Computer does not turn on AT ALL

[Kromis]

1. Overview of the problem
Computer does not turn on AT ALL. No noises, no lights. However, my subwoofer makes a low pulsing "thump" sound when I press the power button on my computer.


2. Full description of the problem and symptoms
Computer was working fine. I decided to clean out the dust that had been gathering inside the case so I used a cotton swab to clean the dust from my 9600GT and Arctic Cooling Freezer 7 Pro. Afterwards, I connected an Aspire/Apevia fan to a power connector. I turned the power supply off and removed all connections but forgot to take out the power cord. Afterward, I was not able to turn on the computer.

3. Did it work normally at one time, or has the problem always existed?
Worked normally for a long time. Problem occurred today only after I cleaned my computer.



4. Is the problem consistent and repeatable, or entirely random, or semi-random?
I can't turn on my computer to even check.

5. I already tried these steps:
Plugged the computer in another outlet.
Made sure everything is connected.

6. My software:

*Windows Vista Premium 32-bit
* Antivirus - Norton 360
* Firewall - Norton 360

7. My hardware

* GIGABYTE GA-965P-DS3
* E4300 oced to 3.0GHz
* EVGA 9600GT SSC
* G. Skill 2x1GB (1.8-2.1v)
* Corsair 520HX

UPDATE: FIXED!

 

[mpilchfamily]

Well it seams you already checked all the connections. If the power switch on the back of the PSU was still on when you unplugged all the cables in the case there is a slight chance you damaged the motherboard in the prosses. Very slight chance but it is possible. There may even be damage from a static discharge.

I hope its just a missed loose connection some were. But when the system doesn't even acnolage power there could be some damage. Be sure that the power button is connected to the right pins on the motherboard.
next you'll want to check the PSu to make sure it still powers up. Do this by placing a metal paperclip or wire into the main connector where the green wire and one of the black wires are. This turns the PSU without needing the motherboard. If that checks out then you may have a dead board.

 

[Kromis]

Thanks mpilchfamily, I'll try out that paperclip thing.

Also, the power switch of the PSU was turned off but the power cord was still connected (if it makes any difference).

Btw, when the PSU fan turns on, that means the PSU is on, right?

 

[Kromis]

Oh no...

Oh no no no! NO!!!!!

I tried the paperclip thing and my power supply and fans worked. I'm starting to think my motherboard died

 

[Lemon law]

To Kromis,

One thing to try before conducting a funeral for your mobo, with no AC to the puter, either reset your bios by shorting using the pins, or simply, remove the bios battery for a half hour or so, replace the battery, and fire it back on again. If you can then get into the bios, set bios defaults and then set things up the way you want them later.

You could also remove all but one stick of memory and see if that gets it to boot. If one stick does not work, try the other.

 

[Skyzoomer]

Hi Kromis,

When troubleshooting power up problems like you have, the main thing to do is to get to a minimum bare bones configuration. Disconnect everything possible in case something is shorting out. I had a power on problem once that was caused by my sound card. Another time, it was caused a hard drive. And try the memory thing that Lemonlaw suggested.

Sky

 

[Kromis]

Alright I will try it out. I'm kind of busy with school so I'll give this thread an update ASAP.

Thanks guys!

 

[Kromis]

UPDATE!

I removed the motherboard from the case with barebones configuration (CPU heatsink, one stick of RAM) and the fan on the heatsink spun when I turned it on! How exciting!

I will continue to update this thread as I make progress.

Thanks guys!