[H-GEN] Dead PC

[Ian Foran]

Geoff Shang wrote:
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>
> Hi,
>
> Not sure if anyone can help, but figured it was worth trying before I 
> run in blind panick to my nearest computer store.
>
> We just noticed my partner's pride and joy was no longer running.  I 
> don't know when it failed, but it was running this morning.
>
> The thing seems to be, as far as my limited ability can tell, 
> completely dead.  The On button doesn't do anything no matter how many 
> times I press it (whose smart idea was it to have soft-buttons 
> anyway?).  I've done the usual tricks of pulling out the power cable, 
> I even changed power sockets and power cables, but no luck.
>
> I don't know much at all about the power side of things, but as far as 
> I can tell, all the plugs seem to be secure.  The places where the 
> cable from the power button attaches to the motherboard doesn't look 
> very solid, but I guess it's solid enough.
>
> The supply has a switch on the back of it, presumably On/Off, but I've 
> been unable to find any lights anywhere to confirm whether the thing 
> is getting power.
>
> Being Blind and not knowing where I'd test for it anyway, I've no idea 
> if there's any power coming from the supply or not.  I guess there's a 
> fuse somewhere, so maybe this is a simptom of some other problem, who 
> knows.
>
> The computer was recently shipped from Israel so it's possible 
> something has gone wrong with it.  But last I saw it it was running 
> fine, with no complaints.  The PC has 3 fans in it and I don't detect 
> any burned-out smells, so I doubt that it's heat that's been the problem.
>
> If anyone can suggest anything at all, I'd be very greatful.  My 
> partner is not taking this at all well and I'd love nothing more than 
> to be able to fix it for her, though I'm rapidly coming to terms with 
> the fact that this could need a professional.
>
> Geoff.
>
Geoff,
        A cheap guess is that the power supply has died. Your choices 
start with a second hand one from Buyequip in Stafford or Reverse 
Garbage in West End if it's anything up to a Pentium 3?

        In your checking do not turn on the power supply if it is not 
connected to the motherboard.

        Where are you located? My status: passable amateur who can 
change a power supply.

                                                                                       
Ian