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General discussion

Computer won't post

Jul 16, 2007 7:41AM PDT

I have had zero problems with my current pc until today. I got on this morning before heading off to work to read my email, check the news, digg, etc. After I was done, I powered it down. I just got home and attempted to power it up but nothing happened. I ensured that all power chords were still plugged in and that the power supply was still switched on. However, when I bent down behind the computer, I distinctly got a whiff of what I can best describe as "new computer smell", despite this computer being well over a year old.

However, after I reseated the power chord to the psu, the computer IMMEDIATELY turned on, without me pressing any button whatsoever. Nevertheless, the computer won't post, and I noticed that the fan on my video card (and potentially other components) erratically spins and shuts down after some time.

Does anyone have any idea of the source of the problem AND how to remedy it? I'm naturally inclined to believe it is the psu (HIPER 580W), but I'm open to all ideas. Obviously, I wish this would just turn out to be some stupid mistake on my part that is easily fixable. Thanks for your time.

Discussion is locked

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professional help, maybe
Jul 16, 2007 7:58AM PDT

Have someone check the electronics. If the psu can't be salvaged, replace it.

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So little to go on.
Jul 16, 2007 3:24PM PDT

What make/model is the computer?

What OS? Any error messages?

Is anything showing on the monitor? When the computer is off but the monitor is on, does the monitor show a Self Test? If not, can you try another monitor or reseat the monitor connectors and plug?

Checked other connections, both inside and outside?
It doesn't take much to unseat them.

Does the HHD LED indicate that the HHD is working?

The fan may just be powering down when the temp sensor determines that cooling is presently not necessary.

Charlie

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RAM check
Jul 16, 2007 6:20PM PDT

My only experience of POST failure turned out to be a RAM problem,I had two sticks of RAM and one had died. If you have two or more sticks of RAM try booting with only one stick, then try another stick on it's own and in different slots, hopefully it may be something as simple as this.