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PC Help Please

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tommo9999

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I'm a complete biff when it comes to technical stuff so bear with me. My home PC won't start up properly. I press the power button and the power light on the CPU comes on; the little light above it (Disc?) just repeats flashing on and off; the screen is not getting a signal. The PC sounds like it's working, but nothing is happening.

Any ideas, in simple speak please?
 
Mine did something similar a few months ago (it had been getting dodgy, rebooting for no reason etc) and it turned out to be the motherboard with blown voltage regulators, as said, open the case and have a good clean out first, especially the heatsink. hope it's nothing too drastic.:PDT_Xtremez_28:
 
Just opened it up and removed a substantial amount of dust. Plugged it back in and it appeared to start okay, but then a message came up about OC settings or something. I tried to press F2 as it requested but the keyboard was not working. Switched it off again, tried to switch it on and got the original problem (Light flicking on and off).

???????

Is it fcuked?

P.S. I've had no problems with it up till now.
 
It may help if you know someone with spare components to try and rule things out by process of elimination, memory stick, graphics card, PSU etc.
 
have you tried dropping it down the stairs and claiming on the insurance?? this usually works.
Hope this helps :PDT_Xtremez_30:
 
Hi Tommo

Depending on how old your machine is but it sounds as if the power supply unit (PSU) may be on the blink by not producing enough juice to power the main components ie graphics card/keyboard etc. Not too expensive and not too difficult to replace. let us know how you get on.:PDT_Xtremez_28:
 
id start with the power supply unit first they are fairly inexspensive and easy to replace worth a shot as they do end to be the first thing to go wrong if you dont clean/dust components regularly
 
Do you get the post beep a couple of seconds after you power the machine on? Can you hear the hard disk firing up? If all seems to be powering up and there's no signal getting to the monitor, first check monitor cable to PC and then check graphics card. Let us know how you get on.
 
USB or PS2 keyboard fitted?

USB or PS2 keyboard fitted?

tommo9999 said:
Just opened it up and removed a substantial amount of dust. Plugged it back in and it appeared to start okay, but then a message came up about OC settings or something. I tried to press F2 as it requested but the keyboard was not working. Switched it off again, tried to switch it on and got the original problem (Light flicking on and off).

???????

Is it fcuked?

P.S. I've had no problems with it up till now.
Click to expand...

BTW do u have a USB keyboard fitted, if so get the old style and use that, as when the comp goes pete tong it wont see the usb keyboard.

Ignore if this is not the case :)
 
Shortie said:
Do you get the post beep a couple of seconds after you power the machine on? Can you hear the hard disk firing up? If all seems to be powering up and there's no signal getting to the monitor, first check monitor cable to PC and then check graphics card. Let us know how you get on.
Click to expand...

No the usual beep is not happening. The hard disk is not firing up, the light is just flashing off and on.

Thanks to all for the advice, I'll try to get someone to have a quick look. Las thing I want to do is try to change stuff, I'm a computer retard.

P.S. I'm okay for internet access as I'll use my laptop, but the kids use it for MSN and something called Facebook??????
 
My money is on the PSU as well. They seem to last about 3 or 4 years and then give up.
I've fixed my PC's a few times now and it's mostly the PSU that's to blame.

40 quid and you're sorted.
:PDT_Xtremez_27:

Edit: Just make sure you get the right one. (ATX probably).
 
Is it easy to replace/remove? What does it look like? Should I get someone who knows what they're doing to have a look?

Thanks again,
 
tommo9999 said:
Is it easy to replace/remove? What does it look like? Should I get someone who knows what they're doing to have a look?

Thanks again,
Click to expand...

The e-goat armoury is just the place to go to ask technical questions of this nature. We have a huge selection of computer adjusting equipment culminating in what we like to call the MOAH, the "mother of all hammers". She is a beautiful chrome plated knockometer of about 7lb all up weight, last used in anger on PS's Saxo when he ran out of petrol on the M25 looking for somewhere to have a p1ss.
 
gemarriott said:
The e-goat armoury is just the place to go to ask technical questions of this nature. We have a huge selection of computer adjusting equipment culminating in what we like to call the MOAH, the "mother of all hammers". She is a beautiful chrome plated knockometer of about 7lb all up weight, last used in anger on PS's Saxo when he ran out of petrol on the M25 looking for somewhere to have a p1ss.
Click to expand...

Where is our hero???
Has he gone awol.............?
 
tommo9999 said:
Is it easy to replace/remove? What does it look like? Should I get someone who knows what they're doing to have a look?

Thanks again,
Click to expand...

Difficult to be precise, but:-
Look at the Motherboard and locate the biggest bundle of wires inside ( follow the Red/Yellow/Black wires from the drives if you cannot find the bundle).
Follow the wires back and you should find a 'cage' or box, usually with a fan therein.
That's the PSU.
It's normally secured by a few cross-point screws.
Depending upon several things, it could be four or five hundred watts.
Take it to your nearest shop and get a replacement. It should not cost more than about £40 ish.


Good Luck.
 
tommo9999 said:
Is it easy to replace/remove? What does it look like? Should I get someone who knows what they're doing to have a look?

Thanks again,
Click to expand...

Easy to identify.....normally at the top of your tower unit and your power supply cable (you know the one that plugs into the electric socket in the wall) will plug into it.....

Very easy to replace as has been said.

Best of luck and crack on.................:PDT_Xtremez_09:
 
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