My son's computer will not start!?

Question

Pushing the button does nothing even though he claims that he knows power is going into the computer. Any suggestions?

Answer 1

There are different levels of not starting:

1) Lights come on and fans start up but nothing happens on the screen. Cause: Faulty monitor or video card usually, sometimes faulty motherboard.

2) Lights and Fans come on and the computer goes to the BIOS screen on the monitor but doesn't load the OS. Cause: Faulty hard drive or corrupted operating system.

3) Nothing at all happens. Cause: Faulty power supply or breaker switch on power supply or surge suppressor was tripped.

What you are saying sounds like scenario 3, but he says power is going into the computer so maybe its scenario 1?

SCENARIO 1

If its scenario 1, try a different monitor with the computer or try your computer on another PC (even if you have to take it to someone elses house to try). If it doesn't work its the monitor. If it does then its either the video card (most likely) or the motherboard (not as likely though more expensive to replace). If you have integrated video instead of a video card (you can tell because your monitor plugs into your computer at the top of the back towards the keyboard and mouse ports as opposed to towards the bottom) then simply installing a video card and using that may work. If you have a video card the easiest way to tell is to install it into another pc and try it. If you can't do that, then you might just wanna buy another and try that one in there. If theres still nothing then its likely the motherboard (meaning the motherboard is either faulty or not properly connected to the power supply).

SCENARIO 3

Before reading on, make sure the breaker switch on the back of the computer near the power cable hasn't been tripped, nor has the switch on the surge suppressor/power strip. If these are both powered on, continue reading.

If its scenario 3, then its probably just the power supply (the big cube in the upper portion of the tower where the power cable plugs in in the back and on the inside bundles of power cables run to the components). I'd recommend replacing that with one thats at least 400w depending on how high tech the components are in your computer. If its just a basic computer 400w should be plenty. This part (assuming its 400w) will cost between 25 and 75 dollars depending on where you go though if you get a higher wattage (necessary if you have a powerful video card or other high powered components) you will spend more. Checking the side of your existing power supply will tell you how many watts it is. If its less than 400 I recommend getting the 400w, but if its more you will want to get one with at least the same wattage.

Answer 2

Is the power switch turned to the on position in the back. I use to work for Gateway tech support and one time ended up having a customer open his computer case, the 20 pin power connector from the power supply was not securelly plugged into the motherboard. I guess you can see if that's the case also. If not, one step at a time. If it's plugged into a power strip, make sure the strip is turned on. Sometimes the wires leading to the power button in the computer can come loose. Good Luck with that.

Answer 3

Sounds like the power supply might have died or the leads from the front power switch may have come loose. Power supplys are easy to diagnose, but if you are not a computer tech, then I would suggest that you take the machine in and have it tested.

Answer 4

The SMPS in the CPU (Power Supply) fuse is probably blown out. Get the fuse replaced by a PC vendor. Or just try again using a different power cord.

Answer 5

It sounds like your power supply needs to be replaced.

Answer 6

check for power from the outlet and the switch on the back of the computer.

Answer 7

Check mother board for lose connections and (BIOS) and harddrive

Answer 8

plug in the computer

Answer 9

What BIG said!

Answer 10

Get a MAC.