Mood:  crushed out

1. Computer turns on but does not boot (power led lights up and ATX PSU fan is turning). In many instances you here a BEEPING sound.

a.       Try reinserting the DIMMs (memory chip), the PCI or AGP video card or the processor. These hardware should be keyed into the respective cutouts on the motherboard.  Press firmly down until it seats correctly.

(Note: Handle these modules only by their edges or wear grounding strap)

b.      One of these may be defective - Motherboard, memory, video card, processor.

(Note: In changing defective hardware, check your Motherboard specification for details)

c.       Check Motherboard jumpers

d.      Check CMOS configuration

e.      You came up with this problem after overclocking or after accidentally overclocking your CPU because you did not read the manual. The only solution is to clear the BIOS if it does not reset automatically to default.

f.        You updated the wrong BIOS configuration. Install the previous BIOS

Mood:  crushed out

1. Computer turns on but does not start / boot (Power led lit up and turns off, the ATX power supply fan is turning).

a.       There are instances that the ATX power supply is defective. This may be caused by insufficient supply of power to the motherboard (usually the problem when adding hardware to your computer like CD ROM) try changing your ATX PSU to higher wattage (ex: change your 300W ATX PSU to 400W).

b.      Problem happens when you just assembled or set up a brand new clone / generic desktop. Try reinserting the ATX PSU cables, check Motherboard jumpers if set correctly, and check IDE / SATA cables.

c.       The motherboard is defective. Parts in your motherboard get busted, like IC and capacitor.  (Note: Never put your coffee or water on top of the CPU or monitor, this might spill and cause damage.) In this case you need to replace your Motherboard.

(Note: for compatibility of your existing hardware, use same motherboard specifications.)

d.      The reset button could be stuck. Pick with a pointed object like paper clip to release the button.  Never bang the CPU.

Mood:  crushed out

WARNING!  All cables carry electric current.  Be sure to hold only insulated part, keep your hands dry, and keep your body insulated by using dry rubber gloves. Make sure you are not grounded (Stay away from walls and off the floor). You may stand on top of a styrofoam or wear rubber shoes. Otherwise, you may not only get SHOCKED but you may SHORT sensitive parts in the computer.  

1. If your computer doesn't turn on (No lights and fan doesn't rotate)

    a.       There might be a power failure in your area, wait for power to come back (huh! Some people are damn stupid).

    b.      Check the circuit breaker, it might have tripped.

    c.       Check for loose cables.  Probably there is no power entering your computer - reinsert all power cables at the back of your computer and also from the source. Be sure to insert cables properly.

    d.      Check the AVR or UPS if you're using one.

-          Their cables might not be plugged in properly in the source.

-          The fuse might have blown; you need to change this with the same ampere rating.

-          Some UPS won't work if the battery is drained so let it charge for an hour before turning on your computer.

-          If none of the above works then remove the AVR or UPS and plug your monitor and CPU directly to the power outlet and switch on your computer. Change your AVR or UPS if found defective (AVR or UPS are frontline protection for your computer against abrupt power change).

    e.      In this process you need to open the CPU and remove the ATX Power Supply

-          Unplug all cables of the ATX PS from the motherboard, FDD, HDD, CD DVD ROM etc.

-          Test the ATX power supply. Replace the power supply with same wattage if defective or bring it to the electronic shop for repair.

-          To learn how to test the power supply without attaching to the motherboard click here >>

-          If the ATX power supply is not defective, put it back and make sure all cables are properly in place.  Go to the next step.

    f.        Have you just reset the BIOS?  You could have forgotten to put the jumper back.  (Note: Always remove the battery before attempting to reset/clear the CMOS. Afterwards return first the jumper then the battery.)