Possible power problem

[f-w]

Hey,

Have been a reader for a long time, decided to register and post, now that I need some help fast I thought this was the most appropriate place to post this, if not, please move to the right place.

COMP#1:
========
Anyway, someone I know asked me to fix their Emachine computer. It basically didn't turn on. I did the PSU (250W) check by shorting the green and black wires on the 20pin connector, and sure enough, it was the power supply. So, I got a new one (300W), which passes the check. However, the comp still doesn't turn on.

This particular Emachine has a "ring of light" similar to Xbox360, which turns on when the comp is on. However, after putting in the new PSU, and flipping the PSU power switch, the ring of light turns on (which shouldn't happen without me pushing the power button). I've tried pushing the comp power button with the ring of light on, and it doesn't turn on.

I'm a little tied up with a bunch of chores, and don't want to try doing anything that won't help. So, can you suggest what I could check for?

COMP#2
=======
Also need some help on another computer. I haven't even checked it, going to tomorrow, I just got a call about it. Basically, the comp boots up to a desktop without a taskbar or any icons, only wallpaper.

I've did some searching around online, and found that starting explorer.exe from task manager was the quickest solution. So, I instructed the person to do so; however, that was unsuccessful, and nothing came up. However, seems like it's possible to bring up the firefox browser and the MSN messenger through taskbar.

Once again, there could be many things wrong with this. But, for those that experienced this before, or have a gut feeling on possible problem, can you shine some light? I've also found that it could be due to a virus. So, what should I run when I get to the scene?

Links are also appreciated, if too tired to retype same crap.

Thanks,
f-w

 

[HotkeyCC]

Not sure about the first problem, just that emachines are pieces of crap


Second problem, it is an explorer.exe error. Did he boot into safemode and it worked correctly? Most likely if you remove some stuff from MSCONFIG itll boot just fine. Ive heard of HP printer drivers causing a problem like what you're experienceing.

 

[f-w]

He didn't boot to safe mode, I'll be doing that tomorrow. I just remembered that he also had a problem with his HP printer blinking crazy status lights at him, haha, so maybe that's the whole problem. But I don't want to eliminate other possibilites (because it's been blinking crazy for days, haha).

Thanks

 

[f-w]

The second comp turned out to be a virus, but I'm still puzzled with the first, any ideas?

 

[MentallyNormal]

Does the ring of light start flashing randomly?
Because I've fixed an emachine similar to that one and it ended up being the ps along with the motherboard. This one the right of light would go bonkers.

You can also take out the memory too see if the motherboard beeps,that way you know at least the mobo at least recognizes the memory was removed,which means it does work. That is if their is a speaker on the mobo or an external speaker.

 

[f-w]

No, the ring of light doesn't go bonkers, it just stays on. And pulling out the memory doesn't help. Here's a better description of what's going on.

When the PSU switch is turned on, the ring of light turns on (which should only do so when PC is on, it's connected through the 'power LED' cable to the motherboard). If I turn off the PSU, the ring of light stays on for around 7 seconds, then turns off.

I've read online that to check if the PC power switch is broken, I should short the 2 pins where the "power sw" cable goes on the motherboard. I've tried that, but nothing happened.

Does this mean it's the mobo? If it is, are there other ways to confirm it?

Thanks again
f-w

 

[MD_Willington]

FYI: If you know the emachines model number, you can look up the BOM and figure out what/where the parts are from...

http://parts.emachines.com/emachines/sys_lookup.asp

MD