Yesterday, I attempted to replace my harddrive temporarily with an old one so I can get my files from the old hard drive to the new one (by emailing myself the files).. Okay, so I gave up and then had my brother finally look at it because at first he didn't want to do it. So he replaced it. I connected the computer and right away it turns on. I can't turn it on or off. It just does it by itself and the only way I can turn it off is by disconnecting some cable with the numbers "P1" on it which seems to be connected to the power supply (or whatever its called) of the computer. So I gave it back to my brother, and he put the harddrive I had before I wanted to replace it with the old harddrive, and it still does the same thing, so he has given up.

So, what is the problem with this computer? I will try answering as many questions I assume will be asked. I recently asked in the infamous Yahoo! Answers, funadvice, and some horrible message boards, so to avoid making the same mistake of waiting an hour or two just to get a stupid question back, here it is.

I'm 15 years old.
My computer is a Compaq Presario SR5110NX. You'll find many information about it online but if you can't, I'll whip out my blog entry from 2007 (of me excitedly typing about my computer.)
Also, I downgraded my computer to Windows XP from Vista.
Also, ever since the downgrade I had some minor problems but then there was some problem that required a repair disc and I couldn't find it so I got a new harddrive which arrived right before I found the disc, so I've been using that.. so I don't have the original harddrive (and thats the harddrive i tried to get my old stuff from by the way).

I checked everything.. pushed some cables just incase they were loose, disconnected and reconnected cables (I think it's called reseeting) and that's pretty much it. We are planning to go to Best Buy tomorrow and maybe they will help, so I would like to know if they are a big scam to bring my computer to.. but only answer that if that's not the only thing you're going to say in this thread.

Compaq Presario SR5110NX Desktop PC

Does the monitor show any sign of life? Does the LED change from orange to green at all?

Are you using a graphics card or the on-board graphics chip?

If a card try re-seating your graphics card. Take it all the way out and put it back.

Does the monitor show any sign of life? Does the LED change from orange to green at all?

Are you using a graphics card or the on-board graphics chip?

If a card try re-seating your graphics card. Take it all the way out and put it b

I don't see a graphics card in my computer and I never seen one.. Unless it's like those small chips that are pretty much just stuck onto your motherboard (Sorry, I'm not all good with words or computers but I know enough to follow directions).. Well, the monitor is green when I turn it on and then turns orange.. Also, the LED light for the pc in the front is on orange.. sometimes not even on.

Also incase I didn't mention it (this laptop is too slow to check a little..) I can't turn on or off my computer. Turns on automatically when I connect it. Fans running, some beeping and the fans just goes as fast as when you usually turn on your computer, but never dies down.

Also, my monitor does work. I'm using it with this laptop I'm using.

Try to "read" those BEEPS.

Look here:

Resolving Startup Problems in Windows Vista

The computer powers on but makes beeping sounds
Beeps typically sound when a key on the keyboard is stuck, a memory dimm or a hard drive cable is not properly seated, or a catastrophic hardware failure has occurred. Disconnect the mouse and keyboard and try to start the computer again. If the beeping noise stops, repair or replace those devices.
To find out more information about the specific beep pattern, use the following HP support document: BIOS Beep Codes and Error Message Descriptions .

I would go with the catastrophic error has occured, but let me double check. Hold on a moment..

Connected cable and bam the fans start. LED light is orange in the front of the PC. Also, I'm not really sure if it's beeping or what, but it's just a 3 beeps fast. It's not the high pitched beeps, but the first word that comes to my head when I hear it is "aol dialup" so maybe that can get you a clue to what type of beeping i heard. It's the kind you usually hear when your computer starts up.. no wifi card or anything like that is connected btw because I took it out. Now I'm going to disconnect PC to save electricity.

)= Also I don't use Windows Vista but I see where you're getting at because they're pretty similar. :/ Any other ideas? My mother is showing signs of getting a new computer (checking bestbuy.com, her bank account etc). Do you think is problem is worth getting another computer? Maybe any of you guys know where I can get a computer with no harddrive?

1-1-1-3 02h Verify real mode Troubleshoot the processor.

Troubleshoot the motherboard.

BIOS Beep Codes and Error Message Descriptions

You can try the steps in the above link to troubleshoot.


Is this computer still under warranty?

You probably won't find a manufactured computer without a hard drive but you can always add your old one to a new computer.

You can also build your own computer if you have the time and interest. It is pretty simple actually.

Anyway go through those HP troubleshooting steps.

Nothing is pretty much working. I'm thinking of getting a cheap computer from Craigslist, see if my brother will give me his old computer, or seeking professional help.. Not saying that you guys aren't professionals! =D But surely I'm not driving all the way to your house for help.

Also, those weren't really beeps. Just the sounds my computer usually makes when it starts like many computers.. So I kind of regret calling it beeps.

If everything worked OK before changing the hard drives I would suggest either some connection was loosened or in a worst case scenario the board was hit with static electricity.

Were you guys wearing any anti-static protection?

Anyway at this point I would undo and redo all the connections again.

Look in the manual for instructions on resetting the CMOS. If you need help here we can download the manual.

All computers are supposed to BEEP once on a successful start. If you want to hear what BEEPS are try booting it with no RAM installed.

If you do take it to a shop find a recommended tech in your area. Do not go to Best Buy or Geek Squad etc. They suck.

=D Okay, I won't go to Geek Squad. Besides, their USB hard drives with U3 sucks hard.

Okay, I would like to know how to reset the CMOS. =D

OK. This shows how to replace the CMOS battery. All you want to do is remove the battery for like ten minutes then put it back in. This will clear the motherboard memory and reset it to default.

Removing and Replacing the CMOS Battery

Make sure the computer is unplugged and be aware of the static risk. Don't work on a carpet. Tile or wood floors are good. You want to be grounded. Also try to keep in contact with the metal case whenever you are actually touching the components inside.