Computer seems dead

[Alistair]

My computer is failing to start.  It´s completely dead.  I´ve been inside and there is power going to the motherboard as one of the LEDS is lit.  I´ve checked the jumpers on the power switch and fans and they seem okay.  It´s strange it´s not even trying to switch on.  It´s jsut dead in the water.  Could it be a problem with the AC?  When it died it just cut out.  There was no burning smell and as i say everything seems okay inside.  I´ve also tried a different power cable and that made no difference.

Any ideas?

Ali

[Guest]

I'd say along the lines of your power source.  I've had similar problems with  my laptop - having to send it back under warranty, but it was all the same.  I overheated the system, so it wouldnt take A/C power (but it worked fine from the battery, except that only lasted so long)

[Guest_CBTman]

1) Try unpluggig the power cord and let the power supply cool for a moment.

It may be that the internal protection inside the power supply has trigger and it will not reset until it senses that there is no AC power applied to it.

2) Get one of those cheap AT-ATX power supply testers.

They allow you to measure the voltage coming out of the power supply. This is especially critical with ATX power supplies that need to be "primed" by the motherboard.

3) Move the power supply to another PC.

If it can power the other motherboard, the problem is not the PC.

4) Go to minimum configuration

When testing your own motherboard, unplug any PCI or ISA card, including the video card.

Unplug the memory sticks.

Unplug any peripheral conneted to the motherboard.

Make sure to leave the speaker connected, though.

Upon power up, the POST should run and you should hear the speaker beeping.

The maker of your BIOS should be able to provide you with the POST beep codes.

If the speaker does not make any noise,  get ready to toss your motherboard.

5) Get a POST card

If you are curious about the nature of this problem, try using a POST card. These cards insert in a PCI or ISA slot and they tell you the status of your motherboard after the POST has run.

One of the best POST cards is the Micro2000, although there are some cheaper ones out there. Google may help you find one.

Good luck!

CBTman