When computers fail we are helpless. Sometimes the failure is due
to a virus attack. However, other hardware failures could be the source of the
problem. With new computers there are some simple hardware component
replacements that fix ailing computers. These are simple replacements that
literally anyone can do with a screwdriver and patience. Most often the failed
component to replace is the power supply, the hard disk drive, or a failed CD
or DVD drive. This article helps you determine the source of the computer
failure so that if it is a simple problem, you could repair your computer.
Alternatively, you would know when to have a professional help you repair your
computer after the problem is identified.
Let us start from scratch. In this case we have our malfunctioning
computer powered off. The first step is to power it on and observe. When the
power button is hit, do lights light up in the computer? On both tower
computers and laptop computers there are lights that light when power is
applied. A good idea is to take a picture of your computer when it is running
properly so it helps you remember how it looks, what lights are lighted, and
what the color of the lights are. Good power to the computer is often indicated
by a green or blue light. Orange lights indicate a malfunction and indicate
that the computer has power somewhere.
When there are no lights, the power supply is likely to be the
source of the failure. Laptop external transformers can be tested and replaced.
They run under $100. There are aftermarket replacements. The next test for a
laptop and a desktop computer is to use a new external laptop transformer or a
new power supply as a test for the failed power supply.
Power supplies for desktop computers are available on-line and
from local stores. They also cost around $100. A new supply does not need to be
installed in a computer to test the power supply. Just lay the computer on its
side with the chassis open, place the new power supply on top the old power
supply, disconnect the old power supply one connector at a time, and connect
the equivalent connector into the computer one power supply connector at a
time. Once the new power supply is connected try powering on the computer. This
tests the power supply.
A new power supply that provides more watts is fine. This means a
300 W power supply can be replaced by a 500 W power supply. It is best not to
reduce power supply wattage (replace a 500 W power supply with a 300 W power
supply), but OK to increase it. Power connections to floppy disk drives can
easily short out the power supply when the connector is not plugged in
precisely correct. If the computer does not turn on, then disconnect the floppy
drive power and try with the floppy drive power disconnected. Finally, all
power supply connections are keyed and have a connector clip. When connecting
the power connectors make sure the connector clip is lined up correctly.
If the new transformer does not fix the laptop computer power,
then you can return the laptop to the manufacturer for repairs or buy a new
laptop. If you buy a new laptop, the data can be removed from the old laptop's
hard disk drive and moved to the new laptop's hard disk drive. With a desktop
PC, just un-bolt the old power supply and bolt in the new one. Replacing the
power supply in a computer is cleaner and easier than replacing the spark plugs
in a car.
Now let us return to our troubleshooting. The next possible error
indication is that the computer does not boot and there is no display. Monitors
have a light on the bottom right. When this light is green, the computer is
sending a video signal to the monitor. If the light is a large, then the
computer is not sending a video signal to the monitor.
When there is no video signal sent to the monitor, it indicates
that the problem resides in the computer hardware. This suggests that we look
inside the computer itself and check the Main Logic Board (MLB) capacitors
(these are round tower like components that stick up from the MLB). Main Logic
Boards fail when they are five years or older due to the capacitors on the MLB
failing. The capacitors burst causing a complete failure of the MLB. When this
occurs, the solution is purchasing a new computer.
When a computer is first powered on, it typically displays the
BIOS setup information prior to attempting to start Windows. This information
should flash briefly on the monitor as the computer starts. When it does, this
shows that the computer itself and the display are operating properly. After
this display, Windows can boot to a black or blue screen. The is sometimes
referred to as the "blue screen of death". In either case there is no
starting Windows. This error points to a failed hard disk drive. It typically
means that the computer is working fine, but the disk drive has failed provide
information to the computer needed to start Windows. Because you cannot boot
into Windows, there is no way to test the disk drive. In this event the disk
drive must be removed from the computer and attach to a another Windows
computer for testing. The disk drive test command in Windows is CHKDSK /R. When
this command is run in Windows, it tests the disk drive, corrects any data
corruption on the disk drive, and determines if there are physical errors on
the drive.