Power switch on case not working

Richeh · 11 May 2009 at 18:06

Hey,
I'm fixing a computer for a mate, basically its a few year old Packard Bell, he said it wont switch on so have opened it up and it appears the switch on the case just doesnt work. Unfortunately, it being a Packard Bell its an all in one box from the switch to the motherboard, it doesnt even have a reset button.
The LED on the motherboard lights up but the switch just does nothing.

Is there a way to turn it on without using the switch on the case, I seem to remember doing it my own computer years back but couldn't tell you how anymore so am seeking your advice.

He realises he will probably need a new case but he doesn't wanna shell out to have another one of the components be broken.

Cheers.

RJC · 11 May 2009 at 18:12

Sorry if this sounds daft, does the motherboard have a header which the lead plugs into, usually this is marked along with the power led and hd led.

Another way perhaps is to test the psu by removing all cables and link out pins 13 & 14 on the ATX connector and just have a fan connected if possible.

coupe69 · 11 May 2009 at 19:12

Just short the on/off pins on the mainboard with a screwdriver.

J.B · 11 May 2009 at 19:46

It may not be the switch but its a good place to start. As others have stated you can short out the 2 pins that are used for the switch by connecting them for a second or 2 with a screwdriver.

I seem to remember the packard bell switches all being 1 module going into the pins on the mobo. might have to try a few different combos of pins.

Richeh · 11 May 2009 at 21:10

The power switch once the front of the case is taken off has the pins all wired into it, it then goes to a header which again is all wired e.g you can't pull out the pins at will. I have just tried shorting the 2 pins (literally held a screwdriver on pwrbtn and ground for about 4-5 seconds to no avail).

Really stumped with this as the motherboard LED is on.