Help...computer is dead...I think

[phorsenuf]

One of our computers seems to have a major problem. When we turn it on it says (thru the speakers) failed CPU test over and over. Nothing appears on the monitor. It just pretty much does nothing.
We can't even open the cd drive.

Any thoughts????

 

[crazelion]

Can be it safe mode and anti-spyware and anti-virsus software to see if bugs on the computer. After that do defragemter to clean up the hard drive. If that don't check the power source to see if the fan is working properly. If need a fan to take Best Buy or local computer have them to put in.

If all else fails the computer is last longs is about to die.

 

[Equidae]

phorsenuf,

Your CPU is experience major hardware failure. The voice you're hearing is that of the motherboard test program. You have a couple of options:

1) Re-seat the CPU. It may have jarred over the 1 micro-meter it takes to mess things up. If you don't know how to do this, find someone who does.

2) If #1 doesn't work, it means your CPU has had catastrophic failure. You'll have to buy a replacement and have it installed. Again, if you don't know how to do this, find someone who does.

If your system is a store-brew, you'll have to go to the vendor to find out what type of CPU you have to get it replaced.

If you have anymore questions, drop me a PM and I can give you more details. Don't worry about anything you may have had on the hard drive, none of that should be affected by this failure. And no, spy/adware has no effect on these situations. They're generally caused by lightning strikes, power surges, cooling fan failure, or a combination.

 

[mickman1962]

It could also mean the CPU fan is not working, a minor fix. Take off the cover and watch the fan when you turn it on and see if it spins.

 

[phorsenuf]

Any chance it could be the battery? I don't think thats ever been replaced. What does the battery control anyways?

 

[Alicnwondrln]

cpu is the processor and thats bad my Dh says
he works with computers

 

[Equidae]

phorsenuf,

I'm not sure what battery you speak of. However, there should be a battery on your motherboard that maintains the BIOS's settings. It's small, and is generally a round 3V Lithium-Ion. If this is not the battery you're looking at, then I'm not sure what you are, and you should probably not read on.

However, the battery I speak of keeps your BIOS settings intact, and if you're mobo (motherboard) is having issues maintaining it's settings, there is a slim chance it can't recognize your CPU properly, hence, giving you the line "System failed CPU test".

So, try this: power down the system and disconnect the power cord from the back of the PC. Once that's done, press the power button on the front of the PC a couple of times. This will discharge any energy held in the system's capacitors. Afterward, replace the power cord and power the system up.

At this point, attempt to enter the system's BIOS. You can do that by pressing DEL repeatedly at the very beginning of the system startup (Some systems require F1, F2, or F10). You should get a strange-looking settings screen. If you've made it this far, then it's not your CPU that's bad, but something may be wrong with your BIOS settings.

If you continue to get the line "System failed CPU test." Then your BIOS is retaining its settings, and the battery I described above is good.

I'd like to note, this is a long troubleshooting technique, but I'm generally very thorough before I go spending $100+ on a new CPU.

That said, attempt to clear your BIOS. If you have the manual for you mobo, there should be a section describing how to clear CMOS or BIOS settings. Usually, it involves setting a jumper on the mobo to a particular place, removing the battery, shutting down the system, or some combination of all or some of those.

After doing this, power up the system and attempt to enter the BIOS again. If you still get that fateful line, then I'm sorry, but you've lost her.

I just thought of one more thing to try while you have your PC open, disconnect everything that isn't related to a working system. In other words, the only things that should be getting power or connected to the PC are:
keyboard
monitor
hard drive

From there, let the PC figure it out. Of course, don't remove the CPU, RAM, or any power cables feeding the motherboard.

As usual, PM me or continue posting for further help. Good luck.