Help for A Rookie.....Desktop Program.... Is is Dead

[djanna]

The power went out for a few ....(I have a surge thing).....now my computer turns on (like the fan sound) but doesn't really come on. I can't turn it off without pulling the plug. In the meantime my monitor is on, black screen with a tri-color screen that comes up saying Self test G; Check your pc R and montior is working B....then goes away.....

What can I do? Have I lost all my pictures, word doc, etc......I'm a rookie.....

 

[Sleepsalot]

Well the rist thing is Panic. Lol Not!! THere are several things that could be wrong. But first we need more infomation. What brand and model machine? Does it have onboard video? Do you hear any type of beeps when you turn it on? If you halo the power button in for at least 5 seconds when the machine is running does it stop? Give these answers adn we can know more from there.

Wayne

Life is a big Roleplaying adventure.

 

[djanna]

Thanks for the reply .....

T2792 Emachine
When I halo, nothing happens....just seems fan is on
no beeps
yes, I have video capability!

 

[kjv1611]

I think Sleepsalot meant:
1. You got that one right, I believe.
2. Hold your computer power button for at least 5 or 6 seconds - the machine should turn off. If not, hold it for as long as 10 seconds. If it still won't shut off, then kick it really hard - no, really, don't kick it.
3. You got that one right, I believe.
4. He's asking if you have onboard video and/or a separate video card. We know you have video capability, as otherwise, you wouldn't have been able to see anything on your monitor before.

My guess so far is that your board may have been cooked. I just replaced one for someone who had their computer behind a surge protector. Their power just sort of blipped at their house - no thunderstorm or anything, just a quick blip.

You may be able to get a replacement used on eBay for cheap if you look carefully enough.

But follow through with various tests to make sure whether it's the board and/or some other component.

--

"If to err is human, then I must be some kind of human!" -Me

 

[ATLMatt]

If you used a modem to connect to dial up internet, you could try opening your case and removing the modem card, then try rebooting. Same thing if you have a network card that isn't built into the motherboard. There are also some good tutorials on line about testing your power supply, but that will require an electrical tester and a bit more knowhow.

When you are in there, take a look at the capacitors on the motherboard. (They look like little batteries sticking out horizontally from your motherboard.) If the ends of them are distended (slightly bent outwards from the inside) and/or have a crusty looking substance resembling battery acid on them, that is a sign your board is toast.

Good luck with it!