how do i know if a computer is working?

[tier_1thunder]

So i found a computer somewhere and i want to buy a monitor for it, but im not sure if it even works. When i turn it on all the fans spin properly but im not sure if it really works. I dont want to waste my time and buy a monitor for nothing. So is there a way to tell if the computer really works and usable without a monitor



-thanks-

 

[Zerk2012]

Hook it up to a TV or a friends monitor.

 

[tier_1thunder]

Hook it up to a TV or a friends monitor.

 

[tier_1thunder]

Hook it up to a TV or a friends monitor.

thanks
but is there another way without using monitor or tv.

 

[TJ Hooker]

Some motherboards have error beep codes or error status LEDs, if your motherboard has either of those maybe you could check that you're not getting any immediate errors. Also, at least for my PC, I find that if I try to turn it off using the front power button, it takes a few seconds to turn off if it's successfully booted (into Windows), but if it was just in the BIOS or some error state it will shut off immediately. So maybe you could get some sort of indication that way.

Other than that, no I don't see how you could make sure it's working without any sort of display.

 

[tier_1thunder]

Hook it up to a TV or a friends monitor.

Some motherboards have error beep codes or error status LEDs, if your motherboard has either of those maybe you could check that you're not getting any immediate errors. Also, at least for my PC, I find that if I try to turn it off using the front power button, it takes a few seconds to turn off if it's successfully booted (into Windows), but if it was just in the BIOS or some error state it will shut off immediately. So maybe you could get some sort of indication that way.

Other than that, no I don't see how you could make sure it's working without any sort of display.

thanks man..

 

[USAFRet]

And in your initial investigation, do NOT have this connected to your personal LAN. Either wired or WiFi.
You have no idea what is in there.

For any used PC, found or bought, your first move should be a full wipe and reinstall.