no power from tower

[Links]

tried to turn on my desktop computer earlier in week and nothing happens! I
can hear the fan working but no power seems to reach the monitor, keyboard or
mouse! Once it came on, screen came up saying it hadnt been shut down
properly and to choose an option! It froze before I got to pick an option
and it hasnt got to that stage again. Light came on tower for that time but
not since! Has anyone got any ideas please!!! Also I hadnt used my computer
much over last few months, and used it for quite a bit over the weekend, so
could I have burnt something out?

 

[RobFJ]

You seem to have some power so you might have a loose connection, a problem
with a dust build up or a faulty component.

This may sound bizarre - but try lifting the front of the processor case up
and dropping it from about an 1"" - no more, you're trying to dislodge
dust - not break it <G>. Do the same from the back.

If that doesn't work, check for loose connections inside the case -
particularly any power leads that go to the motherboard.

Also check the obvious - eg your main power cable into the case to ensure it
hasn't worked itself loose

HTH

Rob

 

[Richard in AZ]

Worst advice I have ever seen.
Do not try jarring the dust loose.
Your Hard Drive and CD drives will hate you if you do.
If anything, use a compressed air can to blow out some dust.

I would recommend the OP take it to a reliable repair shop and have them check it out.

 

[Links]

I took the side off the tower and hoovered out the dust (very low power as
hoover bag just about full). Also checked for any wires that may be loose or
disconnected and nothing looks out of place! Think I will have to bring it
for repair.

 

[Malke]

You seem to have some power so you might have a loose connection, a
problem with a dust build up or a faulty component.

The OP could also have a failing power supply since getting a small amount
of power doesn't indicate there's nothing wrong with the PSU. It might not
have enough "juice" to get everything up and going.

This may sound bizarre - but try lifting the front of the processor case
up and dropping it from about an 1"" - no more, you're trying to dislodge
dust - not break it <G>. Do the same from the back.

OMG no! This may have worked for you but it's *very* bad advice. Far better
for the OP to simply open the tower case and carefully blow out any dust
with compressed air.

If that doesn't work, check for loose connections inside the case -
particularly any power leads that go to the motherboard.

Also check the obvious - eg your main power cable into the case to ensure
it hasn't worked itself loose

To the OP: It is extremely unlikely that you burnt anything out by not using
the computer - burning requires usage and power!

Start your hardware troubleshooting with the power supply.

http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/page2.html#Hardware_Tshoot

Standard disclaimer: I can't see and test your computer myself, so these are
just suggestions based on many years of being a professional computer tech;
suggestions based on what you've written. You should not take my
suggestions as a definitive diagnosis. Testing hardware failures often
involves swapping out suspected parts with known-good parts. If you can't
do the testing yourself and/or are uncomfortable opening your computer,
take the machine to a professional computer repair shop (not your local
equivalent of BigComputerStore/GeekSquad). If possible, have all your data
backed up before you take the machine into a shop.

Malke

 

[Links]

Thanks for reply Malke! Looked into that site and looks very interesting and
helpful! So going to try out suggestions on it now! Fingers and toes
crossed, as I could do without the expense of sending comp to shop for repair!
Thanks again

 

[Malke]

Thanks for reply Malke! Looked into that site and looks very interesting
and
helpful! So going to try out suggestions on it now! Fingers and toes
crossed, as I could do without the expense of sending comp to shop for
repair! Thanks again

You're welcome, Links. Post back if you need more help. If it's only the
power supply then that is an easy and inexpensive repair. Just remember to
always have the computer *unplugged* as well as off when you work on it and
ground yourself by touching a metal component on the case first. Or use a
grounding strap.

Malke

 

[Lil' Dave]

tried to turn on my desktop computer earlier in week and nothing happens!
I
can hear the fan working but no power seems to reach the monitor, keyboard
or
mouse! Once it came on, screen came up saying it hadnt been shut down
properly and to choose an option! It froze before I got to pick an option
and it hasnt got to that stage again. Light came on tower for that time
but
not since! Has anyone got any ideas please!!! Also I hadnt used my
computer
much over last few months, and used it for quite a bit over the weekend,
so
could I have burnt something out?

Aside from the obvious, good luck getting the desktop (or is it a tower)
working....

Pneumatic hose blowing or common home vacuum cleaners produce static
electricity that can destroy your motherboard and/or add-on cards at the
component level.
Dave