DIY Diagnosis and Solutions
I woke up this morning and in the night my computer decided it had had enough and decided on its own volition to shut itself down! Why? Is it confused, tired, does it disapprove of something? Or is it a 'sign from above' that I need to take more care of it?
In all things computers 'forewarned is forearmed'. Knowledge is power so take the emotion out of the picture (its very stressful when they start to misbehave) and look at the symptoms...
Common Hardware Faults
Symptom 1: Computer does not start, no lights on the computer, no sounds from the computer, the monitor is blank or displays no signal
Possible Solutions 1 - Desktop Computer
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Check that the power to the computer is on and that the power cables are plugged in securely. (you may laugh but I have had to fix many computers over the years this way, and it is a very expensive oversight).
If the power cables are in securely then remove the power cable from the computer completely and leave it out for 3 minutes (approx) and then reattach it and try starting the computer again. (sometimes computers develop a power loop on the motherboards and this needs to discharge before it will start).
If it is still not working
- Check to see if the power supply is working by placing your hand at the back of the computer where you plugged in the power cable, if the fan is spinning you should feel a small breeze on your palm.
Diagnosis
If there is no breeze then the problem is most likely a blown power supply. (average cost apprx $80). I would recommend you have this repaired by a technician but it is something you will be able to do yourself.
Possible Solutions 2 - Laptop Computer
1. Check that the power to the laptop is on and that the power cables are plugged in securely.
1. Check that the power to the laptop is on and that the power cables are plugged in securely.
2. If the power cables are in securely then remove the power cable from the laptop completely and also turn the laptop over and remove the internal battery.
Generally the batteries in most laptops are held in by clips (switches) so move those to the unlock position and release the battery. (these devices commonly develop a power loop and I have pacified numerous distressed clients extremely quickly and inexpensively using just this technique).
3. Whilst the battery is out plug back in the power supply (adaptor) and try to restart the laptop, if it does not start remove the power supply and plug the battery back in.
4. Try to restart the laptop.
Diagnosis
If the laptop starts with the battery in and power supply out but doesn't start with just the power supply in then you have a faulty power supply. (costs vary depending on the make and model of the laptop but these items can be purchased online at the cheapest rate). If the laptop starts with the power supply in and the battery out but doesn't start with both in then you have a faulty battery. (very rare and once again replacement costs vary depending on make and model)
If the laptop fails to restart after trying all of these techniques then the problem is a hardware fault inside the laptop and most likely (unless it is under warranty) is not worth repairing as the labour and replacement costs will match or exceed the cost of purchasing a new laptop.
Warm Regards
Kim-Denyse
www.mycomputertutor.net.au
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