At 10:06 PM 2/13/1999 Elizabeth Boston wrote:
>>
>> Have you tried a different CPU and RAM? [Could be
>> a register AH problem with the CPU or a memory error.]
>
>   I replaced the two 8mb SIMMs with two 16s. The only
>difference was that the lights on the keyboard stayed on for
>a full second instead of the previous half second. The
>computer automatically reported 32MB of ram even though it
>didn't appear to "count" it.  I don't have any extra CPUs.
>
>   guess I'll work on taking the motherboard out of the case
>next... What do I put it on? Don't I have to make sure it is
>grounded?
>


Elizabeth:

Try a replacement CPU first (even if you must temporarily
cannibalize another computer). It may obviate the need
to test the motherboard outside the case.

A ground isn't really necessary... most of the time.

Sometimes the board won't initiate POST, but carefully
shorting the RESET pins may motivate the board to
come up. If you really need to, you could screw on a
post in a grounded mounting hole and clip the end to
a wire connected to the exterior of the power supply
(CAREFUL).

I have an old 200W AT power supply with a on/off
switch on the side which I use to test motherboards.
I use a P-8 and P-9 power connector extension and
keep an old hard drive (with DOS) attached to the PS
to supply the 5- and 12-volt loads to keep it operational
(and for the OS boot).

I follow Jose's practice of using a small panel of
wood to place the motherboard on (to raise the
motherboard off the bench so the expansion card
brackets clear the bench). Do not use any conductors
or materials which are triboelectrically dissimilar
to the motherboard (and which might create electrostatic
charging upon movement). I suppose you might also use a
static dissipative material, such as an anti-static mat,
which would also be a non-slip surface.

Roll up your sleeves, tie back you hair, and use an
anti-ESD wrist strap (or maintain contact with the
power supply case or other ground) when you work
with the motherboard.

I usually test a motherboard before I install it into
a case (to save the work replacing it if it is a DOA
motherboard).

HTH.

Regards,

John Chin

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