On a machine that is a due for replacement (Dell Dimension 4100) running XP and now failing to boot up, I need to find the problem. The power-up sounds normal with fans running, etc. but the only display is "check monitor cable". I installed a graphics card and plugged the monitor into the new card but still get same message. What else can I do to determine if the motherboard is shot or if it is another graphic/video issue? When the computer is plugged in there is a green light on the MB. Any suggestions are appreciated.
Thanks!
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Thread: troubleshooting a motherboard
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2011-11-29 13:21troubleshooting a motherboard
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2011-11-29 13:40Green light on the mobo means it has some power, usually standby power.
The power supply may not have enough grunt to power the board, the CPU may have gone to god or the mobo may just not want to play ball.
Unfortunately there are so many variables that you need a duplicate working machine and swap things until you find the culprit.
cheers, Paul
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2011-11-29 20:05paul,
Originally Posted by paulh7436
Hello... Can you plug into a different monitor? ...Maybe even a TV if so equipped, some graphics cards have a HDMI output. I would suspect the monitor \ graphic issue.
Regards Fred
PlainFred
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2011-11-30 09:07Troubleshooting a motherboard isn't easy, and it often entails removing components and testing as a "barebones" setup.
Troubleshooting a motherboard
troubleshooting a computer power supply
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2011-11-30 09:22There is no HDMI and I got the same message on two different monitors. Thanks! Originally Posted by Just Plain Fred
paul,
Hello... Can you plug into a different monitor? ...Maybe even a TV if so equipped, some graphics cards have a HDMI output. I would suspect the monitor \ graphic issue. Regards Fred
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2011-11-30 09:23I will explore these sites and thanks for the suggestions. Originally Posted by CLiNT
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2011-12-01 11:42Have you tried a different monitor cable in case yours is faulty?
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2011-12-01 17:26Dell Dimension PC's have a diagnostic array of LED's on the rear panel that makes basic hardware diagnostics much easier.
The reference card for the Dimension 4100 is here. This should go a long way to giving you some idea about what system blocks are functioning and which may have failed.
