Build Troubleshooting Guide
POST Troubleshooting
Getting a computer to POST (Power On Self Test) can be a challenging experience. Some computers will have the "Did not POST" checkbox marked on the Green Light Sticker on the system, and sometimes, there's no advance warning. Either way, there are some steps you can take in order to troubleshoot a non-POSTing system, and we've got a few suggestions below:
Steps |
Notes and Detailed Instructions |
| Ensure All Hardware Is Connected Properly |
Now, this may seem really rudimentary, but making sure a system is properly put together before trying to POST a computer is definitely worth reviewing. Make sure the following is done on any system:
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| "When I turn on the system...No fans come on...nothing seems to happen! |
This could indicate that you have a bad power supply. Simply go to where the battery testers are and you should see a power supply tester. If you need assistance on how to test the power supply, reach out to a neighbor or build instructor. If the power supply is bad, replace it with something that has a similar harness connection (ie 24/20 pin cable/Dell/ATX/etc.) and similar Volts and Watts (????). These can be found in Pre-Build on the left just before you walk into the warehouse. If you're power supply tests good, you may have a bad processor. Notify a Build Instructor and work with him/her in order to get the correct information on what Processor the system takes, and the build instructor will look in Free Geeks inventory to see if there is one that is tested and available. If so, replace the processor by removing the fan and heat sink, swapping the old processor for the new one, and placing a small dot of thermal paste (located next to where the power supply tester is) and put the heat sink and fan back in place. If the system does not power on, or if there is no replacement processor, ask a build instructor if the system should be "Rejected" and the Build Instructor will help you begin that process. |
| No POST, and the computer is beeping at me! |
If when you power on the system, and you hear a series of beeps...that COULD mean your system is pleading with you to give it some memory, and the right memory. It could also mean that its trying to tell you something else. First, try and distinctly identify exactly what series of beeps your system is giving you and consult Beep Codes to find the corresponding beep sequence. If it could be pointing to an issue with your memory, look at the DDR slots on the motherboard and start with determining if its DDR1 or DDR2. Then try putting in the slowest speed memory and begin working your way up. Restart the system each time and see if any stick does the trick. If not, try different combinations in various DDR slots to see if there is any life in the system. If all this fails, grab a Build Instructor, fill him/her in on what you've done, and see if they have any suggestions for moving forward. |
| I've got fans going, but its still an empty stage (i.e., no POST showing on the monitor) |
If the system seems to light up, the fans are moving, and the system isn't beeping at you, try installing a video card (AGP or PCIe) and take the VGA/DVI cable that was connected to the onboard or current video card and connect it to the new card. Boot up the system on the new card and see if this helps. If not, then you may have a bad processor. See how to replace you processor earlier in this documentation. |
BIOS Troubleshooting
Steps |
Notes and Detailed Instructions |
| Finding BIOS |
When you power on a system, the first thing that happens is the system POSTs (Power-On Self Test). When POSTing, the graphics and text should flash onto the monitor and indicate what key(s) are required in order to access the BIOS (Basic Input Output System). While all computers use the keyboard to access and navigate BIOS, each computers may have different keys to get you into BIOS. Fortunately, most systems use the following keys: Del, F1, F2, F8, F10. If the system doesn't display which keys to press to enter into the BIOS, sometimes you can get by running your finger across all 12 F-keys and hitting Del. A list of a common keystrokes can be found here: [Entering_Bios] Unfortunately, you only have a few seconds to press the key in order to enter BIOS. The POSTing screen will only be up for a few seconds (then the system will load Ubuntu), so don't feel bad about rebooting the system (by pressing "Ctrl+Alt+Del" or holding the power button down for several seconds) a few times in order to access BIOS. If the computer doesn't seem to respond to keystrokes, ensure that the keyboard plug is plugged into the correct port, and try switching PS2/USB keyboards if the system supports both. Otherwise, reach out to a build instructor or perform an Internet search for further troubleshooting. Note: Some systems will not recognize a USB keyboard in BIOS, so please use a PS2 keyboard if available When you can't figure out the keystroke, you can also Google a term like "Gateway BIOS key" to find pages that might tell you (It might help to include the computer's model number, usually found on the front of the case). |
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| "There's this Password Protected thing?!" |
Occasionally, you'll find that the BIOS is protected with a password. If this happens to be the case, simply power down the system (by pressing "Ctrl+Alt+Del" or holding the power button down for several seconds), remove the power cord from the system, locate the button battery (CMOS) and remove it. Look on the motherboard for a two pin jumper the says something like "Clear CMOS" or "Clear Password" (Often times, it'll abbreviate to something like “Clr Pwd”), and place a jumper onto the pins. If you can't locate these pins, just remove the battery. Get some coffee or go to the bathroom, (i.e. wait for two or so minutes with the battery out and the jumper on its pins). Put the button battery back in the system, plug in the power cord, and power on the system. You should have access to BIOS now.
If this doesn't work, try to "power cycle" the computer with the battery gone and jumper set, and power down the system (if it powered on) before putting the battery back in the computer. |
| Navigating BIOS |
While each system may have different key(s) to access BIOS, BIOS is only accessed through your keyboard (no mouse necessary). There are several different ways that BIOS is organized and navigated. Below are examples of most BIOS environments that Free Geek handles: Tab screen format When you see the BIOS screen you may see horizontal tabs near the top that should resemble the following options: Main | Advanced | Power | Boot | You can navigate these tabs by simply using the ← and → on your keyboard. Collapsing/Expanding Menu format Generally, on the Left hand side of the screen, you will see a + sign beside the list of menu items. If you highlight the item by using your ↓ ↑ keys and press "Enter", you will see the menu item as a heading for an expanded list of sub-menu items. The + sign will become a - sign, and the menu will look something like this: - System
System Info
Processor Info
Memory Info
Boot Sequence
- Onboard Devices
USB Controller
Front USB Ports
General Navigation Most BIOS environments have common keys in order to navigate the program. These are some common commands:
In general, every BIOS is at least a little bit different. The above commands are not universal! However, almost all BIOSes that you will encounter will usually include a key or legend somewhere on the screen that indicates what commands are available. It's important that you spend some time analyzing a BIOS screen to look for hints on how to navigate! |
| "Is there any more info on desired BIOS settings?" |
Yes! Go to Testing Standard Documentation in Advanced Testing and go to the "BIOS Choices" portion on the left hand side of the page. This will not tell you what BIOS settings every computer's BIOS should have, but its a good list of generally desirable settings. |
Hard Drive Troubleshooting
First make sure that the hard drive you are placing in the desktop computer is the correct size based on the spec build worksheet. Ensure the correct connections (i.e. SATA, IDE) are available in the system, with the corresponding cables to each, for the hard drive available.
NOTE: if you are connecting a SATA powered hard drive that ALSO has a 4-pin molex power connection, DO NOT plug in both the SATA power cable and the molex 4-pin cable. If there are SATA ports use only SATA connectors.
Symptoms |
Solutions |
| When starting up the computer, the hard drive clicks, chirps, or otherwise makes odd noises. |
Something is not functioning as it should in the hard drive... recycle it and obtain another. |
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| A SMART Warning on my desktop is telling me that the "Hard drive failure imminent", or some other indication the hard drive is dying. |
Properly shut down the system (from inside of the operating system), unplug the power cord, remove and replace the hard drive. |
| I can't find the hard drive in BIOS, and/or the computer doesn't load Ubuntu after BIOS screen. |
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References
- For general Hard Drive info
- More troubleshooting info
- Or, just Google a description of the issue you're having!
Audio Troubleshooting
You're going along your build checklist just fine. You thought it was odd that no Ubuntu drums were audible when you booted up, but you would be reaching the sound test portion of the build later on, so you didn't worry. Only, now IS later on, and you have no sound. Here's what to do:
Steps |
Notes and Detailed Instructions |
| As always, recheck your connections |
Be certain that the speaker wire is connected to the correct, "outgoing" speaker port in the system and that the speakers are plugged in to a power outlet and "on" at a reasonable sound level. Try plugging in the speaker cable into the front panel's headphone icon and see if any sound comes from the speakers. Sometimes you'll be able to play audio CDs and Files, but no sounds come through in basic check. Try disabling the plug-and-play option in BIOS if it exists. If this is fine and you're using a sound card, you may need to disable an on-board sound option in BIOS if it exists. |
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| "There is no sound on the 'Sound Check' step of the 'Basic Check' Checklist" |
First thing you want to do is click on the small speaker icon located at the top right portion of your monitor and make certain nothing is muted, and the "Output Volume" is set to a moderate level. If this still doesn't work, open a terminal and type in |
| If there is no sound, and you have no front speaker plug, try this... |
You will need to look at the Front Panel Motherboard Pin-outs and go to the "Front Panel Audio" section and find these pins in your own system. Once you locate them, you will want to jumper the pins labeled 6 and 5, as well as 10 and 9. This will enable the rear audio plug to work. |
| Both Right and Left come from the same one speaker in the "Sound Check" step of the "Basic Check" Checklist |
Oftentimes if the front headphone plug isn't hooked up properly on the motherboard, it will wreak havoc on the on-board sound card. Check for any missing plugs coming from the front panel. There should be a plastic casing around the tip of the plugs that will tell you what it is for. Check the motherboard for "AUDIO" written next to corresponding pins. Use the Front Panel Motherboard Pin-outs to guide you on how to do the hookup. If this still doesn't work, simply shut down the system, replace or put in a new sound card, and plug the speaker chord into that sound card. |
| "I have sound, but my CD-ROM/DVD Player isn't working" |
If you find the CD/DVD player isn't working, look into the system and make sure that the IDE/SATA connection is good. If there are other ports then try plugging the connections into other IDE/SATA ports and see if you have any luck. Look at the jumper setting, and ensure Master/Slave is set appropriately for the jumpers and the ribbon cables. If this is set correctly, try a different CD/DVD optical drive. If the same outcome results, try replacing all ribbon cables and power cables. After this measure, locate a staff person or Build Instructor in the build room and ask them for further assistance with the system. |
Optical Drive Troubleshooting
Optical Drives, which include DVD-ROM, DVD-RW, CD-ROM, CD-RW, and any combination thereof ("Combo" drives), are placed in all of the Free Geek machines in Build. Accordingly, you may run into some issues with handling each. Use the following table to guide you to solutions for what it is thats problematic:
Symptoms |
Solutions |
| The Optical Drive is not recognized in BIOS |
When you first arrive in BIOS to set the boot sequence, in some systems you should see the optical drive that is in the system once it is properly installed. If this device is NOT recognized, shut down the system and ensure that the IDE/SATA cable is connected properly (with molex/SATA power hooked up). Then look at the jumper settings on the Optical Drive and ensure that the wiring harness is connected accordingly (the end of the ribbon cable is generally the master, the IDE hookup in the middle is usually the slave). If this looks good, try switching out all cables that hook up the optical drive (or a different power plug from the power supply) or using a different IDE and Sata connection on the motherboard. If this still doesn't work, simply try swapping out the optical drive altogether. In case of further puzzlement, consult a Build Instructor. |
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| The Optical Drive doesn't seem to respond at all |
This generally means the drive does not have access to power. Open the system and see if a molex or SATA connector is connected to the drive. If the connection is made, and you're still experiencing the same problem, try switching out the Optical Drive and/or the power cables that connect the Optical Drive to the power supply. This should correct the issue, but if not, grab a Build instructor for assistance |
| The drive opens and takes the disc, but it doesn't work otherwise |
If you find the CD/DVD player isn't working beyond simply opening and closing, look into the system and make sure that the IDE/SATA connection to the motherboard is good. If there are other ports then try plugging the connections into other IDE/SATA ports and see if you have any luck. Look at the jumper setting, and ensure the "slave"/"master" is set appropriately for the jumpers and the ribbon cables. If this is set correctly, try a different CD/DVD optical drive. If the same outcome results, try replacing the ribbon cables. After this measure, locate a Build Instructor in the build room and ask them for further assistance with the system. |
| The "Live" CD doesn't boot when I restart the system |
This probably has to do with the BIOS settings you have for the "Boot Sequence". Ensure that the Boot Sequence is set up properly in BIOS (ie Optical Drive is the 1st boot order. Then try replacing the "live" cd you put in the optical drive with another and reboot. If this doesn't work, seek out a Build Instructor for assistance. |
Video Troubleshooting
Video issues can come up for a number of reasons, so below, we'll try and identify some of the main ones for you to try and troubleshoot...
Steps |
Notes and Detailed Instructions |
| The computer seems to be up and running, but there is no POST or Boot! |
If the system fans are running, and all lights and sounds seem to look OK, first check test the power supply to ensure that its good (some times a defunct power supply will give enough power to make it seem like the system is operating properly, but doesn't provide enough power to actually run). Next, Try switching out different types of RAM in each of the memory slots. Oftentimes, if the right memory is not in place initially, the system will not POST. Try installing another video card into the AGP/PCI/PCIe slot that is in your system and try booting up with the monitor connected to that. If you need help finding the right video card, simply ask a build instructor for help. And finally, try hooking up to a different monitor, or use different cables for the hook-up. If this still doesn't work, simply reach out to a Build Instructor and bring them up to speed on where you are with your issue. |
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| For strange video issues in general... |
If you're experiencing paranormal-like activity on your video, try updating the systems drivers for the hardware the system has. Do this by going to "System" in the toolbar --> "Administration" --> and click on "Hardware Drivers". The system will then search for any necessary drivers for your system. Once this is complete, simply restart the system and see if the issue is resolved. |
| "My screen is a strange tint/color" |
This usually occurs when a connection is bad. Check all the connections from the system to the monitor and ensure that the plugs are hooked up correctly. If this has been checked, reach out to a Build instructor; you may want to replace your video card. |
| "When Ubuntu starts up and I login, the power button disappears" |
Oftentimes this can be fixed when one restarts their system. But, another way of resolving the issue is to right-click the toolbar >> "Add to panel" >> select "Indicator Applet Session" >> and click "Add". Once you see the power icon, you will need to unlock each of the items to the right of the power icon by right-clicking the icon and unchecking the "Lock to Panel". Then you can go about moving the power icon to the right side of the screen. Make sure to re-lock each icon when you're finished. |
Miscellaneous Troubleshooting
Steps |
Notes and Detailed Instructions |
| When there is no Internet connection while updating software (i.e. no network connection) |
Most desktop systems have on-board network capabilities. Sometimes, this hardware can be bad. In the case that you have the ethernet chord properly connected to the ethernet plug in the on-board outlet and you don't get a connection, check the BIOS settings to ensure that the on-board networking feature is enabled (there are several types of BIOS environments, so you may have to do some investigating). If all looks well and you still don't have a connection, try installing a network card. You will be able to find one in the middle island with other cards, tools and drives. Installing a network card will usually disable the on-board, but reboot and check the BIOS setting to ensure that on-board networking is disabled, and also ensure that the network card is recognized in BIOS. |
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