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Computer won't turn on.

A

airkarol

macrumors 6502
Original poster
Nov 12, 2005
280
0
Hey,

I'm having a problem with a PC. It's an Athlon 2400+, 512MB, 80GB HD running Windows XP Pro. I know it's not a Mac, but I use it as a server. I left it on last night, and this morning it was off. I checked the plugs, and then realized that when the computer is plugged in there is a hum, or a buzzing sound that seems to be coming from the power supply. Does anyone know what the problem might be?

Thanks.
 
Sounds like the power supply on your PC has died, you should be able to get a new one pretty cheap at NewEgg for around $30 to $50 depending on your needs. You'll need a new power supply to have the computer working again. That is unless there is something more wrong with it.

If you have another PC power supply you can swap it and see if that fixes the problem. Then you will definitely know what the problem is, but to me I'm pretty sure it's the power supply. Good luck :)
 
I have an older PC that isn't in use. Would a power supply from the times of windows 95 be ok?
 
airkarol said:
I have an older PC that isn't in use. Would a power supply from the times of windows 95 be ok?
Click to expand...

Probably wouldn't work. Windows 95 era was still mostly AT-style power supplies, whereas the newer gear requires ATX power supplies (with greater power requirements as well).
 
I guess I'm putting out $40 on a power supply :eek:

I forgot to mention that a few days ago when I powered on, there was an error in the startup check. It said there was a problem with the floppy drive. Can that have anything to do with this?
 
airkarol said:
I guess I'm putting out $40 on a power supply :eek:

I forgot to mention that a few days ago when I powered on, there was an error in the startup check. It said there was a problem with the floppy drive. Can that have anything to do with this?
Click to expand...

If you want. Disconnect the floppy drive, CD drives, anything that's not needed to boot up. I doubt it would make a difference, but you never know. Maybe the floppy drive gave you an error because it was not getting power, which might of been an early symptom of the Power Supply failing.
 
OK, I'll open it open tomorrow, I don't have time tonight. I'll try that, and if it doesn't work then I'll order a power supply.

Thanks for you help!
 
I opened up the case, and took out the power supply to take a look at it. A capacitor inside it is unplugged, it came out through the fan holes. Is it safe to open up the power supply? Thanks.
 
airkarol said:
I opened up the case, and took out the power supply to take a look at it. A capacitor inside it is unplugged, it came out through the fan holes. Is it safe to open up the power supply? Thanks.
Click to expand...

It's just cheaper to buy a new power supply. As for the parts that came out of it. You really can't fix it unless you have experience it that area
 
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