EtherealWolf

I was going to build a new PC, so I deactivated the OEM key on the old one so that I could use it again. That's supposed to work according to https://whatsabyte.com/windows/deactivate-windows-product-key/. I installed windows, but it wouldn't let me use the key. The error code was 0xc004c060. Does this method work? Does it just take time for the information to update in Microsoft's servers? Thanks

Actually, the front panel cable from the case was incorrectly seated; it boots now. But the VGA light is on, so I'll have to solve that

Just finished putting together a mini ITX PC, and I'm having trouble getting it to post. The motherboard I'm using is the ASUS ROG STRIX Z390-I. When I turn the power supply on the backlight RGB LEDs turn on, but it won't post. What's strange is that the Q LEDs that would normally tell you the problem (CPU, DRAM, VGA, Boot) aren't turning on. I've checked that all cables are plugged in securely. Any ideas on what the issue could be? Thanks

Building a new PC but reusing an old hard drive. The case I'm using is mini ITX, so the place where the hard drive would go is taken up by my AIO cooler. If I use the plastic mounting tray from the old case, could I put the drive in the empty space next to the power supply, just on the floor of the case? As far as I'm aware, the drive would not come into contact with the case. Thanks

Thank you for the reply

For my next build, I was considering using an Intel 660p series 1TB M.2 SSD as the only storage drive in the computer. Is this ideal? Might be a stupid question, but I've never seen someone use ONLY the M.2 - it's always been in addition to a hard disk drive. I'm not concerned with the storage capacity being on the lower side, I just want to know if it's possible for the drive to "burn out" or overload with 100% of the computer's files on it. Again, might be a stupid question. Just making sure.

Unfortunately, I can't even get to BIOS with the GPU in. Or maybe I can, I just can't see it.

So I've just finished my first PC build, and it seems to work fine, except with the display. When I try turning it on, one of the following things happens: 1. Shows motherboard screen, but after it finishes loading goes black 2. Gets to the login screen, but after attempting to log in, goes black 3. Doesn't reach motherboard screen at all, goes black straight away Things I've tried: 1. Rolling back/disabling the graphics card This solves the issue, but it of course means I can't use the card, which sucks. Would like to find a solution that allows me to use it. 2. Safe mode Successfully boots, but again, no graphics card 3. Changed monitor cables Switched from a display port cable to an HDMI one. No difference. I should also mention that this happened during Windows Installation as well, but booted to the setup screen after a forced restart, so I thought that was the end of the problem (at the time). Here are my specs, if that's important: CPU: Intel i3-8100 (w/ stock cooler) Motherboard: MSI Z370-A Pro RAM: G.Skill V Ripjaws (only one stick installed due to dead slot on mobo) PSU: EVGA 500w GPU: Zotac GTX 1060 6GB Mini Hard Drive: WD Blue 1TB Case: Rosewill Nautilus I realize that it's usable, provided I don't use the GPU, but I would really appreciate any help solving this issue. Thanks for any replies

Update - fixing the standoffs did not work. If there isn't anything else I can try (I've seen the checklist at https://forums.tomshardware.com/threads/perform-these-steps-before-posting-about-post-boot-no-video-problems.1285536/), then I think the motherboard may be fried/discharged. I don't know how to be sure, but that's my first guess. Thanks for replying, though

Oh, I may have noticed something with them earlier. Might not have been the standoffs, but a couple motherboard screws were having difficulty going in, and then wouldn't unscrew. Thanks for the help, will update if I make any progress

I tried doing the same thing again, and the same thing happened. It seems to happen when I'm pulling up the bottom left pin from the cooler up. CPU: Intel i3-8100 Motherboard: MSI Z370-A Pro RAM: G.Skill V Ripjaws GPU: Zotac GTX 1060 Mini 6GB PSU: EVGA 500w Hard Drive: WD Blue 1TB Case: Rosewill Nautilus Thanks for the thing about the PSU

I've just finished building my new PC. It's not turning on, but troubleshooting so far has led me to believe it's an issue with a problematic CPU or motherboard. So, I tried to remove the heatsink, to check the CPU pins, and while I was unscrewing the pins (I'm using an Intel stock cooler) the LEDs and fans lot up for a split second - before turning back off. This is the only time in which this has happened. Does this ever happen to anyone else? Does this help in finding a solution?