Member Avatar for isto

My friend's computer was doing updates and it froze. He left it for 24 hours and it was frozen on a windows update. He finally killed the power and turned the computer back on, and nothing. The power light comes on, but no beeping, no fan, no monitor. I loaned him my kids' comp cos he's unemployed and needs a comp to network, but they need it back, so I'm trying to help him figure out what's wrong. Any suggestions? I didn't tell him to take it to a professional because he has no income and can't. I'm wonding if this is a lost cause and should he just scrap it?

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the frozen Windows update was almost certainly a coincidence, as noted. Power LED on but no fans, no beeps, no video usually means the PSU is providing only standby power (5VSB) and either the PSU is not starting the main rails or the motherboard is not asserting the PS_ON signal. is right to start with the PSU, but you can narrow it down with a quick, no-cost workflow before buying parts.

  • Pull AC, hold the power button 10+ seconds, then plug directly into a known-good wall outlet (skip surge strips).
  • Strip to minimum: motherboard on cardboard (not the case), CPU + cooler, 24‑pin and CPU 4/8‑pin power, case speaker if available. Disconnect GPU, drives, front USB, and all expansion cards. Check for extra standoffs or a stray screw shorting the board.
  • Clear CMOS (jumper or pull the coin cell for 5 minutes), then retry.
  • Rule out a bad case switch by briefly shorting the two PWRBTN pins with a screwdriver.

If still dead, do these ATX checks with care:

• 5VSB: purple (pin 9) to any black = ~5V with PSU plugged in and switch on.
• Paperclip: momentarily short green (PS_ON, pin 16) to any black; attach a case fan as a load.
  - Fan(s) spin = PSU likely OK.
  - No spin = replace the PSU.

PSU OK but the board still never spins fans or beeps (even with no RAM installed) points to a failed motherboard, matching ’s experience. If funds are tight, look for a used, same‑socket replacement so you can keep the CPU and RAM. Regardless, you can salvage data by pulling the drive and using a cheap USB‑to‑SATA adapter on another PC. Safety note: unplug before moving cables; do not run the paperclip test for more than brief checks.

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Member Avatar for JorgeM

In a case like this, if the budget is tight you have two options. Have someone that has extra parts to help you troubleshoot, or just scrap it.

In this case, I think that the computer freezing and no longer working was coincidential. While an update can fail and cause the OS to fail, it isnt going to prevent the hardware from booting once you power off the computer and power it back on.

If you have absolutely no power, its either a power issue, or something's wrong on the motherboard. If you can get access to a voltage tester, you could plug the power supply in and test to see if you are getting the correct DC on the internal power plugs that go to the motherboard and other components. If you have someone that has extra parts, you can replace the power supply instead and see if that. Although knowing if the power supply is actually working is important.

If its not the power supply, but a probelm with the motherboard, then you'll need to replace it. You would have to find a similar one so you do not have to swap out the CPU and memory.

It is also possible that a peripheral (any thing plugged into the motherboard) although unlikely, is causing this issue. If something is shorting the board, the computer will not power up.

This type of issue just requires troubleshooting hte various components until you find what it is. But, when you do find it, then what? If the budget is tight will you be able to purchase parts? For old computers, most people just choose to scrap it and get a new one. You just have to see and figure out what makes sense.

Member Avatar for cretaros

test it with a new power supply!

Member Avatar for isto

thank you - I will tell him

Member Avatar for Diddle1967

I had exactly the same thing happen a month ago I changed the power supply thinking it was the problem but it was not, Put a new motherboard in and it works perfectly now.

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