Computer died - Help!

99GenX · 06-28-2008, 02:14 AM

So long story short, unplugged PC to move it and here's the scenario -

I go to plug in the PC and it will not start. If I hold the power button, the light just flickers.

- Replaced the power source with that of another PC I have.

The PC now starts but screen will not show anything (blank as if it isn't reading the screen) and there is no start-up noise (if I plug in speakers and wait, I do not hear the whole Windows XP opening chime). The PC sits there and runs but no noise/screen/etc.

This is a stock Gateway PC with integrated sound and graphics drivers. I also tried swapping out the HD with another that I know is fully functional, and that made no difference.

Any ideas?

My next idea is to swap out the motherboard but hopefully that is not the issue.

Ask questions and I will attempt to answer them to the best of my abilities.

Uranus · 06-28-2008, 03:09 AM

this happened to me, turned out the surge protector I was using was malfunctioning. I hope it's something small and stupid.

Emerald Wolf · 06-28-2008, 03:41 AM

Hard to say without seeing it....but....

Does the mother board need that supplemental power plug (it's a little 4 pin molex, with a 2x2 pattern)?

Does it make the POST beep? (It'll be one beep from the system speaker in the case right after the memory test)

Is the monitor plugged in?

Is the monitor cable securely plugged in?

Have you tried another monitor?

I would check the power socket first, then listen for the POST beep....If you don't get a POST beep, you're probably shot. It should POST whether it has a monitor on it or not.

Good luck with it....

Catchya on the Flip Side.....

Emerald Wolf -- hmmph...

Legato · 06-28-2008, 04:01 AM

are you geting good voltage out of the outlet? Have you tried plugging something else in there to see if it works. The outlet could not be putting out proper voltage, cuasing the PC to not run. It sounds like a power problem.

I feel Wolf on the beep after the POST (power on self test). You should hear one beep to know the pc is up and running right. If you hear more than that, then consult the owners manual, they will usually break down what the beeps mean. Count them. They go fast. But can tell you a lot about whats wrong.

06-28-2008, 02:14 AM	#1 (permalink)
99GenX Active Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: [919] NC Posts: 346	Computer died - Help! So long story short, unplugged PC to move it and here's the scenario - I go to plug in the PC and it will not start. If I hold the power button, the light just flickers. - Replaced the power source with that of another PC I have. The PC now starts but screen will not show anything (blank as if it isn't reading the screen) and there is no start-up noise (if I plug in speakers and wait, I do not hear the whole Windows XP opening chime). The PC sits there and runs but no noise/screen/etc. This is a stock Gateway PC with integrated sound and graphics drivers. I also tried swapping out the HD with another that I know is fully functional, and that made no difference. Any ideas? My next idea is to swap out the motherboard but hopefully that is not the issue. Ask questions and I will attempt to answer them to the best of my abilities. __________________ - Rob Large F/S/T - Marker Projects, Parts, Tanks, etc. - Growing daily. DM4 Feedback (please post if we have completed a transaction)

06-28-2008, 04:01 AM	#4 (permalink)
Legato MCB Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Milford MA Posts: 385	are you geting good voltage out of the outlet? Have you tried plugging something else in there to see if it works. The outlet could not be putting out proper voltage, cuasing the PC to not run. It sounds like a power problem. I feel Wolf on the beep after the POST (power on self test). You should hear one beep to know the pc is up and running right. If you hear more than that, then consult the owners manual, they will usually break down what the beeps mean. Count them. They go fast. But can tell you a lot about whats wrong. __________________ "The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten." -Glenn Palmer My markers that rule my life--------Immortals Paintball.com feedback on MCB - feedback on SCP - feedback on UMS Huey Freeman and Al Bundy for President in '08

06-28-2008, 03:41 AM	#3 (permalink)
Emerald Wolf Active Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Denver, Colo. Posts: 422	Hard to say without seeing it....but.... Does the mother board need that supplemental power plug (it's a little 4 pin molex, with a 2x2 pattern)? Does it make the POST beep? (It'll be one beep from the system speaker in the case right after the memory test) Is the monitor plugged in? Is the monitor cable securely plugged in? Have you tried another monitor? I would check the power socket first, then listen for the POST beep....If you don't get a POST beep, you're probably shot. It should POST whether it has a monitor on it or not. Good luck with it.... Catchya on the Flip Side..... Emerald Wolf -- hmmph...