Computer Hope

Hardware => Hardware => Topic started by: mopedbob on August 20, 2008, 07:50:24 PM

Title: Computer won't turn on!
Post by: mopedbob on August 20, 2008, 07:50:24 PM

First hello everyone.

 My problem is this. Just a few days ago I tried to turn on my computer and it seems like it tried to start up but went dead on me. I have taken the side panel off to get a better look at what was going on and here is what I notice. When plug in, there is a power light on the motherboard that is light up. When I press the on button, for a few seconds, the cpu fan, psu fan and case fan come on and then shuts down. Pressing the on button again will do nothing unless I shut the PSU off and turn it back on, press the on button once again and the fans come on for a short second. Nothing else happens, the hdd will not spool up.I have metered the power supply and there is 115 v going to it. Could anyone help me in trouble shooting this problem, thanks.

Specs,
The computer is about 6-7 yrs old.
Intel 3.0ghz
450 w power supply
Windows XP
80 Gb hard drive
1 Gb DDR2 ram

Title: Re: Computer won't turn on!
Post by: ChrisXPPro on August 20, 2008, 08:00:59 PM

I am thinking age here - and possible failure of one or more PSU rails.

I would wish to remove plugs on supply rails from their respective devices and see if all give feeds - looking for 3.3v, 5v, and 12v.  The mobo LED suggests I think 5v present but if something else is missing you possibly won't go beyond fans.

Check this out first - seems you know how to use a meter, which helps.  If PSU is OK then maybe BIOS - wonder if BIOS battery has expired.