My Dad's Computer

[Sidoh]

My dad's computer has a dire problem.

The day before yesterday, I was informed that his computer wasn't working. I went down to look at it, and it really wasn't. It didn't even turn on. I've (obviously) done all of the obvious things. I've checked the power cord going from the surge protector to his computer, made sure that port in the surge protector worked (I plugged his monitor into it and its LED powered up, and it made sounds like normal CRT monitors do). I also swapped his power cord, I even took the power cord and his computer to a completely different circuit and it still doesn't power up.

Yesterday, I was talking to my friend about the problem (after I had decided it was likely the power supply). He said he had an extra power supply that was just collecting dust under his bed (literally), so he ran up to his house, got it and brung it down. A few minutes ago, I tried puting in the new power supply. I plugged both the 20-pin and 4-pin connectors to the motherboard...still nothing (I also made sure the wall socket I was using worked). I even went as far to pry off the front bezel on his case and make sure that his power switch was intact and there was no short circuits (even if there were, the computer would just automatically power up when plugged in). I made sure the switch was plugged into the motherboard too. NOTHING. It's still as dead as a rock. I've also taken out all PCI devices and tried booting it up (since his computer is a stock eMachine computer there isn't much to take out--just a PCI modem). Still, nothing.

At this point, my best guess is that there was some bizarre power surge that hit only his circuit, or his motherboard is completely fried.

Does anyone have any ideas or suggestions on how to get him back up and running? Thanks.

[deadly7]

Em, if you checked the power supply, it's probably the motherboard or the power surge, as you thought. Try moving the computer to another power outlet if you haven't, or switch surges. I've never actually encountered this problem, so I don't know how to guide you much. you might need to swap mobos.

[Sidoh]

Em, if you checked the power supply, it's probably the motherboard or the power surge, as you thought. Try moving the computer to another power outlet if you haven't, or switch surges. I've never actually encountered this problem, so I don't know how to guide you much. you might need to swap mobos.

Yeah, I've already tried moving the computer to a different circuit (as I mentioned), changing the power cord, etc. I was plugging straight into the socket, without any surge protection to eliminate that possiblity.

[Blaze]

Power supply error is the only reason a computer should not start at all (As in no fans moving, no electrical movement).

[Sidoh]

Power supply error is the only reason a computer should not start at all (As in no fans moving, no electrical movement).

The power supply is brand new. And na, there's other reasons. Circuit, transistor, etc on the motherboard could be bad/fried too.

[Blaze]

Last time I had a bad motherboard and I turned my computer on it didn't do nothing... it melted.  Later on the power supply I had from the same computer got cooked too.

[Sidoh]

Last time I had a bad motherboard and I turned my computer on it didn't do nothing... it melted.  Later on the power supply I had from the same computer got cooked too.

There's no evidence there saying that it couldn't be the motherboard that's dysfunctional.

I posted this to see if anyone knew of something on the motherboard that could easily be fixed. I will move everything out of his computer (likely into my server, just to see if it boots up).

But like I said, I've already tried replacing the power supply. That's not it.

[Joe]

Owned. Why do you think I decided to be a programmer instead of a hardware specialist? Because shit happens when you use electricity! :)

[Sidoh]

x86] link=topic=1533.msg13332#msg13332 date=1118294778]
Owned. Why do you think I decided to be a programmer instead of a hardware specialist? Because shit happens when you use electricity! :)

I'm both. =)

[Mythix]

Some newer models of motherboards wont even spin if theres an issue. If your computer isn't posting make sure the obvious is checked

Processor is seated correctly
Video card is seated correctly
RAM is seated correctly

All else fails reset your cmos.

The only real way to verify the motherboard is to find a replacement.

Good luck.

[rabbit]

That's a pretty good idea!  Swap in your motherboard (or put his in your computer).  If his computer works with your mobo, or yours doesn't work with his, then it's the mobo, otherwise it's.......................something else.

[Sidoh]

Some newer models of motherboards wont even spin if theres an issue. If your computer isn't posting make sure the obvious is checked

Processor is seated correctly
Video card is seated correctly
RAM is seated correctly

All else fails reset your cmos.

The only real way to verify the motherboard is to find a replacement.

Good luck.

His processor's seated tightly (it wouldn't wiggle out), his video card is onboard and I did check his RAM. I moved the jumper to reset the CMOS, but still nothing. :(

I'll probably try that today, rabbit.

Thanks for the input, everyone.

[Nate]

Even if the  mobo is fried the power supply should have an LED that shows that it is working.

[mynameistmp]

Did you make sure the voltage on the back of the power supply is set to the North American setting ? (you are presumably North American)

[rabbit]

..............................please be quiet.