When troubleshooting a no POST and no video condition, begin by examining the server's external configuration and external components before moving to the internal components. Try removing any newly connected external or internal devices as a first step. If a new device has been added to the server, chances are very high that this new device is causing the difficulty. Disconnect the newly connected device first, and then test the server before making any other changes.

An external peripheral device can sometimes cause a no POST and no video situation. When troubleshooting the server with a POST or video issue, simplify the external configuration to include the video cable, power cable, mouse, and keyboard only. Remove any keyboard, video, and mouse (KVM) switch boxes. Connect the video, mouse, and keyboard cables directly to the server. If the server still has no video or does not complete POST with the external configuration simplified in such a manner, attempt to power on the server without the keyboard and mouse connected (only power and video connected).

Try clearing the NVRAM. Open the server case and clear the NVRAM using the CLR\CMOS jumper [hyperlink to CMOS jumper location on MB] located along the left side of the motherboard. Move the jumper from pins 1 and 2 to pins 2 and 3, and then power on the server. After clearing the CMOS, power down the server and return the jumper back to the default position; covering pins 1 and 2.

If clearing the NVRAM does not resolve the situation, continue troubleshooting by reseating the power supply connector on the motherboard and the front panel (power switch) cable. If the no POST and no video situation persists, simplify the internal configuration of the server by removing any PCI cards. Also, disconnect the hard drives and CD-ROM drive from their power source and remove the SATA, IDE and floppy drive cables from the motherboard connections. If the server is still unable to produce video or complete POST, reseat the processors and memory. You can also attempt to power the server on without the memory and only the processor nearest to the memory slots present. While the server is in a simplified internal state, attempt to clear the NVRAM again. As a final step, remove the battery from the motherboard, wait 15 minutes, and then place the battery back into the server and attempt to power on the server again.