Dead PC

[fobbster]

On Windows 10, while on-line, received notice that Microsoft will shut down system if we do not call 844-366-xxxx (purportedly Microsoft Tech Support).
We did not call. Just manually shut down computer. Now it doesn’t boot up at all. Can someone remotely disable my computer?
Symptom is that when power is applied, all the fans come on and LED on motherboard is on (green), but nothing displays or boots (i.e., no beeps or display), suggesting no access to BIOS.
Actions so far:

1. removed all harddrives (keeping out of system until we can at least see a display).
2. reset BIOS
   a. removed and replaced motherboard battery
   b. used jumper on motherboard.
3. checked harddrives on another system. They appear to be good, but am hesitant to allow admin privileges to access the system drive (in case malware is on the harddrive).
   Can someone really kill my system remotely? What else can I look at? Was this just a coincidence that my system died this way at this time?

[jmarket]

Hi there @fobbster and welcome to PCHF

There is no such thing as remotely disabling a PC without malware infection and/or consent. Unfortunately it sounds like a bad motherboard since the fans spin. Have you tried onboard video and/or a known good working video card and monitor to rule out a bad GPU/monitor?

[fobbster]

Hi there @fobbster and welcome to PCHF

There is no such thing as remotely disabling a PC without malware infection and/or consent. Unfortunately it sounds like a bad motherboard since the fans spin. Have you tried onboard video and/or a known good working video card and monitor to rule out a bad GPU/monitor?

Thanks for reply.
I have not tried a different video card. Will have to get one. At least the fan on the video card is spinning. I have verified monitor is working by connecting it to a diffrent PC.
If system gets through BIOS, should the system beep at me? I’ve tried turning on with/without keyboard and mouse connected. No difference in response.

[jmarket]

If you have another PC, try putting your GPU into that other PC and see if it boots

Most new computers don’t come with a MB speaker. You’d have to buy one but they’re only like $1

[Evan_Omo]

Hi fobbster, Welcome to PCHF!

I would try taking out all but one stick of RAM and see if the computer boots successfully. Getting a motherboard speaker will also help us to determine what component is not working properly as we can look up the beep codes depending on the model of motherboard. Is the computer a prebuilt system such as a Dell or HP or this a custom built computer?

[fobbster]

If you have another PC, try putting your GPU into that other PC and see if it boots

Most new computers don’t come with a MB speaker. You’d have to buy one but they’re only like $1

Thanks to all. Will get a new video card and MB speaker. Leery of pulling out cards from a working computer (still on Windows 7) to test potential non-working parts. Will try removing memory cards as suggested. Will be a few days before I get a chance to try suggested tests.

[phillpower2]

Any update fobbster?

[phillpower2]

Any update for us fobbster? This thread will be closed if not replied to within 48hrs.