Too bizzare, this one!

[PCSolutions]

Now that the forum is back up I have one that has me really scratching my head
client has a generic AMDK6 200
98 SR2
standard stuff, off the rack parts. Every thing works & device mangler is happy & plays with everything
Lexmark Z11 printer its in ECP mode in the BIOS & I nuked the port & rebuilt it
Heres the gig
If the printer cable is plugged into the machine & the thumbscrews are turned down at all to hold it in place no video no post.
If I disconnect the cable or dont turn the screws on the cable to secure it it works
Its not the cable, I swapped it already
Printer works fine
Could it possibly be shorting out against the case?
I dont think so. I checked for that
Im clueless!



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Formerly known as Eyesee, see?

[lynnm]

I suspect a short or possibly a cracked circuit board. Use a strong light and a magnifying glass to check for a crack. You may have to haul the motherboard out to examine it from the unferside.

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It is meet to recall that the great green heron rarely flies upside down in the moonlight (Foo Ling 2000)

[PCSolutions]

Good thinking lynn & Its something to check for sure
The system has been transported about 400 miles & not in the packing box
Reminds me of this one. I built a system for someone years ago. Worked flawless. She got a new desk & moved it 4 feet.
No video no post after that.
I teched it for a day & finally dropped it all in a new case.
Works fine now
Cant help but think that it is shorting out somehow. Its soo like the above scenario!

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Formerly known as Eyesee, see?
This is an awesome site!

[dacomputers]

I've seen your comments around the various forums PC so I'll assume you've looked over the common solutions like a bad cable (shorted to sheild ground).

Have you thought about the possibility of either a floating or different potential at ground on the 2 devices? If the devices are plugged into different outlets they don't necessarily have the same ground. If either or both are floating (this can happen even if they are into the same outlet) the ground may be being provided through the card via cable ground.

Grounding problems can really drive you nuts. I've had lots of problems with floating grounds in older homes and apartments where three prong outlets were a late addition. Some are poorly grounded through the romex and steel boxes and some are not grounded at all.

I've also seen a power supply fried by the 50 volt difference in ground potential between a computer and it's network cables. It may be worth a look with a meter.


Duane

[PCSolutions]

No I hadnt & thats a good point indeed!
I hadnt checked the power strip to see how this mess is plugged in!
I just tech. Never thought about plugs!
Its an old home too
There is always a reason with computers & this makes sense!
I assumed bad printer before I teched it. I dont think so though
Thx again!

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Formerly known as Eyesee, see?
This is an awesome site!

[Chief]

Had a simular problem once, turned out that when I tightened the screws down it pulled the MoBo just enough to break contact on the video card edge connector. Made a little bend on the vid card case attachment and all was well.

[jtmurphy]

I will assume you are using a parallel port which also has the serial mouse, two cables running to the mobo. Did you check the hold down screw for the slot connector, as maybe the connector moved and somehow shorting from contact with a connector or card next to it.

Tighting down the screws puts pressure on the conector plate towards the outside of the case. Look at the bottom of the plate it may be contacting the motherboard.
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Murf

My Win95 Help Page
Murphy's Law- It will go wrong, but we can fix it!!
But if it ain't broke - "Break It" - So we can help fix it!

[PCSolutions]

The lpt port is on a bracket by itself.
I think I will take a closer look at it & check the way the rats nest is plugged in as well
Sure sounds like its shorting out to me


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Formerly known as Eyesee, see?
This is an awesome site!