10-15 seconds then put the jumper back in original position. If you don't have a meter and can't check the voltage of the CMOS battery it's probably a good time to go ahead and replace it. The battery can usually be found at Walmarts for a few bucks.

Anyway Hp/Compaq provides plenty of info on this unit, you may find a solution in the services and maintenance guide at the following link.

ftp://ftp.compaq.com/pub/supportinformation/consumerdocs/MaintServcGd/7400.pdf

first try different power supply. a bad one can still run fan ,drives etc. this is a very common failures, right up there with memory failures. you can check this with a spare without removing the old one. just lay it on its side set the ps on to ofthe case the standard ps lead should reach. I keep a 250 watt AT and 300 watt ATX with long leads around just for this purpose. There is the posibility that the bios was flashed wrong, gone bad, not seated anymore. they can be affected by oxidation.some can be removed easily and reseated (this alone can sometimes do the trick)/ do same for processor , especially slot 1 or slot a / also check electrolitic capacitors on the mainboard for swelling, they look like little barrels with a cross on top. if they are rounding on top, not flat like they should be then you have a bad board, some component failed.

first try different power supply. a bad one can still run fan ,drives etc. this is a very common failures, right up there with memory failures. you can check this with a spare without removing the old one. just lay it on its side set the ps on to ofthe case the standard ps lead should reach. I keep a 250 watt AT and 300 watt ATX with long leads around just for this purpose. There is the posibility that the bios was flashed wrong, gone bad, not seated anymore. they can be affected by oxidation.some can be removed easily and reseated (this alone can sometimes do the trick)/ do same for processor , especially slot 1 or slot a / also check electrolitic capacitors on the mainboard for swelling, they look like little barrels with a cross on top. if they are rounding on top, not flat like they should be then you have a bad board, some component failed.

first try different power supply. a bad one can still run fan ,drives etc. this is a very common failures, right up there with memory failures. you can check this with a spare without removing the old one. just lay it on its side set the ps on to ofthe case the standard ps lead should reach. I keep a 250 watt AT and 300 watt ATX with long leads around just for this purpose. There is the posibility that the bios was flashed wrong, gone bad, not seated anymore. they can be affected by oxidation.some can be removed easily and reseated (this alone can sometimes do the trick)/ do same for processor , especially slot 1 or slot a / also check electrolitic capacitors on the mainboard for swelling, they look like little barrels with a cross on top. if they are rounding on top, not flat like they should be then you have a bad board, some component failed.

first try different power supply. a bad one can still run fan ,drives etc. this is a very common failures, right up there with memory failures. you can check this with a spare without removing the old one. just lay it on its side set the ps on to ofthe case the standard ps lead should reach. I keep a 250 watt AT and 300 watt ATX with long leads around just for this purpose. There is the posibility that the bios was flashed wrong, gone bad, not seated anymore. they can be affected by oxidation.some can be removed easily and reseated (this alone can sometimes do the trick)/ do same for processor , especially slot 1 or slot a / also check electrolitic capacitors on the mainboard for swelling, they look like little barrels with a cross on top. if they are rounding on top, not flat like they should be then you have a bad board, some component failed.

Hi

From what you are telling it seems to me that you may have a problem with the hard disk. Disconnecte it ( take off power and data) then reboot. If you see the POST msgs then check BIOS setting of the hard disk. set it to automatic then hook the hard disk then reboot. if still a problem try another hard disk.

Good luck

Mohamed

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