Computer Repair Corner

Discussion in 'Geek Cave: Computers, Tablets, HT, Phones, Games' started by Ice-man, Apr 27, 2020.

  1. Ice-man

    Ice-man Friend

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    I've been repairing computers (windows) for 15+ years now. So I'm happy to share advice when it falls in line with my experience and I feel that I have useful information to share.

    Anyone here can ask for advice in this thread and anyone can share potential solutions. Google is great and it's a tool that I make use of often but even the almighty G is no substitute for good first hand experience from someone that you know.

    Disclaimer: I'm a windows guy. If you are an Applehead, I won't be of much help. But I'm sure that others here will have plenty to offer.

    To keep the thread active and relevant, I'll throw out subjects with personal recommendations and advice from time to time.

    If there is already a similar thread and this topic is covered elsewhere, mods feel free to close. I'll throw out the first topic and we'll just see where this goes. I'll explore simple topics in the beginning and then move to more complex ones down the road.

    DIAGNOSING THE DEAD (PC)

    It can sometimes be difficult to resolve computer issues when the PC won't turn on. To a large extent, computers that won't boot up at all (nothing on the screen and no sound coming from fans etc) generally come down to just a few issues. I'm referring to desktop computer but will also address laptops a little later.

    1. Power

    Is the computer getting power? Well first of all, you have to make sure that the damned thing is plugged in...seriously. I have a good friend that I went to school with who has a very good job with Kimberly Clark making six digits. When we talk about what he actually does, he says that he's essentially a high paid trouble shooter with an Engineering degree. Here's how it goes with him. A paper mill in NC has a problem with the pulp facility and they can't get it back on line in a reasonable amount of time. They call my friend Greg. The supervisor at the pulp departments calls Greg and says that the pulp machine will not start up. Greg asks, "how many machines at the pulp facility use separate power from the main?" The supervisor says five. Greg ask the supervisor to walk over to each of those machines and unplug it from the electrical outlet. The guy is thinking that my friend is either an effin' moron, high on Maryjane or both. But since his department is shut down and his ass is on the line he decides to play along.

    He gets to the third machine to unplug it and guess what? (I bet you can see it coming) The third machine is already unplugged. Maybe somebody tripped over it or someone drove by with a forklift and knocked it loose...who knows. The guy similes, plugs machine number three "back in" knowing the pulper will start right back up. Greg never had to leave his house and he also smiles while pouring himself another single malt. Greg says that he resolves 50% of the problems he gets called in for with this type of solution.

    Point is this. Most resolutions to computer problems are often the most simple ones. Is the computer plugged in? Is the power cord seated well in the electrical outlet and on the opposite end into the power supply. For shits and giggles I always ask the customer to unplug it from both ends and reseat it. If that all looks good, I'll ask them to plug in another simple electrical device like a lamp into the same outlet to be sure that a breaker hasn't kicked off for some reason.

    If everything seems good at this point, I'll ask the customer to check the end of the plug that is inserted into the power supply. Does the power supply has a switch that toggles it on/off? Let's make sure that it's in the ON position. Are we good so far?

    Now, does the power supply have an LED light on the back? Is it lit and if yes, then what color is it? Most power supplies in good working condition with exhibit a solid green LED. Amber, red or blinking LED lights on the power supplies typically indicate a failed or failing PSU. Power supply testers I find are about 85% accurate and cost only about 10-20 bucks at your local computer parts store or Amazon. I always have one in my bag.

    If everything is good so far and the PSU is good, then we could be talking a motherboard problem which can in many cases be the kiss of death and grounds for buying a new pc. But there are still a few things to be sure of before warming up your credit card to buy and new PC.

    Is the "ON" button making a good solid click when pressed? The On switch is often a simple mechanical part with a couple of electrical leads that can be traced to a small grouping of pins on the motherboard. Mechanical parts can break. If there is no "click" then this could be as simple as replacing the ON switch. Next you'll want to trace the leads back to the motherboard and confirm that it's plugged into the appropriate place. The ON switch is usually held in place with a simple set screw or a clip. Sometimes the clip can break or the set screw can come loose. It's a good idea to check them.

    While your there, check to see if anything has been added to the computers motherboard. Sometimes a fancy graphics card can exceed the ability of the PSU to supply appropriate power to the computer which will keep the PC from turning on or booting. I see this sometimes when the teenage son gets a nice video card for his birthday and installs it into the family PC with only a 350 watt PSU. And we know, that just ain't a good idea.

    2. Motherboard (coming soon)...
     

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