PC that has been unplugged for a long time won't turn on

MartinYonko · 07 Sep 2012

Hello guys.It's been a year since I switched from my desktop computer to my laptop.I didn't care too mcuh about the old pc anymore since my laptop served me very well.
However these days I had nothing to do so I thought I'd like to install windows 7 on the old PC(which was running windows XP) just for fun.I connected all the cables and then tried to turn it on.Nothing happened.More than that it started to make a weird buzzing sound.I tried to find out where this sound came from but I couldn't.I've unplugged it,took the safety precautions and opened it.I tried to see if there's something wrong with the coolers but they seemed to be alright.I also tried to remove and put back the ram stick but still nothing.
Remember that I want it to be fixed just to have some fun with it so I won't take it to a service.
Can you give me some advices?Thank you in advance!

Mintos45 · 07 Sep 2012

Could you descrube the buzzing sound?
Like bees buzzing?
Like something rattling really quickly?
Etc etc

edwar · 07 Sep 2012

When it is connected to the AC, and NOT switched on, is there any lights on the motherboard? Most modern computer have a light on the motherboard showing that it is getting power (as the on/off switch doesn't really turn the AC on or off. it just controls part of the PSU that supplies full power to the MB).

If you don't see any lights on the MB then more then likely the PSU has failed in some way.

Layback Bear · 07 Sep 2012

Without being able to see or hear your computer I would suspect the power supply.

MartinYonko · 08 Sep 2012

@Mintos45
It's something rattling and continous.
@edwar
It has no led on the motherboard.

IanDrexP · 08 Sep 2012

I think its from the Power Supply Unit. Do you smell smoke? Is the Power Supply's fan spinning when you try to turn it on?

MartinYonko · 08 Sep 2012

No smoke smell.The fan doesn't start spinning when I press the power button but it spins easily whenever I blow air to it.

Carl Lawrence · 08 Sep 2012

I think your PSU needs replacing.

Layback Bear · 08 Sep 2012

Well every body seams to agree it is probably a power supply. Now what to do about it. If you have access to another power supply try it. If you don't know the system specs you could look on the old power supply and get the information. Watts, amps, volts. Let us know and we could help with your selection.

Bertison · 08 Sep 2012

You may also need another CMOS battery - the little "coin" battery on the board, usually held in by spring clip or clips.

Just as a tip, if you are going to leave a pc alone for a length of time, leave it plugged in somewhere you can see it regularly, and leave the power socket (but NOT the PC) switched on. If the pSU has an isolater switch at the back, leave that on too. A very negligible current supplies power to the CMOS battery and this will then remain charged, draws an insignificant amount of power. as with any appliance left like that, check it regularly (feel for heat which should not occur, listen for noise, etc.)