Desktop Booting Problem

[GreatSageSpike]

So almost a month ago (or more) I turned my computer on, the power led was on, the fan was running, but there was no signal on the monitor, and the mouse and keyboard lights weren't on. So I turned it off then on again, it turned on completely, so I thought it was just a one-time problem, I was wrong. The next day it took more tries to get it on, and everyday it just kept increasing. So a week ago, I decided to just leave it on instead of shutting it down. Then 2 days ago, I accidentally shut it down, and now it wont come on completely at all (Ive been going at it for 2 days now, and its driving me nuts). The fans are spinning, the power led comes on. But I noticed that the hdd led comes on for about 4 seconds, then goes off. Also, the mouses red light flashes for a second but doesnt come on. But at times it wont even flash and the hdd led wont come on at all. Im getting really irritated and im thinking of getting a new pc but I want to know if theres any solution to this. Im 15 and I really know a bunch about how computers work (specs, terms etc.) but I want to learn more about computers so I guess you could say that I still have a lot to learn. Thanks for the help.

 

[GreatSageSpike]

I also want to say that when I have something in the usb slot like a blue usb snowball microphone it lights up but the keyboard and mouse just wont. Its really confusing me.

 

[tejimthrowniy]

check that all connections from your cpu to monitor are tight esp the signal cable. also check that the graphics card is seated properly. i also had this problem i solved it by pushing the graphics card tighter to its port and replacing the signal cable. but the problem reappeared after a few months and i had to replace the motherboard. now its working. this problem maybe caused by improper graphics card seating or motherboard problems since your mouse and keyboard didn't even light up.try pushing the graphics card and getting a new signal cable or make sure your current signal cable is attached properly.

 

[GreatSageSpike]

@tejimthrowniy so the graphics card might be affecting the mouse and keyboard? Does it have anything to do with the cmos battery?

 

[Lutfij]

GreatSageSpike,
mind stating your full system specs? We can move on from there.

 

[GreatSageSpike]

Dell Inspiron 3646 Desktop Celeron 2.58GHz (dual, I believe) 4GB 500GB. 1MB cache and 2.58GHz processor speed. Intel Celeron processor. 4GB DDR3L memory. 500GB Serial ATA hard drive (7200 rpm) Intel HD graphics. 2 USB 3.0 and 3 USB 2.0 ports.

 

[Lutfij]

Thank you for the details, though I was hoping more along the lines of the PSU's specs alongside the list of hardware.

Regardless, how old is this machine you have right now? Is it possible for you to take off your side panel and take a pic of the systems power supply sticker?

Is this it? If so then the machine is seemingly brand new with 8.1 on it - you're yet under warranty period?

 

[GreatSageSpike]

http://www.cnet.com/products/dell-inspiron-660s-pentium-g630-2-7-ghz-4-gb-500-gb/specs/ these are the actual specs

 

[GreatSageSpike]

Its an Inspiron 660s so you can take a look at the specs in the link and ive had it for 2 years

 

[Lutfij]

I'd be inclined to think that the PSU is at fault here as you state that the mouse's power is seen but for a brief period.

 

[GreatSageSpike]

So nothing to do with the motherboard?

 

[Lutfij]

The PSU is a hunch since all your components are, as explained in your first post, powering up for a brief moment. However unless you have a donor system to transplant your innards to another chassis with a reliable, working PSU you're left guessing in the dark where to shoot.

Since warranty on this system is expired(correct?) you can technically open the chassis but at your age I'd be more afraid of your parents than anything and take it to a certified technician or perhaps to a micro-center outlet near you.

 

[GreatSageSpike]

ok got it, was planning on doing that initially, ill let you know if its fixed by private message if thats ok?

 

[Lutfij]

I appreciate the gesture but better place the follow up here since I know some poor soul may be in the same state as you. This (eventually) would offer closure to the readers and the contributors on this thread.

But forget about me, I hope the conversation with your parents go well and that guy looking at your system does a respectful job...

Good luck buddy!


Thank you for selecting my post as the Best Answer but honestly I'd have been fine without it - only after you got it looked at would it have been a better idea to pick a Best Solution.