Hardware problem - please help!

  • Thread starter Thread starter Neil Hindry
  • Start date Start date
N

Neil Hindry

I wonder if you can help me.
For some reason yesterday my desktop PC's tower unit lost power; I don't
know what happened as I wasn't by my PC when it happened, and now I cannot
turn it on. Unfortunatley I have a disk in my DVD drive that I need to get
out.

I have been lead to believe that there is a way to open CD/DVD drives
without needing to turn the computer on. I think it has something to do with
the small circular pin-prick sized hole on the drive but I am not completely
sure.

Is it possible to open CD/DVD drives without powering on the computer?
If so how do you do it? Do you know of any websites that show you how to do
it?

Also do you know why my desktop PC will not power on? I have changed the
fuse in the plug but it made no difference.
The monitor has power but the tower doesn't. Do you have any idea at all
what could be causing this? Do you think it could be expensive to repair? I
know it is hard to say without seeing it or knowing more I am just after
rough guidance so I know how to proceed as I am thinking of using this as an
excuse to get a more modern & up to date PC.

I hope you can help me.

I appreciate any help or information given.

Thanks!

Neil
 
Neil Hindry, 5/24/2006, 7:29:06 AM,
Is it possible to open CD/DVD drives without powering on the computer?
If so how do you do it? Do you know of any websites that show you how to
do it?
Click to expand...

Take a paper clip and unfold it. Stick it in deep into the hole and push
until the drive door opens.
Also do you know why my desktop PC will not power on? I have changed the
fuse in the plug but it made no difference.
Click to expand...

Quite possible your power supply has died.
 
Neil Hindry said:
Is it possible to open CD/DVD drives without powering on the computer?
If so how do you do it? Do you know of any websites that show you how to
do it?
Click to expand...

Take a look at the front of the drive. If you look closely, you'll see a
small hole below the disk tray. With the computer unplugged, stick a small
paperclip into the hole. That should release the the tray ands allow you to
remove the CD.
Also do you know why my desktop PC will not power on?
Click to expand...

It sounds like the power supply has died. That's just an educated guess.
Consult a local repairman to be sure.
 
Neil Hindry said:
I wonder if you can help me.
For some reason yesterday my desktop PC's tower unit lost power; I don't
know what happened as I wasn't by my PC when it happened, and now I cannot
turn it on. Unfortunatley I have a disk in my DVD drive that I need to get
out.

I have been lead to believe that there is a way to open CD/DVD drives
without needing to turn the computer on. I think it has something to do with
the small circular pin-prick sized hole on the drive but I am not completely
sure.

Is it possible to open CD/DVD drives without powering on the computer?
If so how do you do it? Do you know of any websites that show you how to do
it?

Also do you know why my desktop PC will not power on? I have changed the
fuse in the plug but it made no difference.
The monitor has power but the tower doesn't. Do you have any idea at all
what could be causing this? Do you think it could be expensive to repair? I
know it is hard to say without seeing it or knowing more I am just after
rough guidance so I know how to proceed as I am thinking of using this as an
excuse to get a more modern & up to date PC.

I hope you can help me.

I appreciate any help or information given.
Click to expand...

If the drive does have a pinhole-sized hole in the front, simply
straighten a paperclip (use as thick a one as possible that
still fits through the hole) and push it squarely in. You will
feel it hit something when about 1/2" in - keep pushing it
in about another 1/4" and the drawer should start to open -
remove paperclip at that point and gently pull the drawer out.
I'd *guess* your PSU has blown, if no sign of life in the tower.
Easy/cheap to replace, but choose a good make like Antec or
Enermax.
HTH
 
On Wed, 24 May 2006 12:29:06 +0100, "Neil Hindry"

:->I wonder if you can help me.
:->For some reason yesterday my desktop PC's tower unit lost power; I don't
:->know what happened as I wasn't by my PC when it happened, and now I cannot
:->turn it on. Unfortunatley I have a disk in my DVD drive that I need to get
:->out.
:->
:->I have been lead to believe that there is a way to open CD/DVD drives
:->without needing to turn the computer on. I think it has something to do with
:->the small circular pin-prick sized hole on the drive but I am not completely
:->sure.
:->
:->Is it possible to open CD/DVD drives without powering on the computer?
:->If so how do you do it? Do you know of any websites that show you how to do
:->it?
:->
:->Also do you know why my desktop PC will not power on? I have changed the
:->fuse in the plug but it made no difference.
:->The monitor has power but the tower doesn't. Do you have any idea at all
:->what could be causing this? Do you think it could be expensive to repair? I
:->know it is hard to say without seeing it or knowing more I am just after
:->rough guidance so I know how to proceed as I am thinking of using this as an
:->excuse to get a more modern & up to date PC.
:->
:->I hope you can help me.
:->
:->I appreciate any help or information given.
:->
:->Thanks!

Normally you can push a straightened paper clip into the hole in the
small round hole in the front of the CD/DVD drive to cause it to eject
the CD/DVD. It takes a bit of force, but not a lot.

Have you removed power from the tower by turning off the power strip,
if you have one, or unplugged it? We had a system at work that would
not turn on if the power flickered. It might be worth checking the
computer maker's web site to see if there is a breaker anywhere on the
computer.

If you don't have one, a UPS might be a good idea. We have a fair
amount of power failures here. Mostly a few seconds, but that is all
it takes.
 
Is it possible to open CD/DVD drives without powering on the computer?
If so how do you do it? Do you know of any websites that show you how to do
it?
Click to expand...

Get a paper clip and unfold it so that you have a small round pointre,
anything which gives you an inch or so of pointer part will do. Look
for the small round hole on the front of the drive , push the
paperclip into the hole and the drive bay will moveout allowing you to
get your cd/dvd out. It's easy.
Silly questions, have you pushed the lead back into the power supply
to check that it hasn't come loose, Failing this a replacement power
supply would seem to be required prices in the UK start from about £9
and the job of replacing one is very easy. Four screws on the back of
the amachine to remove, and power leads to be put back to the
motherboard and to the drives. It's easy to identify what goes where
if you have a good look when you remove the old one.


Bill Lord
I've taken a vow of poverty To annoy me send money

e-mail messages to bill hyphen lord at uku dot co dot uk
( Get rid of the spaces and use symbols for the hyphen at and dots )
 
Neil said:
I wonder if you can help me.
For some reason yesterday my desktop PC's tower unit lost power; I
don't know what happened as I wasn't by my PC when it happened, and
now I cannot turn it on. Unfortunatley I have a disk in my DVD drive
that I need to get out.

I have been lead to believe that there is a way to open CD/DVD drives
without needing to turn the computer on. I think it has something to
do with the small circular pin-prick sized hole on the drive but I am
not completely sure.

Is it possible to open CD/DVD drives without powering on the computer?
If so how do you do it? Do you know of any websites that show you
how to do it?

Also do you know why my desktop PC will not power on? I have changed
the fuse in the plug but it made no difference. The monitor has
power but the tower doesn't. Do you have any idea at all what could
be causing this? Do you think it could be expensive to repair? I
know it is hard to say without seeing it or knowing more I am just
after rough guidance so I know how to proceed as I am thinking of
using this as an excuse to get a more modern & up to date PC.

I hope you can help me.

I appreciate any help or information given.

Thanks!

Neil
Click to expand...

change the power cord, check the wall outlet
when thats done assume the powersupply went bad.
some PSU's have an internal fuse as well.

rw

--
 
Neil said:
Is it possible to open CD/DVD drives without powering on the computer?
If so how do you do it? Do you know of any websites that show you how
to do it?
Click to expand...

Just bend a paper clip and push the end into the little hole on the drive
face. Push hard.
Also do you know why my desktop PC will not power on? I have changed
the fuse in the plug but it made no difference.
Click to expand...

Sounds like either the switch or the power supply has gone bad.
 
2 things...

1. Yes that hole in the front of your DVD drive will manually eject
your DVD. Straighten out a paper clip and slide it in until the disk
ejects partially. Then you should be able to help it the rest of the
way out.

2. Check to make sure your power supply is not set to 220v. If it is
not, then I am sorry I think you fried your power supply. Also if your
110v side has died you will need a replacement power supply. A fuse
will not fix it.

-Randy
 
Neil said:
I wonder if you can help me.
For some reason yesterday my desktop PC's tower unit lost power; I don't
know what happened as I wasn't by my PC when it happened, and now I cannot
turn it on. Unfortunatley I have a disk in my DVD drive that I need to get
out.

I have been lead to believe that there is a way to open CD/DVD drives
without needing to turn the computer on. I think it has something to do with
the small circular pin-prick sized hole on the drive but I am not completely
sure.

Is it possible to open CD/DVD drives without powering on the computer?
If so how do you do it? Do you know of any websites that show you how to do
it?

Also do you know why my desktop PC will not power on? I have changed the
fuse in the plug but it made no difference.
The monitor has power but the tower doesn't. Do you have any idea at all
what could be causing this? Do you think it could be expensive to repair? I
know it is hard to say without seeing it or knowing more I am just after
rough guidance so I know how to proceed as I am thinking of using this as an
excuse to get a more modern & up to date PC.

I hope you can help me.

I appreciate any help or information given.

Thanks!

Neil
Click to expand...

Straiten out a paper clip and push it in the hole, you will feel some
resistance just keep pushing the drive will open.

As to the power question your power supply has probably failed, a 400W
power supply costs around $40(Australian), if you are not confident
about replacing it your self take the machine to a computer shop and
they should be able to replace in a few minutes.
 
Neil said:
I wonder if you can help me.
For some reason yesterday my desktop PC's tower unit lost power; I don't know what happened as I wasn't by my PC when it happened, and now I cannot turn it on. Unfortunatley I have a disk in my DVD drive that I need to get out.

I have been lead to believe that there is a way to open CD/DVD drives without needing to turn the computer on. I think it has something to do with the small circular pin-prick sized hole on the drive but I am not completely sure.

Is it possible to open CD/DVD drives without powering on the computer?
If so how do you do it? Do you know of any websites that show you how to do it?

Also do you know why my desktop PC will not power on? I have changed the fuse in the plug but it made no difference.
The monitor has power but the tower doesn't. Do you have any idea at all what could be causing this? Do you think it could be expensive to repair? I know it is hard to say without seeing it or knowing more I am just after rough guidance so I know how to proceed as I am thinking of using this as an excuse to get a more modern & up to date PC.

I hope you can help me.

I appreciate any help or information given.

Thanks!

Neil
Click to expand...

Twelve people have given you the same diagnosis. Now you know how to use a paper clip. Hopefully you got the message!
 
Neil said:
Is it possible to open CD/DVD drives without powering on the computer?
If so how do you do it?

Also do you know why my desktop PC will not power on? I have changed the
fuse in the plug but it made no difference. The monitor has power but the tower doesn't.
Click to expand...
Either something in the case shorted and ruined the PSU or you were
struck by lightning or somesuch.

I presume you are protected with an anti-surge (or anti-spike) device?
If not, get one that will also take your phone lines. And when thunder
threatens remove everything from the PC and move it to the centre of
the room. Power surges from a socket can jump 4 feet if the
differential is enough.

Have you had anything fail in the not too distant past? I lost two
optical drives and a couple of PSUs before my penny dropped. I had
fitted a cheap fan with a connection to the two drives.

When it failed, it took out the one directly connected to it and I
began to have some problems with the drive door not opening just like
you are having.The first one went up in magic smoke but the other
soldiered on waiting to get me when I was broke.

Take that drive off and replace the PSU with a cheap second hand one
that you know is working. I don't know if it is possible to fix the
drive (which you can open with a sewing needle or a paperclip btw) but
the power supply is almost certainly a gonner.

If everything seems to be working OK, you can try out the suspect drive
again but be prepared to lose another PSU -so have another second hand
spare handy just in case (or just beside it.)

Poke a paper clip or a darning needle into the small hole in the front
of the CD drive and push the door open. The tray will move just enough
for you to pul it open the rest of the way. The hole is about 1/16th of
an inch (less than 2 mm) diameter.
 
Neil said:
I wonder if you can help me.
For some reason yesterday my desktop PC's tower unit lost power; I don't
know what happened as I wasn't by my PC when it happened, and now I cannot
turn it on. Unfortunatley I have a disk in my DVD drive that I need to get
out.

I have been lead to believe that there is a way to open CD/DVD drives
without needing to turn the computer on. I think it has something to do with
the small circular pin-prick sized hole on the drive but I am not completely
sure.

Is it possible to open CD/DVD drives without powering on the computer?
If so how do you do it? Do you know of any websites that show you how to do
it?

Also do you know why my desktop PC will not power on? I have changed the
fuse in the plug but it made no difference.
The monitor has power but the tower doesn't. Do you have any idea at all
what could be causing this? Do you think it could be expensive to repair? I
know it is hard to say without seeing it or knowing more I am just after
rough guidance so I know how to proceed as I am thinking of using this as an
excuse to get a more modern & up to date PC.

I hope you can help me.

I appreciate any help or information given.

Thanks!

Neil
Click to expand...

Straiten out a paper clip and push it in the hole (you may need to push
rather hard) the drive will then open.

With the power problem, your power supply has probably failed, a 400W
power supply will cost ~$40 (Australian), any computer shop could
install it in a few minutes if you are unable or unwilling to do it
your self.
 
I wonder if you can help me.
For some reason yesterday my desktop PC's tower unit lost power; I don't
know what happened as I wasn't by my PC when it happened, and now I cannot
turn it on. Unfortunatley I have a disk in my DVD drive that I need to get
out.

I have been lead to believe that there is a way to open CD/DVD drives
without needing to turn the computer on. I think it has something to do with
the small circular pin-prick sized hole on the drive but I am not completely
sure.
Click to expand...
Straighten a paper clip. press the end into the hole perpendicular to
the front panel. Do not insert at a angle. Press firmly, the drive
drawer should move outwards some way. Grab it and pull slowly out all
the way.
Is it possible to open CD/DVD drives without powering on the computer?
If so how do you do it? Do you know of any websites that show you how to do
it?

Also do you know why my desktop PC will not power on? I have changed the
fuse in the plug but it made no difference.
The monitor has power but the tower doesn't. Do you have any idea at all
what could be causing this? Do you think it could be expensive to repair? I
know it is hard to say without seeing it or knowing more I am just after
rough guidance so I know how to proceed as I am thinking of using this as an
excuse to get a more modern & up to date PC.
Click to expand...

Power supply fans fail all the time. If you miss this (usually
preceded by noisy start up), the power supply finally dies.

Another possibility is your Motherboard had a failure of the filter
capacitors and the supply is shutting down.

Try this: Unplug the unit from the wall.
Using a flashlight, look in the POWER SUPPLY fan grill at the back of
the unit. Insert the power plug into the outlet. Did the fan 'kick'
over for a moment? Possible Mother board problem Note: some systems
will require the power button pressed to kick the fan (I am assuming,
a newer ATX type power supply. If you have a rocker switch or a press
in (stays in) to turn on, it may be a older AT type. look for the fan
kick when switching on.


Good luck
 
badgolferman said:
Neil Hindry, 5/24/2006, 7:29:06 AM,


Take a paper clip and unfold it. Stick it in deep into the hole and push
until the drive door opens.
Click to expand...

Some models don't have the paperclip hole. If yours doesn't. There's a
few, less friendly ways of removing a CD. The least unfriently is to
manually get the door open, then take needle nose pliers (you can use
you fingers if they're small) and grab the tray, pull out as gently as
you can. This isn't exactly a great idea, so look for the manual hole
first.
 
Neil Hindry said:
I have been lead to believe that there is a way to open CD/DVD drives
without needing to turn the computer on. I think it has something to do
with the small circular pin-prick sized hole on the drive but I am not
completely sure.
Click to expand...

Straighten out a paperclip, and push it in the small hole. It will go in
about 2 cm, and you will feel some resistance. Just keep pushing, and the CD
drive table will start to slide out. Pull it out with your fingers, take out
the disk, and push it back in out of the way (take the paperclip out
first...)
I actually use a small "jewelry screwdriver for this, but a paperclip works
fine.

Also do you know why my desktop PC will not power on? I have changed the
fuse in the plug but it made no difference.
The monitor has power but the tower doesn't. Do you have any idea at all
what could be causing this? Do you think it could be expensive to repair?
I know it is hard to say without seeing it or knowing more I am just after
rough guidance so I know how to proceed as I am thinking of using this as
an excuse to get a more modern & up to date PC.
Click to expand...

It could be several things but my guess would be the power supply in the
case. These are difficult to buy, very very expensive, and cost an arm and a
leg to have someone replace them. I think buying a new PC is the best bet.
Give your old PC to a disadvantaged school, or a 10 yr old kid, and let them
worry about fixing it.....

Rob Lepper
 
Yes there is a small hole in the front of a CD/DVD drive that a paperclip
(opened) will fit into. if you put it in the hole you will feel that it
stops about 1/2" in that is the manual release lever for the tray, just push
with the paperclip and the tray will open.You can then pull the tray out
manually to retrieve the CD/DVD

As far as the power, it's hard to say what is causing the failure. If you
have a multimeter you could try taking readings from the power supply. I
know in the past sometimes if you cycle the voltage selector switch on the
back of the power supply (do this while the power supply is unplugged)
between 115/220 a couple times it may reset and you will have power back. I
can't be sure though. If your readings after that coming out of the power
supply are still zero then replace the power supply. It's fairly easy to do
once you disconnect all the power leads and not too expensive either.
 
Neil Hindry said:
I wonder if you can help me.
For some reason yesterday my desktop PC's tower unit lost power; I don't
know what happened as I wasn't by my PC when it happened, and now I cannot
turn it on. Unfortunatley I have a disk in my DVD drive that I need to get
out.

I have been lead to believe that there is a way to open CD/DVD drives
without needing to turn the computer on. I think it has something to do
with the small circular pin-prick sized hole on the drive but I am not
completely sure.

Is it possible to open CD/DVD drives without powering on the computer?
If so how do you do it? Do you know of any websites that show you how to
do it?

Also do you know why my desktop PC will not power on? I have changed the
fuse in the plug but it made no difference.
The monitor has power but the tower doesn't. Do you have any idea at all
what could be causing this? Do you think it could be expensive to repair?
I know it is hard to say without seeing it or knowing more I am just after
rough guidance so I know how to proceed as I am thinking of using this as
an excuse to get a more modern & up to date PC.

I hope you can help me.

I appreciate any help or information given.

Thanks!

Neil
Click to expand...
You can open the CD/DVD drawer by doing the following:
Unbend a large paper clip, so that you have approx. 3" of straight wire.
Insert the straight portion into the hole as perfectly straight as possible
until resistance is felt. Then push until (hopefully) the drawer opens just
a little bit. At the point, depending on the drive, you usually have to pry
it open further using your fingernails under the tray front.

As far as the PC goes, have you unplugged it from AC power for several
minutes? I have a Dell that occasionally wil not start, and that is what I
have to do to "reset" it.

If that doesn't do it, you may have blown a fuse in the power supply. Many
would consider that not a user-servicable component, and would just replace
the power supply if that occurred, but I have soldered in new ones on
several occasions with good results. It's also very possible that the
motherboard got fried, and now you're into a relatively expensive repair, as
it sounds that you're not up to doing the replacement yourself. If that's
the case, I think you've found an excuse for a new system.
Hope this helps you,

Jim
 
Back
Top