Computer Problems

[astroworldfan1]

I have a Gateway and it runs XP. I started having this problem last month, and it still isn't solved. When I try to turn it on, only the fan comes on. No blinking light. And it makes the usual sound a computer makes when it gets booted up. Is it the power source? Is it something major? It's a couple years old. I took the cover off and blew out the dust, then plugged it in and did the same thing. What is it's problem? It's hooked up to the monitor and nothing comes up on it. If I open the CD drive, it opens. I don't know what is going on!

 

Any help is greatly appreciated!! I'll really be thankful!

 

-Tatum

[spaceace12]

If the fans come on, it isn't the power supply. Which leaves motherboard, hard drive, operating system, really, could be a number of things. When the computer stopped fully powering on, did it make a smell? Smell around the computer, can you smell a burnt smell.

[kraken613]

So it just dosnt load? Nothing happens when turned on?

Just making sure!

[astroworldfan1]

So it just dosnt load? Nothing happens when turned on?

Just making sure!

 

Yep. It comes on, no light, no pictures on the monitor. I does this when you shut it downa and leave it like that for a while. And, it's not exactly the best brand of computer. And I'm using an old Dell Windows 98, transformed into an XP. It works fine for a 10+ year old computer.

 

-Tatum

[ebl]

"I have a Gateway...It's a couple years old." (astroworldfan1)

 

That's your problem...

 

Eric

[astroworldfan1]

"I have a Gateway...It's a couple years old." (astroworldfan1)

 

That's your problem...

 

Eric

 

It's not as old as you Eric (just kidding!). It's like 2 years old.

 

-Tatum

[spaceace12]

Honestly, for what it might cost to repair it, you could get a new one from a department store for 3-400 without a monitor.

[Carnage]

Could probably be any number of hardware problems. Could be something as simple as a loose connection.

 

My best guess would be bad/dead RAM. Without RAM the computer will do exactly as you said, nothing. Fans will turn on, it'll power up, but won't boot.

 

Do you have a spare/extra stick of RAM you could try in it?

 

It's just a matter of trial and error. Have to figure out what peice of hardware is preventing it from starting.

[astroworldfan1]

I going to talk to my Technology Coordinators at school tomorrow and ask her again.

 

I will still appreciate your help!!! Thanks!!

 

-Tatum

[TheStig]

Its God telling you to stop looking at naughty things on the internet.

[coastrfreak2000]

Like Carnage said, your RAM might be the problem. Open up the case and make sure the ram is connected to the motherboard properly, take it out and put it back in if you have to (just make sure you're static-free before you touch anything inside the case).

[DBru]

^^LOL! Post of the day...

 

But I've never had a gateway, so I couldn't answer your problem... (plus I suck at technical computer stuff! )

[Carnage]

^^ Or failing that, could be CPU. Would it typically run hot?

 

If the CPU burnt out it's pretty much a goner.

 

Getting someone to have a look at it is a good idea. (just don't pay anyone, it's too old). We can't do much else then guess on what the problem is.

[astroworldfan1]

What does run it hot mean? Once again, it's not old. I think it's about 2 or 3 years old!! And I've cleaned i out and make sure there is no dust.

 

-Tatum

[lapseofreason]

I have a Gateway

 

There's your problem. I had a Gateway once and had nothing but problems with it. Just get a new computer and save yourself the hassle

[Carnage]

Running hot means exactly like it sounds.

 

Dust, clogged fans, etc could make the computer heat up, at which point hardware failure is more likely.

 

Or if the fan on the CPU died, that alone could burn out the CPU.

 

But this is kind of worse case scenario stuff, and sounds like not the most likely problem if you've been regularly cleaning out dust.

[DBru]

Some advice: next time you buy a PC/Laptop, avoid Toshiba! There motherboards are always crashing...

 

Is Gateway that way too?

 

 

(I stick with Dell & Acer!)

[astroworldfan1]

I too suggest Acer. They make very good Laptops and Projectors. I like this type of computer, XCube, but you can't buy it in stores.

 

-Tatum

[ebl]

We had our computer custom built by the local computer shop. Cost me $1400, but they put the best components in it, and I have an unlimited three-year warranty on everything. It's really worth it.

 

Eric