[Darkness34456]

Hey, im new to fixing computers and such, but my old computer died some time ago, and i want to try and fix it for me and my brothers. Im only 14, so I need detailed instructions, but im not stupid and have some idea of what im doing.

Anyway, the computer wont boot up at all. When i plug it in, a green Led lights up on the back of the Power supply. When i press the power button, I hear a quick screech like sound, and what i believe is the Heat Sync fan moves a bit, and the Led turns off. If i unplug the huge bundle of cables which connects the power supply to the motherboard, and i press power, nothing happens at all and the Led stays on, which i expected.

I suspect that the Motherboard is dead, but i need some experts opinions.

Anything is GREATLY appreciated, i want to fix this thing.

Edited by Darkness34456, 07 April 2009 - 07:24 PM.

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Hello welcome to GeeksToGo, We will be happy to help you.

We will need some more information
If this is a name brand system:
Make and Model
Operating System
Age of the computer
Memory Total
Hard Drive Size, How much free space



If this is custom then We will need the following:
The CPU brand and model
The Motherboard brand and model
Ram amount and speed
Cd\Dvd rom interface IDE/ SATA
Hard Drive size and free space
Any cards in PCI slots
Any software installed\updated and driver updates done just before problem started

All this will help in determining a course of action to best correct the problem you are experiencing.


From your initial description it can be either a bad motherboard or a failing power supply.

[rshaffer61]

Hello welcome to GeeksToGo, We will be happy to help you.

We will need some more information
If this is a name brand system:
Make and Model
Operating System
Age of the computer
Memory Total
Hard Drive Size, How much free space



If this is custom then We will need the following:
The CPU brand and model
The Motherboard brand and model
Ram amount and speed
Cd\Dvd rom interface IDE/ SATA
Hard Drive size and free space
Any cards in PCI slots
Any software installed\updated and driver updates done just before problem started

All this will help in determining a course of action to best correct the problem you are experiencing.


From your initial description it can be either a bad motherboard or a failing power supply.

[rshaffer61]

Here is the specs of your system in case you don't know.
Hp Pavillion A867c

[Darkness34456]

Im guessing that you know them now but i will list them just in case.
HP Pavillion a867c
250Gb Hard drive, about 60 i believe is used.
It runs Windows Xp Home
1GB RAM
Intel Pentium 4 Processor
Its about 3 1/2 years old.

[rshaffer61]

Disconnect everything from the Motherboard except

* keyboard
* mouse
* video output
* 20+4 powercable
* 4/8 pin 12v wire both coming from the powersupply,
* Cpu fan wire
* power and reset button to the case
*case speaker

Now you should have NOTHING connected to the motherboard except what was listed above.

The goal here is just to test the mobo:
Turn the system on and see if you get post screen

Edited by rshaffer61, 08 April 2009 - 03:53 PM.

[Darkness34456]

I do not have a monitor at the moment, My parents own thier own business, and they use the only monitor we have right now, the same for keyoards and mice. I just need to see if the computer will actually turn on, and stay on. I will do what is said above, but i have no monitor. I will post my results as soon as i can.

[Darkness34456]

Yea, same still happens, the heat sync fan turns a little, and the computer makes a screech like sound. It seems like its cutting power right away, because after i press power, nothing lights up.

Edited by Darkness34456, 08 April 2009 - 05:48 PM.

[rshaffer61]

Sounds like a power supply problem.
Can you get hold of another power supply and hook it up to test?
That would help take out the possibility of motherboard being bad