HP XG834 Computer [fails to power up/boot up]

I have a sick HP XG834 computer. It worked fine up till last week. Went to turn it on and nothing. It seems completely dead. I opened it up, can't see anything wrong. Checked continuity of the on/off button. When pushed in it has continuity, so switch seems okay. Looked over the board see no burnt or discoloring. Disassembled the power supply, see nothing out of the ordinary there either and no burnt smell to it. I always unplug this computer, when ther is any chance of storms and also disconnect the phone line from it too.... Any ideas??? It is an older computer, but does what I need it to do. Thanks John

 

From what you've described it could be anything...

I'd start with the basics, strip all sundry components (PCI Cards/USB devices etc) out and try to start up with just memory (the less the better and swap sticks if possible), graphics (use onboard no addons), disconnect your PATA drives (HD & Optical) and see if the system responds from there.

It would also be a good idea to make sure your monitor is working using another system.

Post back if you can access the BIOS from that setup (or any POST BEEPS/LED FLASHES you hear/see) and we'll work from their, failing a BIOS POST you're probably looking at failed memory (try another stick if possible) or PSU (again try another if you can) or CPU/M'Board (in which case it's probably cheaper to upgrade the system).

 

I unhooked everything external to the computer, when I removed it to the table to have a look inside. The monitor I do know works, I had it connected to another computer after this happened. PATA?? Not sure what this is? same with PCI cards, I've seen that abbreveation but not sure what it is. I did upgrade the memory in this computer a few years back from 256K to 512K of RAM. The power cord I know is okay.
As far as it goes, nothing lights up, none of the fans on the power supply, CPU chip ect... run. It is the same as if it were turned off/unplugged. There must be something on the board that turns on the power supply?? The switch that you push is a momentary switch. It has 2 wires that run to a plug on the main board and also in this plug are 2 or 3 wires from the power supply module.

John

 

Do any of the fans turn at all ? If no, I think your PSU is gone. If they turn on for a second & then turn off, it could be a dead battery on the motherboard.

 

Is there a way of checking the power supply, separate from the computer "mother board "?? i always thought the battery on the board was just for maintaining the date/clock of the computer. I know I've never had to replace it in the 10 years I've had this computer. But yes there is nothing, no fans, beeps, lights ect.....

 

It's 10 years old? That's a very good lifespan (HP will hate you ), but you will need consider if it is worth spending any money on unless it is something simple like a button battery. If you isolate it to a problem with the power supply, is it worth getting a new one? OEM computers often have odd-shaped power supplies and you can only buy an original replacement (from HP). What if something else breaks down soon afterwards?

If I get 4-5 years from a computer I am not exceptionally happy. I expect 6 years and every moment after that is a bonus.

If it is that old, I would save any money towards a new computer. Yes, try any basics checks first (maybe a tip, you should be able to "borrow" a PSU from another computer of the ~same age for testing), but consider how much money you would throw at it and how long the repairs would keep the rest of it going.

Matt

 

Hi Mattman,

I actually bought a new HP last week. I was taken aback when the salesman told me typical life span was only 1-4 yrs...... Biggest thing is nothing from my old computer works on the new one, printer/scanner, camera ect......
Cost will have a bearing of course on whether to repair the old xg834 or not. I went to the HP site, it gives a whole section on checking the computer's PSU to tell if it is it or the motherboard. I haven't had time at the present to try the steps it outlines for this. An HP tech even sent me some other checks to try on it.

John

 

Yep, that's the way it goes.

What I would consider before spending, say $75 on a replacement PSU, is checking the auction websites for a whole machine. There is a xg834 NR on the US eBay site for $150 without any offers. Then you would have a full set of spare parts (or your HDD might switch over to that machine without a hitch).

If the problem is the motherboard, $150 would probably be minimal compared to replacing it.

Anyway, that might be another option for you.

Matt

 

You can buy a simple Power supply tester from computer shops or e-bay for under $10.- they are not the greatest, but usually will tell you if your PSU is working or not.
Have saved me many hours of work.