This one has me stumped

[J_A_B]

Ok, this seems as likely a place as any where I might find out what I need to know.

My computer seems to have developed a strange problem.    I left it on overnight one night, and when I returned to it the next morning it was rather unresponsive.  Nothing I have attemppted has had any affect.

Both the keyboard and the mouse appear disconected (no lights).  The monitor is still getting some sort of signal as it isn't showing the "no signal" display, but it won't switch out of standby.   Neither the power nor the reset switch have any effect when trying to shut it down.  I have to manually un-plug the computer to shut it off.

Upon attempting to turn it back on, I notice the following problems:

Keyboard and mouse are still dead to the world.  Monitor remains in standby.

The power light on the case does not light.

The CD activity light remains on constantly--there is nothing in the driive and the drive is not making any sounds (it's rather noisy when it is doing anything).

The Hard drive light remains on constantly but I hear no activity from it.

The computer doesn't appear to boot--none of the drive checks, not even floppy, take place, so I'm guessing it's some sort of MB failure.  Perhaps those who know more about the subject than I do could provide me with something better than my semi-educated guess.


Glad my wife's PC still works so I could at least post this.



J_A_B

[Sparks]

J_A_B , I'm no expert but it sounds like the power supply may have failed.  It may be putting out on the lines for the drives but not to the M/B.  My first try based on cost would be a new Power supply or at least borrow one to try.

Just a guess.

[rabbidrabbit]

depending on your pc comfort zone you can try to diagnose the problem or just take out the HD and replace the box.  It sounds like a power supply or MB issue from what you described.  I assume you tried unplugging it for an hr or so and retrying right?

[RTStuka]

Ok heres what you do....

Step A - Get a screw driver.

Step B- Use screw driver to remove nearest window to computer.

Step C- Throw computer out window.

Aint modern technology grand

[StarOfAfrica2]

Before you go tossing anything, look for your CMOS Clear jumper and clear your CMOS.  Depends on the MOBO, but it will be somewhere in the area around your processor.  There will be 3 pins, a jumper will be on 2 of them, usually the left 2.  You move the jumper from pins 1-2 to pins 2-3 and leave it there for 5-10 seconds.  Then move it back to the original setting and try to start your computer.  

What you describe sounds like what happens when you make changes to your BIOS the computer doesnt like.  I'm guessing in leaving it on, the computer overheated and shut down.  This could have corrupted the BIOS.  Of course, following this line of reasoning, its also possible the CPU is fried.  Or, as Sparks said, the power supply could have overheated too.  

If you reset the CMOS you will have to reset all the settings in your BIOS, including time/date.  Make sure you run the HD detection, as sometimes this works on its own and sometimes it doesnt.  Never hurts to do it and make sure.

Good luck.

SA2

[Lizard3]

If it doesn't even beep at all when you try and turn it on, I would start with the power supply. Mobo's have a beep code when they go bonkers to try and let ya know whats wrong.

[Steve]

Ya, on first blush there is a good chance that the power supply has failed.  I'd replace it first, someone said something about replacing the whole box... they're nuts.  Swapiing out a power supply is cheap and easy. Even if it's not the problem, you'll have a spiffing new power supply and won't have to worry about failure in the future.

Another silly thing that makes stuff like this happen is loose/failed ram.

Check to make sure the ram is securely seated.