Computer won't start - troubleshooting help

D

dimhoLt

New Member
Hi!

Couldn't find anything in the forums that matches my issue, and also wasn't sure what forum to post in, but since I've possibly busted my MB, I figured this was the best.

My computer won't start and I can't find out why, so would like some help with the troubleshooting. I don't have much experience with hardware, but am a professional programmer and generally have much computer experience.

Currently, nothing at all happens when I push the start button. It appears that the computer has power; the lights on the motherboard are lit (I've tried several power chords and wall sockets), but no fans spin or anything. The day before yesterday, I cleaned the computer internally, after which it didn't start. I let it be for a while. Then it started correctly and I used it normally the entire afternoon and evening, and didn't shut it off until the night. Since then (yesterday morning), it doesn't start again and I've made no progress.

My question is how to troubleshoot this issue? If I did bust the motherboard it's obviously sad, but since it started and I haven't changed anything since then it doesn't feel like that's the problem.

Thanks for your help!

Best regards,
dimhoLt
 
what did you do when you were cleaning it? because certain things can cause static discharge that is harmful to components inside...
 
If you have lights on the m/b but it will not power on sounds like the first port of call is your psu esp if pre-built as they norm just use generic ones, but re-check pwr on/off wire connected to the m/b as well, just in case
 
Hey mate i had the same thing happen to me. Unfortunately from what i could figure happend to me after cleaning my mobo with compressed air a tiny bit of dust got into the machine started it up and it shorted and bye bye there went the motherboard had it running just 5 mins motto of the story don't buy cheap asrock motherboards. Thats how i came to build this machine :D so not all bad. Good luck hope this is not your problem but chances are it is.
 
Hi guys, and thanks for your answeres. I cleaned it using my vacuumcleaner, so statics may be the culprit. If it's the PSU, how do I troubleshoot it? I could go to a dealer, but I was hoping I could do it myself. The computer was pre-built, but by a private dealer who build custom computers.
 
dimhoLt said:
Hi guys, and thanks for your answeres. I cleaned it using my vacuumcleaner, so statics may be the culprit. If it's the PSU, how do I troubleshoot it? I could go to a dealer, but I was hoping I could do it myself. The computer was pre-built, but by a private dealer who build custom computers.
Click to expand...

There must have been a ton of dust if you used a vacuum cleaner. I think static killed it. To test the PSU, you need a PSU tester, or try a different one with your computer. I wouldn't try your's on another computer, because that could damage that computer as well.
 
One thing that's happened to me sometimes is a connector on the Power Supply shorting out on something. Make sure there isn't a connector anywhere that could be touching metal that bridges the negative and positive contacts on the connector.

Also, this probably isn't the problem, but did you check the connections from the power buttons on your case to your motherboard?
 
Last edited:
Sorry for replying late, it's difficult for me without my own computer ='3 Yeah, there was a ton of dust. Due to circumstances, I was unable to clean out my apartment for quite a while and the whole place was full of dust. Didn't dare to use the computer in case it would catch fire. I was also careful not to scrape or touch anything with the vacuum, pretty much I just removed the fans, vacuumed them and set them back, so I didn't touch anything. But I guess the static could still jump and cause the above damages.

I checked the connections on the power button to the motherboard and it worked fine. I've also tried to start with the buttons directly on the motherboard with no effect too.

Also, I couldn't find anything that shorted on the PSU. I guess I don't have the equipment to perform a satisfactory troubleshooting, so I'll take the computer to my dealer and let them troubleshoot it for me. They wanted ~$30 for it, so I guess it's overcomeable.

Many thanks for your tips and info everyone! Appreciate it! I'll get back with the dealers results later.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top