Why won't my computer boot?

My computer has had a few problems with the RAM recently and required constant rebooting due to insignificant memory. There is 512MB of RAM in the computer so there is plenty of space. One morning my computer would not turn on. I hit the power button and the computer would get power but all i got was a 4 second beep followed by nothing for 2 seconds, this doesn't stop. Nothing is shown on the screen and the computer doesn't boot or try to load any hard drives or drivers. I then unplugged all of my hard drives and the same occurs, I unplugged the RAM hopeing to just get an error message, no change, same with the video card. I am wondering if it's the Flash BIOS which is affected. If it is what is the easiest way to get it fixed. I was thinking it was a virus in the ROM at first with it just needing to be rebooted. Norton did not find any viruses and the virus definitions were constantly updated.

This question was answered on April 14, 2004. Much of the information contained herein may have changed since posting.

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You may have problem with the ROM BIOS chip on the motherboard.

This is the chip that contains the programming necessary to start the computer and to perform other fundamental functions such as interacting with the floppy disk drive.

I would suggest just replacing the ROM BIOS chip This way you can rule it out as part of the problem and it may be the cheapest to replace at this point in time Replace the chip then see if you have the same problem.

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Posted by Student of Katharine Gibbs School - New York on April 14, 2004

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