Computer not booting

When I press the power button, nothing happens. I've tried tingling a bit around with the cables, but haven't yet done anything bigger. What should I start to try first?

 

When you say nothing happens do you mean absolutely nothing?

No lights no noises at all?


If so, then have you tried the basics like the fuse in the power lead to the PC?

Try a different lead.

It's also worth reseating your RAM (take it out and put it back in again)

Try that for starters.

 

That is right.

Umm, the small I/O switch usually near the power cord? My computer for some reason doesn't have that.

Didn't work.

 

I mean the fuse in the actual power cable.

Not sure where you are but in the UK all plugs on the end of cables have a fuse, these stop working easily, and are justas easily replaced.

 

Q, is saying to make sure the outlet works OK. Try plugging something else into the same outlet you are using and see that it is getting power. (Edit: or maybe not. I didn't know about cords having fuses in UK )

Is there any burnt plastic type smell coming from the holes near where the cord connects to the PC.

 

There should be a green ready light on your motherboard burning to show that you have power getting to it.
Is there?

 

Doesn't work, and no.

Finland. We don't have those.

Cannot see one. Didn't know that there even is one, and I have opened this case before (while it is working)

 

This is what a typical UK power plug looks like, the red bit in the middle is where a little fuse goes (about 2.5cm long)


http://image.ec21.com/image/shenji1985/OF0004760710_2/Sell_British_UK_plug_with_fuse_AC_power_cord_VDE_BSI_ROHS_PAHS.jpg


If you don't have a fuse in the plug, then i would assume they are in the socket as sach suggested, i have also seen them fitted into the PC themselves as an extra precaution here aswell.


******************

Edit: do you have another PC to borrow the PSU from to test in it?

 

We don't have stuff like that.
I have an unused (old) computer downstairs, I'll go try that.

 

Yeh, pretty much any old PC should have a usable PSU on it....


This is the PSU....

http://www.dansdata.com/images/eg651p/psu220.jpg

Pretty much all PC's have one that looks just like that.

It will be screwed to the top/back side of the PC.

Its easy to unscrew but be careful when lifting it out so you dont break anything.


Then you just need to hook it up to your PC, you shouldnt need to remove the existing one.

If you just unplug it you should be able to get the other one conncted if your careful.

 

I forgot to say, depending on the wattage of the other PSU, it might not be powerful enough to use long term.

It should be good enough for a little test though.

 

Umm, the screws seem to be too tight. Maybe 15 years without opening them has been a bit too long... What would work?

 

they are usually hexagon shaped, if so get a spanner on them.

If the not, your just gonna have to try a bigger screwdriver.

 

They are in this case in a cross. My screwdriver fits, but should I get some grease or something?
E: Never mind, now my hands hurt. Progressing to move the PSU.

 

Umm, one cable doesn't get off. It's the biggest one which goes to the motherboard.

 

The mother board connector has a catch you have to push in to release it.

 

As voodoo said, ther is a catch, they can be tricky little buggers even when you know about them.

Be careful not to flex the board too much!

 

If I have to get a new power supply, I am really going to take that piece of junk to a professional. Can't get the power cord off the newer computer.

 

Can yo see the clip that is holding it on?

 

Another thing you could try is check the power switch by shorting out the PS_ON pins at the motherboard with the tip of a screwdriver. Just follow the wire from the power switch to the mother board and pull the connector off to expose the 2 pins.

 

Are you still with us jq'

Incase your not sure how the clip is, here is a pic...
http://www.karbosguide.com/books/pcarchitecture/images/979.jpg

The little bit that you push/squeeze comes away with the plug and wires.

 

There is a small..umm..lock on the backside of the motherboard, which comes out of the cord. I'll try to get some pictures.

 

The big white lump here is a small plastic lock mechanism, coming from the power cord in picture #3.
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/Jgke/DSC_0043.jpg
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/Jgke/DSC_0042.jpg
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/Jgke/DSC_0040.jpg

 

The bit that goes through the motherboard is a locating nub so the socket is correctly orientated when the board is assembled you don't pull that part out. you need to pinch the top of the catch (closet to the wires at the top of the plug)and pull.

 

The big white "box" that the wires go into separates about 1/2 way up the sides.

 

Yay, got them off. Now...

...It is time to see that this PSU isn't compatible with this motherboard. The main power line is 4 pins short (2x2) and the old PSU doesn't have a 2x2 pin.

 

No you don't need any extra plugs, it plugs in at one end.....

But im not sure what end :/

Is ther anything stopping it from going into one end or the other? (keep power off!)

 

Nope. I'll try to connect the wires. If it doesn't work, I'll buy a new PSU anyway. My current 'better' one gives too little power.
E: Current conclusion of this phase: I get a new PSU and push that junk to my relative (proper training) to assemble. :innocent

 

if you mean the P4 connector next to the CPU it won't work without that.

 

No wait!

 

This is a [crude] diagram of the way to connect it.....
http://www1.picturepush.com/photo/a/4626144/220/4626144.png

 

you could try jump starting the suspect PSU-

http://www.fileden.com/files/2008/7/4/1988714/labeledwiresmall.jpg

If it still wont start you need a new PSU.

 

Nothing happened. New PSU + relative to mash it all up. (Now looking for guides how to determine how much power do I need)

 

If the other PSU didnt work, then it is likely not the PSU that is faulty.

 

The other PSU doesn't fit. It is just too different.
E: Sleep -->

 

"Now looking for guides how to determine how much power do I need"

http://extreme.outervision.com/psucalculatorlite.jsp