Computer Won't Power On

[Sneech]

I recently built a new computer for the first time. I got it up and running and installed XP and it was running fine for 2 weeks. Then this weekend I went away, turned the computer off before I left, and when i came back 3 days later the computer would not turn on at all. The green LED on the motherboard won't even come on. No fans nothing. I checked the connections and they seemed solid. My best guess is that it is the power supply, but i do not know how to check it for sure. So if anyone knows how to check it, or any other suggestions as to what may be the problem I would love to hear them.

Thanks in advance,
Sneech

[DMB2000uk]

Check the fuse in the plug.

Is there a switch on the back of the PSU that needs turning on as well as the wall socket?

Then when you have checked those things, to test your PSU separate to the computer, unplug all the connectors and on the 20/24 pin thing short a green and black wire with a paperclip. Turn on the PSU for no more than a couple of seconds, and if the PSU fan starts up then your PSU is OK and the problem is somewhere else, but if not then it is something else.

Dan

[Sneech]

Thank you for the response Dan. Only part of your post i didn't understand was the part about checking the fuse on the plug. I did get the switch on the back of the PSU, and I will try testing the PSU the way that you described. Thanks again!!

Sneech

[DMB2000uk]

Over here in ol' blighty plugs have fuses, but apparently they don't in America?

Dan

[Apoptosis]

no fuses over here... nothing happens at all when you hit the power button?

[Sneech]

No I plug the PSU into the surge protector and flip the switch on the back and nothing happens. Before the MotherBoard had an LED light that would come on even before i hit the power button on the fron of the case, now nothing. I appreciate the help

Sneech

[DMB2000uk]

No I plug the PSU into the surge protector and flip the switch on the back and nothing happens. Before the MotherBoard had an LED light that would come on even before i hit the power button on the fron of the case, now nothing. I appreciate the help

Pretty obvious, but worth suggesting anyway, have you tried tempararily bypassing the surge protector?

Dan

[Sneech]

Thanks for the suggestion Dan but i did try it directly into the wall socket as well. I just tried to jump(not sure of correct term) the PSU by connecting the green wire pin and black wire pin. I belive I did it correctly (paperclip slid into both while plugged in and power switch on) and nothing happened. Do you think the PSU is the culprit?

Sneech

[DMB2000uk]

Thanks for the suggestion Dan but i did try it directly into the wall socket as well. I just tried to jump(not sure of correct term) the PSU by connecting the green wire pin and black wire pin. I belive I did it correctly (paperclip slid into both while plugged in and power switch on) and nothing happened. Do you think the PSU is the culprit?

Woops, I should have said to jump it, let go of the paperclip and then turn the PSU on >_<

Well if jumping it like that doesn't work, then yes, you have a bad PSU.

Dan

[Sneech]

Thanks for all of help I will replace it and see if that does the trick. Just hoping its nothing more, like a fried motherboard.

Sneech

[Sneech]

Well i got and New PSU and installed it and everything is back up and running. thanks for all the info and suggestions. Just wondering if you guys have any idea why it went bad, power surge, bad set up by me, cheap PSU(which it was). Just lookin to avoid a repeat.

Thanks,
Sneech

[DMB2000uk]

cheap PSU

Answer is right there, run and hide before dicecca catches this thread and you get a lecture

Dan