BleepingComputer.com: Computer won't start

Welcome to BleepingComputer, a free community where people like yourself come together to discuss and learn how to use their computers. Using the site is easy and fun. As a guest, you can browse and view the various discussions in the forums, but can not create a new topic or reply to an existing one unless you are logged in. Other benefits of registering an account are subscribing to topics and forums, creating a blog, and having no ads shown anywhere on the site.

Click here to Register a free account now! or read our Welcome Guide to learn how to use this site.

Page 1 of 1

You cannot start a new topic
You cannot reply to this topic

Computer won't start HD startsfor a few seconds then stops

#1 Rat Boy

New Member

Group: Members
Posts: 5
Joined: 03-July 09

Posted 03 July 2009 - 10:40 PM

Hi everyone this is my first post

I used my computer yesterday and it worked fine and now it won't start.
If I turn my computer on at the power point and press the on button the HD starts for a few second then stops.
I don't know the make or model but the operating system is Windows XP professional and my poppa put the computer together for me.
All the cords are plugged in and we tried a different power cord and into a different power point and it didn't change.
Has anyone got any suggestions on what is wrong or how to start it?

#2 techextreme

Bleepin Tech

Group: BC Advisor
Posts: 2,072
Joined: 09-June 09
Gender:Male
Location:Pittsburgh, PA

Posted 03 July 2009 - 10:51 PM

When you power on your computer do you see the initial "boot" screen? ( the BIOS information or "splash" screen )

Techextreme

"Admire those who attempt great things, even though they fail."

-- Seneca
Member of the Bleeping Computer A.I.I. early response team!

#3 hamluis

Forum Addict

Group: Moderator
Posts: 30,374
Joined: 03-September 05
Gender:Male
Location:Killeen, TX

Posted 04 July 2009 - 03:23 PM

Do you have a Microsoft XP Pro install CD?

Louis

Am I Infected, What Do I Do?
Preparation Guide, Malware Log Topics
Using The Report Button
Discussion Forum Rules
Misplaced Malware Logs

#4 Rat Boy

New Member

Group: Members
Posts: 5
Joined: 03-July 09

Posted 04 July 2009 - 11:05 PM

Thanks for answering

in answer to techextreme: No, the computer doesn't do anything except for the HD starting for a few seconds.
in answer to hamluis: Yes, i have the XP pro install disk.

#5 techextreme

Bleepin Tech

Group: BC Advisor
Posts: 2,072
Joined: 09-June 09
Gender:Male
Location:Pittsburgh, PA

Posted 05 July 2009 - 12:10 AM

Ratboy....

I would first start by looking at the motherboard and looking for this: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Bad_Capacitor_01.jpg Popped Capacitors. These will be close to the processor itself.

You said the "hard drive starts for a few seconds then stops".... do you mean the "computer itself" or can you hear the hard drive making noise?

Techextreme

"Admire those who attempt great things, even though they fail."

-- Seneca
Member of the Bleeping Computer A.I.I. early response team!

#6 Andrew

Bleepin' Night Watchman

Group: Moderator
Posts: 7,329
Joined: 05-December 05
Gender:Not Telling
Location:Right behind you

Posted 05 July 2009 - 12:25 AM

Another thing (which has happened to me) is to make sure that the motherboard isn't coming in contact with the case, as this can cause a short and prevent the system from powering up.

Help us help you. If HelpBot replies, you MUST follow step 1 in its reply so we know you need help.
Posted Image

Boredom Software Stop Highlighting Things

#7 Rat Boy

New Member

Group: Members
Posts: 5
Joined: 03-July 09

Posted 05 July 2009 - 12:34 AM

Thanks techextreme

I had a look at the Capacitors and they appeared fine, (alot better then the picture).
Sorry it was the power supply making the noise.
We tried to start it with the side of the box off and that's where the noise is from.

#8 Rat Boy

New Member

Group: Members
Posts: 5
Joined: 03-July 09

Posted 05 July 2009 - 12:40 AM

Thank Amazing Andrew

We looked and the mother board isnt touching the case.

#9 techextreme

Bleepin Tech

Group: BC Advisor
Posts: 2,072
Joined: 09-June 09
Gender:Male
Location:Pittsburgh, PA

Posted 05 July 2009 - 12:44 AM

OK. That makes much more sense.

You're probably running up against a failed power supply.

You also may want to pull the power cord from the hard drive including the ide cable. Try once again restarting the computer and check for the BIOS boot screen.

Also, with the computer powered off, put your nose to the rear of the power supply, not directly against it, and smell it. You may smell a foul odor like something elecrtical has burned. If you smell that, then you know for sure it's a bad power supply.

Do you have another power supply you can try in your computer?

Techextreme

"Admire those who attempt great things, even though they fail."

-- Seneca
Member of the Bleeping Computer A.I.I. early response team!

#10 Rat Boy

New Member

Group: Members
Posts: 5
Joined: 03-July 09

Posted 05 July 2009 - 01:24 AM

Thanks for all your help!

While we were looking, we noticed a green light on (on the mother board) and tried to turn the computer on and it worked! :thumbsup: