Member Avatar for Arcadiax

My computer is less than a year old and all sorts of problems have been occuring...

Recently my computer will start but there is no graphic or display and the computer says once at the beginning "System failed mediator"...which i have no clue what the heck it is talking about. I've also gotten alot of event 51 errors regarding paging errors but due to my computer spec and postings by some people on different forums, it may be due to hardware compatibility - and some people say it could be a problem between SATA and mobo (which basically means I'm hopeless) I use my computer mainly for graphics stuff and just simple music/video and work. and everything is up to date.

here are the specs

windows xp pofessional sp2
2 gig ocz gold ram
a8n-sli premium mobo
7800gtx 256mb gpu
amd athlon x2 4800+
two 250 gig seagate sata barracuda hdd
antec true power 2.0 550w psu

I really can't figure out how my computer is always having problems. I've brought it back to the store nearly over 15 times already...and it's been less than a year.

right now i just wish i can see display while my computer is on. I've switched monitors and still no display so i know it ain't the monitors fault. please would somebody kindly give me a direction?

  • 2 Contributors
  • 1 Reply
  • 186 Views
  • 2 Days Discussion Span
  • Latest Post Latest Post by teradost

Dani AI

Generated

This thread shows two separate failure modes that need to be isolated: an early startup/POST problem that leaves you with no video, and OS-level disk I/O errors. The immediate priorities are (1) get the machine to show POST/BIOS again and (2) protect your data. , work methodically; is right that checking the drives in another system can help, but start with the faster, lower-risk checks below so you do not make a drive problem worse.

Quick, prioritized checklist (do these in order):

  • Power off, unplug, and clear CMOS (remove battery or use jumper). Then try a cold boot to see if BIOS appears.
  • Minimal-boot: disconnect all drives and remove non-essential cards. Leave CPU, cooler, one RAM stick, and the video device. If you get video, add parts back one at a time to find the culprit.
  • Reseat components: remove and firmly reseat the GPU, RAM (try one stick in the recommended slot), and power connectors. Try a different PCIe slot or a known-good spare video card / onboard video if available.
  • Listen for motherboard beep codes or check diagnostic LEDs. Those give quick clues whether CPU, RAM, or GPU failed.
  • If video returns, test RAM with Memtest and check BIOS drive detection before booting Windows.

Drive and OS steps (data protection first):

  • If Windows shows disk I/O problems, copy important files off the drives immediately (use another PC or a USB enclosure).
  • Test each drive individually in another machine or with manufacturer diagnostics (do not initialize or write to them if you need recovery).
  • Swap SATA cables and power connectors; inspect connectors for damage.
  • If drives are healthy but errors persist, check BIOS SATA mode and consider a BIOS update only after you have backed up data.

Power and final actions:

  • A weak or failing PSU can cause intermittent video and random I/O errors. If possible, try a known-good supply or use a PSU tester/multimeter.
  • If you cannot isolate failures after these steps, document what you tried and escalate to the seller/manufacturer for RMA while the unit is under warranty.
Member Avatar for teradost

You know it is not the monitor because errors are being displayed on it. Try switching the SATA to another system; this will help you determine whether the Hard Drive is the problem or not.

If it is the problem, recover the data and get a new one. If it's not, test out the other components on another system. Unfortunately, not everyone has the time to do this. Since your computer is only a year old, it might still be under warranty. Use it.

good luck

Be a part of the DaniWeb community

We're a friendly, industry-focused community of developers, IT pros, digital marketers, and technology enthusiasts meeting, networking, learning, and sharing knowledge.