Compaq won't power on

This is the last thing u want to try:
The Power-On electronic switch would be connected to your motherboard via a cable, you can remove that and 'short' the pins using a spare 'jumper'. By doing this, your power-on for the pc will be directly from the power that you give to the machine.
Dont try if u r not sure of this.
Best of Luck.

Actually, it is very likely that the power supply itself is bad.

The simplest test, is to swap in a known good power supply.

Chas

I should have read your question better.

Yes, you can isolate the power supply itself.

If it is an ATX style supply, you can unplug the power supply, and connect it to a test load.

You can find one for under $15 at www.compgeeks.com
look in the accessories section of the Case and Power Supply area.

This is a pretty limited test, but should help narrow the source down to either the power supply, motherboard, or switch.

Chas

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