GA-P35-DS3P Won't POST

[dzilla]

I have a GA-P35-DS3P (rev 2.0).  I built this computer about 3 years ago and have had no issues. . .until now.

Added a hard drive (removing and replacing the memory in the process).  After the installation I got 2 beeps which indicates a CMOS error.  I have tried to reset the CMOS, but I can't seem to clear the error (even going back to the original configuration without the new hardware).  I know the mb documentation is a little lacking in this area, so what am I missing here?

Any help is appreciated.  Thanks.

[Dark Mantis]

Hi and welcome to the Gigabyte Forum.

Well first I would advise a complete clean of the CMOS by unplugging from the wall and then pressing the power button to clear any residual power in the PSU.
Next remove the motherboards's battery for at least ten minutes before replacing and booting.
You will then need to load optimised BIOS defaults in the BIOS and change any settings that you meed to.

[dzilla]

Thanks.

That's actually my problem - I can't seem to get the BIOS to clear.  Any other suggestions on how to clear the bios?

[Dark Mantis]

Please don't take offence but I have never known a CMOS not to clear when the instructions are followed correctly.

Are you sure that you unplugged the PSU from the wall?

Did you then press the start button on the case?

Remove the motherboard battery(silver disk).

In your manual on page 22 there is a diagram of the motherboard jumpers. No 22 is the clear CMOS jumper near the battery so short the two pins of that out next for a few seconds (use a jumper or screwdriver).

Leave the battery out for an hour and then replace.

Reconnect mains cable and start.

Press delete to enter the BIOS and load Optimised BIOS Default settings.

Press F10 to save and exit.

http://download.gigabyte.eu/FileList/Manual/motherboard_manual_ga-p35-ds3p_2.0_e.pdf

[dzilla]

Please don't take offence but I have never known a CMOS not to clear when the instructions are followed correctly.  No offense taken, just looking for help.  There is obviously some operator error here, cuz this shouldn't be that hard.

Are you sure that you unplugged the PSU from the wall?  Check - power cord is removed from PSU.

Did you then press the start button on the case?  Check - start button has been pressed and held for 15+ seconds

Remove the motherboard battery(silver disk).  Check - battery is removed (although I remove it while the CMOS clr jumper is shorted)

In your manual on page 22 there is a diagram of the motherboard jumpers. No 22 is the clear CMOS jumper near the battery so short the two pins of that out next for a few seconds (use a jumper or screwdriver).  Check - although I leave the jumper in place for the entire time battery is out.

Leave the battery out for an hour and then replace.  I have only left the battery out for about 10-20 minutes (although when I get home tonight it will have been out for 24 hours).
Reconnect mains cable and start.

Press delete to enter the BIOS and load Optimised BIOS Default settings.

Press F10 to save and exit.

http://download.gigabyte.eu/FileList/Manual/motherboard_manual_ga-p35-ds3p_2.0_e.pdf

Is it possible that I am hearing 2 LONG beeps (which would indicate something else)?

[Dark Mantis]

From your original post you said:

Added a hard drive (removing and replacing the memory in the process). 

Well is it possible that it could be one long and one short beeps as that would indicate a motherboard/memory error. It might be worth trying to remove and then refit the memory making sure that it is in the correct slots.
Also have you tried removing the cables to the new hard drive?

[dzilla]

I have disconnected the new hard drive cable and have removed all but one stick of memory.  I am confident it is seated.  The beeps are definitely the same duration so its not a long and a short beep.

[Dark Mantis]

OK just to check. This is the origanal memory and you have it installed in the yellow slot nearest the CPU? Is there anything else that you did when you installed the new HDD that you haven't mentioned, anything at all? Did you observe anti static precautions whilst working on the machine?

[Lsdmeasap]

Have you reseated your graphics card as well, and made sure the power is connected to it if need be?

[dzilla]

OK just to check. This is the origanal memory and you have it installed in the yellow slot nearest the CPU? Is there anything else that you did when you installed the new HDD that you haven't mentioned, anything at all? Did you observe anti static precautions whilst working on the machine?

Memory is in the closest slot -can't remember its red or yellow (not at home right now).  Everything else has been unistalled and reseated (i.e graphics card, sata cables, power supply, etc.) at least once.  I have tried a new power supply as well with the same results.  Regarding static mitigation, I am generally good about it, but with as many times as I have been into the case to solve this problem I can't say for certain that I always did.