I built a PC I intended on using to run Linux. It was using a AMD XP 2000 processor, had a 80 gig hard drive, and 256 mb of ram. I got it all connected and working and installed OpenLinux (from book "Learn Linux in 24 hours" that came with a instillation CD). My intent was to take about a month or so to learn the basics by following this book, then to later install Red Hat. So I installed this version of Linux and everything worked fine until the end where it was suppose to restart, but instead I got an error something like "Int... something." I forget exact error. So I turned off an on the computer. I could hear it restart, but this time the monitor would not come on. The monitor still works on my other computer (I have a KVM switch), but not on this. I tried the video card in another computer and it works. I tried reformatting the hard drive (by putting it into another computer and reformatting) then putting it back into the computer I built - same problem. Monitor wont turn on. What else could be the problem?
Do you see the BIOS starting up?
If not: there should be a jumper to reset it, on the motherboard (check the userguide for your motherboard)
Question? How can I tell if the bios is starting up without the monitors?
Thats a very old version of Caldera's OpenLinux packaged with the book. If the hardware is much newer, (which it is) then you most likely will have issues getting it to work.
I used OpenLinux a long long time ago, and it worked back on my then newer 200mhz box. But I've never gotten it to work on any of the newer equipment since then.
Does the monitor show anything at all, such as the POST? Which would be the memory counting, and alittle info about the hardware.
If this is true, then what you might be meaning is that the X server does not work. And that would be due to being such an old version of the X server not able to work with your monitor & video card.
Since you say you reformatted the drive, that means you had your hands inside the case, it is possible, seen this happen alot, where someone removes a hardware item and accidently bumps the video card slightly, thus causing the card to loosen in the slot. Try re-seating the video card. Completely remove it and then re-insert the card.
It is possible the first time, the X server failed to work, giving you a blank screen, and when you removed the hard drive, you bumped the card, so that the card now is the issue, while the first time was the X server.
Look for signs of the bios working, by the beeps or if you have a Optical mouse, if the mouse lights up. Not the surest sign, but it should give alittle clue.
the moniter actually gets no power? no light, no clicking sound, no nothing?
sounds like a hardware problem not a software problem.
and what locustfurnace said about old software not working with new hardware, in this case it is not always true.
if its for an x86 arch. it should work. ive had few problems getting old versions of linux to work on up to date machines. i am not saying that he is wrong, just that his statements were too general for you to regard them as an end all be all explanation for why your system isnt working.
id try another monitor on that box.
yes, any sign at all that the computer IS booting?
I've had similar problems with certain models of Compaq Presario desktops - where the machine would appear to do nothing - the monitor would remain on standby, the power light would come on the base unit, but nothing else. If you'd cycle power a few times - the thing would come up. I never really bothered investigating the problem further as these are my "legacy" boxes that I scavenge and fiddle with.
Even if you have really smart new hardware, you'll be able to get most of the oldest Linux distros running, even if it's in text mode with no sound, USB support, etc. It's up to you what you want to get out of the machine.
Also, have you attempted removing the KVM from the setup, and using the monitor directly connected to the troubled box?
As norsk said, are there *any* signs of life at all? Can you hear the machine booting even with the monitor "off"? If so, this is probably an issue with the KVM, maybe that particular port/channel is knackered.
Cheers
ZB
Things your monitor should do (depending on manufacturer and model):
(a) Switch on the monitor, don't switch on the computer: the monitor should go into a 'low power mode', usually accompanied by the LED on the front of your monitor changing from green to orange/yellow. When you switch on the PC the monitor should come back from the 'low power mode', the LED will be changing again.
(b) Switch on the monitor, switch on the PC:
(1) your graphics card should display a standard message (make & model)
(2) the bios should be displaying it's POST (=Power On Self Test: memory checking, detecting drives etc..)
If (a) is not occuring, and it is on your other PC, start checking cables. Possible remove the KVR switch.
If (b1) is not occuring, check your graphics card (again), possible switch it with an alternate card.
If (b2) is not occuring, start digging threw those cupboards, shelves etc for the userguide of your motherboard.
If I'm underestimating your tech-knowhow (or overestimating mine) I sincerely apologise.
Yeah I think it is a very old version of OpenLinux. Because the first thing I tried was to install it on a separate partition on my main PC. I had a problem with it then and ended up unable to boot windows xp or linux, so I installed windows again and then destroyed the linux partition. Got everything [almost] working back to normal (except for a dvd problem).
The monitor works. Because I have a dual head video card on my main PC and use the monitor with it also. It works perfect. But I have a KVM switch attached to my 2nd monitor and that feeds off to the 2nd PC I built. When I turn on the 2nd PC (the one now giving me the problem) and switch the kvm to use that monitor, the screen just goes blank, even though I see the light in the computer and hear that it is on.
The video card in that computer is securely in place. I tried removing it and testing it on a 3rd PC I have, and it worked fine. I then installed it back into my 2nd pc (the one giving me the problem) and turn on the computer, but the screen still remains blank.
Hmmm....
The monitor works on my main pc, just not on the 2nd one. And I think the bios boots up because I see the lights on PC come on (if this is an indication).
Yes... I did try the monitor without the kvm switch and I still get nothing. There are signs of life in the pc, however, be cause I do hear it booting up.
What motherboard is it? I have an AMD XP 2500 also, on a Soyo Black Ultra Dragon KT400. I've experienced problems with the system booting. If I reboot the system, it sometimes does not reboot, I usually have to hold the reset switch in for around 4 seconds and then the system restarts. But not all the times. sometimes I'd have to shut the box off from the switch on the power supply.
This leaves me with the case's power on, but the monitor not powering on as well. Since I later built another box with the same board, CPU, but with a different case and power supply, that box has no issues powering up. I've never bothered seeing exactly what the problem is to fix it, since its just a slight annoyance. It might very well be the power supply. You might also want to check that the motherboard is correctly grounded to the case.
What I usually do is.
Try shutting the box off from the power supply On/Off switch, located on the backside of the computer case. Listen for any odd sounds when turning it off or back on. Then try turning the machine on, and count how long it takes for the machine to turn back on, look for any signs, I look for the optical mouse to light up, which indicates the machine is working.
If the machine does not restart in about 30-40 seconds, hold the reset switch down for a count of 4, release and look for any signs the machine is starting.
Sorry to jump in late but I have a thought I didn't notice in my quick readthrough.
Could it be that the PC is working fine but the version of Linux you installed is spitting out a resolution the monitor doesn't support? Maybe the X config isn't right or something. Although if it was X I guess you'd see the boot messages ok then when it started up the desktop it would fail.
Just a thought. I'm not sure how you'd check that possibility other than throwing another OS on that same computer and see if that works.
Something is up, because it started up recently. But then when I turned it off and started it again, I would not come up. Could it be the power supply? Its 300 watt.
BTW, its an ASRock k7vt4a+ mobo
I had nothing better to do, so I started googling your problem. Here's what I came up with:
(a) k7vt4a+ seems to be highly sensitive to the correctness of the FSB frequency. See: http://www.asrock.com/support/instruction/Jumper\_setting_K7.pdf
pg. 8
(b) k7vt4a+ can only take a 1.5v graphics card, quote from motherboards userguide http://www.asrock.com/Drivers/Manual/K7VT4A%2B_UM.pdf pg. 6:
(c) Users with other motherboards, but with the same problem found that resetting the BIOS (clearing CMOS) (temporarily) resolved the problem. See the previous link, pg. 13
I hope this helps.
Thnx a lot for the help. I had my FSB set at default of 200mhz, when the cpu is a 266hmz processor. I also reset cmos others suggested and the instructions instructed on.
Still no monitor
My vid card is a Gainward CardExpert Savage4 8MB AGP Video Card. But I did a search and cannot find out whether it is 1.5v or 3.3v. My card looks like this http://www.directron.com/15agpguide.html\#my so is it safe to assume its 1.5v?
Yes, my guess would be 1.5V as well.
Based on: http://www.stsi.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?store\_code=STSI\_4&screen=PROD&product_code=SAVAGE4
With respect to your problem: I, officially, dont have a clue...........
I hope you get it sorted.
I suggest you get a cheap PCI video card and see if that works. You can get 'el cheapo' PCI videos cards for just a few dollars.
Neo
I bought another video card... SAPPHIRE ATI RADEON 7000(RADEON VE) Video Card... installed it... still no monitor... So at least now I know that is not the problem now.
Maybe the power supply? Its 300W
It was the motherboard...
I switched to a asus a7v8x-x and it works
I think by me putting the Gainward CardExpert Savage4 8MB AGP Video Card into the ASRock K7VT4A+" motherboard I messed it up because the mobo instructions said vid card must be 1.5v (4x) or it will damage card. I dont know what the garndward card was.
But my comp works now with the asus a7v8x-x and the sapphire ati radeon 7000