Computer just shutdown, now it won't start up

d3moliti0n

d3moliti0n

d3moliti0n

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11 Aug 2007
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1,666
Hi

Basically I was just sat watching a film and then all of a sudden my computer just goes off, not even shutting down, it basically just goes off. And now when I try to start it up again I don't even get a boot screen, my monitor just goes into standby and the computer will switch on but the hard drive activity light is just on constantly, it doesn't flash or anything, its just stuck on and it won't start up.

Any idea what could have happened?

Thanks for your help.

Edit: I have unplugged both hard drives and I'm still getting the same issue, the computer switches on, the hard drive activity light is just stuck to 'on' and the monitor is still in standby mode, no signal to the monitor or a boot screen etc.

Edit 2: I unplugged the graphics card connections and plugged the output cable into the motherboard graphics port and still getting the same problem, so it can't be the GPU. I'm also guessing the computer wouldn't turn on at all if the power supply was the problem?

Edit 3: I've tried re-seating the memory, again, no joy. I'm guessing the problem is either the motherboard or the processor...

Can anyone help me out here?
 
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Instead of reseating the memory, try one stick at a time, sounds like a mobo problem though if that doesnt fix it.
 
I've just tried each stck of memory and again, no result. Looks like it's probably the motherboard. How can I double check before I go and buy new components?
 
So what is the best thing to do now? Just go ahead and buy a new motherboard/CPU/memory? Is there any point in sticking with socket 775 now? As that is what my motherboard and CPU are.
 
I can't see anything inside my computer that could be causing the problem though. Is it worth trying to reset the CMOS battery or is that irrelevant?

I'm assuming the power supply isn't the problem as the PC is still powering up, the hard drives can't be the problem because I have unplugged them and I'm still getting the same issue. I've unplugged my GPU and tried using the onboard graphics and again, no result. I've re-seated the memory and tried both sticks separately, again, no result.

So I'm now assuming the only thing it could be is either the motherboard or the processor. I have no way to test the CPU so I'm basically at the point where I probably just have to bite the bullet and buy a new motherboard and I may aswell upgrade it to something more modern alond with the processor and memory.
 
I'm thinking the CPU cooler is now a write-off because I have just taken it off to check if there was any dirt etc. under the cooler, bits of dust etc. But when I tried to put it back on one of the plug things that you attach it to the motherboard with, has snapped. Therefore it won't attach to the motherboard now, looks like I'm going to need to buy new stuff. =\
 
Don't assume power supply is good as it can partially fail. Ideally get a test meter on that PSU. Or find another one to borrow and test.

A PSU failing would have a "sudden shut down" as you report. I have had PSUs fail where just the 12v connector goes bad, but the rest seems to function fine.
 
I might just buy a netbook or something, as I don't do much PC gaming these days, mainly just browsing the internet, watching videos and using Spotify and MSN.

Are netbooks designed for that type of thing? Or should I go for a laptop?
 
A netbook should handle that kind of simple work load. Just look at a netbook like an older slower PC.

You should still be able to attach your old monitor to it for a comfier view. Remember the screens on netbooks are small and often clip web pages in odd ways.

Best advice is nip into a high street store to play with one a bit. Just remember to take a baseball bat with you to keep the sales vultures at bay :D
 
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