need help fixing my gf's computer

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d00d

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Jun 1, 2003
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Hello, everyone. I could use some help in fixing my gf's computer. Here are the details: She claims to have left the computer on overnight and apparently it turned off while idling. The problem is that it's not turning back on. She called me over to take a look the next day. I opened up the case and here are some quick observations: Power supply was ON and plugged in so that's not the problem. No smell of burnt silicon. Everything still looks in order. Pressing the power button on the case does absolutely nothing (no POST, no boot, no fans starting up). Doesn't seem to be a wiring problem b/c there were no loose wire, plus she has never opened her case before, so I doubt wires could've came out by themselves. Mobo LED is still ON.

I figure the only way to fix this is to buy new parts (I don't have any extra parts lying around) to replace what I think is fubared and fix it by trial and error. However, I'm a little short on cash so I'd like to lessen the guesswork as much as possible. That's why I need advice from you guys. From your experience and from my observations above, what do you think is mostly likely the problem area? My first thought was it's either the mobo or the power supply. What's odd tho is that the mobo LED is still on leading me to believe that both are still working (that's not to say they're in total working order tho). I didn't get a chance to inspect the processor so that's also a possibility.

Thanks in advance.
 
well its prolly not the CPU, most mobos will turn on and power up everything even with no cpu or ram installed. (it will still fire up the harddrives for example)

your initial guess is probably right, either PS or mobo. borrow another PS from somewhere and do a quick test.
 
What DR_K13 said. If that doesn't work, examine the mobo for the usual damage (bulging or leaking caps, burnt traces, lifted traces, big solder bridges, etc). If nothing there, pull out the trusty volt meter and start testing out that PSU.
 
A bios problem...? How is that possible if it doesn't even POST. Besides, my gf doesn't have the manual for her mobo so I have no idea which jumper can manually reset the BIOS.
 
BIOS Is what makes a computer boot. Pull the little battery off the Mobo for like 2 min. ( make sure the PSU is unplugged from the wall ) and push and hold the computers power button down for 10 sec ( It will discarge the circuts) . Replace the battery, then try to reboot.


( done this many times from a bad overclock , and yes its would not post. )
 
BIOS Is what makes a computer boot. Pull the little battery off the Mobo for like 2 min. ( make sure the PSU is unplugged from the wall ) and push and hold the computers power button down for 10 sec ( It will discarge the circuts) . Replace the battery, then try to reboot.
Click to expand...

Totally agree. If that doesn't work, swap out the PSU as that is most likely your problem, but check your voltages first.
 
DR_K13 said:
BIOS Is what makes a computer boot. Pull the little battery off the Mobo for like 2 min. ( make sure the PSU is unplugged from the wall ) and push and hold the computers power button down for 10 sec ( It will discarge the circuts) . Replace the battery, then try to reboot.


( done this many times from a bad overclock , and yes its would not post. )
Click to expand...

Tried this. I unplugged the PSU and took the battery out. Waited a few mins. Held the power button for a few secs. Put the battery back in. Plugged the power supply back in. And still... no-go...
 
Pull the psu 20 pin connector out, short the green wire to a black one, if the psu powers up its your motherboard (or very unlikely your power switch) if ti doesnt its the psu thats died. Try the fuse in the IEC lead also.
 
a new power supply did the trick. It took me a while to find a friend who had one I could borrow.
 
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