Computer takes a long time to turn on...

Antikythera said:

Do you have another monitor you can hook up to the PC and test with?

From the screenshot, I see that the monitor is not receiving a signal. That points to either the monitor or the embedded graphics on the motherboard.

If your using a CRT monitor, chances are you might have a few busted caps inside the desktop. Crack open the side case and just visually inspect the little capacitors on the motherboard, they typically have either a Y or an X on top of them. Your looking for any bubbling, rising, or leaking.

Do you plug/unplug your monitor a lot - perhaps to use w/a different PC?

Going along with switching monitors, I have a simple suggestion: check the monitor/video cable jack on your pc. It should be clean, and the monitor cable pins should all be there and not loose.

Also, if possible: try your monitor on a different pc... see if it works ok there.

dperecky said:

Antikythera said:

Do you have another monitor you can hook up to the PC and test with?

From the screenshot, I see that the monitor is not receiving a signal. That points to either the monitor or the embedded graphics on the motherboard.

If your using a CRT monitor, chances are you might have a few busted caps inside the desktop. Crack open the side case and just visually inspect the little capacitors on the motherboard, they typically have either a Y or an X on top of them. Your looking for any bubbling, rising, or leaking.

Do you plug/unplug your monitor a lot - perhaps to use w/a different PC?

Going along with switching monitors, I have a simple suggestion: check the monitor/video cable jack on your pc. It should be clean, and the monitor cable pins should all be there and not loose.

Also, if possible: try your monitor on a different pc... see if it works ok there.

It took me about 1 hour to get this computer back on and running . I think it's due to the fact that my tower was all filled with dust. What I did is grab a hair dryer to get rid of the dust . There was a lot of dust coming out of my tower . I think that might have been the problem all along.

I don't think the hair dryer helped me fix this problem because the same thing happened to me today as well. I unplugged everything and plugged everything back in, didn't work . Then I tired the blow dryer method and it worked again. I just can't figure out the exact problem. It can be the tower itself or monitor cable . I have no idea whats causing this.

linnemeyerhere said:

The dust can also migrate into the PCIe slots and open ram slots, I would get some compressed air and really go after the coolers and all open slots even take a clean dry paint brush and while spraying clean the mobo. Computers must be regularly cleaned and if there are open windows or pets what would be a minimum of every 6 month cleaning I'd suggest every 3 months. Many users let years go by and then wonder why the system is acting up or shutting down. Dust that forms a layer can and will conduct current and not good ! Get after all intake and exhaust fans and clean the blades so they perform better as well.

Alright, Thanks for the info, now would I need to take the computer apart, so I can start cleaning?

linnemeyerhere said:

No just open both side panels and maybe the access to the front intake fan(s) all else should be easily reached from the left hand side.
Just some shots of an old rig and how I would clean it with my Makita air compressor.

Is there like a specific area I have to spray , this is my first time doing this so I am asking a lot of questions , don't mind me. I just don't want to wreck my computer. I found a video , would this be a good example?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BovgvppZX4k

linnemeyerhere said:

Yes please keep all fans from free spinning by holding them still when spraying air on them, Spray the mobo and all open slots, spend lots of time blasting the CPU cooler as well as the intake and exhaust fans of both the GPU and PSU. You'll see dust fly so I like to disconnect all wires and power cord and then take the computer outside in an area where you can work easily and see easily. Try not the touch the mobo or components too much for static electricity issue but the air is fine. I also like to take a soft bristle brush and loosen dust and blow it away as well. Also take moist q-tips and clean all fans on both sides and real pain but really helps to keep things cool. This is also a good chance to look at any wiring you can make cleaner for better air flow. Enjoy the process as you are doing valuable work and gaining familiarity with the inner working of the rig. Ask questions as we're here to help !

Would a hair dryer on cool work as well?

Can you please provide images for these? , because it will make it easier for me and it's good to learn.
-GPU
-PSU
-CPU