Computer won't turn on - Help please!! 31 May 2010 at 6:33PM in Techie Stuff 23 replies 1.5K views

Shaztastic

Hello all

Went to turn my desktop PC on today and nothing happened - it seems to be completely dead. I've checked the fuse and plug socket and they both seem to be fine.

Anyone got any ideas as to what might be wrong or anything else to try before I call in the experts? Computer is a Dell which is at least 5 years old. As far as I know it turned off OK last time I used it.

Like a complete numpty I haven't quite got round to backing up any of the files yet!! Is it possible that an IT expert would be able to recover these from the harddrive?

Thanks

Browntoa

suspect the power units failed, unless its fried evrything it should be possible to get all the files off the hard drive

Shaztastic

If you're right then sounds like I should be able to get the files back which is good news.

Computer is a bit old now so not devestated if it'll cost too much to repair but would hate to lose the files.

Lokolo

You checked the fuse and the plug socket... did you check the kettle lead was plugged in properly?

fiddiwebb

It could just be the power switch on the front of the computer that you press to turn it on.

Was the computer working fine yesterday?

Had any problems with the front power switch, have you had to press it a few times recently to get it to turn on?

Shaztastic

Yes, checked the cable was plugged in properly.

Last used the computer on Tuesday and everything was fine. Have never had problems with the power button before, has always worked first time.

fiddiwebb

Shaztastic wrote: »

Yes, checked the cable was plugged in properly.

Last used the computer on Tuesday and everything was fine. Have never had problems with the power button before, has always worked first time.

Last tuesday?

Are you on broadband or dialup, do you leave it connected to the phone socket when turned off?

Any thunder/lightning storms with the rain if you had any down your way?

Shaztastic

Don't use the computer as much as I used to as now also have a netbook and iPhone for simple email and web browsing, hence haven't used PC for a week.

I'm on broadband through a wireless router. No lightning etc but I think we might have had a power cut at some point last night (had to reset the microwave clock and wireless router this morning). Everything else running on the same bank of plugs seems to be OK.

fiddiwebb

Is the socket working where you have the computer plugged in?

Backbiter

Does sound like the power supply unit. Pretty easy and cheap to replace. Google for the part - check the details on the existing unit, which is a large box into which the 'kettle lead is plugged - and you'll find Youtube videos with step-by-step instructions. I got my unit from Maplins.

macman

Beware that some Dell PSU's of that era were are not generic ATX units-the pin configuration can be different. In which case your best bet is to source a secondhand one via eBay, there are usually plenty available. Either way, well worth fitting it yourself, if so will probably cost you no more than £30, and take maybe 30 minutes.