wont complete boot

**skippoh** · November 2nd, 2005, 04:52 PM

I have an HP Pavilion here that wont boot. Tried a POST card in it and it shuts itself off at #41. Seems to have something to do with the controlers and drives. I at first thought it was the MB so I got and installed a new one from HP. The very same problem accurs. Its called the "Echo"MB. Did HP have a problem with this board? I know they have had quite a few bad ones over the years.
I have tried disconnecting everything on the board - floppy - HD \ CDs. I have tried replacing the memory module. Nothing works. Any ideas?

**geoscomp** · November 2nd, 2005, 05:34 PM

what brand and model of diagnostic card are you using?

**skippoh** · November 2nd, 2005, 05:57 PM

Its a PCIPOST by Startech
On that MB I have also replaced the Power Supply. Same results

**slgrieb** · November 3rd, 2005, 06:24 PM

If any of these problems started when you had a power surge (like a nearby lightning strike) or a power supply failure, or a failed voltage regulator on the main board, chances are good the CPU is fried. You could also have a bad processor due to things like overheating, etc.

From the symptoms you report, I really have to think the mainboard and processor are both bad. I know you don't want to hear this after the money you've spent, but... This would be a good time to cut your losses, try to re-sell the parts, and replace the computer.

**NooNoo** · November 4th, 2005, 05:06 PM

41 is initialize floppy drive and controller...
Did you shut off the floppy drive in bios as well as disconnect the floppy?

**skippoh** · November 5th, 2005, 09:57 AM

It will not let me into the bios. I disconnected everything. Even tried once without the video. the last 4 numbers on the POST are:
03 36 41 FF

**NooNoo** · November 5th, 2005, 10:56 AM

ummm you are reading the codes in startech manual aren't you?

FF is boot the operating system....

What do you mean won't let you in... ?

**skippoh** · November 5th, 2005, 11:18 AM

It shuts down to quickly Pressing F1
It was doing this at the customers home - He brought it to me and it started right up. He took if home and it would not start so he brought it back. Guess what - It started right up. So he left it.
The next day it started up with no problems. I let it run over the day and started and stopped it 5 - 6 times with no problem. I couldnt find anything wrong with it. I was about to call him - then tried one more time. You're right - It wouldnt boot!
Checked the board as I have mentioned - concluded it was the MB. Ordered a new one from HP. Installed it with the same results as before.
Might it be the chip? The fans are all running and the computer did not feel or smell hot.

**NooNoo** · November 5th, 2005, 11:29 AM

Err so you haven't swapped out the cpu to test that yet?

**skippoh** · November 5th, 2005, 12:13 PM

Oh Oh
I dont have one around to check. I wanted to make sure that it wasnt the MB before I spent any more time or money on it.

**NooNoo** · November 5th, 2005, 02:29 PM

It is highly unlikely that a new motherboard would exhibit the exact symptoms of the old motherboard.

I personally would have tested with another CPU before investing in another motherboard... any old cpu that is supported by the board would have done.

**skippoh** · November 5th, 2005, 05:11 PM

I have rarely had an Intel chip go bad. But - I have often seen an HP MB go bad - sooo - I was going on the most logical assumption.
Been wrong before - might be again
Thats why I come here - to get the best opinions I can
Noo-Noo is one of the best