PC won't start ... Help Please!

Ally

Good news!

Firstly ... THANK YOU to you all! :T

Plugged the HDD into this old PC and it worked! Took ages to back up all the important data, but it is done now. We took the PSU to PC World and they checked it for free! And it's not working. The only problem is that they did not have one in stock, so we will have to try and get hold of one - about 27 pound - just have to find one now!

Anyway, must be off to work now!

Thanks again from a very grateful me

John_LG

Ally wrote:

Good news!

Firstly ... THANK YOU to you all! :T

Plugged the HDD into this old PC and it worked! Took ages to back up all the important data, but it is done now. We took the PSU to PC World and they checked it for free! And it's not working. The only problem is that they did not have one in stock, so we will have to try and get hold of one - about 27 pound - just have to find one now!

Anyway, must be off to work now!

Thanks again from a very grateful me

Always a pleasure.

I often use Aria Technology for my PC stuff, and their delivery is excellent. Here's a link to a few power supplies they offer. Depends if you want to buy a branded (maybe more reliable) or a standard one. If you have a 'normal' PC without high grade components, a small 400W will do - very good prices, have a peep, just for a comparison.
http://www.aria.co.uk/ProductsList.asp?Name=power+supply
I ordered a wireless router from them last month, opted for normal delivery £6.95 and it was delivered and installed before 24 hrs were up!
Enjoy.

albertross_2

ebuyer are also cheap..

Ally

Hello again!

We got the PSU plugged it in and the PC started up, but there was no bleep. Anyway I have now done something VERY VERY wrong I thought I was turning the power supply off from the back .... but it wasn't a power supply switch, it changed the voltage .... I have now seen that it was on 230V - 4A, and I had switched it to 115V - 8A ... well, long story short, there was a pop and some smoke!

Have I just killed the PSU? I think it would be better to get another PC at this stage as I am very fed up and angry with myself for what I have just done

I have another question about Outlook express, but I think I;ll check the forums first if it has already been asked!

urbanfrit

You have killed your PSU.

Don't throw the PC away though. Just get (yet) another PSU.

Ally

urbanfrit wrote:

You have killed your PSU.

Don't throw the PC away though. Just get (yet) another PSU.

Thanks Urban ....at least I know for sure now:o

I don't think I am gonna spend another £30 on a PSU, especially as the PC still has problems somewhere! It switched on, but there is no beep and it just makes noise - the fan I think .... and that's it!

T4i

Ally wrote:

I thought I was turning the power supply off from the back .... but it wasn't a power supply switch, it changed the voltage .... I have now seen that it was on 230V - 4A, and I had switched it to 115V - 8A ... well, long story short, there was a pop and some smoke!

oh noooooooooo, did the smoke stink?

Ally

T4i wrote:

oh noooooooooo, did the smoke stink?

YEP! Does that mean it is more than the PSU that has been .... erm ... fried???!!!?

T4i

no not at all, the PSU caps can make quite a stink on there own.

John_LG

Oh no!
If you didn't get a POST beep with your new PSU, that could mean one of three things.
1. No power (which was our first thoughts) - maybe it wasn't properly plugged into the motherboard?
2. A short somewhere
3. A card of some sort is loose.

When you first booted up with the new PSU, did the fans kick into action, as if you thought everything was going to work?

Our universal aim is for money saving, so I'd hate you to buy a new PC, or pay for someone to investigate this further. However, having someone quote for them to look at it may save you time and money in the long run. At least you have backed up your data successfully. New PCs are cheaper than once thought, especially as you won't need a new monitor (unless you fancy treating yourself!). You could relistically pick up a brand new one for £300 and less!

My personal choice would be to try another PSU though, and continue investigation (but that's cos I like that kind of thing). I just hope that when your PSU popped, it didn't damage the motherboard etc, as then the amount of cost for labour, and replacing components etc will increase, and may warrant a new purchase.

Many true money savers will disagree with me though!

There seems plenty of us eager to help you... so hang in there.