Topic: Old PC. Fix or recycle?

[jww41005]

Hello Pals,

I’ve got the ‘old’ family PC in front of me that decided to stop working a while back. I’m trying to decide if it’s worth some time and effort – 10 mins maybe -  or shall I just recycle it.

The known problem with it is that absolutely nothing happens when the start button is pressed.
When I turn the power off on the back I hear the transformer whining down slightly.
No lights. Fan doesn’t spin.
I put the HDD in a docking station and it appears in My Computer on my laptop. It is divided into storage space and the OS. Vista. I've transfered some docs to it without any problem.

I was thinking about checking the HDD for errors or reinstalling windows, which I’m not sure how to do when it’s on a docking station.

What’s your first opinion?

Cheers

John

[Simon]

First, and possibly only thing I might try, is another power unit.

[D-Dan]

Or if you can get a replacement MB without spending big money, maybe try that, too.

[Rik]

I'd certainly start at the PSU.

[jww41005]

Hi guys,

I got a responce from the PSU.

I shortened pin 14 and 15, green and black cable (Don't try this at home kids, or adults) and the fan in the PSU started to spin. I assume that the output will be ok.

What do you reckon?

[Rik]

Only one way to find out.

[jww41005]

I've decided to let it rest in peace, basically because there's a shop down the road that sells reconditioned PCs for the price of a resonable MB.

John

[Clive]

They all end up in the computer graveyard eventually John.    Just make sure you trash your Hard Drive to make certain nobody steals your information.

[Rik]

A large hammer is recommended...

[sam]

that and a drill, making holes and placing the bits elsewhere works quite well.

[Rik]

Failing which, a blowtorch can do a reasonable job.

[jww41005]

You're all a bunch of psychos

[Simon]

 

[Rik]

You're all a bunch of psychos

Have you only just worked that out?