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Computer won't boot

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I tried turning on my dell inspiron 600m from standby and then it just cut off. So then I tried to start it up. The power light flashes like it normally does when I start it up but then it just cuts off. I can't hear the fan or the hard drive or anything. I also can't see anything on the screen. I tried removing the adapter and the dc battery. I put them back in but it still won't cut on. Can anybody help me please?

13 replies

by bfilmfan

If it will not boot with either the battery or the charger, the problem may be with the battery and the charger.

I would recommend that you use a known working battery and charger and see if that resolves the issue.

by lamentofking

I can run pre-boot diagnostic test ( it says it failed the dst short test) and then i'll reboot the computer and it boots up normally but then i try and login and when i hit enter it freezes. :(

by oh smeg

Which means that the HDD is failing. You need to backup all your Data and replace th Drive before it fails completely.

To do this you need to remove the HDD fit it to a suitable External Enclosure and then plug into another computer or this Computer after you replace th DD and reload the system and copy your Data off the Old HDD.

If you where using any Log On Passwords you may be required to Take Ownership of your Files by following the directions here

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;308421

Col

by lamentofking

there are instances in which the computer won't start. i said i was only able to get diagnostic test twice out of the maybe 15 times i attempted a pre-boot diagnostic test. So is it all really the hard drive or is there a power problem too?

by rob miners

To turn on the computer, press the power button. When the computer is turned on, the power light is turned on.

If the computer and the power light are not turned on when you press the power button, adequate power may not be available to the computer.

The suggestions below may help you determine the reason the computer will not start up:

If the computer is plugged into an AC outlet, verify that the AC outlet is providing adequate power by plugging another electrical device into the outlet.

If the computer is running on battery power or is plugged into an external power source other than an AC outlet, plug the computer into an AC outlet using the AC adapter. Make sure the power cord and AC adapter connections are secure.

If the computer is running on battery power:

Remove the primary battery pack and travel battery pack (if applicable) and plug the computer into an AC outlet using the AC adapter. If the computer starts up, one of the battery packs may need to be replaced.

If the battery light on the front of the computer is blinking, the battery pack has reached a lowbattery condition, which may not allow the computer to start up. Plug the computer into an AC outlet using the AC adapter to start the computer and allow the battery to charge.

I would give the inside of the case a blowout with compressed air. When blowing air through the fans make sure that you physically stop them from spinning, as they may generate power and blow something up. Remembering to ground yourself by placing the back of your hand on the Power Supply Unit or a metal part on the PC and not moving your feet. By not taking this precaution it is possible that you could inadvertantly cause damage to the PC from an electrostatic discharge. Then remove the Heatsink, giving it a thorough clean and reseat the CPU applying new CPU grease. If the Fans spin freely when you give them a spin they are probably OK. If there is resistance replace them.

Clean the Cooling Vents

Depending on the model, vents can be found on the side, back, and/or bottom of the notebook PC. These vents allow air to flow through the PC and keep it cool. Buildup inside these vents impedes the cooling process.

Clean I/O Ports

The back of the notebook PC has a series of ports. After cleaning the cooling vents, take the compressed air and blow out any debris that may have accumulated in and around these ports.

Clean the golden edge of each memory stick with a soft rubber/eraser, remembering not to touch the golden edge of the memory stick. Check with one stick at a time, remembering to disconnect the power from the PC.

Check the movement of the Lid Actuator switch

The Lid Actuator switch is a small button or switch located above the keyboard near the hinge for the LCD. Pressing this switch when the computer is on may turn the notebook display off, or it may cause the notebook to enter a different power state.

Press the switch 2-3 times while observing the display. If the display does not return to normal brightness when the switch is released, the switch may be sticking and need to be repaired. If the display turns off when the switch is pressed, the power management function may be set to hibernate or turn off when the lid is closed.

by lamentofking

there were 2 instances when i was able to turn on the computer (the battery pack was out) but i was only able to do a pre-diagnostic test which gave me the dst short test fail error. I was able to restart it and it booted up normally but then it would either freeze when i hit login or it would login and then start freezing on the desktop. So by knowing that, could you tell what is the problem with my computer?

by rob miners

is the result of your test. When it gets to a certain point the OS is looking for certain information that is probably in a bad sector on the hard drive. The OS can't access the file or files that it needs so it locks up as it can't cope with what is happening. Take Oh Smegs advice and get an external enclosure to try to remove your Data.

Have you tried a Memory test or removing one stick of Ram and testing then test with the other.

by oh smeg

Test and replace any of these parts that are faulty,

Mains Adapter, NB Battery, M'Board, On Switch.

With a Desktop this is a sign of a shot Power Supply but as this is part of the M'Board in a NB there is very little you can do here.

Col

by oh smeg

You should remove the HDD from this computer and test again in another system. If it still fails the Short Test the Drive is shot and you need to recover your Data off it ASAP. But if it passes the M'Board is shot and the cause of your problems here.

If it was just the unit freezing most of the time I would say it's the HDD but as it's not starting most of the Time I would say it's either Damaged or Degraded Electronics involved here.

But no matter what the mot important thing is still the Data Stored on the HDD so you need to get this Backed up ASAP so that you can replace the computer and continue to work without interruption.

Col

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