Its a dell Dimention 3000 XP ive only had it about a 1 and a bit i know thats not that new for a computer but its not old either. It wont start or make any start up noise there are no lights on the front. I think it might be like that starter moter on a car but i dont know what to do about it! help!! what caused it and more importantly how do i fix it?? could it be a virus?
2006-10-05 11:08:28 · 22 answers · asked by jessica_mornington 2 in Computers & Internet ➔ Hardware ➔ Desktops
Yes its plugged in, no i havent blown a fuse anyway that was changed to make sure and power surply... do you mean to my home because nothing else is affected by it!
2006-10-05 11:13:35 · update #1
ive unplugged everything and plugged it all in again and tried to restart and i was on the phone to Dell 35 mins yest evening!! night mare!
2006-10-05 11:14:50 · update #2
Very unlikely to be a virus, since it's related to your power supply.
From the data you provided, I'd say it's the power supply. You didn't specify how old EXACTLY your computer is, and I wouldn't recommend you opening it for the sake of your possible warranty on the PC, plus it seems you are not fully qualified to perform a power supply swap.
I know it sounds silly, but to your own good don't open a computer case if you are not confident or aware of what to look for. What would happen if you got electrocuted because somebody told you "Open this, pull that, plug that in, etc."??
If you KNOW what a power supply looks like, and know how to change one, then do it... if you have doubts, get somebody who knows to do it for you. It's like changing a car's windshield: some people make it look effortless, but behind the "easy peasy" there may be some experience, and likely some certification.
You can take your computer to a "knowledgeable" mate, but please verify your warranty status before opening the case!
By the way, same thing happened to me, it ended up being the motherboard that went bust... Went to Maplin, got new Power Supply to no avail... returned 4 a refund. Got myself a new motherboard (needed to be compatible with old processor, memory, video, etc) and bingo!
Good luck!
2006-10-06 08:06:50 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It has to be power. Start at the plug. The fuse in the plug OK? follow the lead to the computer - is it plugged in at the computer end and switched on. If it is the mains now go to a switch. the switch is often on the BACK of the computer - not the one you switch it on with! My bet is that switch has been knocked to the off position! I'd run a book on it! From that switch the power goes to the switch at the front - the one you normally press to turn it on and then the wire goes to the power supply. If it's dead - there is a break somewhere there. Or the power supply has a problem. That is enclosed - because it has 230V inside - so if you open the case switch off first! Inside that casing you may find a fast blow fuse. If that isn't the problem. You can get a complete new power supply - but need a technician to fit it really. But first make sure the bugger is switched on - I bet it's the switch on the back of the case!!!!
2006-10-06 10:52:15 · answer #2 · answered by Mike10613 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Start by making sure the Circuit Breaker for the outlet is engaged properly. Don't rely on the fact that other things, like lamps, are working. Physically check and make sure it is locked in the engaged position.
Check the Power cord at the outlet and make sure it is plugged in. If you use a power strip make sure the breaker, fuse or reset button is not "Popped". Power surges can cause these to Pop even when the computer is turned off.
Check the Power cord at the back of the computer and physically make sure it is completely plugged in.
Check any fuses, you have access to, on your computer. Remove the cover and check for any fuses you might have access to. Unplug the computer before removing the cover.
After this it could be a bad power supply, board or simply a broken Power button.
From this point you might want to consider taking it to a repair shop.
2006-10-05 12:07:33 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's highly unlikely to be a virus. Like the first two guys are saying; it sounds like a power problem. Assuming the computer is plugged in, check that the switch on the computer is 'on'. This switch is often located at the back of the computer and is not the 'on' button at the front. If so, try plugging the computer into another socket in case there is a problem with the socket. Finally, try replacing the fuse in the plug. If all these fail, you'll have to take the computer to a repair shop.
2006-10-05 11:21:39 · answer #4 · answered by brainyandy 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Unlikely to be a virus.
1 -Check power lead is in firmly.
1a- check the plug socket works- plug in a known working device- eg lamp.
2- check the fuse by removing the plug from the wall and taking the fuse out. try the fuse in another appliance with the same rated fuse. If the other appliance doesnt work- get a new fuse. If the other appliance still works the fuse is fine.
3- If this all fails sounds like may be a problem with PSU inside the PC. If under warranty phone dell, if not take to local PC repair shop as unlikely you can fix it yourself- otherwise you would have done by now!
2006-10-05 11:13:38 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I know it sounds like a smart *** answer, but check to make sure it did not come unplugged first.
Then, if it's plugged in, you may have an internal electrical problem. For some reason, the electrical power supply may have come unplugged. Unplug it from the wall and open the casing. Look in the back where the elecrical chord plugs in and make sure everything there looks ok. There should be no black stuff or funny smells. If something looks unplugged, plug it back in. Sometimes, the simple stuff can make things go way wrong!!
If you don't see anything wrong, take it to a computer repair shop and tell them what's going on.
2006-10-05 11:14:57 · answer #6 · answered by nmtgirl 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My answer is, unfortunately, gonna be just as helpful as all the others, but it IS something that no-one else seems to have thought of.
Most modern machines will not power up if there is a serious hardware fault, in order to protect the rest of the system. Unfortunately, this hardware fault could be just about anything to do with the motherboard or processor.
It COULD be the case's power supply, as someone else suggested, but I'd go for something fried on the motherboard.
2006-10-06 07:36:27 · answer #7 · answered by twentieth_century_refugee 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
probably not a virus
check all connections. and make absolutely sure it is definitely plugged in.
check to see if the fuse is gone in the plug
check the fuse box to see if a fuse is blown or switch tripped.
if they all check out. round up any younger brothers or sisters and grill them on which one broke the computer.
check the pins of the power points to check if one of them has been bent in.
Thats all i can think of.
it is possible that a power line was struck by lightening and has fried the power box in the case. that could be replaced quiet cheaply
but your first action should be to check all connections.
2006-10-05 11:19:20 · answer #8 · answered by mixturenumber1 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
as most others have been saying make sure the power supply works you can do this by getting a psu tester form eBay or newegg also make sure none of the system headers have disconnected from the motherboards front header the motherboard. especially the power switch, the manual should have the instructions but if you don't have the manual ask for one from the place you got the PC
2006-10-06 00:18:51 · answer #9 · answered by matthew m 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It could be a blown fuse in the plug. I know that sounds obvious, but I've been caught like that.
It could be the fan - they can get clogged up with dust. Carefully remove the case and using a soft brush remove any bits of fluff.
2006-10-05 11:12:09 · answer #10 · answered by Hello Dave 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋