How do I power on a PC with an apparently broken power button?

MrBThatsMe · 25 Jan 2012 at 22:49

My friend has given me his ~5 year old pc to fix because it no longer turns on via the power button. I think he hadn't used it for a while and when he tried to, there was no response.

I've read the motherboard manual (Abit KN8 SLI) and all the correct LED's on the motherboard are on once the power is turned on at the wall. The LED for power from CPU is on.

I've tried touching the two pins that corrospond with the PWR_SW with a metal screwdriver but nothing happens. That is the advice I've found when using google. What could be the issue do you think?

ps. I've taken out the hdd's, the graphics card and the DVD drives. Could that have anything to do with it? It was impossible to get to the front panel connectors due to drives/cables and cable ties which is why I removed said components. As far as I'm aware though, the motherboard should still power on.

Thanks

MrBThatsMe · 26 Jan 2012 at 11:36

Yeah I assumed that the mobo would still power on and start up the fans.. but I get nothing. I was just thinking last night.. what are the chances that the two screwdrivers and the sharp stanley knife-like thing (cheapo one with flimsy plastic casing) that I used to touch the pins, weren't a conductive metal or were coated in something

Surely that' clutching at straws though I'm 99.999% positive that's not the case lol.

As for testing the PSU - I think an easier way of doing it would be to connect mine, would it not? I have both systems lying on my floor open anyway. And I need to take out my PSU to fit a 2.5" drive so I guess I'll go down that route and then use your website as a follow up.

As for the dual RAM.. I havem't checked what's in exactly, but there are 3 sticks.. 2 look identical and one is clearly different.

MrBThatsMe · 26 Jan 2012 at 13:18

Garyj881 said:
Check the fuse on the psu lead.

The lead was being used on my monitor only a week ago so I'm pretty sure it's fine.. I will try my psu lead from my up and running system though to make sure.

MrBThatsMe · 27 Jan 2012 at 02:32

Right I think this case has been solved. I tested with my PSU and it powered up immediately using the power button.

Unlucky for him though.. he thought it was just the button that wasn't working :rolleyes: