computer won't start

Windows XP SP2
AMD Athlon 2.2GHz
1Gig RAM
80GB harddrive
Approx 4-5 yrs old.

Just received a second-hand pc delivered by UPS. Upon opening the case I noticed that the CPU fan and heat sink had fallen off and fell onto the video card. I cleaned everything off and reattached. Now it won't start. After pushing the on button, it starts to run for about 2 seconds and then stops. Tried a different video card, same problem. It was my sons computer so I know it was working before. Any ideas as to what the problem may be or what I can do to track down the problem?

 

not an expert but had a similar problem on a compaq. My powers supply was bad the computer powered up then shut down, finally not powering up at all. That is an easy solution. the other suggestion may be a bit more complicated. you said the cpu fan and heat sink fan had fallen off, this may have cause a short in the circuit board that will be harder to find and may not be cost effective if you take it to a shop to get looked at.
de magnetize yourself, open the cover and look (only look ) at the circuit board really close to see if and of the solders are damaged or touching. this could cause a short that is for a lack of better terms kicks a breaker on your computer that shuts down the power.
again not an expert but maybe something to look at.
Buggabear

 

Upon further research, I now think that I may have caused this problem by vacuuming the inside of the computer. Static from the vacuum brush may have zapped something. Is there any way to test the processor, mobo, and the RAM in order to determine which one (hopefully only one) may be the problem? By the way, the LED on the mobo stills lights up. Does that mean its OK?

 

Thanks for the help...Resetting the CMOS fixed everything.