Proper approach to debug PC startup problems (POST)
- by saurabhj
My CPU was heating up to around 65 deg C and last time this had happened (about a year ago), I got thermal paste put between the CPU and heat sink and this managed to get it down to about 45 - 50 degrees.
This time, I got some thermal paste and put it myself.
However, my PC is not showing the POST display and not starting up.
This is what happens
LEDs light up
HDDs spin
Mouse is getting power
All fans including the processor fan starts
No display on monitor
No diagnostic beep sounds (no sounds at all)
What I have tried
Removing everything including RAM, HDD, PCI cards, AGP card
Boot up machine
No changes from first state.
What steps can I take to figure out where the problem lies?
Note
(might be important)
When I removed the heat sink, the processor came out with it (it was stuck to it inspite of the processor latch on)
Had to pry it separate with a screw-driver.
Configuration
Pentium 4, 2.8 Ghz with HT (very old, I know)
Original Intel Mobo with onboard sound and graphics (GB series)
2x512 Mb DDR-RAM
2 SATA disks (320 Gigs / 250 gigs)
DVD Writer
Creative Sound Card
Network card
Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks!