Computer Won't Start Up (advanced problem)

[Kevin]

Ok, this has alot to do with my other post, but i figured i should create a new thread. I have a computer here, that i'm working on, and it's a rebuilt HP. It has a 60gb hard drive, and 128mb memory. (not sure of the processor) This is a friends computer, who isn't real technical when it comes to computers. No new hardware or software was installed. The computer was working just fine, until a little kid was playing on it unsupervised (bad idea in my opinion to start off) and no one's very sure what he did. He said he was just playing pinball, but he's 5, so you can't get a straight answer. Anyway, when it got turned on later, (not sure how it was turned off. Most likely my holding the power button) and it starts the very first screen. Blue, that only says "HP Invent" I took the cover off, and the hard drive sounds like it starts to load, but then it stops, and it stays at the screen for hours (if i let it) and doesn't go on. None of the F keys seem to do anything. I even tried inserting a bootable XP disc, to just try and re-format, or see what the heck is going on, and it doesn't load. My friend said that he put in a bootable ME disc, and it loaded up, but when he restarted it, it had the same problem. I got it to boot up once, and i told it to run a boot up disc check when it restarted, and that's all i did. So i restarted it so the disc check would run, but it once again froze at the first screen. I can't figure out what i did that made it boot up. It seems like it does it randomely, with no fixed sollution. I haven't been able to boot it up again with the bootup CD to re-format, or run a sfc /scannow, or run a registry checker, but i don't think it's the hard drive. I tried changing hard drives, with one that i know works, and same problem. I tried changing ribbons, i tried unplugging all CD-roms, floppies, put in a couple different HDD's, and same problem. I took out memory, and put it back in, but with memory, i've always got an error on bootup if that was the problem. I am so out of options for this darn thing!! Does anyone have any suggestions on this? This is a fairly new computer, and should not be acting this way. I've never completely run out of options on a computer. Although i do have one final one. I'm gonna try and put in a floppy boot disc, but it's set for CD-rom boot, not floppy, so i don't even think that'll work. I am so confused with this. Someone please help me!! I'm thinking it could be a bad motherboard or something, although i've never had to replace one of those either. What should i do? Does anyone have a suggestion? Anything will help. Thanks!!

[r4may]

If the system was powered down instead of doing a correct shutdown it is highly likely that the O/S got corrupted.

You should be able to Set the Bios to 'Boot From Floppy' usually the second BIOS screen. ( press DEL during the POST start up test) and then boot from a bootable floppy.

You should then be able to run tests from the floppy or reformat the hard drive.

It is also possible that some of the hardware got damaged. Try disconnecting all the drives and boot with only the memory, video, keyboard and mouse. This should allow the POST to run OK (one Bleep) and finish by reporting "No operating System" if this happens you can reconnect one drive at time (floppy first) and reboot. Then continue progressively from there.

WARNING: If You are removing or replacing hardware parts make SURE you use an Earthing strap and are fully grounded to stop any static affecting your hardware.

[Kevin]

Ok, well how would i get into bios? None of the F Keys do anything. I believe it's like F2 or something?? But that doesn't do anything. I've tried unplugging all drives, but i'll try it again. Did you say to press DEL to enter bios?? I'll try all of that, and let you know how it went. Thanks.

[mark2]

Have you tried a different keyboard ? PS2 preferably -- a youngster bashing keys, a key stuck perhaps ?

[Kevin]

stuck key. I haven't tried that. That might explain alot. I'm gonna check that and get back to you.

[r4may]

Ok, well how would i get into bios? None of the F Keys do anything. I believe it's like F2 or something?? But that doesn't do anything. I've tried unplugging all drives, but i'll try it again. Did you say to press DEL to enter bios?? I'll try all of that, and let you know how it went. Thanks.

press and hold the DEL key just after you switch the computer on and it is still displaying the Post Startup screen. That is the screen that shows the hardware being recognised.

This happens before it start to look for the O/S.

[Kevin]

Thank you for the suggestion. It turned out it was the keyboard. We unplugged the keyboard, and it booted up perfectly. A new keyboard has been installed, and computer runs great. A faulty keyboard/stuck key was actually a very logical solution, due to the fact that it is an older model wireless, and a 5yo was playing pinball (a game that requires use of keyboard) and it could have easily been dropped, or stepped on. I used to get stuck keys on my old keyboard, but it would never stop it from booting up. I'd always get a message on bootup saying "stuck key, press F1 to resume, press F2 to enter setup" I was just wondering why on this computer, it stopped it from booting, and didn't display a message.

Thanks again for your suggestions! We really make a great team!!