Computer won't switch on

valve90210 · 6 Nov 2006 at 16:01

Hi there

My girlfriends computer has decided it doesn't want to switch on. It was working fine a few weeks ago but now it refuses to do anything at all. Pressingt he power switch doesn't do anything at all. No whirring or beeping or anything.

I checked it was all plugged in, which it was, I have also checked the lead and that seems fine. I Wondered if it might be the fuse in the lead so I plugged it into the monitor, and that powered up ok.

My assumption would be that the PSU has died. I have got a spare I can replace it with but I'm a little puzzled as to what has caused it to die when the computer hasn't been used for a few weeks. And when it was last used it was wokring perfectly and shutdown fine etc.

Any had this happen to them and might be able to offer any explanation???

Any help much appreciated.

Valve

J.B · 6 Nov 2006 at 16:06

Im sure an electronics expert might be able to explain, sounds like the psu. Things just brake, they gotta go wrong sooner or later

valve90210 · 6 Nov 2006 at 16:56

I figure it must be the PSU cos nothing comes on, no power to the cd drive or anything. Tis a bit of a nuisance but hopefully it'll be a nice simple case of swapping the PSU.

Valve

ghgh · 6 Nov 2006 at 17:44

Does sound like the PSU has gone...other than trying another one on it try shorting the power button connection out with a piece of metal ideally a screw driver momentarily incase the power switch has broke. Also make sure the board hasnt moved in the case, as a short between the mobo and stand offs can occur which would cause the same problem.

dale1uk · 7 Nov 2006 at 09:37

To check if your psu is borked or not turn it off and disconnect it from everything bar 1 or 2 fans. On the main 24 pin motherboard connector coming from the psu get a paper clip and put 1 end in the little hole from the green wire and the other end in the hole for any of the black wires. This effectivaly works as a power switch. Turn the psu back on at the wall and if the fans start to spin then the psu is working, if not then your psu is dead.
Word of warning - if the psu is dead then it can take out other componants with it. Just reparied my mates and the psu took out the motherboard and dvd drive!! If you can borrow a known working psu and test that on your rig before ordering a new one then you'll konw if other things are also bust and need added to your order.

mikeymike · 7 Nov 2006 at 09:45

dont forget to test the fuse in the cable! from personal experience i know you can spend days bashing your head against a "broken" psu and it turns out to just be the 13p fuse thats blown

ajm · 7 Nov 2006 at 10:02

Also take a look for damage or burning on the motherboard as this can have the same effect (No boot).

DELETED_36704 · 7 Nov 2006 at 10:24

mikeymike said:
dont forget to test the fuse in the cable! from personal experience i know you can spend days bashing your head against a "broken" psu and it turns out to just be the 13p fuse thats blown

yep done that myself lol.

valve90210 · 7 Nov 2006 at 10:50

Cheers for the replies guys. I did wonder if the fuse in the lead had gone so I tested it in the monitor and it was working fine so that's ruled out of the equation.

I do have a spare PSU from when I upgraded mine, though I've just had a thought, I don't know if it'll be compatible or not as the comp is quite old, hope it is though.

Valve