[RESOLVED] win2k machine doesn't boot-Hardware issue??

Hey people
So I'm sitting down, playing my son a game of Yuri's revenge. We are actually doing pretty good. Suddenly, my machine freezes, I get the blue screen of death (for about 1/2 second) and then it reboots. I did notice before this happened, the sound developed a lot of static. So it reboots, and is running, really slowly, and the sound is totally unusable. So we try another game anyway, and the game crashes again, saying it can't run. So I manage to turn it off using the button, as it wouldn't shut down. I try to start it back up, and it gives me a blank screen (black). I try to restart it, and get a little message telling me my bios number. I reboot again, and the Gateway screen comes up, and that's as far as the machine goes. While I'm thinking of it, I did take the sound card out. It made no difference.
Here's the specs
Gateway
PIII 700 MHz
256MB RAM
20GB hard drive.

This machine has acted a little goofy in the past, but has never done this before.
I tried a different power supply in it, but it didn't start. The power light came on, and that was it. I noticed the gateway had 1 plug that was for 3 prongs and that it connects to the motherboard. Is this proprietary?

Anyhow, my questions are:

Does this sound like a power supply issue?
If so, do I need a proprietary power supply?
Any ideas?

Thanks for the help :)

It could very well be the PSU, it could be a number of things. The PSU is a good place to start.

On some older systems like yours, the PSU fan and/or auto PSU power-off at shutdown is controlled from the mobo via a 3-pin connector like that. It's not proprietary as such, but newer computers don't need that so newer PSUs won't have that connector. Before I give you links for PSUs that may not work, is there any lettering on that connector ("FAN-C," "PSU," etc.)?

If you have, or can borrow, a multimeter, here's how to test a power supply:

Testing PSU voltages

Or alternatively you can buy a proper PSU tester, they don't cost much:

http://www.antec.com/us/productDetails.php?ProdID=77003

lgbpop

I looked at the connector:
I is female, and needs three prongs. It has two wires connected to it, one red, one black. It says P8 on it.

It is an Astec atx202-3545 200 watt power supply ($79).

Currently :D I am on my way to get a mulitmeter so I can check to make sure it really is the PSU.

I already tried telling my wife it was dead, and she didn't buy it. I asked her if she would believe me if I put it down by the road. She said to hush up and fix it. <sigh> ;)

You can get that exact unit on eBay (pulls, but they're tested) for around $25-$30. There are newer-style units that should work, they're available in the same price range and higher. The "P8" didn't tell me much; that designation is used by Astec for 3-,4-, and 6-pin connectors, used for sound cards, video and other stuff. With only two wires, I'd suspect that was used for the power-down to the PSU--not sure, though. Hoping the experts will jump in here... ;)

Please post back with the Gateway model number, thanks.

Here's the model : REMAN STANDARD IT DESKTOP CONF That's from Gateways site, when I plug in the serial number.

Ok, I just checked the voltage on my power supply (molexes) They read just overf 5vdc, and just over 13vdc. I checked the main cable to the motherboard, and it read just over 12vdc, and just over 5vdc. Does this eliminate the power supply? How would I go about checking to see if the motherboard is bad?

Thanks for the help and info so far.

Not the serial number, but it may help to know it's a reman. ;) Right-click on My Computer and select Properties; what does it say under the General tab, down toward the bottom of the window?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by lgbpop

Not the serial number, but it may help to know it's a reman. ;) Right-click on My Computer and select Properties; what does it say under the General tab, down toward the bottom of the window?

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Sorry, but the machine doesn't even boot that far. I can't even get to a POST screen.

Duh, sorry about that--wasn't thinking.

No biggie :p Anyway, while I'm thinking about it, I get no beeps when I turn on the machine.

Does that 3-pin connector look like this?

http://www.buyextras.net/images/prod...-connector.jpg

If so it's just a fan connector, and has no bearing on the computer starting.

It looks similare to that, except mine is a little thinner, and has 1 red and 1 black wire coming off of it, and plugs into the mother board.

I'd say Nick's right, the PSU readings look OK too. How about the CPU's heatsink/fan--is it running when you put power to the mobo?

Even if the PSU voltages come out right when you test them with the meter, it's impossible to tell for sure unless you test it under load. The meter also doesn't test the quality of the power. Often, dirty (fluctuating voltage) power will cause problems with audio, mostly pops and static.

If the cord coming off the PS is red and black, that should be power, same as any other red and black cable. If it were me, I'd just do some rewiring, but I guess I can't recommend that because you could do damage to your hardware if it's done wrong.

The CPU doesn't have a fan on it. I has a cowl over it, so the air gets sucked up into the power supply, then vented out the back of the power supply. Both fans are working.

Gateway sells PSUs at a fair price on their website. I would buy one that is 'guaranteed compatible' e.g. http://accessories.gateway.com/Acces...782_ProdDetail and then see what happens. Gateway should have no problems with a return if you still can't get the PC to boot.

I'm going to a computer show tomorrow. They usually have Gateways like mine there. Maybe I'll just pick up an entire box.

Ok, got me another Gateway machine ($65!) PIII 500MHz, CDROM, 13GB HD, 320MB RAM zip drive, sound, ethernet, video. First thing I did was swap Power supplies. My old supply was fine. Put the new power supply into the old Gateway, and it ran for about 5min, then crashed. I got the blue screen again, and then it wouldn't boot. I did get a glance at the message this time. It said something about memory boot, whatever that is. It was so fast I was lucky I caught what I did. I think What I will do for now is set up the new machine (came with win98) and maybe slave my old HD to it to get the data off of it. BTW, they where selling power supplies and MOBOs for $5 each at this show. Maybe I'll go back in a couple weeks to get a new MOBO, so I can have 2 working Gateways. :D

UPDATE:

Got a new motherboard this weekend (used). Set me back $5. The machine runs like a top now (I'm using it as a linux box).

Here's the distro I'm using. So far I'm really impressed with it.

http://www.pclinuxos.com/

Thanks for the help everyone :D

That's great to hear that you got it fixed. Thanks for letting us know :)