Old Computer won't turn on

[imported_Leinad]

Originally posted by: mechBgon
Troubleshooting starter

1. Overview of the problem
   The computer will not turn on. Push the power button, and nothing happens.
   
2. Full description of the problem and symptoms
   The computer is an old machine I upgraded in ~2004 timeframe. It cut off on me the other night in the middle of typing an email, and would not boot. It does not do anything - no fans, no noises - I get a light for the RAM, and the power and message LED's on the front case.
   In the hope that it was the power supply (and in preparation for building a replacement) I bought a new power supply, and connected it up. I still get absolutely nothing.
   
   
3. Did it work normally at one time, or has the problem always existed?
   It worked right for years. It had a few quirks, and with two little kids, it has been subjected to a number of "abrupt" power offs. It has always run just fine.
   
   
4. Is the problem consistent and repeatable, or entirely random, or semi-random?
   It's repeatable. You push the power button, and nothing happens.
   
   
5. I already tried these steps:
   I have replaced the power supply and disconnected everything except the MB. I have pulled the dual channel RAM, and tried each stick separately in each slot. I have removed the Video card, the SATA backup drive (last backed up a year ago), the floppy drive and the RAID array.
   
   
6. My hardware
   • System brand & model, if it?s a pre-built system such as a Dell, HP, Gateway, etc. If it?s not, fill in as much of the information below as you can.
     
   • Motherboard brand & model - Giga-byte GA-7NNXP (NForce 2)
   • CPU model (and is it overclocked?) AMD Athlon XP 3000
   • Video card(s) brand & model BFG 6800 GT OC
   • RAM modules brand & model (the voltage being supplied to the RAM may also be helpful to know, particularly for high-performance RAM)
   • Power supply brand & model OCX Gamexstream 600
   • Feel free to add more hardware details that you think might be relevant to the issue
   
   
7. Other information that might be relevant
   I am not worried about getting the system operational again. It would be nice, but it owes me nothing. I do need the files on my RAID array (GigaRAID 8212).
   
   Any advice/help is most appreciated.
   
   Thanks,
   Leinad
   

 

[robisbell]

it's telling you it's time to upgrade.

 

[RebateMonger]

Most RAID 1 drives can be read by connecting one of the drives directly to a standard disk controller.

I'm not sure about NVidia-controlled arrays. My recollection was that you may have to download some software from NVidia that can read the disks from DOS or Windows. Check out NVidia's site and their Support Forums.

 

[TheKub]

Originally posted by: RebateMonger
Most RAID 1 drives can be read by connecting one of the drives directly to a standard disk controller.

I'm not sure about NVidia-controlled arrays. My recollection was that you may have to download some software from NVidia that can read the disks from DOS or Windows. Check out NVidia's site and their Support Forums.

Yeah, Ive pulled raid 1 drives and put them in another system to access data but these were on servers with hardware raid cards so it might be slightly different with Nvidia just like RM said.