Compaq SR5315UK (AMIBIOS) Fails to POST

[DejaVu]

System boots, BIOS screen goes through the motions. After the HDD is detected the BIOS freezes.
I've tried removing the HDD and it freezes after the memory test.

Tried removing sticks of RAM and still the same scenario.

Does this sound like a case of a failed BIOS update to anyone else? Should I try a BIOS recovery using a USB Floppy drive.

Could there be anything else worth trying? I've already reset the CMOS, but no difference.

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[Over Carl]

Any bleeps? Have you just performed a bios update?

[DejaVu]

No beeps at all. No idea if it's had a BIOS update, fella just said it wouldn't boot one morning.

[evilsatan]

Are you able to boot to USB/cd/floppy to update/reflag the bios mate? Have you tried clearing the CMOS and used KGM memory and leave the HDD disconnected?

[DejaVu]

Wont get that far to boot from any device. Just freezes up.
Cleared the CMOS and tried Memory for a couple of known working systems and tested the RAM in this system in others - no problems at all.
Still the same.

I'm confused how it got in the state to be honest, the bloke that owns it knows nothing about computers and I can't see him trying to update the BIOS. I'm still 90% convinced it is a fooked BIOS though.
Going to try the recovery procedure with the BIOS tomorrow as I've been banging my head against the wall for the past 5 hours with this one.

The fella's loaded, so will just go out and buy a new one, I just don't like to be beaten.

[evilsatan]

Can you enter bios setup before it freezes to take a look around? It does sound like the recovery procedure is the next logical step.

[DejaVu]

Nope, no F2/Del notifications... I hate BIOS recovery!
Will detail how it pans out.

[DejaVu]

Well, that made no difference whatsoever, so the BIOS cannot be at fault.
Used the AMIBOOT.ROM procedure to flash the latest version, but still the same.

Back to the drawing board I guess. Anyone know how to clear the NVRAM? It's the only thing the flashing procedure didnt clear.
I'm going to reset the CMOS and remove the battery for the evening and see if that helps.

[DejaVu]

Another unexplainable problem repaired!

A last ditch attempt for this was to completely dismantle the whole lot, give it a complete overhaul removing dirt and dust.
I put it all back together and *Presto* all fixed.

Note to the wise
In future, if a computer is not doing what it's supposed to, give it a clean. Doh!

[evilsatan]

What are you thinking, dislodged cable/CPU socket? Glad to hear you sorted it though mate

[muttleymacclad]

LOL. that's happened to me once or twice, it's a great feeling to know it was something so simple, yet we try every procedure possible before the simplest method.

mml

[DejaVu]

I'm thinking something untoward in the slots somewhere. The state of it was pretty bad.
I took the front face plate off only to discover what can only be described as a sticky chip fat substance!!

When I say it was cleaned - the case went into the bath and Henry had a filled day sucking up the dust! I even took the power supply apart and cleaned that out.

The thing purr's along now like a shiny new machine!
Fella's is as happy as Larry and I've warned him about storing scabby old Kebabs or Chips on top of it... Filthy fucker!