robby

The last couple of days when i've switched on the PC it beeps and the unit lights up but nothing comes on the screen?
Nothing happens when i press the reset button so i have to pull the power lead out of the back of the pc and switch it on again to get it going.
this has started happening the last couple of days - before then it was perfect

Any help appreciated (step by step for novice please)

Thanks

bioforger

iTrader: (1)

Power Supply issue probably. But as with all PC problems, you need to follow a process of elimination in case its something else like the RAM, gfx card, hard disc, etc etc. You will need to pull out components you don't need to break/fix the issue. If you don't feel up to it, then take it to your local tech/pc shop n ask them to find the problem.

jpor

iTrader: (1)

Have you added anything extra to it recently? As Bioforger says, It could be the PSU not having enough juice to get you powered up properly. Or the PSU is at capacity with maybe too many power hungry peripherials attached.

robby

Nothing has changed in the 2 years i've had the computer - nothing added,etc

I've restored to an earlier date and it's still the same so the latest windows updates didn't harm it

Do you think i should but another power supply? does the old 1 unplug/ new 1 plug in?

thanks

jpor

iTrader: (1)

Yes most PSU's detach. You just need to make sure you get the right type of PSU for your computer. What make is it?
The windows update wouldn't have casued the issue as it sounds like a Hardware rather than a software problem.

robby

well i took the side cover off today and used an air duster spray to clean away the dust (only did it a few months ago), removed the ram and cleaned it up (as recommended somewhere else) and it still took maybe 7-8 attempts to get it to boot up
The only extras i have attached are a printer (only switched on when i use it - maybe once a month), external ntl modem and a monitor.
I forgot to note the make/ model of power supply but will have another look tommorow - should i then go for a more powerful one?

thanks

pimmo2000

iTrader: (6)

Beeping on a power supply ?

Does it seem to beep in a pattern ?

robby

checked the power supply and it's a Win power ATX 450 (450watts)

it's getting harder to get the flipping thing to switch on, press the power button and the monitor goes to sleep, no beep from computer (used to beep when windows was starting), fan comes on straight away and stays on but there's nothing on the screen

Does win XP have a system scan/ diagnostic function?

bioforger

iTrader: (1)

Mate im 99% sure your PSU is fecked, jus get another, or if u are still unsure get a PSU tester.

Power Supply Tester > Maplin

robby

yep looked on fleebay and can get a similar one for under a tenner

1 other thing i've noticed - i used to be able to use the tab key when entering passwords which were stored but now i have to re-type them, and when on fleebay, etc and i double clicked in the search box a list would drop down with previous searches - this doesn't happen anymore ?

bioforger

iTrader: (1)

Well that just means you've somehow reset the cookies/temp data, in your Web browser. In Firefox it's just a setting options/security to store them all. Similar in IE.

robby

I'm using IE and have tried the following
tools/ internet options/ content/ autocomplete/ use autocomplete for forms, user names and passwords

the user names are ok it's just the passwords which i have to retype?

bioforger

iTrader: (1)

Yea autocomplete should capture them, dunno, all options are on yea? i.e prompt me to save passwords? If that doesn't work, click delete Close IE. Reopen IE and retry a site where u use a pass regularly, it should prompt u to save the pass.

If not google

robby

well all i can say to you guys is a big THANKS
new power supply came today and i managed to fit it all by myself (it was simple) - switched it on and everything is working

you've saved me a lot of grief trying to start the thing up

Thanks again

bioforger

iTrader: (1)

excellent