PC won't start.

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paul1961

I have a Dell Dimension 2350 Desktop. I plugged in a new Mouse this morning,
put the installation disk in and all was ok. Used the computer for a short
while then switched off as normal. Remembered there was something else I
wanted to do so switched Comp back on but no joy. The Screen stayed Black,
the LED's by the Power Switch stayed off and the only light that came on was
the one by the CD- Tray which flashes continuously. When I press the button
on the CD the Tray only comes out part way or not at all. I tried switching
Computer on and off again a couple more times but got the same negative
result. If it's just that the CD Burner is knackered, why wouldn't the
Computer boot up? If it is more serious than just the CD Burner, as the
Computer is heavily used and about 5 years old, I'm assuming it probably
isn't worth spending too much on? Any ideas what it might be?
Thanks.
 
paul1961 said:
I have a Dell Dimension 2350 Desktop. I plugged in a new Mouse this morning,
put the installation disk in and all was ok. Used the computer for a short
while then switched off as normal. Remembered there was something else I
wanted to do so switched Comp back on but no joy. The Screen stayed Black,
the LED's by the Power Switch stayed off and the only light that came on was
the one by the CD- Tray which flashes continuously. When I press the button
on the CD the Tray only comes out part way or not at all. I tried switching
Computer on and off again a couple more times but got the same negative
result. If it's just that the CD Burner is knackered, why wouldn't the
Computer boot up? If it is more serious than just the CD Burner, as the
Computer is heavily used and about 5 years old, I'm assuming it probably
isn't worth spending too much on? Any ideas what it might be?
Thanks.
Click to expand...

Power supply.

Try removing any optional hardware, and see if you can get it to go.
For example, if there is some USB stuff drawing from +5VSB, then
unplugging it may help.

The flashing probably means the power supply is "oscillating" between
the running and the off state. By removing excess loading, you might
get it to start. Or it could be that the power supply is just
knackered. Or the motherboard circuit that turns the supply on,
could also be a fault. But I'd try swapping the supply (or checking
voltages) first. A faulty power supply is one of the most common
problems (sometimes a smell or sound, may hint at its eventual
demise).

Replacing a power supply is not too difficult, if you are
methodical and take note of where stuff goes. And also noting
the orientation of the connectors (where pin 1 goes etc). If
you don't have a manual to refer to, then take careful notes
where everything goes.

http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/dim2350/index.htm

http://www.pcpower.com/power-supply/silencer-410-dell-2.html
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817703014 ($64 power supply)

Also, since the machine is a desktop, you average mom and pop
computer store should be able to help you with this.

Paul
 
Paul said:
Power supply.

Try removing any optional hardware, and see if you can get it to go.
For example, if there is some USB stuff drawing from +5VSB, then
unplugging it may help.

The flashing probably means the power supply is "oscillating" between
the running and the off state. By removing excess loading, you might
get it to start. Or it could be that the power supply is just
knackered. Or the motherboard circuit that turns the supply on,
could also be a fault. But I'd try swapping the supply (or checking
voltages) first. A faulty power supply is one of the most common
problems (sometimes a smell or sound, may hint at its eventual
demise).

Replacing a power supply is not too difficult, if you are
methodical and take note of where stuff goes. And also noting
the orientation of the connectors (where pin 1 goes etc). If
you don't have a manual to refer to, then take careful notes
where everything goes.

http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/dim2350/index.htm

http://www.pcpower.com/power-supply/silencer-410-dell-2.html
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817703014 ($64 power supply)

Also, since the machine is a desktop, you average mom and pop
computer store should be able to help you with this.

Paul
Click to expand...
When I arrived back home it turns out my daughter had without knowing how
got the Computer working again. She fiddled with the leads at the back and
though nothing was out it started up! I am expecting more trouble so am
backing up some data, but will keep your advice for reference if P.Supply
does go. Much appreciated.
 
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