NationStates Jolt Archive

When I left for college about 4 months ago my PC worked perfectly fine. I did not take it to school with me and when I left I completely unplugged it to keep it from getting fried in case the power did something weird. However in spite of my best intentions my computer will not start- at all. Yes I have checked to see that it is plugged in. So great tech people of NS what is my problem? :confused:

I had a similar problem a while ago. Turns out that something in the PSU fried when I plugged it back in for some reason, a spark or something, I don't know.

A new power supply fixed that.

your PC is four months old now.

:p

Have you checked if the plug switch is on?

I'm confused by the "did not take it to school with me". Is this a notebook or a desktop computer we're talking about?

I'm confused by the "did not take it to school with me". Is this a notebook or a desktop computer we're talking about?
A Desk top that I built

Have you checked if the plug switch is on?
Yep I have and it is

your PC is four months old now.

:p
Yay :)

I had a similar problem a while ago. Turns out that something in the PSU fried when I plugged it back in for some reason, a spark or something, I don't know.

A new power supply fixed that.

I just built the computer this summer so its a brand new power supply and i know there was not spark when I plugged it back in

A Desk top that I builtWe recently had a problem where our computer wouldn't start up. It turned out to be a clogged fan. Not sure if that helps.

When I left for college about 4 months ago my PC worked perfectly fine. I did not take it to school with me and when I left I completely unplugged it to keep it from getting fried in case the power did something weird. However in spite of my best intentions my computer will not start- at all. Yes I have checked to see that it is plugged in. So great tech people of NS what is my problem? :confused:

Your little sister has stripped all the parts out. Check inside the case ...

Though seriously, and noting that you built it yourself so won't have a problem fiddling with it a bit ... possible corrosion in the power connectors. Reseat them, particularly the wide one to the mainboard. A good PSU should have a replacable fuse, you could check that.

Your little sister has stripped all the parts out. Check inside the case ...

Though seriously, and noting that you built it yourself so won't have a problem fiddling with it a bit ... possible corrosion in the power connectors. Reseat them, particularly the wide one to the mainboard. A good PSU should have a replacable fuse, you could check that.
I've reset the cables to every thing but its not helped, I'll look for the fuse though.

http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o182/Antikythera_/082.jpg

http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o182/Antikythera_/081.jpg

Ahh, there's your problem - it's a giant fracking mess >_>

I've reset the cables to every thing but its not helped, I'll look for the fuse though.

*snip PC porn*

That's really pretty!

Looks like a Super Flower, good PSU if so. They didn't have the blue one in stock when I bought mine, so my PC glows all girly pink. :mad:

You could try locating the power-on jumpers and shorting them directly (it's just signal power, won't zap ya) in case it's a problem with the power button.

I suppose it's out of the question that someone used it while you were away?

EDIT: And, not to insult your memory, but is it possible you removed some critical part (CPU?) to keep anyone from using it?

Ahh, there's your problem - it's a giant fracking mess >_>

:( it is not..thats the way it supposed to be :)

That's really pretty!

Looks like a Super Flower, good PSU if so. They didn't have the blue one in stock when I bought mine, so my PC glows all girly pink. :mad:

You could try locating the power-on jumpers and shorting them directly (it's just signal power, won't zap ya) in case it's a problem with the power button.

I suppose it's out of the question that someone used it while you were away?

EDIT: And, not to insult your memory, but is it possible you removed some critical part (CPU?) to keep anyone from using it?

ok here is the PSU
http://www.isitoday.com/cgi-bin/isi/PS-OKIA-450ATX.html

and all the parts are there..the CPU is under the copper thing on the motherboard

ok here is the PSU
http://www.isitoday.com/cgi-bin/isi/PS-OKIA-450ATX.html

and all the parts are there..the CPU is under the copper thing on the motherboard

1) Check power socket is not dodgy - ie use another one. Had that happen to me with a bad power socket
2) Check power connector cable is not bad ie use another one
3) Make sure video connector is not loose (sometimes no video does not mean the PC is not working, video connectors fall out) or broken pins on the video cable
4) PSU looks like cheapie OEM chinese brand to me ...

Right, does the PSU fan spin at all?

1) Check power socket is not dodgy - ie use another one. Had that happen to me with a bad power socket
2) Check power connector cable is not bad ie use another one
3) Make sure video connector is not loose (sometimes no video does not mean the PC is not working, video connectors fall out) or broken pins on the video cable
4) PSU looks like cheapie OEM chinese brand to me ...

Right, does the PSU fan spin at all?

Power sockets working
power cable should be good, I've tried two
Video's not the issue

the computer does not turn on at all, push the power button and nothing happens no beeps, nothing spins, nothing lights up.
its completely dead.

3) Make sure video connector is not loose (sometimes no video does not mean the PC is not working, video connectors fall out) or broken pins on the video cable.

If those pics are the rig we're talking about, the fans going around would be ... pretty noticable.

We'd better mention the standby power LED on the mainboard. That should light up even before the power button has been pressed.

4) PSU looks like cheapie OEM chinese brand to me ...

Yes, the link doesn't seem to show the same PSU at all. (1)no coloured finish (2) no 5-1/2 inch fan (3) no jacket on mainboard power wires.

I'm very pleased with the Super Flower. Still giving power within very tight tolerances, after three years.

the fuse on the PSU is good is not broken theres a little corrosion on the out side of it but the filament is still good.

Power sockets working
power cable should be good, I've tried two
Video's not the issue

the computer does not turn on at all, push the power button and nothing happens no beeps, nothing spins, nothing lights up.
its completely dead.

Power supply is dead ... get a new one. Can you get a replacement for free?
I had a cheapie 400W PSU, when it died it took out my motherboard and a memory chip.

From experience, it's either the PSU or motherboard.

Try clearing the CMOS. Disconnect the power cable (well duh, as always before touching the hardware) and remove the battery on the motherboard. To make sure the motherboard is really drained of all power short circuit the 2 pins in the battery holder with a metal screwdriver for a minute before putting the battery back and reconnecting the power cable. If it does start after that enter the BIOS settings and set the clock again.

To figure out which part is at fault disconnect everything except the necessary parts PSU, motherboard, CPU with fan, 1 memory, graphics card, monitor and keyboard. If it starts and you can enter the BIOS settings with that setup then reconnect the parts one at a time and try again to see which part caused the computer to not start. If it still doesn't start replace the used parts one at a time to see which of them is at fault.

If those pics are the rig we're talking about, the fans going around would be ... pretty noticable.

We'd better mention the standby power LED on the mainboard. That should light up even before the power button has been pressed.


Yes, the link doesn't seem to show the same PSU at all. (1)no coloured finish (2) no 5-1/2 inch fan (3) no jacket on mainboard power wires.

I'm very pleased with the Super Flower. Still giving power within very tight tolerances, after three years.

oops heres the correct PSU http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817162013

the light on the mainboard will some times flash on for a half a second but not always and never longer than half a second

Then how are you typing this. I've noticied a lot of people talking about how there coputers broken yet there posting.

Anyway its one of those things were no matter how computer savy you are you just have to call Microsoft Tech Support or Geek Squad or someone.

Try clearing the CMOS. Disconnect the power cable (well duh, as always before touching the hardware) and remove the battery on the motherboard. To make sure the motherboard is really drained of all power short circuit the 2 pins in the battery holder with a metal screwdriver for a minute before putting the battery back and reconnecting the power cable. If it does start after that enter the BIOS settings and set the clock again.

To figure out which part is at fault disconnect everything except the necessary parts PSU, motherboard, CPU with fan, 1 memory, graphics card, monitor and keyboard. If it starts and you can enter the BIOS settings with that setup then reconnect the parts one at a time and try again to see which part caused the computer to not start. If it still doesn't start replace the used parts one at a time to see which of them is at fault.

I cant get the thing to turn on so Im not sure that will help...

Then how are you typing this. I've noticied a lot of people talking about how there coputers broken yet there posting.

Anyway its one of those things were no matter how computer savy you are you just have to call Microsoft Tech Support or Geek Squad or someone.

In my case, I am the tech support at my workplace ... :p

From experience, it's the PSU that blow up first in most cases unless the motherboard goes too.

Then how are you typing this. I've noticied a lot of people talking about how there coputers broken yet there posting.As one of those: Not having a computer of your own doesn't prevent you from using one from a different family member or a university computer.

Then how are you typing this. I've noticied a lot of people talking about how there coputers broken yet there posting.

Anyway its one of those things were no matter how computer savy you are you just have to call Microsoft Tech Support or Geek Squad or someone.

Im on my lap top:)

Its running Ubuntu..well when its on it is anyway...:p

oops heres the correct PSU http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817162013

Well, it's pretty. But it's cheap, too.

The most recent PSU I bought was an Antec HE. Years of experience have taught me not to go cheap on the PSU ... when they go they can take other stuff (or everything) with them.

the light on the mainboard will some times flash on for a half a second but not always and never longer than half a second

I'd say that's the problem. I don't suppose you have a cruddy old board to test it on ...? The four-pin plug to the motherboard isn't necessary to test it, could be an old P3 board for instance.

I think it's possible to test the PSU without a board at all. I'll get back to you in a few minutes when I've tried it myself.

Im on my lap top:)

Its running Ubuntu..well when its on it is anyway...:p

PS - Fixing laptops is less fun than desktops ... :p

As one of those: Not having a computer of your own doesn't prevent you from using one from a different family member or a university computer.

Yeah but didn't figured people would NSG on it. I mean I figured the'd have better things to do.

PS - Fixing laptops is less fun than desktops ... :p

Yeah, easier to take apart/put back together.

Yeah but didn't figured people would NSG on it. I mean I figured the'd have better things to do.Can't play NWN2: MotB on this computer =/

Then how are you typing this. I've noticied a lot of people talking about how there coputers broken yet there posting.

Anyway its one of those things were no matter how computer savy you are you just have to call Microsoft Tech Support or Geek Squad or someone.
Not Microsoft, it can't be an OS issue since the OS doesn't come into the picture until after the BIOS is done powering up and performing POST. This is a case for the motherboard manufacturer's support since the OP built the computer themselves. It would be a case for the computer manufacturer's support for those who bought a pre-built computer. The store where they bought the stuff is always an option too.

I cant get the thing to turn on so Im not sure that will help...
True, the CMOS thing often helps when the fans spin but nothing else happens but not when there is no fan spin either, still it's good to try just in case it could help. The remove/replace parts thing always has a chance to help with powerup problems though.

From current information, either PSU or motherboard.
I hate changing motherboards!

Check the warranties on both and see if you can get a replacement.

In my case, I am the tech support at my workplace ... :p

From experience, it's the PSU that blow up first in most cases unless the motherboard goes too.

Yeah but even when your in IT sometimes things are just mysteries.

Yeah but even when your in IT sometimes things are just mysteries.

Yeah, like my laptop. USB ports refused to work! Turned out to be a static built-up on the USB ports which slowly removed when I got home.

oops heres the correct PSU http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817162013

the light on the mainboard will some times flash on for a half a second but not always and never longer than half a second

It's still possible that the mainboard has failed (physical stress from where the heat-sink is clamped on, for instance.) A complete short could be causing the PSU to cut out as soon as it tries to supply standby power. This doesn't seem very likely to me.

Ruby City makes a good suggestion. Disconnect everything you don't need in case one of them is shorted. No HD, DVD drive, no fans except the CPU cooler (consider downgrading that if you have a lower-spec one, of course don't run the CPU bare) ... I think you can pull out that big graphics card too. Power off at the wall first, that should reset any soft protection the PSU may have (they can cut out in a smart fashion in many cases, before blowing a fuse.)

But most likely, the PSU is dead. Standby power is a pretty small amount compared to the current the CPU needs, so if the standby power LED isn't lighting up when the rig is plugged in (and switch on it ON) then the PSU is likely dead.

I have a way of testing the PSU without a board, but people will scream at me for suggesting it. Just tried it with a spare PSU, and I'm still alive ...

==============

In my case, I am the tech support at my workplace ... :p

From experience, it's the PSU that blow up first in most cases unless the motherboard goes too.

Yes, but it's an odd case because the computer has been unplugged for months. Capacitors fail over time, but there's usually heat involved ...

From current information, either PSU or motherboard.
I hate changing motherboards!

Check the warranties on both and see if you can get a replacement.

the mother board is also brand new an MSI NEO3-F 945p 775

It's still possible that the mainboard has failed (physical stress from where the heat-sink is clamped on, for instance.) A complete short could be causing the PSU to cut out as soon as it tries to supply standby power. This doesn't seem very likely to me.

Ruby City makes a good suggestion. Disconnect everything you don't need in case one of them is shorted. No HD, DVD drive, no fans except the CPU cooler (consider downgrading that if you have a lower-spec one, of course don't run the CPU bare) ... I think you can pull out that big graphics card too. Power off at the wall first, that should reset any soft protection the PSU may have (they can cut out in a smart fashion in many cases, before blowing a fuse.)

But most likely, the PSU is dead. Standby power is a pretty small amount compared to the current the CPU needs, so if the standby power LED isn't lighting up when the rig is plugged in (and switch on it ON) then the PSU is likely dead.

I have a way of testing the PSU without a board, but people will scream at me for suggesting it. Just tried it with a spare PSU, and I'm still alive ...

==============



Yes, but it's an odd case because the computer has been unplugged for months. Capacitors fail over time, but there's usually heat involved ...
ok just tried the unplugging everything and still nothing...so i guess you guys are right about it being the PSU:(

the mother board is also brand new an MSI NEO3-F 945p 775

Should be in warranty then should the mobo have failed.
EDIT: Better PSU fail than a mobo

I have one of these PSU's
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151027

Powers a dual-core Opteron 165 (Socket 939) and 7600GT video card. Motherboard is a sucky Foxconn micro ATX though.
I run 4 external fans not including the CPU and chipset one.

Should be in warranty then should the mobo have failed.
EDIT: Better PSU fail than a mobo
true.
well I'll get a new PSU and see if that fixes the problem

Thanks every one for all your help and ideas :):fluffle:

Then how are you typing this. I've noticied a lot of people talking about how there coputers broken yet there posting.

Anyway its one of those things were no matter how computer savy you are you just have to call Microsoft Tech Support or Geek Squad or someone.

There is more than one computer in the world. Hell, there are four computers within five feet of me as I type -- and yes, I'm home.

Good lord, why would someone who can build their own computer throw away money on Micro$oft Tech Unsupport, or Geek Squad?

Then how are you typing this. I've noticied a lot of people talking about how there coputers broken yet there posting.

Anyway its one of those things were no matter how computer savy you are you just have to call Microsoft Tech Support or Geek Squad or someone.

1) As stated a lot here have multiple computers I have 9 physical myself
2) The only thing I call MS for is for their server grade products that are very clearly operating in a manor in a production environment that there is no realistic work around for
3) Not everyone has to, and most assuredly not something at a home user level.

Geek $$$$quad?
Fixed it.