Won't boot up after leaving CMOS

[Sherrie Gentry]

A friend of my husband went into CMOS on his computer to see why two
of his USB ports would not work. When he got there he entered to
start in safe mode default. He looked around a bit and then entered
to save and exit, but didn't change anything. Now the computer will
come on but nothing comes up on his screen.

I've never experienced this personally and don't know what to tell
him. I don't know why he didn't look for it in Control Panel/System
or somewhere besides CMOS. Does anybody know what happened and what I
can tell him about fixing it?

He runs WindowsXP Home on an eMachine.

Thanks!

 

[Dave Patrick]

No POST messages or anything? I'd check that the graphics adapter and
monitor cable are plugged in and that the monitor is powered.

--

Regards,

Dave Patrick ....Please no email replies - reply in newsgroup.
Microsoft Certified Professional
Microsoft MVP [Windows]
http://www.microsoft.com/protect

 

[Sherrie Gentry]

No, he hears a beep but nothing comes up on the screen. I'll tell him
to check his cables. He says he didn't touch anything like that.

CMOS makes me nervous so I stay out of there unless I can't get done
what I need to from Control Panel.

 

[Dave Patrick]

If you're hearing beep codes then check the mobo or pc manual for the
meaning.

--

Regards,

Dave Patrick ....Please no email replies - reply in newsgroup.
Microsoft Certified Professional
Microsoft MVP [Windows]
http://www.microsoft.com/protect

 

[peter]

If he hears one beep it usually signifies ok............but by entering safe
mode default he basically reset the BIOS to factory default setting.Maybe
the factory default had a build in Video Chip and he is now using an Add on
Video card??.
He will need to check each and every setting in his BIOS to be sure it
actually matches the Hardware that he has....CPU...memory...etc etc..
Hope he remembers what it used to be!!
peter

 

[Bill James]

The beep code can be important to diagnose post problems. If it is giving more that one beep then have him get the number and order of long and short beeps. Then you will need to determine the BIOS brand and lookup what it means.