No Signal Input???

Hey Guys!
One of my computers has never given me any problems until a couple of days ago. I left it burning a cd for a while and when I came back to it, I noticed it had frozen. I restarted it and ever since I don't get anything on the monitor screen except the message "No Signal Input" I have tried several other monitors and same thing happens. The motherboard has an OnBoard video graphic adapter, which is where I had originally plugged the monitor, then I decided to try to install a PCI video adapter and it doesn't seem to do anthing. I still get the same message. Is it because I have to change the settings on the CMOS to use the PCI video card and not the Onboard one, but how do I change the CMOS if there is nothing on the screen? or is this problem related to something else? Please help!!! The computer doesn't boot up at all.
Thanks!

1. RE: No Signal Input???
lbyard Jun-27-02 10:57 AM
In response to message 0

Do you hear fans? Is the power supply running? Power cord? Burning the CD may have had nothing to do with it. Some computers break when they are doing things that have nothing to do with the failure... Larry

2. RE: No Signal Input???
Mazinger Z Jun-27-02 06:35 PM
In response to message 1

Yes, the fans work... I see it spinning. Power Supply seems OK too, I tested the different connectors with a volt meter and it's OK. What next?
If it only booted to at least the CMOS I could get more information or change some settings but it doesn't. It doesn't even beep after booting up because it doesn't boot up.
Help!

3. RE: No Signal Input???
Zeno Jun-28-02 00:13 AM
In response to message 2

This is my first post, and I don't claim to be an expert trouble shooter, but here're a few ideas I'll throw out. Please, ANYONE, correct my mistakes if you see problems with my suggestions.
If, as you say, PSU voltage is OK and all fans spin, but there's no beep codes, you MAY have a dead proc. or a dead mobo. However, I wouldn't jump to that conclusion right away, because it may be that your case speaker wire is disconnected from the mobo front panel, in which case you wouldn't be able to hear beep codes. Or the speaker wire may be rerouted through the system sound chip (either on-board or sound card.) But if your system beeped before and doesn't now, the speaker connection is probably OK.
Be aware that beep error codes normally occur during BIOS hardware check BEFORE the video card is detected. That's why they have audio beep codes instead of POST screen error codes early in the boot-up.
(1) Check your case speaker wire and make sure it's connected to the correct pins on the mobo front panel. That way you'll know if it's POSSIBLE to hear ANY beep codes. This connection will probably be OK.
(2) Look in your mobo manual, (or find it at on-line manufacturer's website) and see if there's a jumper that needs to be reset to disable the the on-board video, or alternately enable the PCI video card. Does your mobo have AGP capability? Sometimes a newer BIOS will be able to detect an AGP video card even if there's no jumper is for disabling on board video. It may not work, but it's worth a try if you don't have a jumper to reset, because with no reset jumper the BIOS will often try to detect another video card before on board video. It would be helpful to know what general type of BIOS you have.
It would be very helpful for those of us trying to offer suggestions to know the make and model of the mobo, the chipset, and whether this is a homebuilt or OEM unit. More specific information from you could help. As a last resort try substituting another PSU or CPU, and of course make sure you get the heatsink securely attached.
Best Wishes...

4. RE: No Signal Input???
Zeno Jun-28-02 01:02 AM
In response to message 3

One last quick afterthought...
Check the CMOS battery on the mobo to make sure it's still got juice. Many a good mobo has been pronounced DOA, prematurely, because the CMOS just needed a little voltage boost.

6. RE: No Signal Input???
lbyard Jun-28-02 01:22 PM
In response to message 4

What's next for me, after checking the power supply, is to reseat the memory and expansion boards, which, in my experience, are the next most likely causes of the problem. I would remove the PCI video board first. The onboard display function may in fact be dead. Larry

7. RE: No Signal Input???
Mazinger Z Jun-29-02 05:28 PM
In response to message 6

Hey Thanks guys!
I am trying the different suggestions you gave me and I will let you guys know the outcome.
Just a quick note: I checked Compaq's Web site and did a search on answers to the probolem I am facing. Apperantly, several other people have had the same situation. (they posted questions about it on Compaq's site) Unfortunately, no one has replied with sufficient information as to the cause or solution, but the couple that did point the problem to having inadequated power supply. They mentioned that "No Input Signal" usually occurs when the user has way too many things hooked to the motherboard and there is not enough voltage coming from the power supply. Is that true?
One more note: Dux Computer Digets offers WAY MORE solutions to many computer-related problems than Compaq's Web site and my many thanks go out to Lbyard and everyone else who contributes with information here!

8. RE: No Signal Input???
Zeno Jun-29-02 07:35 PM
In response to message 7

Hey, now we know it's a Compaq! Would you like to tease us with a little more information -- like the exact model number -- which may be printed in red letters on the front of the case, or more likely on a sticker somewhere on the case, probably the bottom.
Then we could look on-line for the exact jumper configuration for this mobo and see if we can disable the on-board video.
If, as you say, low voltage could be a problem, I'm not surprised. Compaq is notorious for putting woefully inadequate powers supplies in low-end PCs. Some are as low as 90 watts, which is way below the minimums recommended by Intel. Even though Intel and AMD have recommended minimum wattages for power supplies, no one has to follow them, and the big OEMs like Compaq and Gateway often don't - to save money and boost profits.
If your power supply is less than 120 watts (look at the sticker label on your power supply) I'd think seriously about dumping the Compaq and transferring your valuable information to another PC. Even though it's an ENORMOUS HASSLE. Because, even if you replace this proprietary power supply with a new one, sooner or later your're likely to have the same problems.
Just a thought... best wishes..