Computer won't turn on

[freshdkny]

Hi
I remove my nvidia card to replace it but forgot to unplug the power cable. Now when i try to turn it on, it wont, nothing... but I notice a green light on the back of the computer that is still on. Is my motherboard fried?

[Maximiliam]

Was the computer turned off when you removed the nvidia card though? The green light on the motherboard indicate the motherboard have power.

First, make sure you did not pull any other cables by accident. Like the power button cables attached to the motherboard. Unplug your power cable and make sure the green light on the motherboard goes away. Install any cables you have pulled by accident (if any). Wait 5 minutes and plug the power cable back in. The green light should appear again. Try to power on your computer. Do you hear any fans starting? The power supply fans should start if it is correctly turned on.

Anyway, let me know if your computer was turned on while you where removing your nvidia card or if it was turned off. Just leaving the power cable attached does not matter too much. The important thing is that your computer is turned off.

[freshdkny]

Thank you for your reply.

Yes my computer was off when I remove my nvidia card.
I did what u said but still no power.
I though my problem was with my power supply b-cause the fan was'nt sarting. But I've tested it on another computer and it was fine (power supply fan was working) but when I put it back into my original computer, still nothing. Maybe the problem come from the motherboard or the connection of my power button (I've already verified the cable connection n its plug in carefully...) And 1 more thing, there's alot of dust in there, could it be the problem??

[Maximiliam]

Computers tends to get dusty after a while, but should not be a major problem. Believe me, you would smell the problem if that was ever the cause

As you took out your nvidia card when the computer was off, you did not do anything I have not done myself a lot of times, yes, your power cable was still attached, but that should not matter too much.

Your power supply is working fine, as it works in the other computer.

What do you have instead of the nvidia card? why did you take it out? Try to put it back in like it was and tell me if it still does not work.

I would bet though the power connector (that goes to your power button on your chassi) that starts your computer is connected wrong, maybe not even connected at all. If it is connected, turn the connector around 180 degrees and see if that works. Tell tale signs are the fans not starting on your power supply when you try to turn your computer on, but yet the power supply works and delivers power to your motherboard.

Also, remove any usb devices etc connected to your computer before turning it on.

[Luis]

Hi, I had electrical problems in my house, the electrician turned the breakers on and off many times to check the circuits, I forgot to turn my pc off and now it wont start, a green light on back is on. what could the problem be?
Thanks.

[Maximiliam]

My first thought would be the power supply. Where is the green lights showing? On the motherboard or any other location?

Probably just a fuse that has been damaged and needs to be replaced on the component that does not work. Have happened to me before.

[scato35]

I have a Compaq Presario desktop and it was working fine. I moved and when I got to my new place it wouldn't power up anymore. I purchased a new power supply thinking that was the problem. It still won't power up. Any ideas on what it might be? I was thinking it my be the power connector that connects to the power button on the front of the computer. If so, where can I find one to replace it?

[ronallandottk]

Since you moved, my best guess is that a wire or connector somewhere inside your PC got dislodged during transit.

It's also possible your power supply has a dedicated on/off switch...make sure it's on.

Check all connections, particularly the power supply connection to the motherboard, and the leads to the switches on the case.

I'm not inclined to think anything is broken on your PC, as long as it was not subject to violent shock or moisture while being transported.

You can probably check out any Radio Shack or electronic parts store for a power connector, though personally I just rummage through old discarded computers and cases for any useable small parts like the connector you describe.

You can rule out the connector of the power button by disconnecting it from the pins on the motherboard, and briefly shorting (touching) the the pins out with a small screwdriver. This should turn on/off the motherboard. If it does this, the connector or button is probably shot. If not, maybe the problem is something else.