Computer does not turn on

[Qacer]

Hello,

My uncle's computer decided to not work anymore. I replaced his old, Antec SL400 power supply since my tester indicated that it is faulty. I replaced it with a Thermaltake 430W supply. I thought that the power supply was the issue, but the computer still does not turn on.

When I hit the power switch, I see the fans move for a bit and the system just stays off. The Aopen AX4G Pro mobo red light is on. I'm not sure if red is the normal color, or if it indicates mobo problems. I don't have the manual so I can't tell.

I wanted to get a replacement mobo to get the computer back running, but I'm afraid that it is also possible that the CPU or RAM is at fault. I don't have the tools to test these components, so I really can not tell.

Any tips on how I can troubleshoot this system?

I'm curious if the computer would still turn on if the CPU or RAM is faulty. I'd hate to get a replacement mobo and still have to deal with a faulty Pentium 4 socket 470 chip or a damaged DDR 333MHz RAM.

Thanks!

 

[Pip75]

I had a similar problem with my computer, the problem for me was the video card died. to figure out what the problem is disconnect everything but the Power supply, cpu, a stick of ram, and the video card, basically all of the add on cards. If it still doesn't work take out the video card and see if it will boot up. hope this helps

 

[Fern]

In addition to the above, clear the CMOS too.

Fern

 

[Qacer]

Alright, I followed all your recommendations. The system is still not working. Would a defective CPU or RAM prevent a system from turning on? I highly suspect that it is the motherboard, but I just want to make sure.

 

[Fern]

Google for an online manual.

maybe also look for Aopen forum where you might some info.

Most mobo's will give warning beeps if the CPU or ram is bad. Might wanna be sure the mobo speaker is hooked up (if need be).

Do you have another PC? Might be able to put his ram in there and make sure it's working.

Might wanna consider pulling the mobo and testing with bare minimum components (CPU+HS & fan, ram, gfx card). put it on a phonebook etc. Sometimes, something (loose screw, whatever) get's between the mobo and the case causing a short.

Might check to make sure the CPU HS fan is plugged into the right header on the mobo (or hasn't come loose).

Fern

 

[Qacer]

Just got a hold of a copy of the manual. It stated that if the computer doesn't turn on then it is either a power supply failure or motherboard.

 

[Alopez777]

Qacer,

I had a similar problem with my machine. thought it was the power supply but PSU tester indicates the PSU is good. Turned out to be the 'regulator' on my MB, however when this regulator burned out, it took my CPU as well.

 

[Qacer]

Tsk. That's not good news. :-( Hopefully, I'll get the mobo this week and be able to test it out. I'm really hoping I can reuse the CPU and RAM.

 

[Qacer]

I just replaced the mobo with some BioStar mobo that I got from Newegg. So far, so good. The computer booted up, and I'm currently installing Windows XP. It looks like some capacitors leaked on the old mobo. I might be able to salvage it by replacing the bad capacitors.

 

[Qacer]

This is a first. I did a fresh install of Windows XP Home Edition. I just created a username and didn't even assign a password to it. When I tried clicking on the username, it asked for a password. What's going on? I can't even login to my freshly installed copy of Windows XP.

I also tried going to Safe Mode and logging in as Admin, but that damn account is also asking for a password. Tsk.

 

[lyssword]

Prolly stupid question, but did you try not entering password/user name and try to log in?

 

[Qacer]

Yep, I tried everything from just clicking login to typing some random password. The guest account is also password protected.