My computer won't start. Bah.

Old Hack · Dec 30, 2011

I know I'm probably asking an impossible question but... what's wrong with my computer?

When I switch it on, it doesn't start. The power light comes on; but it doesn't boot up. I don't think it's a problem with the monitor because although I've not tried it with a different monitor, I have left it alone for a while, and then tried switching it off using keyboard controls, and nothing happens.

I can only switch it off by holding in the power switch for a few seconds.

I don't hear the HDD grinding away, but whenever I've had a HDD failure I have received a few warnings first. I got nothing with this one.

I guess I'm going to have to buy a whole new machine: but I did wonder if there might be something obvious making this happen, which I could fix (I'm reasonably competent at putting in new bits and pieces, so long as I know what has to be replaced).

alleycat · Dec 30, 2011

Have you checked that all cables are plugged in securely?

Kind of sounds like an internal power supply problem.

alleycat · Dec 30, 2011

Do you have any computer nerd buddies? They might have a multimeter or power supply tester they would lend you.

Old Hack · Dec 30, 2011

Yep, I've unplugged it all and plugged it all in again a couple of times but it makes no difference.

I shall see if I can find some help a little closer to home. Thank you.

MaryMumsy · Dec 30, 2011

alleycat said:
Kind of sounds like an internal power supply problem.

I think that was what was wrong with mine a couple of months ago. Was fine when I turned it off, wouldn't boot back up. My tech guy replaced the whatsit, and all was fine.

MM

alleycat · Dec 30, 2011

A power supply problem is a relatively common problem.

At least it's better to have that go out than a hard disk.

alleycat · Dec 30, 2011

Old Hack said:
Yep, I've unplugged it all and plugged it all in again a couple of times but it makes no difference.

It probably won't help, but you should probably check all connections, not just the power connection. It won't hurt and, who know, it could be something loose.

If you get help from someone else, see if they have a power supply tester; that's easier to use and better than a meter.

Old Hack · Dec 30, 2011

Sorry, Alley--I should have been clearer. I've unplugged everything, not just the power supply.

I'll take it down to the University once term starts up again. They give free computer help to their past graduates, so it won't cost me to find out what's wrong. Thank you.

alleycat · Dec 30, 2011

If it is the power supply, it's not a huge problem to replace it.

There are other things it could be, but those are a little beyond my real expertise.

If you do decide to replace it and trash this one, remember to get the hard disk. You can usually hook it up to a "black box" and get your files off of it. I've done that before and it's easy to do.

PorterStarrByrd · Dec 30, 2011

Your guys at the U will help you, I'm sure.

unless something pretty aggrevating happened to cause something inside your computer to become unplugged, what you have done should be enough as far as checking. Power doesn't just mean the thing you stick in the wall... there are other connections inside the box if you've got a tower, inside the case if You have a lap top or some other newfangled type.

A real reach, but have you plugged anything else into the wall socket to make sure it is live? ... could be a circuit breaker in your house power panel. I know someone who paid for a tech visit only to find that out.

I'm assuming you plug in through a surge protector .. if not your problem may stem from that.

kuwisdelu · Dec 30, 2011

alleycat said:
If you do decide to replace it and trash this one, remember to get the hard disk. You can usually hook it up to a "black box" and get your files off of it. I've done that before and it's easy to do.

Unless you want a clean start (a good idea in some situations) or are missing some vital drivers (not likely these days) you could even just drop it into the new computer and continue right where you left off.

ether · Dec 30, 2011

I'll second (third?) the power supply problem. They aren't terribly expensive to replace, and they're easy to yank out and put back in. Good luck getting it looked at and fixed and I hope it isn't anything major!

zanzjan · Dec 30, 2011

Old Hack said:
Yep, I've unplugged it all and plugged it all in again a couple of times but it makes no difference.

When you try to turn it on, do you hear anything? You said you don't hear the HDD spinning up, but do you hear the sounds of fans?

Old Hack · Dec 31, 2011

There's power getting to the computer because the power light comes on when I switch it on. I don't hear anything else, though, like fans starting up, so it does seem to be the internal power supply thingy.

I've got three hard drives from previous computers which I've put into USB-connected cases, so I'm not too concerned about losing the data on this machine. But after a very expensive Christmas I could do without spending a couple of hundred on a new computer, so I'll try to get this one working again if I can. Thanks all for your help.

zanzjan · Dec 31, 2011

Old Hack said:
There's power getting to the computer because the power light comes on when I switch it on. I don't hear anything else, though, like fans starting up, so it does seem to be the internal power supply thingy.

Yeah, the power supply has its own fan so if that's not turning on and you've eliminated other things like the cord and outlet, the power supply is a good bet. Cost will depend on the system, but I think I paid about $60 for the one I most recently replaced.

And good for you for having your data backed up. So few people do...

Good luck!

My computer won't start. Bah.

Old Hack

Such a nasty woman

alleycat

Still around

alleycat

Still around

Old Hack

Such a nasty woman

MaryMumsy

the original blond bombshell

alleycat

Still around

alleycat

Still around

Old Hack

Such a nasty woman

alleycat

Still around

PorterStarrByrd

nutruring tomorrows criminals today

kuwisdelu

Revolutionize the World

ether

zanzjan

killin' all teh werds

Old Hack

Such a nasty woman

zanzjan

killin' all teh werds