Troubleshooting Motherboards
Page 1May 31, 1999
By David Risley
In many cases, the motherboard is blamed for problems that are really the work of another piece of hardware. Actual motherboard failure is rather rare, so the best thing to do is look for an error that is not a true motherboard failure. Check connections and other hardware connected to the motherboard.
Here is a list of things to check if you suspect motherboard failure:
- Are the minimum things needed to boot present? A barebone working system includes a motherboard, processor, a full bank of memory, a video card, and a drive to boot off of. If these things are not there, it will not work. Are these things all properly connected?
- Try removing everything else one by one and try to narrow down the problem.
- Are the jumper settings correct? You must set jumpers correctly for processor type, speed, voltage, bus speed, etc. Consult the manual.
- If you tried to streamline the BIOS, return all settings to default.
- Is the motherboard in good shape? Any cracks, bent pins?
- Is there enough power? If you are adding more or newer components to an old system, your power supply might not be powerful enough. A mainstream power supply is 230 or 250 watts.
- Troubleshoot other hardware in the computer.
- Check around the net and see if there is a known "bug" on your particular motherboard. Check the manufacturer's web site to see if there are any updates for it.
Keyboard Problems?
If you are getting an error message of failure of the keyboard, always troubleshoot the keyboard itself first. Is the keyboard properly plugged in?
Examine the keyboard controller chip. If it looks damaged, you may need to replace the chip or the whole motherboard. If yours is socketed, first press down on the chip to make sure it is firmly seated.
CMOS Problems?
In very rare situations, you may need to clear the CMOS. Sometimes, you have set a password for the setup program of for the boot process and have forgotten. Sometimes, you have set the BIOS to settings that screw up the computer so that you can't fix it. In the case of the lost password, first try to remember it. Give yourself a couple days if you have to. Clearing the CMOS erases all settings you had. You will need to configure the computer again. In some cases, this is no big deal. To others, its a nightmare.
There are ways to clear CMOS. Many newer boards have a jumper just for clearing it. It should be documented in the manual. You flip the jumper, then put it back and the CMOS is gone, hopefully. When doing this, make sure the system is unplugged so that all voltage to the motherboard is gone. The long way is to remove the system battery. If yours is removable, take it out and wait a few hours, then come back, put it back in, and reboot. If your battery is not removable, then you will need to call the manufacturer for brand-specific procedures.
System Loses Time, Settings, or gives Dead Battery errors.
This one's easy...the battery is dead! Replace it. Go to Installing A Battery.
Battery Only Works Sometimes
Sometimes the battery works fine. Then, sometimes you get errors, or your setting are gone and the computer forgets what time it is. In many cases, this is because the battery is getting low and is losing voltage. It could also be a bad connection between the battery and the motherboard.
System forgets the time
Sometimes it works fine but just can't remember what time it is. It is very annoying. Once again, this is due to the battery getting weak. It isn't weak enough to lose the BIOS settings yet, but it will be if left alone. Some systems are designed to disable the clock when the battery voltage is low in order to conserve power.
I can't figure out how to get into setup!
Every computer is different on what key combination will take you into it's setup program. It a factor of what BIOS version and maker you have. But, immediately after booting the machine, look on the screen for the keys to hit. In many cases this info is at the bottom of the screen. It will say Press "X" to enter Setup or something like that where "X" is the key(s) to hit.
I changed the CMOS settings and it doesn't show!
When exiting the CMOS setup after changing settings, make sure you choose Save and Exit to leave. Choosing Exit Without Saving my accident will cause you to have this problem.
The motherboard is cracked!
Well, unfortunately, this means you will have to buy a new board. You can't repair it. To prevent it in the future, make sure the motherboard has plenty of support to prevent flexing. And be careful when pressing cards into the board.
There's a bent pin on the board!
If its just bent, carefully bend it back with pliers and the power turned off and unplugged. If its actually broken, there is nothing you can do. You will have to buy a new board, or if it still works, live with it.
The ZIF socket is stuck!
These sockets become stuck with the same CPU after many years. It is possible to remove it, but you risk breaking the socket. First, rock the lever back and forth a bit. It might loosen. Apply gentle pressure. Don't force it!
My cache is broken!
The cache may be bad. Try narrowing it down by disabling it in the BIOS. If your problem stop, then the cache is to blame. If this isn't it, then make sure it is the right kind of cache, if you added it yourself. Is the cache inserted in the slot correctly? Check to see if you bumped anything else out of place when installing the cache.
I installed a Pentium Overdrive, and the cache broke!
Sometimes, installing an Overdrive processor can result in the secondary cache being disabled. This is usually caused by a BIOS that is not compatible with the Overdrive processor.
|
Tools:
|
|
Add hardwarecentral.com to your favorites
Add hardwarecentral.com to your browser search box IE 7 |  Firefox 2.0 | Firefox 1.5.x
|
