Hi all had a few problems yesterday,came down this morning and my PC will not turn on,the fan is working but no light nothing,any ideas ?
Have to rig the spare up for later
Which PC Acer? Can you get into bios?What problems yesterday (with PC) . Tried a cold boot? i.e unplug from mains leave for 30 seconds,Check monitor connected and turned on. I am not around this am
Quote from: badpianoplayer on Sep 30, 2008, 08:32:44
Hi all had a few problems yesterday,came down this morning and my PC will not turn on,the fan is working but no light nothing,any ideas ?
Have to rig the spare up for later
Sounds silly, fuse in the plug?
I was going to say try unplugging from the mains. Sometimes that 'resets' things.
Also if you can see inside easily has the Motherboard any lights on it, my board has led's and a code for digital display for booting errors and the all clear (FF) that everything is ok, has your board any lights on it?
Thanks guys no just the fan whirling away no lights.....it was playing up yesterday wouldnt shut down but thought it was sorted last night.
I ran scans for and problems but it was fine.
I did connect an external hard drive yesterday but this cannot be the problem as this is just a drive so at the moment (havnt got time right now) I think I will just try out the basic checks before getting it back to PC world,this is under warranty so I am limited what I can do
If the fan is running you have mains power reaching the unit, David, so I'd bump it along to PC World rather than mess with the warranty. :( Bummer...
The drive was as I hope you know was clean David, so no issue there, what problems did you have yesterday?
Quote from: Rik on Sep 30, 2008, 09:25:05
If the fan is running you have mains power reaching the unit, David, so I'd bump it along to PC World rather than mess with the warranty. :( Bummer...
Thats what I had decided Rik,I have to book a job no first as you cannot just take them in.good job I have spares.......worth a question here though thanks all.
Thanks to the one I repaired at least have a little knowledge now,
There is a good one in
I'm wondering if somehow the BIOS has been set to boot from the external drive, and without it there, it can't boot? You should be able to get into the BIOS screen though, and if there's nothing on the monitor at all, that could be tricky.
How about a CMOS reset? I've heard of this being done several times, but couldn't actually tell you how to do it, but if someone can expand on the idea, it might be of some use. :)
Even if that's the case, though, Simon, the machine should do a POST routine, which it doesn't appear to be doing.
Quote from: Simon on Sep 30, 2008, 10:03:01
I'm wondering if somehow the BIOS has been set to boot from the external drive, and without it there, it can't boot? You should be able to get into the BIOS screen though, and if there's nothing on the monitor at all, that could be tricky.
How about a CMOS reset? I've heard of this being done several times, but couldn't actually tell you how to do it, but if someone can expand on the idea, it might be of some use. :)
I cant see a bios changing boot order surely, it has very specific instructions to what order to boot from, plugging in an external drive should not change the bios settings at all, and I have never encountered that issue and for the bios to become that corrupt would take some effort surely, also it would say cannot boot from this drive as it would not find the os, like when you have a brand new drive before you install windows, unless the monitor has died I have seen such simple things get missed, do you get any sound David when you boot?
Just finished work...one of those days...No the system is dead apart from the fan which is whirling away happily.
No POST bleeps no neon light from mobo which might indicate something quite serious.Had a problem with it yesterday it would not shut down and the fan went into overdrive which was odd but it settled again and I had to shut down by holding in the on/off switch did this and the machine went back to normal.tested it out a few times and it was fine when I shut it down last night
Then this morning nothing.I am awaiting a works number from PC world,as it was bought online you cant just take it into the store for inspection,The Tech Guys"have to have aurthorisation for any works which include looking at PCs
I cannot see how a drive woud or could affect the system its just a drive surely ?
It shouldn't do, David. Given the lack of POST, I'd suspect something fairly terminal, but then I'm a pessimist. :)
Soulds like the PSU to me, only 12v DC being supplied to the fans, does the hdu spin up?
Quote from: badpianoplayer on Sep 30, 2008, 16:52:43
Just finished work...one of those days...No the system is dead apart from the fan which is whirling away happily.
No POST bleeps no neon light from mobo which might indicate something quite serious.Had a problem with it yesterday it would not shut down and the fan went into overdrive which was odd but it settled again and I had to shut down by holding in the on/off switch did this and the machine went back to normal.tested it out a few times and it was fine when I shut it down last night
Then this morning nothing.I am awaiting a works number from PC world,as it was bought online you cant just take it into the store for inspection,The Tech Guys"have to have aurthorisation for any works which include looking at PCs
I cannot see how a drive woud or could affect the system its just a drive surely ?
What fan are you talking about? cpu, powersupply, case fans?
I think its the psu Gary I havnt opened it I had wondered if the fan on the cpu may have failed on me and caused this as the psu fan seemed to go into overdrive yesterday,my first thought was an overheat but as I cant open it (warranty) sealed its not easy to tell.
Its on the PC worlds system now so once I hear from them I will can take it to the store...its just over the road really.its still got 9 months warranty on it so best to break down now than in 10 months ;)
Quote from: badpianoplayer on Sep 30, 2008, 17:36:28
I think its the psu Gary I havnt opened it I had wondered if the fan on the cpu may have failed on me and caused this as the psu fan seemed to go into overdrive yesterday,my first thought was an overheat but as I cant open it (warranty) sealed its not easy to tell.
Shame its got a seal on it, mine is under warranty but I can open it up without breaking that and put new ram in etc, it could be the psu indeed, your covered so I would just get busy on pc world and get it fixed, don't let them delay you :(
Quote from: badpianoplayer on Sep 30, 2008, 17:54:43
Its on the PC worlds system now so once I hear from them I will can take it to the store...its just over the road really.its still got 9 months warranty on it so best to break down now than in 10 months ;)
Thats always the way, 13th month and boom
To be honest Gary they have always given me good service so Im optimistic that they will come good :fingers:
Good luck. :thumb:
Thanks Sebby .I have just had an Email from them so it will get sorted.I may be guessing but think the fan has failed hope it hasnt fried the processor............
Quote from: Glenn on Sep 30, 2008, 17:07:59
Soulds like the PSU to me, only 12v DC being supplied to the fans, does the hdu spin up?
Sorry Glenn missed this no nothing from anywhere
Quote from: badpianoplayer on Sep 30, 2008, 18:08:30
Thanks Sebby .I have just had an Email from them so it will get sorted.I may be guessing but think the fan has failed hope it hasnt fried the processor............
It doesn't sounds like the fan, but who knows. :)
Heatsink cooling failure Sebby ?
If it were anything like that, it would still switch on and boot, but switch off when it gets to a certain temperature.
Just a spanner in the works then Sebby..........hopefully its not too bad,but at least its covered and nothing added or messed with so I dont have to worry about anything like this and this is a relief.
I will miss the digital picture on my monitor though.....have to put up with analogue...
Processor meltdown, pestilence and plague? >:D
ATM, I'd be inclined to a PSU failure, but without test equipment, it can only be a guess.
I think Wendy left the vacuam cleaner on ;D
It's as good an explanation as any, David.
I will blame the Lib Dem leader.............................A useless cable :angel:
A little out of touch, David? :)
http://www.vincentcable.org.uk/
;D ;)
Don't worry about the warranty seal, Acer have admitted that breaking them doesn't affect the warranty.
I have 2 Acer's, never had any problems.
Good luck with getting it fixed. ;)
Quote from: Inactive on Oct 03, 2008, 09:29:05
Don't worry about the warranty seal, Acer have admitted that breaking them doesn't affect the warranty.
I have 2 Acer's, never had any problems.
Good luck with getting it fixed. ;)
Thanks for that In I have looked again and there is no seal (dont know what made me think it was.I have not recieved the job number I need to take the PC over the road.yet...
Quote from: badpianoplayer on Oct 03, 2008, 10:20:55
Thanks for that In I have looked again and there is no seal (dont know what made me think it was.I have not recieved the job number I need to take the PC over the road.yet...
Thats is not what I call service,mind you depends where you want it sitting whilst its not working.
Quote from: stevethegas on Oct 03, 2008, 11:12:40
Thats is not what I call service,mind you depends where you want it sitting whilsts its not working.
For me not at pc world working or not ;)
:bore: No news from them.......and missing my nice monitor as on my lap top........which is ok but not connected up to my music or printer or anything...give them until Monday then its on the phone time......
Im thinking of shhhh ( another machine) anyone know how Philip is getting on with his machine :whistle:
The builders look like treating me >:D ;D
You should be able to connect the monitor to the laptop, David, though usually not through DVI-D.
....then a couple of key presses and you should have an external display.
Quote from: Rik on Oct 04, 2008, 15:20:27
You should be able to connect the monitor to the laptop, David, though usually not through DVI-D.
I will try although I miss already the picture quality thats why Im on this....sol connect my lap top is it simple from here....I will give it a go...just play Chas n Dave (on piano) it great stuff ;D
I am still awaiting PC world..and thought I would take a look...as its a little machine.I shook it n(gently) and plugged it in and itslit up like a christmas tree I have to plug monitor in but I think its working which is a mixed blessing.. ???
You shook it back into life. ;D
Points to a bad connection perhaps Sebby.I will take the back off and take a look but once the job number is here they can take a look at it Im on the lap top at the moment but the acer is still lit up and very quiet
Sounds like it's time to make sure all the cards and connectors are well seated, David.
Quote from: badpianoplayer on Oct 06, 2008, 10:53:59
the acer is still lit up and very quiet
Maybe it's on fire. ;D :out:
No, you'd hear the screams if it was. :)
Now this is interesting.I cleaned the back of it using an air cleaner and the fan again went into overdrive and off it went again.....so I turned it off.turned it back on with no sign of life....shook it again and its back on....hmm this time its has not turned off.so I will leave it,not connected to monitor yet but see how long it stays on...the fan is quite again..Im wondering if there is a fault with the fan and the machine is closing down to protect itself....have an urge to open it up
It certainly could be that, David.
Well it on now and I have connected it up to the internet etc...onthe welcome screen ,no warnings nothing I would have expected something.but as Im still chasing them up I will leaave this and see..nothing to lose really
It sounds like just a loose connection somewhere David, but what do I know.. ;D
Glad it's working. :thumb:
I'm disappointed by the PC World response time, David. Maybe you should be mentioning the Sale of Goods Act to them?
Yes I am not that happy with them and will think twice i future....I know it was a web sale but this isnt the point.
Everything is ok.it will not turn off .....I managed it via the keyboard but its going back but I can get the data off the hard drive which is good nesw for me
Very good news. :thumb:
Just returned from PC World and been givena different phone number,apparently it will be collected by courier and returned when fixed.
AS there is no seal and as a tap on the top seems to put everything right I will have the back off and check,it has to be a loose connection...so before I let them loose on it.....,.I will try.
Worst ways it goes back best ways I will save myself a time without my PC got to be worth a punt :fingers:
Looking can do no harm, David, and if you find something loose, a gentle push will soon establish if that was the problem.
It sounds almost certain that it is just a loose component David, I would do as Rik suggests. ;)
:rub: in we go ;D
Be sure to earth yourself first David, I just put my hand on the computer case and the cold tap first just to discharge any static.
Thanks In I will do this, already got my anti static wrist band out....
Quote from: badpianoplayer on Oct 07, 2008, 15:45:54
Thanks In I will do this, already got my anti static wrist band out....
Do they come " free of charge " David?... ;D :out: :duck:
:grn:
:ithank: ;)
:grn: :groan: Have another ;)
Quote from: Inactive on Oct 07, 2008, 15:39:04
Be sure to earth yourself first David, I just put my hand on the computer case and the cold tap first just to discharge any static.
Mental images of an Orangutang mending a computer ;D
:rofl: :karmic:
Thanks. otherwise known as "The old man of Borneo PC repairs"
Is that anything like the Old Man of Hoy? ;D
Quote from: stevethegas on Oct 07, 2008, 16:49:39
Mental images of an Orangutang mending a computer ;D
Watch it.... ;D :buttkick:
You could say " Hoy Watch it" ;D
:grn: :grn:
:ithank: :bow:
Well after all that and sending a broadside yesterday to PC world the Acer was collected first thing this morning...last night do you think I could get the thing to break down...no no matter what I did it carried on regardless..,so I have listed the faults on it and hope they can test it.The guy on the phone yesterday took all the details but I told him anyway...what I did discover when I shook it gently,there is a screw or something metalic rattling around inside the case,and on inspection the AV in and the airial socket are at an angle ?
Im now hoping it wont be too long before its is back and also they give it a good check over?I assume they can test cards and connections etc......is there a tester which would indentify a fault..or would the machine need to play up when they switch on ?
There are some tests that they can run, David, but I suspect it simply needs a good visual inspection and some firm prodding of connections.
Quote from: Rik on Oct 10, 2008, 11:44:59
There are some tests that they can run, David, but I suspect it simply needs a good visual inspection and some firm prodding of connections.
Which is all pc world are capable of anyway >:D
Quote from: Killhippie on Oct 10, 2008, 12:05:55
Which is all pc world are capable of anyway >:D
You give them far too much credit Gary... ;D
They will struggle to open the case. ;)
They'll struggle to open the box first. ;)
That is of course if they don't lose it. ;D
Was it Citylink? ;D
Hope you said "Bye bye" ;D
I have just recieved an Email from PC world stating how sorry they are for the delay and a voucher will be sent out ;D cant ask for more really as long as it passes its M.O.T Im happy.
This is the first time this has happened so I forgive them this time..and they did collect it within 12 hours..so I will carry on shopping with them :thumb:
You're more forgiving than I would be, David. :)
:lol:
You guys really know how to cheer someone up ;D No it wasn't Citylink...I must say he was efficient..brought a plastic case which locked up,placed PC in with charger etc closed the lid locked it and using 2 nylon ties sealed it up,and that was it
It was a company called DPD......never heard of them
As for forgiving PC world up to now they have been very good,and to be honest although its a minor thing wrong,they did point out that if for any reason its not repairable a full refund would be made.....cant ask fairer than that and I had not even asked.........so until they let me down... :fingers: ;) ;D I can use the voucher towards a book I have seen in there ;D
QuoteI can use the voucher towards a book I have seen in there
They don't sell those kind of books in PC World, david. ;)
:lol:
Did you get your data off before you sent it?Presumably if its non repairable you wont see it again?
DPD are the same as the rest,although it does seem that your PC was arrested and taken away for further questioning. ;D
Quote from: badpianoplayer on Oct 10, 2008, 13:04:53
I have just recieved an Email from PC world stating how sorry they are for the delay and a voucher will be sent out ;D cant ask for more really as long as it passes its M.O.T Im happy.
This is the first time this has happened so I forgive them this time..and they did collect it within 12 hours..so I will carry on shopping with them :thumb:
PC World in all seriousness David are the worst place to deal with and the last place you should ever buy a pc from, they really are useless and know very little, I have had to correct staff when I have overhead them misinforming customers, Once they put the wrong ram in a friends pc :shake: hope it gets mended fine but you could do better buying from a place like Novatech http://www.novatech.co.uk/novatech/home.html they build their machines well, and actually know what they are talking about, also they don't charge over the top like PC World do, and example, a DG834G Router I saw once in PC World was £100, online £46 from broadbandbuyer, it pays not to use big chain stores David :thumb:
Quote from: Lona on Oct 10, 2008, 23:32:56
They don't sell those kind of books in PC World, david. ;)
They do in my branch....go to the check out and ask for Sid :whistle: >:D
Quote from: stevethegas on Oct 11, 2008, 07:50:59
Did you get your data off before you sent it?Presumably if its non repairable you wont see it again?
DPD are the same as the rest,although it does seem that your PC was arrested and taken away for further questioning. ;D
Yes Steve backed it all up,I like to back up once a week minimum all depends but weekly :thumb: I have learned a lot since joining this club,mainly from you guys ;D
Edit: Spacebar inserted. :)
Quote from: Killhippie on Oct 11, 2008, 09:17:52
PC World in all seriousness David are the worst place to deal with and the last place you should ever buy a PC from, they really are useless and know very little, I have had to correct staff when I have overhead them misinforming customers, Once they put the wrong ram in a friends PC :shake: hope it gets mended fine but you could do better buying from a like Novatech http://www.novatech.co.UK/novatech/home.html they build their machines well, and actually know what they are talking about, also they don't charge over the top like PC World do, and example, a DG834G Router I saw once in PC World was £100, on line £46 from broadbandbuyer, it pays not to use big chain stores David :thumb:
:karma: Thanks Gary to be honest I have only bought 3 actual PCs from them I notebook and 2 PCs Booth the desk tops were refurbished and bought on line and I never ask them anything,if they told me the time I would check my watch....I will check this site out though :thumb:
I am still reading up on things as I will build my own and for once getting all the informartion before I splash my money out just taking my time.I am going to take advice Simon gave me and strip down an old one here and put it back together just to get a real idea of it all.at the moment am reading up on BIOS and exactly what this is all about..I wont end up an expert but its a thing which I want to do.budget isn't great I have earmarked just £500 for the PC thats isn't a lot from what I see around but it should be enough for a fairly good machine.My logic is If I have built it and it goes wrong in theory I should at least have enough knowledge and confidence to know what to do to repair it......OK its a little simplistic....but it works for me
Edit: Quote markup sorted
Sounds a good move David, Novatech are good on parts as well, enjoy the learning experience its fin when you realise its not all that hard, hope all goes well and thanks for the karma :thumb:
:thumb: Gary.I still have not found the answer to this question,and its a serious one.I have no idea,even when Having earthed myself how can I be sure it is safe to touch the parts.I have read and indeed bought a wristband,am ordering a an anti static mat and a very basic toolset have the screwdrive etc.
Some I see on sites like "How to" say,why is the guy wearing the silly wristband,which to me is a dumb remark,but then I know little,what I do know is its better safe than sorry.
Now how do I know if I have discharged any static ? and would wearing a pair of surgical gloves not do the same job ?
Surgical gloves wouldn't help, David. For most purposes, touching the case before you start is enough. Ideally a wrist or ankle strap should be worn though.
Thanks Rik,it was maybe a daft question but I just wondered :laugh:
Remember that what you are aiming for is not to be at earth potential, but at the same potential as the computer.
All that I have ever done is put one hand on the PC Case and one hand on the cold tap for a couple of seconds before starting.
Try to avoid any standing on any nylon or similar materials as these can build up a charge.
Never had any problems.
Also avoid wearing lots of synthetic clothing...
Indeed Rik, so David, to be really safe, you need to be starkers, standing on a stone floor with your wrist attached to the cold tap. ;D :out: :duck:
Or, touch the cold tap with the foot while standing on one leg and whistling "Dixie". ;D
Quote from: Inactive on Oct 12, 2008, 11:55:32
Indeed Rik, so David, to be really safe, you need to be starkers, standing on a stone floor with your wrist attached to the cold tap. ;D :out: :duck:
Sounds like Guantanamo bay :dig:
:lol:
I didn't think they had access to computers though, Gary.
:rofl: What a thought ;D
Well my pc has just been returned,now come, on that is good service,was collected Friday and delivered back Wednesday . Now I have the fun of putting all those cables back.looking at the report there was a loose screw on the main board,now fixed and tested overnight ? whatever this means.
I have not plugged it in yet but :fingers: and I will get a voucher in the post for the delay in the response time at the outset
If its all up and running,I think its good service from PC World :thumb: mind you thats "If" :-\
Good news David, that " loose screw " was what you could hear rattling around inside.
:fingers: It is all OK now.
It sounds the sort of fault I was expecting, David. I've seen this before where a screw sits under the mobo and shorts it to the case. The PSU just shuts down in response. Theey've just found it, fixed it and then left it running for 12 hours or so to check for other faults. You should be fine now.
:fingers:
Hope so Im just wiring it up.....missed my monitor this laptop is a 17" screen but I like my other machine..on the plus side its had a good clean inside as well and it does fit in with the symptoms...better start plugging it all in now... ;D
Yep alls up and running and fine :thumb: :thumb:
Great. :thumb:
Now don't break it again David.. :out: :duck: :duck:
I must not break my PC..I must not break my PC I..................
The only little moan was that I didn't have a clue it was being delivered today and if it had arrived 25 minutes earlier I would not have been here so a little luck here I would have hoped for a call or an Email,other than this first class service...well apart from the initial Email not being responded to ;D
And them not telling you it was on its way back and... ;D
I always thought you had a screw loose, David. ;D :legpull:
Come on, you were waiting for someone to say it! :laugh:
No Simon I was waiting for YOO to say it :rofl: :rofl2:
Riks too smart.....
Cant have a screw without a thread and you cant have a thread about a screw :angel:
Quote from: Rik on Oct 15, 2008, 17:08:51
And them not telling you it was on its way back and... ;D
:lol: etc etc etc ;D
Quote from: Simon on Oct 15, 2008, 17:13:36
I always thought you had a screw loose, David. ;D :legpull:
Come on, you were waiting for someone to say it! :laugh:
:rofl: :karmic:
:ithank: