Hendrik Boom via Dng said on Sun, 17 Dec 2023 23:34:17 -0500

>Things just got worse. I got refracta set up, but now the box refuses
>to do a power-on self-test. With or without refracta. I'm starting to
>suspect hardware problems. It's likely time to replace the box and
>transfer the data and configuration, it necessary, from backup.
>I wonder what to get short-term (I'd like my regular email to start up
>again) and/or long-term. Maybe something completely different.
>
>-- hendrik

Hi Hendrik,

If you suspect hardware (and I would too), the best-practices way to
troubleshoot it is to disconnect everything from the mob except RAM,
CPU, front panel switches and video card. Boot it by shorting, with a
small screwdriver, the pins that the power switch was connected with.
One of two things will happen: Either it will boot far enough to count
RAM, or it won't.

If it counts RAM, one by one add connections until you find one that
toggles the symptom, then replace that component.

If it doesn't count RAM, swap a known good video card for the current
one, and see if that helps. Also, if you have a known good ram stick of
the proper type, swap that in and try again. If the video card and RAM
don't work, research whether there's a jumper to reset the motherboard
to factory settings, and short that jumper. Probably also disconnect
the motherboard battery for 5 minutes, and if the motherboard battery
is more than 2 years old, spend four dollars to replace it. Swapping in
a known good power supply is another good idea.

By the way, if your motherboard has pins for a motherboard based
speaker or squeaker, buy a speaker or squeaker so you can count
squeaks. Also, pay close attention to what the LEDs are doing, because
these often tell you how far the boot is getting. This helps if you can
get a manual for the motherboard.

If none of this restores bootability, it's probably time to buy a new
motherboard, CPU and RAM. If you get the same problem, replace
everything else including the case, so that no components of the old
computer exist in the new one.

HTH,

SteveT

Steve Litt

Autumn 2023 featured book: Rapid Learning for the 21st Century
http://www.troubleshooters.com/rl21