Help - wrong jumpering, now computer won't boot!

[dodecahedron]

hi i need help!

i removed one optical drive and inserted another in its place, and forgot to check the jumpering.
they were both set as slaves on the secondary IDE channel.

the computer didn't boot.
it got stuck in the pre-post screen (a colourful screen with the Asus logo), didn't even get to the screen where it says how much memory, the IDE devices recognized etc.

fixed the jumpering (one drive master the other slave) - no go.
removed the power connector from one drive (the new one i'd just put in) - no go.
removed also the data cable from this drive - no go.
removed also the power cable of the other drive - no go.
cleared the CMOS (i hope i did it right, first time i've ever done it: powered off, disconnected power cord, removed battery, moved the jumper to the clear position for 3 secs and then back, put battery back in and powered up). no go.

i'm starting to run out of ideas and to panic!

any help?
i never thought that bad jumper settings on optical drives could so seriously bork my computer!

[Rudy]

cable?

Sometimes with so much manipulation cables break.

Maybe you should disconnect everything from that IDE port, even disable it.

It your computer starts, then put back one component at the time.

[MediumRare]

By "stuck in the pre-post screen", I take it you can't enter BIOS setup?

While you're checking IDE cables, have a look at your power cables, memory and all PCI-devices. Make sure they're seated properly!

Good luck!

G

[bill]

Good advice above. I had once seen a dying power supply cause the same problem.

[dodecahedron]

thanks guys, but for some reason when i came home i managed to get things working.

maybe powering down the computer for 12 hours was a good rest for it?

or maybe i'm a jackass, and i confused the CLEAR CMOS jumper with the ENABLE SATA jumper which is close by it, and did'nt really clear the CMOS.

anyway, all's well now.
thanks.