Epox POST CODE ERROR - HELP!!!!

[Paradox]

Hey everyone,

I've recently replaced my CPU with a new one but even before the problem has persisted. What happens is, when I boot my PC up (hit the power button on the case) my screen remains blank, its almost as if it doesnt get any power until it gets to the windows logon screen. Its been doing this before I replaced my CPU but now the problem seems to have gotten worse in some sense now that I can't get into my BIOS because of the blank screen...

I've checked my manual for the post code and it gets stuck on 7F, which directs me to hit F1 to continue booting up (and it works), now the problem remains that I need to reformat my hard drives, but I can't get into my BIOS to see if the problem could be fixed there, seeing that my screen only recieves power and resumes out of blank screen when it gets to the windows logon screen.

Just a note from my Epox manual refering to the 7F code:

1. Switch back to text mode if full screen logo is supported.
- If errors occur, report errors & wait for keys. (I wouldn't know, blank screen until windows logon screen remember...)
- If no errors occur of F1 key is pressed to continue: (Correct, I press F1 to continue and it does, with a blank screen though)
-> Clear EPA or customization logo. (Absolutely no idea what this means, or how to clear EPA/Customization logo)

Its really important to me that I get this sorted out and fixed as soon as possible, please, if there are any of you which may know how to resolve this, HELP ME!

Thanks for your time.

[ajopz]

Hi paradox, welcome to AoA, I like the name!
Can you give the specs of your system? mobo and cpu type,video card.
Does the monitor come on straight away with a blank screen or is it in standby until the windows logon?

[Paradox]

Originally Posted by ajopz

Hi paradox, welcome to AoA, I like the name!
Can you give the specs of your system? mobo and cpu type,video card.
Does the monitor come on straight away with a blank screen or is it in standby until the windows logon?

Hey ajopz!

Thanks for the welcome, and speedy response!

Here are the PC specs:

CPU: AMD Athlon(tm) 64 Processor 3800+, MMX, 3DNow, ~2.4GHz[B]
MOBO: nVIDIA nForce3 Ultra mainboard for AMD Socket 939 based on Athlon 64 processor
RAM: 1024MB RAM
GFX: ATI Radeon 9600 SERIES AGP 128MB (0x4150)

MODEL: AWRDACPI

My bad, the monitor remains in standby until the windows logon screen appears.

[Samuknow]

What cpu did you upgrade from?

What PSU do you have?

What monitor do you have?

[Paradox]

Originally Posted by Samuknow

What cpu did you upgrade from?

What PSU do you have?

What monitor do you have?

I upgraded from a AMD Athlon 64 3600+ to 3800+
Power supply is PL-300
I've got a DELL 19" LCD

What worries me is that it was doing this before I upgraded the CPU

[Samuknow]

Just a guess here. So your saying you have a 300 watt PSU?

If that is the case, that is your issue.You are using all your available power just to boot up. Once it is past the start up phase, your card can start up.

[Paradox]

What PSU do you suggest I get? 350 or 400 watt ?

[ajopz]

What happens if you disconnect the hard drive and boot. so ur pc doesnt try to load windows.

Will it show the bios post screen then?

Ur'll know if its a power problem then

[Samuknow]

I am thinking 550 or better. buy a little more than you need. And get a GOOD one. You don't need to spend 150 bucks. Thermal take makes a decent PSU and it is something you can afford.

[Paradox]

Originally Posted by ajopz

What happens if you disconnect the hard drive and boot. so ur pc doesnt try to load windows.

Will it show the bios post screen then?

Ur'll know if its a power problem then

Nothing at all, it still remains with the screen in standby - after disconnecting both hard drives - it still jumps to the postcode 7F

[ajopz]

If you tap <DEL> during start up will the machine enter the bios set up screen? LED posts 75 on my board while in bios
If so does this show up or still in stand-by?

[Paradox]

If I tap DEL a few times it just pauses on the post code and doesnt do anything, at all. I assume it enters the BIOS but it still stays in standby.

[keithwalton]

odd sounds like somthing is abit iffy with the video card, it could be trying to boot with a resolution / refresh rate your monitor doesnt support. 300w isnt much for a psu as long as you are not saturating any of the power rails that should be enough (my system in sig only uses 250w at full load, ~180 idle, somthing which it never is!)

i'd try a different video card if you have one, possibly pci