Computer start up problem?

[grupp]

My kids have a HP desktop that is about 3 years old that won't start up. When we trun it on the fan runs, so we know that it is getting power. Any suggestions on trying to trouble shoot this before having some one look at the computer?

Gary

 

[wood_brothers21]

Maybe it's the monitor.

Perhaps the PC is okay but the CRT is at fault.

 

[grupp]

I checked the monitor and that is working.

Gary

 

[pedro47]

check the hard drive and monitor wires (to make sure they are plug-into the correct slot) and check the pc & monitor to make sure they are plug into an working electrical outlet.

 

[TUGBrian]

does anything show on the screen at all? ie the beginning txt for startup? does it beep?

 

[grupp]

does anything show on the screen at all? ie the beginning txt for startup? does it beep?

Nothing shows on the screen and no beeps, only the fan is running.

Gary

 

[Blues]

Most likely it's the power supply. If you have a voltmeter, you could check the various outputs. Or if you have access to another computer power supply, you could try swapping it out. Otherwise your best bet may be to take it to a repair shop.

 

[LUVourMarriotts]

If you or a friend has another desktop, I would recommend disconnecting the hard drive, plugging it into the other computer and see if that computer starts to boot up. It may look ugly at first based on drivers, but you'll know if its a hard drive problem or something else.

I'd say it's 50/50 for power supply/hard drive. The last person I did personal work for had the same symptom, and when I tested the hard drive in my tower, it was fried. But I've also seen this symptom a lot with power supplies on desktops.

 

[Nancy]

Hard Drive

Hard drive died on hubby's laptop with similar symptoms. Believe there was some test to do that pointed us in that direction. Had new hard drive installed at local computer shop. Luckily I had done a full system back up within the last week, so after they put in new hard drive and loaded XP etc. was able to restore.

Nancy

 

[Kal]

The fact that you get NO BEEPS during startup means there is no power, a loose card or a short circuit. 90% of the time the problem is the power supply.

If there is a hard drive problem you will get the beeps, but then there will be a message on the screen indicating the hard drive can't be found.

It's fairly easy to replace the power supply IF you are comfortable working with the inside of the computer. If not, take the machine to a repair outlet. The cost of a stand alone power supply can start at about $20. The most common cost would be about $35-$40. That does not include labor.