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Computer won't start

ElJeffeElJeffe Registered User, ClubPA regular
edited July 2007 in Help / Advice Forum
So I turned on my computer yesterday, it started to boot up, and then after maybe 10 seconds, it completely shut itself down. After that, hitting the power switch did nothing - it wouldn't even try. If I power down with the master switch and then turn it back on, it will perform another attempt, but usually it doesn't even last long enough to get the fans spinning - it just craps out.

There's some power getting to the mobo, at least, because the light indicating that it's getting power is on, as well as the post code indicators (which give codes either for "boot attempt" or "save all data in stack back to CMOS" after each boot attempt). Also, after an attempt, there's a very faint beeping, that you have to stick your head into the case to actually hear.

So... what's up? I've pretty much exhausted my store of troubleshooting prowess. Is my mobo dead? Power supply failing? Gremlins?

I submitted an entry to Lego Ideas, and if 10,000 people support me, it'll be turned into an actual Lego set!If you'd like to see and support my submission, follow this link.
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Posts

  • Spike.3007Spike.3007 Registered User regular
    edited July 2007
    My aunts computer did this a while ago, all we needed was to replace the fan... maybe its overheating? I havent done troubleshooting since I was taking it as a class in HS like 3 years ago...

    edit: better yet, maybe something overheated and is now failing...

    Spike.3007 on
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  • ElJeffeElJeffe Registered User, ClubPA regular
    edited July 2007
    How would I even go about checking for something like that, short of finding a second computer to plu each component into, in turn?

    ElJeffe on
    I submitted an entry to Lego Ideas, and if 10,000 people support me, it'll be turned into an actual Lego set!If you'd like to see and support my submission, follow this link.
  • Spike.3007Spike.3007 Registered User regular
    edited July 2007
    Yeah guess everyones not like my dad, I can look around and count at least 13 PCs and a couple Laptops... and I dont quite remember how we came to that conclusion... I believe it was the power supply fan and it was full of dust so try cleaning that out... honestly though i dont think im much help but i tried...

    Spike.3007 on
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  • ElJeffeElJeffe Registered User, ClubPA regular
    edited July 2007
    Heh, the effort is appreciated. I tried blowing everything out and cleaning everything off, but to no avail.

    ElJeffe on
    I submitted an entry to Lego Ideas, and if 10,000 people support me, it'll be turned into an actual Lego set!If you'd like to see and support my submission, follow this link.
  • Sci-Fi WasabiSci-Fi Wasabi Registered User regular
    edited July 2007
    That really sounds like a failing/failed power supply. I wouldn't be surprised if it blew the next few times you tried booting it up.

    When my power supply died I'd have to try a few times to get into windows but as long as I kept the computer on and didn't restart or turn it off, it'd be fine. Then one day I hit the power button and POOF. Que smoke and sparks and stuff. Not very fun.

    Definitely try to borrow a spare power supply.

    Sci-Fi Wasabi on
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  • Spike.3007Spike.3007 Registered User regular
    edited July 2007
    dont live in tucson AZ by any chance do you? cause i have a spare

    Spike.3007 on
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  • ElJeffeElJeffe Registered User, ClubPA regular
    edited July 2007
    I swapped out the power supply, and now all is well. Thanks, guys.

    ElJeffe on
    I submitted an entry to Lego Ideas, and if 10,000 people support me, it'll be turned into an actual Lego set!If you'd like to see and support my submission, follow this link.
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