Tell me more ×
Super User is a question and answer site for computer enthusiasts and power users. It's 100% free, no registration required.
up vote 0 down vote favorite

I have a laptop that you can power up and fans come on and stuff but getting no POST on start up. Does this mean the motherboard probably went bad?

share|improve this question
2  
Do you get video output if you connect a monitor to the VGA port? – Renan Apr 28 '12 at 3:19
Nope. Nothing on VGA – Tiffany Walker Apr 28 '12 at 4:38
more information would be nice. What kind of laptop? How old is it? Do you have any other information on it? – Journeyman Geek Apr 28 '12 at 5:46

1 Answer

up vote 0 down vote

Several things can cause this.

  1. corrupt/faulty cmos (bios)

  2. Bad memory module

  3. Dead video chip

  4. Bad motherboard or component on or attached to the motherboard.

First thing to try is a hard reset:

With the laptop powered off disconnect the AC cord and remove the main battery, hold the power button down for a full 30 seconds, connect ac cord Only, power up and see if it will post.

If this does not get a post, try removing the memory module(s) and re-seat them, if this does not help and you have more than 1 memory module installed try each memory module one at a time.

If none of this helps it is a more serious issue and most likely a completely corrupt bios or faulty motherboard or hardware attached to the motherboard.

share|improve this answer
Is there a way to reset cmos? – Tiffany Walker Apr 28 '12 at 18:18
That is what the hard reset does. – Moab Apr 28 '12 at 19:36

Your Answer

 
discard

By posting your answer, you agree to the privacy policy and terms of service.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.