Power problem

[Steve Paddock]

Not exactly a Vista issue, but as my OS, I thought I'd take a chance.

The PC that my Grandchildren use has just lost all power. This was after a
straightforward powerdown/up. There is no power to anything, case fans, disk
drives etc. I have so far ruled out, fuse in plug, plug socket and finally
power supply on the PC - I've swopped that with one I know is working. All
connections on the MB are secure and there is nothing in the MB manual.

Anyone any ideas please.

Thanks,

Steve

 

[Mickey Mouse]

If you have checked your connections, then it's time to replace the power
supply. Don't go less than 400W. How did you rule out the power supply.
1 Power (mains) to the power supply
2 Power supply to the motherboard
3 Motherboard to the CPU
4 Motherboard to peripherals
Does the fan on the CPU start up, No? Probably the power supply.
Does anything at all appear to have power, No? Probably the power supply
If you throw a glass of water in there does it go bang Yes? Definitely now a
power supply problem.

Mickey

 

[Mike Hall - MVP]

Not exactly a Vista issue, but as my OS, I thought I'd take a chance.

The PC that my Grandchildren use has just lost all power. This was after a
straightforward powerdown/up. There is no power to anything, case fans,
disk drives etc. I have so far ruled out, fuse in plug, plug socket and
finally power supply on the PC - I've swopped that with one I know is
working. All connections on the MB are secure and there is nothing in the
MB manual.

Anyone any ideas please.

Thanks,

Steve

Your next project may be to change out the motherboard..

--
Mike Hall - MVP
How to construct a good post..
http://dts-l.com/goodpost.htm
How to use the Microsoft Product Support Newsgroups..
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?pr=newswhelp&style=toc
Mike's Window - My Blog..
http://msmvps.com/blogs/mikehall/default.aspx

 

[w_tom]

The PC that my Grandchildren use has just lost all power. This was after a
straightforward powerdown/up. There is no power to anything, case fans, disk
drives etc. I have so far ruled out, fuse in plug, plug socket and finallypower
supplyon the PC - I've swopped that with one I know is working. All
connections on the MB are secure and there is nothing in the MB manual.

From information provided, no one can answer with anything but wild
speculation. The simplest answer and only one that will also elicit
replies from the better informed means using a meter (so ubiquitous
and simple as to be sold even in K-mart and Lowes - best price may be
Wal-Mart). A less than two minute procedure is "When your computer
dies without warning....." starting 6 Feb 2007 in the newsgroup
alt.windows-xp at:
http://tinyurl.com/yvf9vh
Connector chart to locate each color:
http://www.hardwarebook.net/connector/power/atxpower.html

In your case, most important information is from purple, green, and
gray wire both before and when power switch is pressed. Post those 3
digit numbers here. A power supply 'system' is more than just a
supply. Power controller could be defective. Switch could have gone
bad. Perfectly good supply in one system may be complete defective in
another. Power cord defective. All that and more answered in but a
minute by taking numbers with the meter.

The best procedure is the only one that provided definitive
answers. It is also the fastest solution. Don't shotgun.

 

[Steve Paddock]

Thanks for all the hints and tips - really appreciated

Being an electronic/electrical numb nuts, I have ruled out the option of
using a meter. I am more likely to cause more damage than fix anything.

I have acquired a second hand mother board which I will give a go now.

I will post back the result

Steve

 

[Colin Barnhorst]

Thanks for all the hints and tips - really appreciated

Being an electronic/electrical numb nuts, I have ruled out the option of
using a meter. I am more likely to cause more damage than fix anything.

I have acquired a second hand mother board which I will give a go now.

I will post back the result

Steve

I suggest you replace both

 

[Steve Paddock]

Problem now resolved. A third Power Supply did the trick (second one was
faulty as well!!)

Many thanks for the help and advice

 

[w_tom]

Being an electronic/electrical numb nuts, I have ruled out the option of
using a meter. I am more likely to cause more damage than fix anything.

Far more dangerous is swapping a power supply or replacing a
motherboard. Using a multimeter is about the least dangerous task.
Even disconnecting an AC power cord can be more hazardous.

Why use the meter? First, it is the least likely suggestion to
create more damage. Damage using the meter is all but immpossible.
More damage by doing other suggestions can make problems exponentially
more complex. Second, a multimeter provides useful answers faster
than any other suggestion. And third, a digital multimeter means
those who really know computers can post a useful answer.

A third power supply was installed. Is it working? A defective
power supply can still boot a computer. Only way to know: 30 seconds
with a multimeter. Was that second supply defective - or just not
sufficient for your one system? Had the meter measured that second
supply before removing it, then you would know whether to trash that
second supply or keep it for another computer.

If a meter scares you, then never touch an Ipod or cell phone. Both
are far more complex, cost significantly more, and are just as
likely to create harmful damage. A multimeter is about as difficult
to use as a hammer. Ironically, it is sold in stores that also sell
hammers because the meter is that simple.