Computer won't start

Discussion in 'Software' started by michael5029, Sep 9, 2009.

  1. michael5029

    michael5029 Private E-2

    I downloaded a installer from some site I got from a google search.
    It was a exe file and I scanned it with Malware Bytes before opening it. Malware scan said it was clean, so I opened it and nothing happened.
    After I hit restart, the computer would start, but everything was in Classic view and I couldn't use System Restore because I didn't have any restore points(I don't know why). I decided to use ComboFix because it helped fix my computer plenty of times before(I later read in these forums to not use ComboFix till someone gave me the OK. Woops:(. I restarted the computer but the monitor would stay blank and the computer would just sit there and not beep or anything. I checked the monitor and it was perfectly fine, and so was everything else.
    I didn't install any new hardware or anything before. I did get it to work twice, I signed in and the taskbar would not work. I had no internet and everything was in classic view.
    If you are wondering how I am on the site rite now, I am on my other computer.
     
  2. GCWesq

    GCWesq MajorGeek

    Hmmm... It does look like a malware problem, but you never know. Sometimes a bit of hardware sits around waiting for you to install some software, then it breaks!
    If you are familiar enough with the inside of your computer, and I am going to assume it's a PC and not very new, you could try disconnecting the hard drive, CD ROM or whatever, any floppy, etc, and all peripherals and try booting. If you get a single, short beep, it probably means the BIOS is OK and the problem is something beyond that. That might be a good start.
    Then connect the hard drive, monitor, keyboard and mouse, one after another, and see what happens each time. Shut down before adding anything new of course.
     
  3. hrlow2

    hrlow2 MajorGeek

    Have you tried booting in with "Last Known Good Configuration".
     
  4. michael5029

    michael5029 Private E-2

    Actually, now if i keep turning the computer off and on by unplugging the computer, it will eventually start. I did system recovery and still, the computer takes about 100 freaking unplugs to start up again.

    And i think i didn't make something clear. When I start the computer, the monitor doesn't get any power of keyboards or mouse. That means I can't go to safe mode or anything.
     
  5. michael5029

    michael5029 Private E-2

    I can start the computer now, and I read my problem might have to do with the BIOs.
    I managed to start my computer, but I don't know which settings in my BIOs to change.
     
  6. Dreamer

    Dreamer Corporal

    Does your system beep when you turn the computer on. When you start your computer it runs something called POST, if your computer beeps it means that the computer passed the test and the problem doesn't lie with the motherboard. Does it at least beep when you turn it on.
     
  7. michael5029

    michael5029 Private E-2

    Computer doesn't beep at all. It just sits there and I can see that the keyboard doesn't power up either.
     
  8. GCWesq

    GCWesq MajorGeek

    May I suggest that you try the earlier suggestions. If you have, what happened?
     
  9. michael5029

    michael5029 Private E-2

    actually, i've never taken apart my computer and I don't know what peripherals are.
    i might take it apart tonight
     
  10. GCWesq

    GCWesq MajorGeek

    Peripherals are the things attached to your computer - monitor, keyboard, mouse, memory sticks, etc. You can detach them and turn on the computer in the usual way and see what happens.
    You can also disconnect any CD ROM, floppy drive, etc. To do this you need to open up the computer. You will find a flat ribbon-like cable attached to these, and a power connector. The power connectors will only go back on one way, but the flat ribbon might go two ways, so take note of which way they come off (they usually have a stripe or printing down one side to help with that). You can also disconnect the hard drive, which is connected in the same way. The hard drive is about the size of a thick slice of bread and is usually below the CD ROM.
    You may like to disconnect the outside peripherals first and see if you get a startup (single beep). If not, go inside.
    If you work inside the computer, you need to watch out for static electricity in your fingers. Touch the metal casing with all fingers before going inside, and regularly after that, if you're in there for a while.
    Again, turn on the computer and see what happens. Especially, listen for that single beep.

    If you do go inside, it would pay to make sure all the connections are tight and secure - give then a bit of a push.

    Another thought - just before you do anything else, make sure the power cord is plugged in at the back really well. Sometimes they get a bit loose. Even hold it in while you try to boot and see if it does anything. Do the fans run when you try to boot?
     
    Last edited: Sep 21, 2009
  11. michael5029

    michael5029 Private E-2

    yes, they run, but only enough to create a small breeze.
     
  12. GCWesq

    GCWesq MajorGeek

    it's usually only a small breeze, but does it seem the same as other people's computers that have similar features (more powerful computers usually have stronger fans)?
     
  13. michael5029

    michael5029 Private E-2

    actually, now that ive opened my computer up, I see that only the power fan is spinning and not the other fans.
     
  14. GCWesq

    GCWesq MajorGeek

    OK, this could be a few things, but probably the most likely is that the power supply unit (the box you plug the power cord into and has all the wires coming out of it) is on the way out. Make sure all your connections are tight - especially going into and coming from the power supply.
    Are you able to borrow one from somewhere to see if another one works (you need to match the one you've got pretty well)? They usually go in and out pretty easily.
    Another test is to disconnect all the things mentioned below and see what happens when you turn it on. That should leave maximum power available for the boot up. Have you tried that yet?
     
  15. michael5029

    michael5029 Private E-2

    I got it checked by a guy and he said something like the power thing got fried. sure.
    i got rid of it.
     
  16. GCWesq

    GCWesq MajorGeek

    All good now, I trust. :)
    Thanks for the update.
     

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