PC Pals Forum

Technical Help & Discussion => Windows PCs & Software: Help, News & Discussion => Topic started by: jww41005 on May 02, 2011, 20:55

Title: Old PC. Fix or recycle?
Post by: jww41005 on May 02, 2011, 20:55

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

Title: Re: Old PC. Fix or recycle?
Post by: Simon on May 02, 2011, 21:18

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

Title: Re: Old PC. Fix or recycle?
Post by: D-Dan on May 03, 2011, 02:09

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

Title: Re: Old PC. Fix or recycle?
Post by: Rik on May 03, 2011, 09:58

I'd certainly start at the PSU.

Title: Re: Old PC. Fix or recycle?
Post by: jww41005 on May 03, 2011, 17:35

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?

Title: Re: Old PC. Fix or recycle?
Post by: Rik on May 03, 2011, 17:38

Only one way to find out. ;)

Title: Re: Old PC. Fix or recycle?
Post by: jww41005 on May 14, 2011, 15:15

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

Title: Re: Old PC. Fix or recycle?
Post by: Clive on May 14, 2011, 17:29

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

Title: Re: Old PC. Fix or recycle?
Post by: Rik on May 14, 2011, 17:35

A large hammer is recommended...

Title: Re: Old PC. Fix or recycle?
Post by: sam on May 14, 2011, 17:48

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

Title: Re: Old PC. Fix or recycle?
Post by: Rik on May 14, 2011, 17:54

Failing which, a blowtorch can do a reasonable job. :)

Title: Re: Old PC. Fix or recycle?
Post by: jww41005 on May 14, 2011, 21:43

You're all a bunch of psychos :crazy:

Title: Re: Old PC. Fix or recycle?
Post by: Simon on May 14, 2011, 22:45

 :thumbs:

Title: Re: Old PC. Fix or recycle?
Post by: Rik on May 15, 2011, 10:44

Quote from: jww41005 on May 14, 2011, 21:43

You're all a bunch of psychos :crazy:

Have you only just worked that out?  :o ;D