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Computer is dead, how do I troubleshoot?

Hi,

the last few days, the computer would restart without any reason, just like that.

Today, when I press the on/off switch, not a lot happens. The lights go on, but the monitor doesn't react, the memory isn't tested (that particular noise) the fan doesn't go on on the chip, only a fan in the powersupply starts 'humming'. The cd's won't open or close, so I suspect it's something to do with the power supply. However, the 'on' harddisk light at front do burn...

Does anybody have an idea what this could be?

My problem is that if I bring it away I'll have to day without for a few days and I can't, I have a deadline on tuesday and all the work is on it.

Thanks!

Lex

shantigohil

Rule one--make sure once again everything is plugged in and has power on.Open the computer and make sure all the plugs and cards especially graphics card (monitor plug) is seated.remove Ram chips and refit till seated correctly.

Try switch on again make sure both CPU and colling fans come on.

shanti

lexthoonen

ASKER

Hi Shanti,

yes I'd done all that, I'd checked all the cards, replugged the memory but it remains the same. Some leds go on, but that's it. I don't hear the harddisks go on, the cd-roms don't open or close, the cpu fan doesn't start, only some leds. Could it be that they receive less voltage that the other stuff in the computer and that that is where the problem is?

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shantigohil

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lexthoonen

ASKER

What do you mean when you say "what system do you have"?

shantigohil

I mean what Processor speed?is it pentium 2,3,4?

Reason i ask is that P4 has to have extra power requirement.and could the power unit has not enough uuummph!!!

Shanti

lexthoonen

ASKER

Okay, I see,

no, it's a pentium 3, 733 mhz.

I haven't altered the chip or power unit from the original configuratio. However, I have added a harddrive and a cd writer, but there's still a few cables over from the power unit so I guess that was calculated.

However number 2:
The house I live in has old electricity cables, and the last 2 weeks power has gone of quite a few times, which I guess doesn't help the computer a lot in staying healthy...

An electricity guy should come this week, but I'm looking as well for a UPS (is that what they call it?)

Now, this is my first question ever on this site, should I accept a comment of yours as answer and that will then give you credits or how does it work?

Thanks,

Lex

shantigohil

Thanks for giving me the credits.
Please keep me informed in future if you do solve the problem

Thanks again

sahnti

shantigohil

sorry i missread your previous mail.If you feel that my answer was of any help to you yes by all means accept it.

thanks

shanti

shantigohil

Thanks Lex for the points

shanti

lexthoonen

ASKER

was a pleasure!