Computer Will Not Start

Okay, the computer in question is an e-machines running windows XP home. It's roughly two years old with no problems before this.

Yesterday, I booted the computer, checked my e-mail, then put it into Stand-By, but then though better of it because there was something I needed to do before I left. As I attempted to 'wake it up' the tower began to make chugging noises, and the optical keyboard and mouse were not responsive. Their individual lights were out, as was the light on the small 'receptor'. The monitor got no signal from the tower and didn't display anything at all. I shut the computer off at the surge protector, waited a while, then turned the surge protector back on. The computer sprang to not-quite-life, resuming chugging and unresponsiveness. Again, I shut it down at the surge protector, and left it alone for the rest of the day.

Upon coming home, I started up the computer, and it came to the desktop, saying it had detected new hardware, but I don't remember what that was, only that it ended in PC, and that I needed to restart so it would operate to optimum levels. I did. It worked for a while, then I shut it down completely.

Upon shutting it down, and I did, it started right back up, as if I had only put it into standby, but I had not. It shut it down again, only for it to boot itself again a few minutes later. On the third attempt I went to sleep, the computer still shut down, only to wake up with the computer running, but no one was home. The keyboard, monitor, mouse, etc were not responding, but the computer was 'on' but not sending signals. Again, I shut it down at the surge protector, then flipped the protector back on, but now the computer refuses to start period. I push the button, I hold it in, and move the mouse, type on thek eyboard, etc. Nothing. I noticed when I turn the surge protector mack on during this, it chugs for a second then stops completely, devoid of sound, lights, activity, etc.

Not sure what to do.

 

When there are no lights, sound or any activity at all, there is no power getting to the components. That indicates the power supply unit has failed and will have to be replaced.

 

Have you tried bypassing the surge protector?

I agree it sounds like a PSU problem. If you want, you could try using a PSU from another computer (make certain the power connectors to the motherboard match). There are some recommendations for new power supply units in the BBS Hardware forum recently.

It may relate to temperature. Open the case and check all the fans are spinning freely.

"Chugging noises" may be a faulty harddrive. You could try disconnecting the HDD and booting to a boot floppy or CD. See if any LEDs stay on constantly when you press the power button.

A one-off, check that the power button itself is not getting jammed or the front panel of the tower is not loose.

Matt