Possible power supply problem (hopefully)

Well i have a HP Pavilion a1700n desktop computer :-o and while i was on it, it just randomly powered down all on its own. The green LED light by the power supply blinks rapidly and the computer doesn't power on at all. I guess im asking is it the power supply that is bad or has the motherboard been damaged also. Thanks for the responses in advance

 

Have you tried completely unplugging the power and leaving it for a few minutes? Maybe something is over heating, what were you doing at the time? Was there any lag before it shut down?

 

If that doesn't help you may want to try testing your PSU--
http://forums.majorgeeks.com/showthread.php?p=1636505#post1636505
This video will help explain what to do.

 

Yes ive unplugged it for a day now, plugged it back in and the light still flashes and it makes a ticking sound...i was typing a paper when it just shutdown and no there was no lag before it shutdown

 

What was making the ticking sound exactly?

 

the power supply was

 

Sounds like it's shorting out... I don't suggest continuing to try and use it, it may damage your hardware. Is it old?

 

id say about 4yrs old...but its already given out. my computer doesn't even turn on :cry

 

Don't you have a spare one?

 

well im going to buy one, but i just wanted to make sure it was a PSU problem and not a motherboard problem. The old one was a 300W Bestec and im thinking of getting like a 500W Antec

 

You have to be careful about HP computers and power supplies. Hp generally uses a smaller dimensioned unit so a standard ATX power supply won't fit the case.

Give the model of computer and someone can check about the size of the PSU. EDIT: I see you already gave the model number and I just checked it is a standard ATX dimensions so you are fine shopping around for a replacement from Antec or your company of choice.