Failed computer upgrade

[Christian Olsson]

Recently I was asked to upgrade a computer for a friend while he went on vacation. Sure I said since I have managed to put some computers togheter.

The upgrade included: Motherboard, CPU, RAM, HD and graphic card. When I had assembled everything I tried to push the power switch. Nothing happned, not a beep, nothing. The led in the corner of the motherboard which indicates stand-by power lights up when I plug in the powercable but that's it.

I've checked that the power button cable is plugged in correctly. So does anyone know how to get it started? It's a ASUS A7V-E. Also does the LED in the corner indicate that the motherboard is OK or does it light up whenever it have power?

[carlywarly]

If you do a search for the m/board manual, it should show you where the power button connects to.
Disconnect the cable from reset switch and then, very carefully, use a screwdriver, or a cable to connect the 2 pins for powering on and see if it boots.
I have had a PC apparently dead because the reset button was permanently on, prevented booting. Also, this procedure will tell you if your power switch works.

[mdwatts]

All you can really do is double/triple check all power connections and ensure all the cards are seated properly especially the video card.

Check the ide ribbon cables to ensure pin1 is correct.

If all else fails, remove all components that are not necessary. Leave the video card and floppy.

Try only using one memory module (of course if you are using two or more).

Any jumpers on the A7V-E that need setting?

[DMR]

If you've verified that your power circuitry is functioning correctly, do as mdwatts suggests; a bad card or memory module can cause the problem you're experiencing. I've also encoutered the same problem (strangely enough) on a system whose CMOS battery was dead. I replaced the battery and all was well.

Also, if you have (and know how to use) a voltmeter, probe the motherboard to see if power is actually getting to any parts of the board.

[Arcane_Disciple]

I've encountered that problems a few times myself, the problem was that the switch that sets the voltage on the back of the case was set wrong. Being it was sent to me from somewhere in the US I assumed that it was set correctly. As silly as it sounds, give that a look and see if that helps.