Asus A7M266 Mobo Not Posting

[DrGoose]

Just purchase components to put together new computer. Specs as follows:
Asus A7M266 Mobo
AMD T-Bird 1333 MHz (266 FSB)
Volcano II CPU fan
Enermax VG465D something or other 431W PS
256MB DDR DIMM (could not determine manufacturer)
Maxtor 40 GB 7200 rpm HDD
Cardexpert GeForce2 MX-400 VIVO
Soundblaster Live! X-Gamer SC
Modemblaster PCI modem

I configured the mobo according to Asus recommendations, put in all components, but could not get the system to boot up, or even post. The hard drive is new, but I should be able to get a POST screen shouldn't I? I have removed and re-inserted the DDR memory, to no avail. I should mention that the memory fit VERY tightly into the DDR slot. I have gone ahead and removed all expansion cards, and am considering removing all accessories, DVD player and floppy, but keeping the CD-Rom. Basically bare bonezing the system. I have ordered Micron Crucial DDR memory recommended by ASUS for this mobo, but will have to wait until tomorrow. Any suggestions, as to what may be the cause other than the memory, and more importantly, what is the solution?

Thanks to all!

[ACE]

Are you getting any power to the motherboard? If not,,check the voltage switch on the powersupply switch and make sure it's set to 110(or 115, forget which), rather than 220. Sometimes they get switched during handling.

[OC]

First, try something simple. Unplug the reset switch and try it again. If it still won't POST, unplug everything from the mobo except the power switch, speaker, CPU, video card, and memory. Find the jumper on the mobo to clear the CMOS (look in the manual for the procedure). Double-check CPU jumper settings. If it still won't POST, remove the vid card. You should get beeps at startup when it sees that there is no vid card. If it doesn't do this, replace the memory with a different module if you have one. If it STILL doesn't work, you probably have a dead mobo.

Good luck.

-OC

[DrGoose]

Have checked the power supply and am definitely getting power to the mobo. The reset switch you are refering to is located on the bottom right of the mobo, correct? Jumper settings are all set to default values, and the "jumper free" mode. Should I attempt to configure the jumpers manually? Will attempt these solutions and get back to you. Thanks again for the assistance.

[JFP]

If you have tried all the above suggestions, you probably have a bad board. I also went through hell trying to get my a7m system up and running; all kinds of weird problems. My family was really proud of me that I did NOT drive over the damn thing several times. Had to send board back to reseller, and they replaced same and have had zero problems since. It is an unfortunate fact of manufacturing; bad products do get through quality control. I would send it back. Hope this helps.

[Dave_7]

One of the two sticks of DDR I put in a new computer did not work. Could be that. Same mobo and chip as yours.



Dave.

[DrGoose]

Thanks for all the information and help thus far, this forum is definitely one of the best! I have tried removing all drives and expansion cards, except the vid card, cleared the CMOS, I think, removed everything but the speaker and power connections. NO POST. I removed the vid card and tried booting, one long beep and three short ones, as should happen according to the manual, but NO POST. I have replaced the memory module (generic) and replaced with ASUS recommended Micron Crucial memory - NO POST. At this point, it has to be either the MOBO or processor. Anyway I can find that out short of buying new comps. Also, anyone have any experience dealing with resellers? I have a feeling these guys are going to be difficult to deal with.