Solve : Computer doesn't even start?

1.	Solve : Computer doesn't even start?
Answer» Here's a good link for troubleshooting your power supply: Power Supply Troubleshooting Quote from: Candora on June 28, 2008, 11:06:12 AM Quote from: drmsucks on June 28, 2008, 10:33:05 AM EDIT: Also, does the power supply fan work when you turn the computer on? When I press it now, no. But before, yes. What do you mean by this? Quote from: drmsucks on June 28, 2008, 10:52:54 AM Move the voltage selector switch to change voltage - then slide it back to the correct voltage for you. On the back of the computer where the power cord plugs in - see if there is a (red) voltage selector switch; if so, note the numbers on it (e.g. 110), slide it back and forth but be sure to end with the same number that you started with. If there is no switch - don't worry about it. Did you do the other steps? What happens now? Before I had this problem, the fan turned on evey time I started it up. But now, with the problem, the computer won't even start up. No power =/ And to slide it back, do I have to unscrew the back? I see it with a number of 115. I did the other steps, but I held the Power on for 10 seconds and nothing happenedFrom HP's support website about that power supply (which is why I asked for the model ): Quote Power supply light on or flashes Perform the following steps, in order, until power is restored or it is determined that there is a hardware failure: CAUTION: This product contains components that are easily damaged by ElectroStatic Discharge (ESD). To reduce the chance of ESD damage, work over a non-carpeted floor, use a static dissipative work surface (like a conductive foam pad), and wear an ESD wrist strap that is connected to a grounded surface, like the metal frame of a PC. 1. Disconnect everything from the computer, including the power cord. 2. With the power cord disconnected , press the power button on the front of the computer for five seconds. Plug in the power cord and test to see if the computer can turn on. If not, continue using these steps. NOTE: If the power supply fan makes an inconsistent grinding sound or stops and starts erratically, replace the power supply 3. With the power cord removed, flip the red voltage selector switch to the opposite position. Wait about five seconds, and then switch the red voltage selector switch back to its original location. Ensure that the voltage selector switch is on the correct setting, 115V for North America. Performing this step ensures that the voltage switch is engaged and set correctly for your country/region. Oh, and here is the full page of power troubleshooting for your model: http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?docname=bph06788&lc=en&cc=us&lang=&rule=21100&product=405437&dlc= Quote from: Candora on June 28, 2008, 11:36:02 AM And to slide it back, do I have to unscrew the back? I see it with a number of 115. I did the other steps, but I held the Power on for 10 seconds and nothing happened No, you shouldn't unscrew the back. Just skip this step. Let's verify that the computer is plugged into a known good wall outlet - not into a power strip, surge protector or UPS. Assuming the above, my next step would be to rule out the computer power switch. If you are comfortable with going inside your computer case, UNPLUG the computer and remove the side access panel. Trace the wires from the on switch down to the motherboard connection. Follow the guide that Saviour linked to MOMENTARILY short the motherboard power switch connection. (You'll need to plug in the computer to do this, of course - be very careful what you touch inside.) Post back your results.Didn't see Quaxo's link before I posted - I would suggest ruling out the power switch (per my post above) then following Quaxo's link to complete troubleshooting. Be very careful when dis (re) connecting the internal power cables. In the event that you need a power supply replacement, post back here and we'll guide you through! Good luck! Quote from: drmsucks on June 28, 2008, 12:04:14 PM Didn't see Quaxo's link before I posted - I would suggest ruling out the power switch (per my post above) then following Quaxo's link to complete troubleshooting. I actually edited and added in the link to the complete page. Probably why you missed it the first time Nothing has worked so far. I tried not to do the steps involving me going into the motherboard itself since I've never done it before and I'm afraidCandora, Besides the little green light that you see on the rear of your tower are there any other devices emitting light,such as the mouse,the keyboard,or any other devices that are plugged externally to the computer?truenorth Quote from: Candora on June 28, 2008, 04:05:24 PM Nothing has worked so far. I tried not to do the steps involving me going into the motherboard itself since I've never done it before and I'm afraid OK - good choice; do you, perhaps, have a friend or relative who is more familiar? More than likely your power supply is bad (answer Truenorth's question - and sounds, fan noises or anything?) and we'll have a better idea. The 'easiest' way to tell is to plug in a new (different) psu (power supply unit) and see if the computer starts - hence, the idea of a friend who might help. Additionally, IF the psu is bad, you (friend!) can replace it for ≈$50; if you have to take it to a repair shop, it will be much more than that. Quote from: truenorth on June 28, 2008, 04:40:50 PM Candora, Besides the little green light that you see on the rear of your tower are there any other devices emitting light,such as the mouse,the keyboard,or any other devices that are plugged externally to the computer?truenorth Only thing is the MONITOR, wireless router, modem, and speakers. And drmsucks, I might. I'll see what they can do. No noises. But before this incident, the fan was pretty loud. Quote from: Candora on June 28, 2008, 07:58:33 PM Quote from: truenorth on June 28, 2008, 04:40:50 PM Candora, Besides the little green light that you see on the rear of your tower are there any other devices emitting light,such as the mouse,the keyboard,or any other devices that are plugged externally to the computer?truenorth Only thing is the monitor, wireless router, modem, and speakers. And drmsucks, I might. I'll see what they can do. No noises. But before this incident, the fan was pretty loud. Okay - none of those items you mentioned pull power from the computer. And, if the computer has a loud fan which you now can't hear, it is an indication that the fan isn't getting power. If you have someone who can help, I would suggest ruling out the power switch, as we discussed above, then finishing the HP Troubleshooting guide that Quaxo linked to, i.e., remove the power leads from all of the internal devices and 'read' the green light code. If a friend has access to a known good PSU, perhaps he could try that as well. If there is anything else that we can do here, please post back and someone will be glad to help. And, please let us know you make out. Best of luck! Candora,There still are a couple of things that on LINE computer repair types suggest to try such as removing the RAM and reinstalling it. However it sure is beginning to indicate rather conclusively that your problem is the failure of your power supply unit or at the very least the fan that cools it.However i doubt the fan as it should fire for at least a moment until the failed fan is detected so it strongly leans to the PSU itself.This item as drmsucks suggests is a relatively easy onesself repair particularly if you have a little guidance. This might be a great time to start doing some internal examination and replacement of internal components to overcome a possible fear of doing so. Component replacement (except perhaps for motherboards and cpu's are relatively east to accomplish.goodluck,keep us posted as to your progress.truenorthI think its the Power Supply, there not to costly. You can take it down to a tech an they will put in one or you can get one ordered from the site of the make of your pc an then have the tech put it in to save money.

Answer»

Here's a good link for troubleshooting your power supply: Power Supply Troubleshooting
Quote from: Candora on June 28, 2008, 11:06:12 AM

Quote from: drmsucks on June 28, 2008, 10:33:05 AM
EDIT: Also, does the power supply fan work when you turn the computer on?

When I press it now, no. But before, yes.

What do you mean by this?

Quote from: drmsucks on June 28, 2008, 10:52:54 AM

Move the voltage selector switch to change voltage - then slide it back to the correct voltage for you.

On the back of the computer where the power cord plugs in - see if there is a (red) voltage selector switch; if so, note the numbers on it (e.g. 110), slide it back and forth but be sure to end with the same number that you started with.

If there is no switch - don't worry about it.

Did you do the other steps? What happens now?

Before I had this problem, the fan turned on evey time I started it up. But now, with the problem, the computer won't even start up. No power =/

And to slide it back, do I have to unscrew the back? I see it with a number of 115. I did the other steps, but I held the Power on for 10 seconds and nothing happenedFrom HP's support website about that power supply (which is why I asked for the model ):
Quote

Power supply light on or flashes
Perform the following steps, in order, until power is restored or it is determined that there is a hardware failure:
CAUTION: This product contains components that are easily damaged by ElectroStatic Discharge (ESD). To reduce the chance of ESD damage, work over a non-carpeted floor, use a static dissipative work surface (like a conductive foam pad), and wear an ESD wrist strap that is connected to a grounded surface, like the metal frame of a PC.

1.
Disconnect everything from the computer, including the power cord.
2.
With the power cord disconnected , press the power button on the front of the computer for five seconds.
Plug in the power cord and test to see if the computer can turn on. If not, continue using these steps.
NOTE: If the power supply fan makes an inconsistent grinding sound or stops and starts erratically, replace the power supply
3.
With the power cord removed, flip the red voltage selector switch to the opposite position. Wait about five seconds, and then switch the red voltage selector switch back to its original location. Ensure that the voltage selector switch is on the correct setting, 115V for North America.
Performing this step ensures that the voltage switch is engaged and set correctly for your country/region.

Oh, and here is the full page of power troubleshooting for your model:
http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?docname=bph06788&lc=en&cc=us&lang=&rule=21100&product=405437&dlc= Quote from: Candora on June 28, 2008, 11:36:02 AM

And to slide it back, do I have to unscrew the back? I see it with a number of 115. I did the other steps, but I held the Power on for 10 seconds and nothing happened

No, you shouldn't unscrew the back. Just skip this step.

Let's verify that the computer is plugged into a known good wall outlet - not into a power strip, surge protector or UPS.

Assuming the above, my next step would be to rule out the computer power switch. If you are comfortable with going inside your computer case, UNPLUG the computer and remove the side access panel. Trace the wires from the on switch down to the motherboard connection. Follow the guide that Saviour linked to MOMENTARILY short the motherboard power switch connection. (You'll need to plug in the computer to do this, of course - be very careful what you touch inside.)

Post back your results.Didn't see Quaxo's link before I posted - I would suggest ruling out the power switch (per my post above) then following Quaxo's link to complete troubleshooting.

Be very careful when dis (re) connecting the internal power cables.

In the event that you need a power supply replacement, post back here and we'll guide you through!

Good luck! Quote from: drmsucks on June 28, 2008, 12:04:14 PM

Didn't see Quaxo's link before I posted - I would suggest ruling out the power switch (per my post above) then following Quaxo's link to complete troubleshooting.

I actually edited and added in the link to the complete page. Probably why you missed it the first time Nothing has worked so far. I tried not to do the steps involving me going into the motherboard itself since I've never done it before and I'm afraidCandora, Besides the little green light that you see on the rear of your tower are there any other devices emitting light,such as the mouse,the keyboard,or any other devices that are plugged externally to the computer?truenorth Quote from: Candora on June 28, 2008, 04:05:24 PM

Nothing has worked so far. I tried not to do the steps involving me going into the motherboard itself since I've never done it before and I'm afraid

OK - good choice; do you, perhaps, have a friend or relative who is more familiar? More than likely your power supply is bad (answer Truenorth's question - and sounds, fan noises or anything?) and we'll have a better idea.

The 'easiest' way to tell is to plug in a new (different) psu (power supply unit) and see if the computer starts - hence, the idea of a friend who might help. Additionally, IF the psu is bad, you (friend!) can replace it for ≈$50; if you have to take it to a repair shop, it will be much more than that. Quote from: truenorth on June 28, 2008, 04:40:50 PM

Candora, Besides the little green light that you see on the rear of your tower are there any other devices emitting light,such as the mouse,the keyboard,or any other devices that are plugged externally to the computer?truenorth

Only thing is the MONITOR, wireless router, modem, and speakers.

And drmsucks, I might. I'll see what they can do. No noises. But before this incident, the fan was pretty loud. Quote from: Candora on June 28, 2008, 07:58:33 PM

Quote from: truenorth on June 28, 2008, 04:40:50 PM
Candora, Besides the little green light that you see on the rear of your tower are there any other devices emitting light,such as the mouse,the keyboard,or any other devices that are plugged externally to the computer?truenorth

Only thing is the monitor, wireless router, modem, and speakers.

And drmsucks, I might. I'll see what they can do. No noises. But before this incident, the fan was pretty loud.

Okay - none of those items you mentioned pull power from the computer. And, if the computer has a loud fan which you now can't hear, it is an indication that the fan isn't getting power.

If you have someone who can help, I would suggest ruling out the power switch, as we discussed above, then finishing the HP Troubleshooting guide that Quaxo linked to, i.e., remove the power leads from all of the internal devices and 'read' the green light code. If a friend has access to a known good PSU, perhaps he could try that as well.

If there is anything else that we can do here, please post back and someone will be glad to help. And, please let us know you make out.

Best of luck! Candora,There still are a couple of things that on LINE computer repair types suggest to try such as removing the RAM and reinstalling it. However it sure is beginning to indicate rather conclusively that your problem is the failure of your power supply unit or at the very least the fan that cools it.However i doubt the fan as it should fire for at least a moment until the failed fan is detected so it strongly leans to the PSU itself.This item as drmsucks suggests is a relatively easy onesself repair particularly if you have a little guidance. This might be a great time to start doing some internal examination and replacement of internal components to overcome a possible fear of doing so. Component replacement (except perhaps for motherboards and cpu's are relatively east to accomplish.goodluck,keep us posted as to your progress.truenorthI think its the Power Supply, there not to costly. You can take it down to a tech an they will put in one or you can get one ordered from the site of the make of your pc an then have the tech put it in to save money.

Solve : Computer doesn't even start?

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