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Need advice to troubleshoot a computer
My parent's computer has stopped working. It is on, but is not doing
anything (the monitor is not receiving a signal). It will not reboot or even shut down via the buttons on the front. I need to figure out what the problem is and whether it is fixable. I was planning to redo their hard drive soon as it was orginally partitioned into 4 sections of 10GB each and the C drive is basically full while the other drives are not. I have already transferred as much as possible to the other drives, but it is now full, mostly with windows files and things i am not sure I can move. My plan was to copy all their files to my external drive (plenty of room), and totally redo their hard drive. Their computer is older with only usb1.0, so I have not finished copying all of their hard drive. I've been doing a section per night and letting it go for hours while it transfers the files. It was NOT doing this when it died. Any suggestions that might fix it? I know it is older, but it has done everything okay for them. They don't need anything fancy. Could they just need a new hard drive or power supply? |
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Need advice to troubleshoot a computer
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#3
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Need advice to troubleshoot a computer
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#4
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Need advice to troubleshoot a computer
On May 19, 1:04*am, Paul wrote:
You can try some basic tests. 1) Turn off the computer at the back. Wait 30 seconds (to give the * * inrush limiter time to cool off), then switch on at the back. * * Does the computer start to run immediately ? Or does it wait * * until you press the front power button ? (The front power button * * has two time constants. In some circumstances, it must be held * * in for at least four seconds, to work. That is to avoid accidental * * attempts to shut it off, such as brushing against the switch.) I tried holding the button in for 20 seconds (long past the normal time), and it would not shut off. After doing the back button off and on, it does not automatically run. 2) If the computer behaves itself, and waits for the front power to be * * pushed, what is the immediate response of the computer ? Does it * * beep an error code, via the computer case speaker or motherboard * * piezoelectric speaker ? Do the fans spin ? Does the monitor light up ? * * Does the hard drive light flash ? Does the hard drive light flash * * enough to indicate it is booting ? Try to add details about what * * you're seeing and hearing. When I push the front button, it lights up, and the computer hums. But no beeps or hard drive sounds. The monitor lights up for a moment, then shuts off, like there is no signal. The CD light goes on, but it doesn't sound like it is running. 3) To do a basic motherboard test, first, turn off all power and unplug * * the computer. That is to ensure there is no power in the memory DIMM * * slots. Using the lock latches, eject the memory and store the memory * * in an antistatic bag. Now, turn on the computer, with no memory * * present. If the computer is working, it'll beep a "missing RAM" code * * error pattern. If it can beep, that tells you the processor is * * working, the Northbridge and Southbridge are probably working, and * * perhaps even the SuperIO. Hearing beeps tells you a good deal about * * the computer. I haven't checked this yet. Should I do this with my situation, or was that only if it beeped and made an effort? In addition to that basic test, you should also visually inspect the inside of the computer. Look for bulging or leaking capacitors. Burned components. Is there a burned smell present ? Has the computer had recent issues with starting reliably ? Were there any "sizzling noises" in past weeks ? Are all connectors secure ? If you press the latch and release the main power connectors, are the pins bright and shiny ? Any pins or contacts burned ? I haven't checked the inside yet. I wanted to ask what to look for first. I will check this tomorrow. If you state the computer make and model number, some machines have extensive failure histories you can find in a search. It is a kit computer, put together by a family friend a few years ago. I don't have any of the boxes or manuals for anything. My own computer was bought used, also a kit computer, and the seller gave me the box from the motherboard along with all the manuals, unused cables, etc for everything. My parents have nothing. Since you say the computer has USB 1.0, chances are good this is not a capacitor problem (as the motherboard likely pre-dates when bad capacitors were sold). So at least you have that going for you. If the computer has a Bestec 250W power supply, the supply may have failed and damaged a lot of stuff in the computer. If you take off the side of the computer and look at the label printed on the supply, you can get some idea who made it, power rating and so on. That is the only power supply I'd be fearful of, due to its history. If this is the case, is the hard drive likely to be good or dead? I have already backed up 3 of the partitions, so most of what they had was saved. But it would be great if I can still access that hard drive. Also, how likely is the RAM to still be good. I just upgraded it last year. If the computer is fried, I will buy another used computer. Finances are tight, so I would use the RAM to upgrade the replacement if needed. Actually, we have a computer left behind by a renter that didn't pay several months and then ditched us. So, I am about to check it and see if it runs at all. |
#5
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Need advice to troubleshoot a computer
On May 19, 1:04*am, Paul wrote:
You can try some basic tests. 1) Turn off the computer at the back. Wait 30 seconds (to give the * * inrush limiter time to cool off), then switch on at the back. * * Does the computer start to run immediately ? Or does it wait * * until you press the front power button ? (The front power button * * has two time constants. In some circumstances, it must be held * * in for at least four seconds, to work. That is to avoid accidental * * attempts to shut it off, such as brushing against the switch.) I tried holding the button in for 20 seconds (long past the normal time), and it would not shut off. After doing the back button off and on, it does not automatically run. 2) If the computer behaves itself, and waits for the front power to be * * pushed, what is the immediate response of the computer ? Does it * * beep an error code, via the computer case speaker or motherboard * * piezoelectric speaker ? Do the fans spin ? Does the monitor light up ? * * Does the hard drive light flash ? Does the hard drive light flash * * enough to indicate it is booting ? Try to add details about what * * you're seeing and hearing. When I push the front button, it lights up, and the computer hums. But no beeps or hard drive sounds. The monitor lights up for a moment, then shuts off, like there is no signal. The CD light goes on, but it doesn't sound like it is running. 3) To do a basic motherboard test, first, turn off all power and unplug * * the computer. That is to ensure there is no power in the memory DIMM * * slots. Using the lock latches, eject the memory and store the memory * * in an antistatic bag. Now, turn on the computer, with no memory * * present. If the computer is working, it'll beep a "missing RAM" code * * error pattern. If it can beep, that tells you the processor is * * working, the Northbridge and Southbridge are probably working, and * * perhaps even the SuperIO. Hearing beeps tells you a good deal about * * the computer. I haven't checked this yet. Should I do this with my situation, or was that only if it beeped and made an effort? In addition to that basic test, you should also visually inspect the inside of the computer. Look for bulging or leaking capacitors. Burned components. Is there a burned smell present ? Has the computer had recent issues with starting reliably ? Were there any "sizzling noises" in past weeks ? Are all connectors secure ? If you press the latch and release the main power connectors, are the pins bright and shiny ? Any pins or contacts burned ? I haven't checked the inside yet. I wanted to ask what to look for first. I will check this tomorrow. If you state the computer make and model number, some machines have extensive failure histories you can find in a search. It is a kit computer, put together by a family friend a few years ago. I don't have any of the boxes or manuals for anything. My own computer was bought used, also a kit computer, and the seller gave me the box from the motherboard along with all the manuals, unused cables, etc for everything. My parents have nothing. Since you say the computer has USB 1.0, chances are good this is not a capacitor problem (as the motherboard likely pre-dates when bad capacitors were sold). So at least you have that going for you. If the computer has a Bestec 250W power supply, the supply may have failed and damaged a lot of stuff in the computer. If you take off the side of the computer and look at the label printed on the supply, you can get some idea who made it, power rating and so on. That is the only power supply I'd be fearful of, due to its history. If this is the case, is the hard drive likely to be good or dead? I have already backed up 3 of the partitions, so most of what they had was saved. But it would be great if I can still access that hard drive. Also, how likely is the RAM to still be good. I just upgraded it last year. If the computer is fried, I will buy another used computer. Finances are tight, so I would use the RAM to upgrade the replacement if needed. Actually, we have a computer left behind by a renter that didn't pay several months and then ditched us. So, I am about to check it and see if it runs at all. |
#7
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Need advice to troubleshoot a computer
In article 0cf2ff74-40f2-4bad-aa2c-
, says... When I push the front button, it lights up, and the computer hums. But no beeps or hard drive sounds. The monitor lights up for a moment, then shuts off, like there is no signal. The CD light goes on, but it doesn't sound like it is running. If you have no control from the front power button, and you don't see a POST message, you have one of two problem, 99% of the time: 1) Power supply 2) Mother-board -- You can't trust your best friends, your five senses, only the little voice inside you that most civilians don't even hear -- Listen to that. Trust yourself. (remove 999 for proper email address) |
#8
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Need advice to troubleshoot a computer
wrote:
My parent's computer has stopped working. It is on, but is not doing anything (the monitor is not receiving a signal). It will not reboot or even shut down via the buttons on the front. Is there any fan activity? Can you hear any hard drive activity? If so, it may need a new video adapter. If not, from your limited description, you'll need either a new power supply or a new motherboard. I need to figure out what the problem is and whether it is fixable. I was planning to redo their hard drive soon as it was orginally partitioned into 4 sections of 10GB each and the C drive is basically full while the other drives are not. 10GB is too small for the system partition, as you should be able to see from it's being "basically full." Make this partition at least 20gb in size. -- Bruce Chambers Help us help you: http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/555375 They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. ~Benjamin Franklin Many people would rather die than think; in fact, most do. ~Bertrand Russell The philosopher has never killed any priests, whereas the priest has killed a great many philosophers. ~ Denis Diderot |
#9
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Need advice to troubleshoot a computer
wrote:
My parent's computer has stopped working. It is on, but is not doing anything (the monitor is not receiving a signal). It will not reboot or even shut down via the buttons on the front. Is there any fan activity? Can you hear any hard drive activity? If so, it may need a new video adapter. If not, from your limited description, you'll need either a new power supply or a new motherboard. I need to figure out what the problem is and whether it is fixable. I was planning to redo their hard drive soon as it was orginally partitioned into 4 sections of 10GB each and the C drive is basically full while the other drives are not. 10GB is too small for the system partition, as you should be able to see from it's being "basically full." Make this partition at least 20gb in size. -- Bruce Chambers Help us help you: http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/555375 They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. ~Benjamin Franklin Many people would rather die than think; in fact, most do. ~Bertrand Russell The philosopher has never killed any priests, whereas the priest has killed a great many philosophers. ~ Denis Diderot |
#10
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Need advice to troubleshoot a computer
On May 19, 6:19*pm, Bruce Chambers wrote:
wrote: My parent's computer has stopped working. It is on, but is not doing anything (the monitor is not receiving a signal). It will not reboot or even shut down via the buttons on the front. * * * * Is there any fan activity? *Can you hear any hard drive activity? *If so, it may need a new video adapter. *If not, from your limited description, you'll need either a new power supply or a new motherboard. The fans run, but the hard drive does not. I just got home from work, so I haven't had a chance to work on it yet. But I have it here, so I can work on it more. I suspect it is probably dead. But I will try a few things before I give up. I was planning to redo their hard drive soon as it was orginally partitioned into 4 sections of 10GB each and the C drive is basically full while the other drives are not. * * * * 10GB is too small for the system partition, as you should be able to see from it's being "basically full." *Make this partition at least 20gb in size. I don't know why the guy set it up that way. It is only a 40 GB hard drive, so I would have left it as one drive. As it is, I installed all the programs to the other 3 partitions to keep the C drive as empty as possible, but it fills up with updates and drivers and whatever. A lot of it only shows up when looking at hidden files. I was planning to reformat it as all one drive. Thankfully, I got most of it backed up on my external drive. It is a TB with 250GB available, so I figured I could copy their whole computer and save it as a backup for a good year or more, so any files not returned to the computer would still be saved somewhere just in case. So, I'm glad to tell them that most of their files are still safe and accessible. |
#11
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Need advice to troubleshoot a computer
On May 19, 6:19*pm, Bruce Chambers wrote:
wrote: My parent's computer has stopped working. It is on, but is not doing anything (the monitor is not receiving a signal). It will not reboot or even shut down via the buttons on the front. * * * * Is there any fan activity? *Can you hear any hard drive activity? *If so, it may need a new video adapter. *If not, from your limited description, you'll need either a new power supply or a new motherboard. The fans run, but the hard drive does not. I just got home from work, so I haven't had a chance to work on it yet. But I have it here, so I can work on it more. I suspect it is probably dead. But I will try a few things before I give up. I was planning to redo their hard drive soon as it was orginally partitioned into 4 sections of 10GB each and the C drive is basically full while the other drives are not. * * * * 10GB is too small for the system partition, as you should be able to see from it's being "basically full." *Make this partition at least 20gb in size. I don't know why the guy set it up that way. It is only a 40 GB hard drive, so I would have left it as one drive. As it is, I installed all the programs to the other 3 partitions to keep the C drive as empty as possible, but it fills up with updates and drivers and whatever. A lot of it only shows up when looking at hidden files. I was planning to reformat it as all one drive. Thankfully, I got most of it backed up on my external drive. It is a TB with 250GB available, so I figured I could copy their whole computer and save it as a backup for a good year or more, so any files not returned to the computer would still be saved somewhere just in case. So, I'm glad to tell them that most of their files are still safe and accessible. |
#12
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Need advice to troubleshoot a computer
In article f1e36bbe-a276-4ced-a207-
, says... On May 19, 6:19*pm, Bruce Chambers wrote: wrote: My parent's computer has stopped working. It is on, but is not doing anything (the monitor is not receiving a signal). It will not reboot or even shut down via the buttons on the front. * * * * Is there any fan activity? *Can you hear any hard drive activity? *If so, it may need a new video adapter. *If not, from your limited description, you'll need either a new power supply or a new motherboard.. The fans run, but the hard drive does not. I just got home from work, so I haven't had a chance to work on it yet. But I have it here, so I can work on it more. I suspect it is probably dead. But I will try a few things before I give up. If the fans run, but the HD does, but you also mentioned that you get no video, so that seems to indicate that there is either a bad power supply or the motherboard is bad. Can you borrow the PSU out of another computer to test with? -- You can't trust your best friends, your five senses, only the little voice inside you that most civilians don't even hear -- Listen to that. Trust yourself. (remove 999 for proper email address) |
#13
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Need advice to troubleshoot a computer
In article f1e36bbe-a276-4ced-a207-
, says... On May 19, 6:19*pm, Bruce Chambers wrote: wrote: My parent's computer has stopped working. It is on, but is not doing anything (the monitor is not receiving a signal). It will not reboot or even shut down via the buttons on the front. * * * * Is there any fan activity? *Can you hear any hard drive activity? *If so, it may need a new video adapter. *If not, from your limited description, you'll need either a new power supply or a new motherboard.. The fans run, but the hard drive does not. I just got home from work, so I haven't had a chance to work on it yet. But I have it here, so I can work on it more. I suspect it is probably dead. But I will try a few things before I give up. If the fans run, but the HD does, but you also mentioned that you get no video, so that seems to indicate that there is either a bad power supply or the motherboard is bad. Can you borrow the PSU out of another computer to test with? -- You can't trust your best friends, your five senses, only the little voice inside you that most civilians don't even hear -- Listen to that. Trust yourself. (remove 999 for proper email address) |
#14
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Need advice to troubleshoot a computer
On May 20, 3:52*am, Leythos wrote:
In article f1e36bbe-a276-4ced-a207- , says... On May 19, 6:19*pm, Bruce Chambers wrote: wrote: My parent's computer has stopped working. It is on, but is not doing anything (the monitor is not receiving a signal). It will not reboot or even shut down via the buttons on the front. * * * * Is there any fan activity? *Can you hear any hard drive activity? *If so, it may need a new video adapter. *If not, from your limited description, you'll need either a new power supply or a new motherboard. The fans run, but the hard drive does not. I just got home from work, so I haven't had a chance to work on it yet. But I have it here, so I can work on it more. I suspect it is probably dead. But I will try a few things before I give up. If the fans run, but the HD does, but you also mentioned that you get no video, so that seems to indicate that there is either a bad power supply or the motherboard is bad. Can you borrow the PSU out of another computer to test with? I think it is probably the motherboard. And they were pushing the limit of it anyway. So, I decided to get a newer used computer for them. I found one that is a bit newer, much larger hard drive, faster processor, etc for $115. It also has an LCD monitor, so they'll have more room on the desk. I just picked it up this evening, so I will install the software and copy their files from my external hard drive. I should have it ready for them by morning. |
#15
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Need advice to troubleshoot a computer
On May 20, 3:52*am, Leythos wrote:
In article f1e36bbe-a276-4ced-a207- , says... On May 19, 6:19*pm, Bruce Chambers wrote: wrote: My parent's computer has stopped working. It is on, but is not doing anything (the monitor is not receiving a signal). It will not reboot or even shut down via the buttons on the front. * * * * Is there any fan activity? *Can you hear any hard drive activity? *If so, it may need a new video adapter. *If not, from your limited description, you'll need either a new power supply or a new motherboard. The fans run, but the hard drive does not. I just got home from work, so I haven't had a chance to work on it yet. But I have it here, so I can work on it more. I suspect it is probably dead. But I will try a few things before I give up. If the fans run, but the HD does, but you also mentioned that you get no video, so that seems to indicate that there is either a bad power supply or the motherboard is bad. Can you borrow the PSU out of another computer to test with? I think it is probably the motherboard. And they were pushing the limit of it anyway. So, I decided to get a newer used computer for them. I found one that is a bit newer, much larger hard drive, faster processor, etc for $115. It also has an LCD monitor, so they'll have more room on the desk. I just picked it up this evening, so I will install the software and copy their files from my external hard drive. I should have it ready for them by morning. |
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