Really odd.

[monkeyboy]

Hello all.

 

Firstly. Excellent site. Well done to all involved.

 

Now, I've accepted that the pc I was asked to take a look at is probably dead. What I'd like to know is how it became so. Any pointers would be greatly appreciated as I'm always interested in the workings, or none workings, of the pc as we know it.

 

So the tower, when powered, only had the green light surrounding the on/off switch. Said switch doesn't have any effect on things. I've pressed it a dozen times and nothing. I've had the side off, cleaned it, took the battery out for an hour. Nothing. The fan is dead, the hard drive is lifeless. The only signs of anything is the green light.

 

And now, even the light has gone out. It's ready for the bin, yes?

[maynardvdm]

Hi

 

Welcome to Extreme Tech Support - Free PC Help.

 

Have you tried another PSU (Power Supply)?

[monkeyboy]

hi maynardvdm.

 

No I haven't tried a different PSU. This is something you'd recommend, obviously. I will try that. cheers.

 

On the same subject, and this might be a complete coincedence, but is it possible for a pc to kill a keyboard? Reason I ask is that after plugging my own perfectly working keyboard into the broken pc in question, it's now died. I've never heard of this before. Could the faulty pc have shorted the keyboard somehow? Its a ps2 connection and the numlock light is permanently on, that's it. No response on screen.

 

Needless to say, I fully regret agreeing to try and fix this thing!

 

Thanks for your time.

[help4me]

Was the working computer on or off when you plugged the keyboard back into it?

[maynardvdm]

Hi

 

If you switch on the pc without a keyboard, you would get a error. So you have to switch off the pc then attach the keyboard then switch the pc on.

 

Is it still not working after a restart?

[Guest Wolfeymole]

If you plug a keyboard or a mouse into a pc that is switched on they will not work.

You will need to reboot Monkey.

 

This sounds like most definitely a PSU issue.

 

What are system specifications of the machine that you are repairing?

[Tony D]

I don't see how a computer can take out a keyboard. However, if you plugged in your keyboard to the computer AFTER the computer was running, there could be a case for the keyboard being 'taken out'.

[Guest Wolfeymole]

I doubt very much the keyboard would be "Taken out" or be seriously damaged by plugging it into a working (on) pc, to me it would simply not work.

[Dalo Harkin]

Has anyone been messing with the wires that come from the chassis where they join onto the MOBO - if they have been put in the wrong places then that would cause the green light and nothing else.

[monkeyboy]

Thank you all for your swift replies.

 

This isn't a case of plugging the keyboard in at the wrong time. My keyboard worked perfectly on my own pc and has done for many years. The tower apart, everything I used to test the broken one was my own and was in perfect working order. But upon reconnecting my keyboard to my own working pc, it's dead? I'm typing this with a new keyboard I've had to buy, but this time with a usb connection and not ps2.

 

Maybe it was coincedence? Thanks again for your time.

[Dalo Harkin]

Ok - if the keyboard was a USB one - there is a possibility that if the PSU blew that it took the keyboard with it - as one of the rails provides power to the USB devices. (this is very rare though)

[monkeyboy]

Hi Dalo.

 

The keyboard that blew was a ps2 connection. My new one is usb as that seems to be the only way now.

 

So if a usb blow is rare, I guess a ps2 death is like finding a hen with teeth? I should probably burn the thing on a stake. It's evil!

 

Cheers for your time.

[Guest Wolfeymole]

It's even rarer for a PS2 K/B to die, mmm there may be ominous events shortly with the mobo.

 

Don't quote me though Monkey.

[Dalo Harkin]

It's even rarer for a PS2 K/B to die, mmm there may be ominous events shortly with the mobo.

 

Don't quote me though Monkey.

 

If the PSU has sent a surge through the MOBO the CPU is normally the culprit that takes the damage as it draws most power, as Wolfey has said you may experience some 'issues' with the MOBO.

[Seth]

Since the psu fan isn't coming on, then the psu is dead.

 

Keep in mind however, that when some mobo's blow, they take out the psu as well. So, you have a blown psu and maybe a mobo too.

[Dalo Harkin]

There is really no way to tell what has blown unless you swap the 'suspect' components with ones that are working, BUT in doing so may inadvertantly blow those components - If the light is coming on at the front of the PC then there is power - but that power is also transmitted through the MOBO to power the light - it is possible that only some of the PSU or MOBO is damaged.

But as a safety note get a new PSU and see whats what - and if that doesn't work get a new MOBO.

[Seth]

There is really no way to tell what has blown unless you swap the 'suspect' components with ones that are working, BUT in doing so may inadvertantly blow those components - If the light is coming on at the front of the PC then there is power - but that power is also transmitted through the MOBO to power the light - it is possible that only some of the PSU or MOBO is damaged.

But as a safety note get a new PSU and see whats what - and if that doesn't work get a new MOBO.

 

Right.

 

I should have said "damaged" and not "dead".

[Dalo Harkin]

- he just needs to make sure that the PSU is replaced first and the MOBO second - there is a much higher chance of the PSU being dead than the MOBO.

[Seth]

Yes, of course.

[monkeyboy]

I appreciate all of your comments and they are duly noted.

 

How much, in english pounds and pence, would a new psu be anyway? Is such an operation complex or relatively simple?

 

I understand that this post is dragging out somewhat and I apologise, but if it helps, I'm very grateful for the guidance.

 

Thanks all.

[maynardvdm]

Hi

 

Have a look here:

 

Scan.co.uk

[Dalo Harkin]

the PSU would depend on the spec of the PC - on the side of the PSU it will tell you the WATTAGE - you are better just getting one of the same WATTAGE - if its under 400W you are looking £30+ and if its 600W you are looking £50+

It is a very simple process to install the PSU - and in the first instance seeing as though we want to test if the PSU is the faulty component or not - you can just plug the PSU into the ports on the MOBO and the HDD and then power it up - you dont need to fit the PSU inside the case until you know that is the 'malfunctioning' part.

[monkeyboy]

Again, thank you.

 

I've removed the offending item and am now on the hunt for a replacement psu. I will post the outcome.

 

I don't wish to suck up, but this is one finely tuned website. You should give lessons on how a q+a site SHOULD be ran.

 

Loving your work. Cheers gents/ladies.

[Guest Wolfeymole]

Your comments are more than appreciated Monkey and Extreme Tech Support - Free PC Help thanks you for them.

 

We have only one fine lady on the team at this present time however should you wish to consider observing the Team Page.

 

http://extremetechsupport.com/forum/free-pc-help-team/2553-free-pc-help-team.html#post14775

 

Once again, thank you.

[monkeyboy]

Quick update.

 

Out of curiosity, I tried the suspect psu in an old time machine I had (insert your own Dr Who/Tardis gag here) and guess what? It works.

 

I'm happy to have ruled out the psu finally, but then again I'm back to square one. I think it's safe to say the mobo is toast?