Computer won't turn on after 2 months of inactivity

[erikn89nl]

Hi all,

I have just gotten back from an 8 week business trip. Before I left, my pc (homebuilt system) was working fine, but since I got back, it has been refusing to do anything.

I have changed the mobo battery, unplugged everything but the psu and cpu from the mobo. Tried the onboard power switch as well as the case switch. Fans don't even turn on, nothing is starting.

I have checked the voltages on the psu after shorting the contacts to turn it on, they seem to be fine, though most of the 5v connections are at 4.3v.

I am at a loss here, don't know what else to check. I reckon the motherboard is the culprit, but I have no way to check. Would be the second board to croak it in this system.

Please help

 

[patrick47018]

Ok. On the Power Supply, there is a switch flip the switch, make sure it is firmly plugged in of course on both ends, wall and PSU. Then try to turn it on

 

[erikn89nl]

Ok. On the Power Supply, there is a switch flip the switch, make sure it is firmly plugged in of course on both ends, wall and PSU. Then try to turn it on

Yes, I am aware that the PSU has to be plugged in and the switch has to be on, before the computer will work. I built it that way, and it ran fine for 5 years, using that tactic.

 

[patrick47018]

Just had to make sure, it can be the most obvious things. Other things work when plugged into this outlet?

 

[erikn89nl]

Just had to make sure, it can be the most obvious things. Other things work when plugged into this outlet?

Yep, screens, desk lamp, speakers, all work fine. Also tried plugging the PSU directly into the outlet that is powering the above.

 

[patrick47018]

So nothing happens, no lights, no sound, nothing?

 

[erikn89nl]

So nothing happens, no lights, no sound, nothing?

The onboard power and reset buttons light up, thats all.

 

[patrick47018]

Do you own a power supply tester?

 

[erikn89nl]

Do you own a power supply tester?

No, but like I said in the original post, I checked the voltages. I used a multimeter.

 

[patrick47018]

You left your PC plugged in while you were gone? Is it plugged into a decent surge protector?

 

[erikn89nl]

You left your PC plugged in while you were gone? Is it plugged into a decent surge protector?

It was plugged into a surge protector, but that wasnt plugged into the outlet, so no surges couldve reached the computer, unless lightning has now got wi-fi.

 

[patrick47018]

I know you used a multimeter to test your PSU, but is there another computer you could try it in, you will likely have to narrow it down that way since there is no POST code to go by you will have to individually test parts.. Sorry

 

[keha12]

If nothing turns on but items that are not powered thru the MB work. Then Id lean on the motherboard. Sadly I dont have an easy way to test that and for me I'd just build new, if I had to replace a MB on a 5+year old computer that is.

Doesn't hurt to try a different PSU, even though you checked the voltage. After trying a new PSU, I'd lean fully on the MB. Might be visual as well, like one the capacitors poped and is leaking.

If you want to do it risk free to your wallet. Then goto the local in-town store. Then buy a new psu and try it, then same with MB. Then once you figure it out, use it if you want. Or return it and get a more up to date system made. But do atleast buy something from that store lol. Make sure you check their return policy though....