About Chris Morrison Expertise Installation of cards. Difference between card types. What card is best for your purpose. Driver problems. All video issues.
Experience 15 years experience with building, repairing and upgrading PCs. Technical support experience.
Organizations Help on the Net
Education/Credentials Associates Degree in Information Technology
A Certified
Expert: Chris Morrison Date: 5/30/2008 Subject: computer will not turn on when pci card installed
Question I have a gateway computer model 552 ge, serial no.qab4921303109. I installed a new pci card and when I went to start it back up it wouldn't start up. The fans would start and shut back off.My question is if i have the wrong card would you know which one I need? And is this problem common? I have a very limited knowledge of the board functions, my son purchased the card and assured me it was the right one.The computer worked fine before the installation and ressumed working after we removed the new card. Any suggestions as to the proper pci card for my computer or what is causing it to shut down will be greatly appreciated.
Answer The problem would depend on what type of PCI card this is - PCI or PCI express.
I also need to know what type of card - video, network, ect....
If this is a video card the solution is prob pretty easy.
If this is a video card your computer is trying to default to the new video card. Prob is that the slot is most likely disabled and it is defaulting to your onboard video. Put in the card but put the video cable to the old video. If the computer comes up fine then you know you just need to enable the slot.
When the computer boots the the gateway logog there is a "F" you need to hot to enter the bios or setup. Sometimes this is displayed on the screen and sometimes you'll need to check your manuals for the right "F" key. ENter the bios. Check the categories till you find the PCI -E slot options. Enable the PCI-express alot. Save the setting and close. Reboot with the video cable attached to the new card. All should be well.
