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why won't my computer turn back on?

D

delussional77

Member
The computer in question is my HTPC which was sitting idly running only a few feet from my head this morning. I wasn't using it but it was turned on and logged into WindowsXP Pro. I heard what sounded like it powering down but it was loud and distracting enough from it's normal humming operation for me to notice.

Now the computer will not turn on at all. Not even an LED, not even a fan starting to spin up, nothing. I press the power button and there isn't even a click like it's trying to turn on.

I checked the mobo and all the components for blown capacitors or any tell-tale signs of what went wrong. The mobo/cpu/ram came out of a desktop that I've had for about 5 years. Things were running pretty sluggish recently but I attributed that to a failing hard drive. There was no visible indications of what caused the problem on the mobo/cpu/ram/components so I moved onto other likely spots.

I opened up the power supply and did notice some white glue-like substance that was sort've all over the board and I suspect that may be the culprit. I don't know if power supplies have some kind of bright white paste that is applied to certain parts. The only reason that I suspect it may NOT be the cause is because it is only in various spots, not flowing from one distinct source.

As of now I still have no power even with all of the peripeheral components taken off of the power supply. Any suggestions as to what could be causing this? Any ideas for troubleshooting?

I can't easily get my hands on a new PSU so I would like to determine before I start buying and trying to see what fixes it.
 
That white goo is silicone adhesive and is used to stabilize the board population during final assembly, shipping and handling.
Could be any number of things. Is the PSU 5 years old? What brand/model is it?
Are any of the little aluminum capacitor covers domed or show the slightest about of a brown spot?
 
Update; The PSU is only about 8 months old. I found a tutorial on line that allows you to jump the +5Vdc to the GND to "switch" the PSU on. I tried that and the fan did not start spinning so I'm assuming at this point that it's the PSU. Are there any other tests that I can do to confirm this is true? Is that an exceptable method to use for this situation?
 
I've got lots of spare parts in the basement for such occurances. I assume that don't have a spare power supply to put in the machine or you would have done it. But with trying it shorted and not starting, I would be confident enough to purchase another power supply.
 
If you shorted the green wire to a black ground wire and it didn't turn on, then the thing is shot. There is almost no chance that the PSU isn't dead. The failure sounded like a PSU problem to me, and the only way a PSU wouldn't turn on but still be functional would be if one of the components shorted out and the PSU took a hit. Then it would need to be turned off and rest for an hour or so, then it should work again.
 
Originally posted by: GalvanizedYankee
That white goo is silicone adhesive and is used to stabilize the board population during final assembly, shipping and handling.
Could be any number of things. Is the PSU 5 years old? What brand/model is it?
Are any of the little aluminum capacitor covers domed or show the slightest about of a brown spot?
Click to expand...

oh i'm really sorry i never actually saw your question (firefox caching issue on this computer). I was just posting an update in hopes that it would help with a solution.

The PSU is a Silverstone 400W (don't have model# present, sorry) that I've only owned for 8 months.
There are no bulging/leaking/mal-formed caps or indications of electrical component breakdown issues anywhere on the board or in the power supply.

I am going to grab a PSU and try that and see if it fixes the problem. Once again, sorry GalvanizedYankee, didn't mean to offend you.
 
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