Member Avatar for dcc

I've recently had a random problem with my computer hanging in the POST, I eventually found a LED display on the motherboard and was able to match that configuration to the diagnostic LED function chart and found that it was hanging at " intializing the floppy drive controller". I disconnected the data cord for the drive at the motherboard and this seemed to have solved the problem, now several days later it has started to hang at random times again, but this time the LED display is showing random displays. Can someone please help me figure out what is happening here? As I understand it the POST involves the RAM, disk drive, peripheral devices, and hardware, where do I start to untangle this one?

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As described, the board stops at a floppy-related POST code and briefly recovered after removing the drive cable, but now the on-board debug display shows apparently random codes. That pattern points to an intermittent fault rather than a single bad drive: possibilities include BIOS/CMOS corruption, marginal power/voltage regulation, failing board components (electrolytic caps or voltage regulators), or an intermittently failing POST/display driver. 's instinct about power is one valid angle, but a focused, measurable approach will narrow it down faster.

Start by collecting reliable data: photograph the exact two-digit codes and note whether they occur only on cold boot or after the machine warms up. Reset CMOS (jumper or remove the CR2032 briefly) and replace the battery if old; note any change. Inspect the motherboard closely for bulging or leaking capacitors, scorch marks, loose standoffs or screws, and swollen PCB areas. Try a bench test (board removed from case) to rule out a short to the chassis. If the BIOS lets you, temporarily disable the floppy controller to see whether that removes the sporadic hangs.

If the problem persists, run targeted isolation and measurement: boot with the bare minimum (CPU, single known-good RAM stick, video if needed) and try different RAM sticks/slots one at a time. Use a POST diagnostic card to capture failing codes when the board hangs (these read the chipset POST codes). Measure PSU rail voltages at the 24-pin connector with a multimeter — expected ranges are roughly +12V: 11.4–12.6V, +5V: 4.75–5.25V, +3.3V: 3.135–3.465V — and watch for instability under multiple attempts. Guidelines on POST and POST cards are available here: Power-on self-test (POST) and POST card.

If voltages are stable and the debug codes remain random across minimal bench tests and known-good RAM/PSU, the motherboard (or its southbridge/BIOS chip) is likely failing and replacement or RMA becomes the practical next step. Handle components with anti-static care and avoid BIOS flashing unless the board can boot reliably first.

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Member Avatar for techniner

Sound sliek a power issue.

Have your tried swaping out the power supply?

Member Avatar for dcc

No, I haven't replaced the power supply. Why do you think it's the power supply, not that I doubt you...I just want to understand?

Member Avatar for techniner

Just a hunch.. like you said the led was flashing about the floppy drive right.. ok so to me it seems like the floppy is not getting enough power.. so all it would take is another device on the system to use a little more juice and there she goes...


Like there is no way for me to test this theory obviously.. but I have dealt with many many many machines in my time and this sounds like power issue.

Rule it out by dosconnecting all devices other then hard drive graphics card.

See if system boots.

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