Can my computer be fixed?

Question

A few weeks ago my computer was acting funny. After it was shut down it would pop back on and kinda go on and off repeatedly until I finally just unplugged it. Now I cant get it to come on at all. Is it possible my son picked up something playing his games online? Or is it just fried? It is only a couple of years old I'd hate to have to replace it already but I'm not sure what to do.

Answer 1

What you can try...

Put in the Windows CD and then start it up (you can open the cd drawer with a paper clip - there's a hole in front of it)

If that won't work, then possibly it's just the power supply. Hard to tell with the info... but my guess is the power supply (if it doesn't come on at all) or hard drive (if it comes on but can't 'find' a hard drive)

good luck

Answer 2

Hello. I have personally fixed 7 computers with this same problem. 6 of those were caused by the details given above by DULCRAYON! It IS probally just the switch. May just be 'sticking', may need wires checked. When a power supply goes out, the behaviour is not quiet what you describe. Though, do not rule that out until you rule out the switch being the problem. I would guess a motherboard problem before a power supply problem, in this particular circumstance, but you really need someone to take a look at it for you. Something you should do yourself is unplug the computer. Clean, the best you can, inside the crack around the on/off button. Take the casing off the side and remove any dust from the wires and back of the switch. And while you're in there, just make sure everything else is securely plugged in. Be sure to touch the metal casing on the tower with one hand, if you touch any of the inside components. After all is said and done, it could be a virus. I hope the collective of us here have giving you a starting point. Don't get overwhelmed by this. Just take your time and check one thing at a time. If you do decide to re-install windows, and it lets you, then DO NOT keep any files from the previous installation or you might just bring the problem with you as well. You will lose all that's on your computer now, but it will be a clean install. Take your time. I don't know how old your son is, but if he's at least 5 years old, then let him be your helper! Turn this problem into a fun learning expierence for both of you! good luck :-)

Answer 3

Best thing to d is just stat with taking al the wires out and make sure they are connected properly usually just a lose wire in most cases.
If that doesnt work it may be the fuse in the plug that needs replacing.
If that does not work well try opening it up and having a look inside if yu know anything about computers because it could be your power supply in the computer has gone if it does not switch on at all or your power supply cable inside the case is loose.
Usually if it was something else the computer would start up and load and then an error message would apper.
Thats all i can tell you to try for now =0) hope it works. bye

Answer 4

It's possible, but not likely it may be something else. Something similar happened to one of my computers here at work, and it turned out to be a power system problem somewhere within the switch. It was telling the system to basically not stay on. I'd take it to a computer fix-it place and request an estimate (they'll probably charge to look at it). The cost of the estimate and repair (if they can..) vs. new computer will make your decision for you.

Be aware, Microsoft releases it's new OS soon, so the next couple of months, great deals will start popping up for the now old XPs, or you can wait a little longer and get one wiht the new Vista.

Answer 5

Its not necesarily fried. Mine was doing the same thing. Probably a virus, or a multiple of viruses. You have to make sure your antivirus software is upto date. You can also run Adaware or Spybot to detect Trojans or worms. I would suggest taking your computer into Best Buy, they have people there called the Geek Squad that can try to clean your machine up. Youll have to pay of course. If you take it somewhere at least they will give you some sort of estimate. So you'll know whether you have to replace it or not. Most of the time you will be able to restore your machine. You just wont get all the data back

Answer 6

I've never heard of any spy ware/male ware that is capable of turning a computer on, but I guess it's possible. It sounds like you have a faulty on/off switch. This is, probably, not something you can do yourself. The switch is built into the housing of the computer. If you can find the wires going to the switch you can short the two together(based on your question, I'm guessing this is, also, beyond your experience) this would turn the computer on. If you think of a switch as a break in a wire. With the switch off the wire is broken. When you turn the switch on you have repaired the broken wire, and spliced it back together. A defective switch would exhibit the exact symptoms you describe.

Answer 7

Most likely your problem is some kind of malware picked up online.
Will it boot in safe mode (I'm assuming that you have a Windows machine)?
If so, empty the 'startup folder' and try a reboot
If you have no important data on it, your best bet may be to use the system restore CD and just redo the thing from scratch.

Otherwise, ask (nicely) one of the I.T. folks at your job to take a look at it. We I.T. folks are sometimes happy to look at coworker's systems for small or no fee, or just a sandwich or something. It doesn't hurt to ask. BTW, be prepared to bring the box to your work. Most I.T. depts frown on home visits for those purposes.
It's a conflict of interst thing...

Answer 8

It sounds like you're having problems with your motherboard and/or power supply. You don't have to get a whole new system, just a new motherboard and/or power supply.
When you tell Windows to shut down, Windows goes through it's own routine of shutting down the operating system, and then it sends a signal to your motherboard to turn off the computer.
The motherboard then sends a signal to the power supply, which shuts off main power to the motherboard.

If you don't want to bother with the mess, then take the computer to a shop and have them look at it. Just don't buy a whole new computer system.

Answer 9

Is this a Desktop? Hard call to make on this. Check the power cord and be sure it plugged in good on the back of the computer. Then check all the other cables to see if they plugged up good. Other than that, it may be something. IF, your computer came with Backup Software you may try using the Boot Disk and see if you get it to boot. May have to reformat the hard-drive and reinstall everything.

Answer 10

Get some contact cleaner from Radio Shack and thoroughly clean the power switch contacts. How many times per day do you turn the computer off and on? The switch itself may be worn out.