My computer is about 4 yrs old. Recently I let it run for abt 23 hours without turning off the cpu. However the only program tt was on didnt take up much ram. I also turned off the monitor. When I try to turn the computer on now, the light indicating the power will be on for about 3 secs and then it will automatically shutdown. When it starts up there is the usual noise of something like a disc spinning. There are also times when the computer does not turn on even when i press the on button. Is this something to do with the parts in the computer or is it a virus? And can i also have some advice on how to fix it. Thank You

Edit: Is it due to overheating???

This post has been edited by Spastik: Dec 25 2007, 09:38 AM

Hi Spas an welcome to WhatTheTech. Computers are designed to be on and busy 24/7/365 (as all mine are) - this is necessary because the makers do not know how you will be using the computer, so they must account for it being in some place that is open and busy 24 hours a day. So you leaving it on is not the cause - I think it failing after that is just a coincidence.

It could have been the result of overheating, but again, not because you left it on for a long time as computers get up to full operating temperatures easily within the first hour of operation.

The fact that you hear motors spinning indicates the power supply is putting out +12V, so it is getting the signal to turn on. And the fact it does turn on means the +5Vsb (standby) voltages are present. But that does not prove it is providing the other necessary voltages, including the +3.3 and +5V used for other devices. So I would start with the power supply - you should make sure all the connections are secure. If they are, then you need to verify the PSU is working properly.

I keep a FrozenCPU Ultimate PSU Tester in my travel tool bag. It is not as good as a qualified technician testing the power supply unit (PSU) under a true load with a oscilloscope, but close. The advantage of this model is that it has an LCD readout of the voltage. With an actual voltage readout, you can better detect a "failing" PSU. Lesser models use LEDs to indicate the voltage is within some "range". These are less informative, considerably cheaper, but still useful for detecting PSUs that have already "failed". Newegg has several testers to choose from. All these testers contain a "dummy load" to fool the PSU into thinking it is connected to a motherboard, and therefore allows the PSU to power on, if able, without being attached to a motherboard - great for testing fans too. Alternatively, you can swap out the PSU with a known good one that meets the computer's power requirements.

EDIT sorry Digerati..my slow typing again!

Hi, Welcome to the WTT forums
Sorry to hear of the problems with your machine.
Before you do anything else, please make sure that all peripherals are removed from your machine) physically unplug them) things like USB drives, printers ,scanners, cameras etc.

Next remove and replace your VGA connectors ( if fitted) your mains power supply cable, your mouse and Keyboard connectors.

If the machine is a laptop computer then whilst it is switched off remove the battery, connect to the mains electricity supply via your power regulator/charger (the one that was supplied with your machine) hold the power on button in on your machine for 15 seconds then wait for one minute, now try to start your machine by just pushing once the power on button and see how you go.
If its a desktop computer follow the above but obviously there will be no battery to remove!
Let us know how you go
Regards
paws

This post has been edited by paws: Dec 25 2007, 12:43 PM

Hi Digerati and Paws=] I tried the method listed by both of u this morn and it works=) Apparently one of the wires(not sure about the name) in the power pack area came loose. So i jus put it back in and my computer works all right now. Thank you both for ur help. I noe its abit late now but Merry Xmas and a Happy new year

Very kind of you to post back with your success!
Digerati and Paws are both excellent Techs who volunteer their time here.
It's a wonderful world we have, in no small measure, because of generous helpful folks like them.

And Merry Christmas back to you as well.
Doug

Glad you got it going and thanks for the follow up.

And thanks for the kind words, Doug.