Computer Hope
Hardware => Hardware => Topic started by: denyel25 on July 07, 2008, 05:36:07 AM
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I just updated AVG. It said I needed to restart. When I did, my computer never turned back on. On my tower there is a light below and above the power button. The one above is green and turns on when the tower is on. The one below is orange and it is blinking and won't stop. What does this mean? How can I get my tower to turn on?
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Most likely the power supply (orange light) - is this a dell by any chance :).
Could be the motherboard; my motherboard was fried from a power surge that came through the power supply.
Post more information spec etc :)
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What information should I add when submitting a question? (http://www.computerhope.com/forum/index.php/topic,33586.html)
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Well, the tower is actually a HP. I was trying to update AVG 8.0. I have it plugged into a power strip. My phone is plugged into that too and I had no problems with it. I am at work, not home, so any other specifics I need I can find out later. Sorry.
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Do you know the exact model of the computer?
If the computer doesn't turn on, I would suspect it's a hardware problem.
Can you get into the computer and check if everything is connected properly?
(note: make sure you ground yourself before entering the computer to prevent damage via static)
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By "getting in" I'm guessing you mean taking off the back and looking around. A friend of mine suggested I do that also. I don't know the model number because it is at home (I'm at work-shhhhh!). If I would take the back off and look, what are the odds that the problem would just jump out at me? :D I'm far from a computer wiz.
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I'm far from a computer wiz.
Heh, then I would suggest someone with more experience have a look at it but if there are any faults, I'm sure you would notice.
I actually have a few more questions, if you don't mind.
When you press the power button, what exactly happens?
When you update AVG, did you restart or turn off - turn on?
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When I press the power button, nothing happens. The orange light constantly blinks, no matter what. I can hear it buzzing but when I hit the power button, there is no usual "louder" buzz. As far as the update, I updated the AVG files and it said "to complete the update/installation you need to restart. Do you want to restart now? I actually said no b/c I was in the middle of something else. I then later went to the start menu and clicked restart from there.
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The orange light constantly blinks,
I'm not sure but it's starting to sound like an issue with the PSU...
Is it possible you can try another PSU and see if it works or not?
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I'm far from a computer wiz.
PSU is the power suply.
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_power_supply)
I would suggest that you open the case and check for dirt and dust etc that might be clogging fans. Remove your power supply and try another one of better or equal rating.
give the power supply a good blow out.
This may also help in cleaning the cpu. :)
Edit: http://www.essortment.com/all/cleaningcompute_rgmq.htm
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This may also help in cleaning the cpu. :)
Edit: http://www.essortment.com/all/cleaningcompute_rgmq.htm
http://www.computerhope.com/cleaning.htm
;D
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I have it plugged into a power strip.
Easy first step: unplug from the power strip and plug into the wall socket.
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THANKS EVERYONE! I WILL TRY THESE SUGGESTIONS AND GET BACK TO YOU. I APPRECIATE IT! :D
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Also hook up another monitor to it as that may have died with no notice.....do this with all power dis-connected of course.
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A friend of mine looked at my tower. It is not the monitor. He cleaned out the dust bunnies for me. He seems to think that it is the power supply. He said that's why the orange light is blinking. It just won't get enough power to it. Are PSUs universal? I was looking at them on C.C. website. I guess I could get him to change it for me, and then hopefully that will be the end of my problems. :(
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You may want to have your friend go through this troubleshooting guide: http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?docname=bph06788&lc=en&cc=us&dlc=en&product=60483&rule=7839&lang=en
Are PSUs universal?
A nice unequivocal 'sort of' here! There are standards but many computer manufacturers supply non-standard power supplies; a call to HP ought to sort out whether or not you have a 'standard' power supply. If you do, you can purchase one anywhere - just be sure that it is AT LEAST the same wattage as the one that you are replacing. Also, buy from a reputable manufacturer - I've had good luck with Antec and there are many others: Thermaltake, Sparkle, OCZ, to name a few.
Don't know your location but here for your information is a link to Newegg.com: http://www.newegg.com/Store/SubCategory.aspx?SubCategory=58&name=Power-Supplies
Good luck!
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Thanks for the troubleshooting guide. I like to be able to try and figure it out myself and if I had this yesterday, I wouldn't have went to my friend. I'll give this all a try when I go home tonight before spending money on a new PSU. Thanks again! :D
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Thanks for the troubleshooting guide. I like to be able to try and figure it out myself and if I had this yesterday, I wouldn't have went to my friend. I'll give this all a try when I go home tonight before spending money on a new PSU. Thanks again! :D
Sorry - got the impression that you didn't want to go messing around (<-technical term!) inside the case.
Best of luck - please let us know your final determination and solution!
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I went through the steps in the trouble shooting guide (I messed around) ;) and it seems everything is leading to a bad power supply. I am going to pick one up after work and we'll see what happens. I'll keep you posted.
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I went through the steps in the trouble shooting guide (I messed around) ;) and it seems everything is leading to a bad power supply.
:(
I'll keep you posted.
Please do - best of luck!
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Well, it was the power supply. I went and got a new one and my friend changed it for me. Thankfully I am up and running again. Thanks to everyone who gave me info. I appreciate it! ;D
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Thankfully I am up and running again.
Terrific - We love it when a plan comes together! :)