Computer won't turn on - help please

[Greg E.]

Hello. I have a Dell Dimension 3000 (about 2 years old). A while back, I came home after a storm to find my computer "on", but nothing happening. (green led light on in the front, but nothing happening) I did have it connected to a $40 Best Buy surge protector along with my periphreals which still work. Not knowing too much about computer internals, I assumed it was a power supply situation. I took off the cover/case to examine the insides. Nothing smelt fried, and no visable signs of mb damage. My fiances boyfriend (network engieer in training) gave me his assurance that it was a ps problem. I order a new ps, which arrived today. I installed it, but still nothing. On the mb, a green light turns on when I attempt to power up, but that's about it. I do have a couple questions regarding the installation. Do the connections/connectors (excuse me if I'm using the wrong terminoligy) need to go to specific parts (ie. dvd/cd writer, dvd/cd player), or is that irrelivant? Also, any other suggestions or advice as to how to resolve the problem? Can't take it to the PC shop, as it really wouldn't be worth it.

Thank you in advance for the help.

 

[pdc76]

the connectors don't have to go to specific things, that's why they are all the same type. things can be fried without looking or smelling like it. it could be the motherboard. cheaper power supplies have been known to take things out with it when they go. just make sure all the connectors for the motherboard are plugged in: 20 or 24 pin main connector for the board, and maybe a smaller plug near the top of the board. does the green motherboard light come on with the new power supply?

 

[Greg E.]

the connectors don't have to go to specific things, that's why they are all the same type. things can be fried without looking or smelling like it. it could be the motherboard. cheaper power supplies have been known to take things out with it when they go. just make sure all the connectors for the motherboard are plugged in: 20 or 24 pin main connector for the board, and maybe a smaller plug near the top of the board. does the green motherboard light come on with the new power supply?

Thank you for the reply. Yes,...that's about all it does. HD does not wind up, fans don't spin, or anything. Being as "computer internal" illiterate as I am, I am now suspecting a bad mobo. If it is indeed the mobo, can I purchase any Dell Dimension 3000 mobo for my system. Again,...not to knowledgable with the internal workings. I can tell you my fiance got this for me 2 Christmas's ago, and took the base model and turned it into a then "Viper". She loaded it for me. I don't know the specs on it, but what ever you could do to the base model at that time of $1,100, she turned it into a $2,900 beast. (Didn't need all of it, but got it). I guess what I am basically asking, is that I saw a mobo for a Dell Dimension 3000 533FSB on ebay. I know the 533FSB stands for FRONT SERIAL BUS.....(don't know exactly what that means though), but I know for a fact mine is higher. The max allowed. Could I purchase that mobo, switch all the "guts", and be good to go??? Thank you again for your reply. I really appreciate it.

 

[pdc76]

i wouldn't do anything just yet. did this pc come preloaded with windows on it? what operating system was on it? did it come with recovery disks, or do you have a real copy of windows? dell likes to make it so the recovery cd will only work with that motherboard. does anybody know if the disks will work as long as he gets the exact same motherboard?

 

[Greg E.]

i wouldn't do anything just yet. did this pc come preloaded with windows on it? what operating system was on it? did it come with recovery disks, or do you have a real copy of windows? dell likes to make it so the recovery cd will only work with that motherboard. does anybody know if the disks will work as long as he gets the exact same motherboard?

Yes,...preloaded w/ XP, Intel P4 chipset. Has recovery CD's, as well as a "Windows XP Home Edition" CD, but it's distributed by Dell and says to only be used on Dell computers.