Computer issue (SGC)

[Chuck in Indiana]

We're packing and getting ready to leave for the Nationals, (GC) and I went out to the shop to shut things down. I always leave the computer on when I'm around. Punched escape and nothing. Thought maybe it is locked up from not being used for weeks.  Held down the start button for a few seconds, nothing. Unplugged  the surge protector and plugged it back in. The monitor says no signal. The little green pilot light is on on the computer. The power supply fan is running. This is my old XP and I'd really like to keep it going. It has my cad/cam, communications to the cnc, etc.
What's it going to take?
TIA

[Luap McKeever]

Try unplugging all cables.  Then, hold your power button in for a good 20 seconds to release any stray volts that may be in the system. Hook up all cables and try again.

If nothing happens, I'd bet on your Power Supply has failed.

[Chuck in Indiana]

Thankya, Luap.. Gotta love WG, the answer to most of the world's problems are here..
I'll feel much more comfortable leaving on this trip not worrying about getting that computer running..

[oldbike54]

Thankya, Luap.. Gotta love WG, the answer to most of the world's problems are here..
I'll feel much more comfortable leaving on this trip not worrying about getting that computer running..

 Well yeah , but are the RIGHT answers  Of course , Luap knows what he is saying .

  Dusty

[canuguzzi]

If there are any lights on the computer, the power supply is working, no power supply, no lights.  All current has to go through the power supply. Power supply MIGHT pass the 5 volts for the lights and not the 12 for the main board but not usually the case.

You should hear a fan running when you turn it on:

Before that, if it isn't a big deal:

1. Unplug everything going to power.
2. Open the case or a side of the case.
3. Reseat any loose connections to the power supply. You do not need to push hard.
4. Reseat any connections to the drives, just press on them a little.
5. With the case off. plug it into main power.
6. Turn it on.
7. Fans running?
     Yes. Go to step 8
     No. Look at the CPU, it should have a small fan atop it. If it is not running, that fan might have failed. Couple of bucks to replace it. No CPU fan and the CPU will shut down from thermal overload.

8. Watch the monitor. You should see a light indicating power and something on the display. If you see nothing, then the monitor may have failed and the computer is running.  If so, try another monitor, going through the standard start up procedure.

9. If it is not the monitor, it could be the video adapter card. Swap with a known good one or get another (cheap, standard VGA for about $10) to make sure it is working.

10. Done.

[Chuck in Indiana]

Thanks for that, too. I'll print it out for future reference.