HELP I need a new desktop PC

[HOJ]

it's a web based GUI not platform specific

I am using a desktop version, 2016, which serves my needs, and my accountants, I've no need to go for an upgrade to a web/cloud based option, as I'm not running ICI.

Display port cables have arrived, (I bought 2, as I [doubtfully] might get permission to have 2 screens) so going try to set things up tomorrow, watch out @JSW.

I get what is being said about the Linux alternatives, but if I introduce anything that's unfamiliar to the OTH I'll be done for....

 

[MorrisWoodman12]

@HOJ Put Linux into Virtual Box (alternatives are available that you have installed beforehand) then your OTH won't see any evidence of either unless they examine the start menu. Simplest.
Have fun
Martin

 

[HOJ]

Well, so far...plumbed in the new PC, big hopes for flashing lights and Window's 10 illuminating my screen.

Power up, panel light comes on, fan starts (very quietly) blank screen, light goes out fan stops, nothing, tried repeatedly, same symptoms, back on the old machine, which ironically is behaving itself now, raised a return.

 

[artie]

Well, so far...plumbed in the new PC, big hopes for flashing lights and Window's 10 illuminating my screen.

Power up, panel light comes on, fan starts (very quietly) blank screen, light goes out fan stops, nothing, tried repeatedly, same symptoms, back on the old machine, which ironically is behaving itself now, raised a return.

If you'd want to keep it you would need to check that it's booting to the right drive.

If you want an excuse to send it back, then you've got it.

 

[HOJ]

Strikes me that its not booting at all, especially as it seems to shut itself down, no winking light to say its doing anything, unless it doesn't anyway

 

[JSW]

Is this with the supplied operating system? Try tapping repeatedly on the F9 key as it boots, that will take you to the boot menu, the speaker in the comp will beep to make you aware it's in the boot menu.

Which port do you have the Displayport lead plugged into? Try the other one if tapping F9 doesn't get you a screen, also check the monitor is defaulting to the correct source, could still be looking for a HDMI input.

 

[HOJ]

Is this with the supplied operating system?

It said Win 10 (updated)

Now tried F9 & F12 and swapped display ports over, screen is set to HDMI, nothing, not even a beep.

It came with a little USB plug, so tried it with and without it, also looked at it on my old machine, but couldn't open it to see whats on it.

 

[JSW]

The USB dongle is most likely a WiFi adapter, no need to plug it in ATM.

Is there anything at all onscreen as it tries to boot, a HP Logo or <Press Esc to enter Bios>? If nothing shows onscreen, I'd be taking the cover off and checking everything looks to be connected, and that there is indeed a hard drive in it, which might be under the fan if it's an M.2 NVMe and maybe beyond your comfort zone. At least with the cover off you'll be able to see if the fan's working, lights on the motherboard etc. I realise you shouldn't have to be doing all this, but every day's a schoolday, right?

 

[HOJ]

Some inside the box pics:


There is a small led alight on the board, I've put a yellow ring round it.


Presuming this is the SSD?



Cant see anything under the fan, presume it would be the processor.

I'm not adverse to messing with PC's, did some in days gone by when I did my CCNA, looking for a career change, but didn't, but that was 25 years ago, but so out of touch now.

 

[Spectric]

Even without any OS you should still be able to get it into the BIOS screen, if you can find the make and model number of the mobo then get the manual as it will give you all the info needed to setup the BIOS and boot sequence.

 

[HOJ]

Understood, but to be honest @Spectric , I really can't be arsed with ffing about, it doesn't work, I may have bought a pup, or it could be me, even if I get into its heart I doubt i can move forward without greater input and probably cost.

I really appreciate everyone's input, I'll update if I ever hear from the supplier.

 

[JSW]

Yep, you should still be able to get into the bios, which is why I think the connection between the PC and Monitor is knocked out for some reason, and yes, that's the M.2 NVMe in pic 2

 

[JSW]

Just out of interest, power the PC down, switch off at mains, then press the PC power button for a few seconds. Turn the monitor on, wait a sec, then turn the PC on.

Can you cycle through the monitor inputs? It might be the monitor that isn't accepting the Displayport input, cycling through the inputs might force it to, I've had that before with DP and a twitchy monitor

 

[Jake]

Lights on keyboard flashing? If you don't get those at least...

 

[Snorkel]

Some inside the box pics:

View attachment 193092
There is a small led alight on the board, I've put a yellow ring round it.

View attachment 193093
Presuming this is the SSD?

View attachment 193094

Cant see anything under the fan, presume it would be the processor.

I'm not adverse to messing with PC's, did some in days gone by when I did my CCNA, looking for a career change, but didn't, but that was 25 years ago, but so out of touch now.

Can't see the SSD myself but hard to tell from pics. An SSD is about the size of a thin cigarette packet. See my attached. It should have 2 wires and will be bolted or screwed to the box. If you can't see something like my pic, it may be that you bought a box only, no drive included. This is often how sellers advertise their boxes but don't make it clear enough that the drive is an extra. Having said that, you said Windows 10 included, so maybe I'm off track there. Then again, did the blurb say Windows included but only if you add the hard drive to the box? Just trying to cover all bases.

pic.

 

[JSW]

Can't see the SSD myself

and yes, that's the M.2 NVMe in pic 2

 

[Robbo3]

I would suspect your new Display Port adaptors.
Adaptors are one way only, not bi-directional
- https://www.howtogeek.com/839593/pitfalls-when-buying-an-hdmi-to-displayport-adapter/

 

[HOJ]

Can you cycle through the monitor inputs? It might be the monitor that isn't accepting the Displayport input,

I tried multiple options, swapping ports and cycling through the monitor settings which were set to HDMI input.

I would suspect your new Display Port adaptors.

This is the cable I bought, seems rather cheap though:

 

[Snorkel]

Ooh! A very new drive. My bad for not spotting that. Or age!!

 

[Spectric]

It should have 2 wires and will be bolted or screwed to the box.

Unless as @JSW has said it is an M.2 in which case it just plugs into the mobo but could be confused with an ordinary stick of memory.