PC no longer turning on

My computer, which is a Compaq (I can't think of the model, right now), and is running Windows XP, has stopped working. I had left the computer on stand-by for a while, and usually, after moving the mouse, the screen turns back on. However, today, I tried it and the light (which indicates whether the computer is on or on stand-by) just kept blinking, like it was on stand-by. I tried forcing the computer off and then turning it back on, only to have it do the same thing. Finally, out of frustration, and probably a bad idea, I took out the power chord from the back of the computer and plugged it back in. The light then turned red, and when I tried to turn it on, the red like would become a very faint red light, but refuse to start. Is there any way this computer can be saved? What does all this even mean?? I'd appreciate any advice.
ALSO, I wonder if I could do this without having to send it in for repair, because if I'm gonna have to pull out a good amount of money for it to be fixed, I'd rather buy a new computer.
Thanks.

 

Could be a dead PSU (power supply). I am assuming it is a desktop, not a laptop. Take off the side panel and turn it on, do you have fans running but no video, or just nothing? If the fans are spinning, then I would suspect the PSU and or the video card. If nothing is coming on at all, I say PSU. Can you borrow a PSU to try it?

I am also assuming you have made no hardware changes in the computer recently.

Good luck.

E

 

Like Fred said, it's probably the power supply. One other thing you can try: Unplug the power cord from the back and leave it unplugged for 5-10 minutes. With cord still unplugged, hold in the power switch for 30+/- seconds to discharge everything. Wait another minute or two before plugging the power cord back in- then try to power up. If you decide to open the case, unplug the power cord before opening it up, and then plug it back in after the side is removed. Safety is key here. You may want to disconnect the hard drive's data and power cables (with the main power cord unplugged) before doing any type of 'diagnostic' to be sure the hard drive doesn't short out somehow.....

hopperdave2000

 

thanks for all the replies, I'll make sure to try this out.

Also, a side question, is it possible to convert an internal hardrive to an external?

 

Yes. You need an enclosure, or just the adapter depending on how ghetto you want to be!

enclosure: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...n=Hard+Drive+Enclosure&Submit=ENE&N=0&Ntk=all

Adapter: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16822999161

E