Hello everyone, I built my x-mother-in-law a computer about 1 1/2 years ago and what is happening is, the computer will power up (Fans,lights.etc) but will not kick on the monitor. So, I installed a Video Card (PCI) and it still will not power on the monitor. The MB has on board video so I inserted a VG (video card) to see if that would do it but still no go. I am now leaning on the MB is toast. Thoughts please. Thanks

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If replacing the MB do I need to reinstall XP, or just install all the MB drivers and such and things should work with out reinstalling?

Originally Posted by norman

If replacing the MB do I need to reinstall XP, or just install all the MB drivers and such and things should work with out reinstalling?

Hi Norman

Even if the new board is the same exact motherboard I think you will find you need to
reinstall windows.
If you are using different motherboard you will almost certainly need to reinstall windows.
If the hard drive has important file on it. I would invest in a new drive and install windows on that.
Then put the old drive in as slave and transfer the files onto the new drive.
Then format it and make it the backup drive.

JIm

Hi Friend,
Verify that the cable supplying your computer is not bad or damaged by using another power cable. If you have a standard CRT monitor, this cable can be used in place of the computer power cable.

If additional hardware has been recently added to the computer it is recommend that you temporarily disconnect that device or devices from the computer to verify they are not preventing your computer from turning on.

Thanks,
James

This may be moot but,,,,,,

"... the computer will power up (Fans,lights.etc) but will not kick on the monitor."

Did you try another monitor on your machine, or your monitor on another machine to verify whether it's good or bad? This is the usual first trouble shooting step (unless you have a multitude of hardware laying around at your disposal).

"So, I installed a Video Card (PCI) and it still will not power on the monitor. The MB has on board video so I inserted a VG (video card) to see if that would do it but still no go. I am now leaning on the MB is toast."

On some older machines you must enter the machines bios to switch video output from the onboard video (before switching cables around). Indicating a PCI Video Card implies this may apply.

Disregard if the above doesn't apply to your machine/situation.

Thanks for all that have replied.

1. Yes, I tried pluging into a different monitor and nothing still. Lights and fans working but nothing coming across on the monitor.

2. Yea, I know that I would need to enter the BIOS to switch from the onboard video to the PCI video but can't do that because it will not boot up any monitor.

My conclusion is, bad MB ...I would think that is my cause. ...thoughts?

Given your above information, I concur.

There is a suggestion here
I Need to know what happened - CNET Computer help Forums
Which suggest you
REMOVE YOUR POWER CORD AND HOLD THE ON THE POWER BUTTON FOR LIKE 30second TO A MINUTE AND THEN CONNECT IT BACK AND TURN IT ON
The thought behind this is that
This reset the power supply which had a failsafe trip when the power went out suddenly.
It seems to have worked fro some so is worth a try

JIm

Hey Jim, when u say, Remove the power cord and hold the on the power button for like 30 seconds to a minute you are talking about the computer power button you push to start your computer?