OK, I tried to get my WHS computer on line the other day and had issues.

My WHS computer is a retired gaming computer that I have been using as WHS for a year or so. It has been offline for about 4 months.
P4 3.2, 2GB DDR, X800GT AGP video
When I start the computer I get the icon for the WHS console on my "connected" computer but when I try to connect I get the message that the computer is not connected. I can see the computer listed on my router.

I tried to connect a monitor and keyboard but nothing works. I disconnected everything except the video card. Still nothing when I start the computer. I've tried different video cables, different monitors, both DVI and Analog connection. The harddrive(s) do not sound as if they are trying to look for and start windows.

Will a bad video card keep an AGP enabled motherboard from POSTing?

 

-----signature-----

Yes.


Its odd that if the unit were working prior to being retired that it would have a dead card / motherboard issue versus a bad PSU rail.

Has it been actively used all this time? If not, then the battery could have run down, otherwise it sounds like the motherboard. Obviously the video card is easier to check if you have a spare one, swapping the motherboard around isn't quite the same thing !

Oh, forgot about the battery...good call there.


Also just for fun, check the motherboard Capacitors.

The computer has been inactive for about 4 - 6 months

I do not have a spare AGP video card. that would be the first thing I would check as it's probably the easiest. The battery, in past experience, will at least allow a POST that requires a harddrive selection and setting of the date and time. I don't even get a POST.


The capacitors look fine.

 

-----signature-----