I need help!

[Denim]

I really hope that I am placing this in the right place. My problem is I have a pc that is a little over a year and half year old. It is an Compaq Presario. It seems to have a mind of it's own lately, It turns on only when it wants too. Please excuse the language that I am going to be using, I am not that up to date with computer speak. I will push the power button, the lights begin to light up, I hear the fan start up and it just stays there, the monitor does not turn on and the lights on the keyboard do not turn on.

This does not happen all of the time, but most of the time. I called a major store chain and they wanted to charge me an insane large amount of money just to look at it, so I hope that someone on this forum can help me out. The person I spoke to at the store did mention something about my power supply causing the problem, but he could not go into any more detail without charging me.

I tried searching this forum for a solution before posting this, and when I found threads that were similar, most of them were filled with language that I could not really understand (total noob here), so if someone could reply with some basic terms, I would be extermly grateful.

thank you in advance

[pam123]

The guy you spoke to was trying to tell you to buy a new power supply since it sounds like yours is dead.
Before you go shopping there are some things you should check.
Frist the power cord itself.
Is it connected tightly to the surge suppressor and is the surge suppressor connected tightly to the wall outlet?
By way of experiment for this only, plug the power cord into the wall outlet and see if the computer starts for you.
Still no go?
Note that if you have an extended warranty opening the case will void it.
Unplug the computer and, after reading the manual, check to make sure that the power supply to motherboard connection is in tight.
While you're at it eyeball all the other connection as well, things do come loose.
If you get no results with any of this then you'll have to call Compaq/HP and order a new power supply from them since I think there's is proprietary.

[richardt]

Although I'm a new member myself, I'll give it a try here.

Instead of trying a major store chain, if I had this problem I would call a local computer shop. Every town has at least one. A shop like that will have the resources to swap parts out of your computer and into a working computer, or vice versa, until the problem is isolated.

You have no video, so it could be as simple as the power cord to the monitor, i.e. is it plugged in and really getting power? Maybe it is a faulty power switch. Is it plugged into a faulty outlet? Does the situation change when you move the power cord? (=faulty cord, usually)

Is there a separate power switch for the monitor, or does one switch turn on both monitor and computer on this model? Did you try a different monitor? Maybe it's the video cable or connector or video card. All of these are good places to check and inspect. When was it last working? What changed?

These are the areas where I would start. Hope it helps.

[Denim]

I've tried all that, and it looks as if I might have to give compaq a call regarding this problem, i'm using an older pc right now, so I know it cant be any of the cords or the power strip. Can anyone tell me what the price range for a new power supply and if it's something that I can replace myself?

[pam123]

Compaq is proprietary so you'll have to check their web site to find out what they're charging for a power supply to put in your model. You may not be able to just swap in another standard power supply.
Yes you can do it yourself if the manual provides you with enough info, a diagram of what goes where, and you're willing to take your time.

[glc]

1. What exact model Presario?

2. It's not *definitely* the power supply, but proper diagnosis involves connecting a spare power supply as a test.