I think I have a broken computer..... need techie advice

[Claudia1]

I unpluged the computer to change it to a different electrical plug (yes, I shut it down before I unplugged it) but now the hard drive won't turn on. When I flip the toggle switch, the fan starts for about 1 second and then stopps. I let it sit for 3 hours and still the same thing.

Do I need to take it to the 'puter doctor? Is there a virus that does this? We have done virus scans recently but there is always the possibility of a problem.

(DH, the techno-wizard is gone and I thought I'd post here, in the chance that I could handle this one.)

The sooner it gets fixed, the better. It is the computer that the kids are allowed to use and they will become an angry mob soon.

Thanks!

 

[Towncrier]

Is it a Dell? If so, my friend had a problem with his power supply that was remedied by simply holding the power button down for more than 10 seconds. You might give that a try.

 

[Elwood Blues]

Do you normally leave your computer on? Sometimes when a PC is running all the time and then powered down, it won't start up when some component is weak and more susceptible to failure from the stress of the power back up. But I doubt it's the hard drive. If you don't see anything on the screen (like the makers signature (Dell...)), the computer is not booting up from it's most basic point. Doubt it's a virus. Do any of the lights come on? Most PCs have small colored lights that indicate different things. If they don't come on, my guess it's the power supply. If it is, it should be back up and running without losing any data when the power supply is replaced. Could also be the main (mother) board. That's a little more tricky to replace and keep all the settings (and such).

My advice is to call the PC doctor.

 

[Claudia1]

Not a Dell and yes we keep it on all the time. It is over 2 years old.

I'll call the PC doctor tomorrow. Thanks!

 

[DukeStreetKing]

Here's a silly question:

Is the electrical outlet working? Is the outlet controlled by a wall switch? I'll be happy to walk through some things with you, if you'd like.

Send me a pm and maybe we can chat on an IM and try to get this resolved.

 

[Claudia1]

Yes, the outlet is working. We have most of the components on a power strip and everything else is operational, waiting on a signal from the hard drive.

Good comment, though! Thanks!