Member Avatar for kstormer

Hi. I'm considering myself VERY lucky because my Sony Vaio was starting to act up (Display driver would quite functioning now and again, and PC would not always boot first time), so we got everything saved to an external disk drive, bought a new PC and I now have that one up and running pretty well. That all happened this past week. So I wanted to keep using my Sony Vaio as my second PC to handle business reports, etc., but not connect to the Internet. Anyway, wouldn't you know that now I cannot even get that old Sony to boot. When I turn on the monitor it shows the "No Input" box, as it should before the CPU is turned on. When I turn on the CPU, the fan starts, the LED flickers for about 2-3 seconds and then that's it. No more flickering LED, nothing on the display (still says No Input) but the fan just keeps running. I can do a cold shutdown (hold in the on/off button until it shuts down) wait a minute or two and try again...but still nothing. This is similar to what was happening the past couple of weeks...but then it would sometimes work. Now...no luck. Is this PC a goner or do you think I can still save it? I have moved it from sitting on a hardwood floor to sitting on a burber carpet. Could that be an issue...maybe it's overheating?

THANKS for any help you can offer.

Best,
Kate S. in Wisconsin

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Generated

A short, practical diagnostic checklist for the Sony Vaio problem described by (fan runs, power LED flickers for a few seconds, monitor shows “No Input” and no further activity). These steps prioritize quick, low-cost checks and safe data recovery before deciding whether to replace or dispose of the machine — phrased to expand on the earlier replies and keep the work minimal.

  • Confirm video path first: verify the monitor input selection and cable, and try a known-good monitor or cable. If the PC ever shows the BIOS/POST screen on an alternate display, the issue is video-related rather than full-power failure.
  • Do a minimal boot: unplug power, open the case, ground yourself, remove all nonessential devices (HDD, optical drives, USB peripherals, extra PCI cards). Leave only PSU, motherboard, CPU, one RAM stick and video card (if required). Power up and listen for beeps or look for POST activity.
  • Reseat memory and expansion cards: remove each RAM stick, clean contacts, and try one stick in the primary slot. Reseat the video card and power connectors. Faulty or poorly seated RAM is a very common cause of no-POST symptoms.
  • Clear CMOS: remove the coin cell for a few minutes or use the motherboard jumper to reset BIOS settings, then retry.
  • Inspect for hardware damage: look for bulging/leaking capacitors, scorch marks, or a burned smell on the motherboard and PSU. A PSU that spins its fan but fails to power rails is a frequent silent failure; swap with a known-good PSU if available.
  • Data-first option: if repair isn’t practical, remove the hard drive and access it from another machine with a SATA/USB adapter to recover files (this keeps the backed-up work safe).

If none of these produce POST activity, the fault is likely the motherboard, PSU, or CPU. Given the time already spent backing up (noted by ), prioritizing data recovery and then weighing repair cost versus replacement is reasonable. Exercise basic safety: unplug mains before opening the case and avoid forced removal of components.

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Member Avatar for Rik_

Sony make good TV's and audio equipment, but, sadly, their PC's are rather poor.

It could well cost you a lot of time and even more money to get the thing going again.

All of their hardware is encoded so that you cannot use parts of a different make and Sony charge heavily for them.

The bin is probably the best place for it.

I repair PC's for a living but refuse Sony machines because of the cost involved.

Member Avatar for kstormer

Thanks so much for your very quick reply, Rik. My time and reduced stress far outweighs the price of a different used PC...or a smaller new one. I really appreciate your honesty and for sharing your words of wisdom. You saved me a few additional white hairs. :)

Best,
Kate

Member Avatar for Rik_

I got plenty of white hairs from PC repairing if you want some more. :)

Replacing it with a second hand PC will work out far far far cheaper than trying to get it going again for sure.

From what I have seen of Sony's, I bet it has overheated and something has gone pop, that's usually what happens with them.

It's a shame you are not in the UK, I have a tidy little PC for sale at the mo for just £30.

Member Avatar for kstormer

Hi Rik. Thanks again. So....how much would it cost to ship your nice little PC to the US. I live in Stoughton, Wisconsin. Zipcode is 53589. Just curious.

Best,
Kate

Member Avatar for Rik_

No idea. I have never shipped anything over the pond. There is also the problem that this machine is set up for 240volts, not 110 unfortunately.

Member Avatar for kstormer

Oh...that makes sense. Well, thanks again for all your great help, Rik. By the way, if you'd like to see what I do for fun (when I'm not working at my job at an insurance company) please take time to visit my website at . If you have a pet you'll enjoy my site.

Take care. It's been my pleasure chatting with you.

Best,
Kate

Member Avatar for Rik_

It's just a shame I didn't have better news about your Sony.

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