Poo... My Computer Won't Turn On!!!!!

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Discussion Overview

This thread revolves around participants sharing their experiences with computer malfunctions, specifically issues related to motherboards, hard drives, and the importance of data backup. Participants discuss personal anecdotes about their own computer troubles and the challenges they face in retrieving data and maintaining their devices.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal, Opinion-based, Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes a situation where their computer won't turn on after an update, expressing concern over lost data and upcoming work commitments.
  • Another participant shares their experience of frequently encountering computer malfunctions, noting that their spouse has had to replace multiple components.
  • Several users mention the importance of backing up data, with one participant highlighting their reliance on external devices for backups.
  • One participant discusses the potential for a motherboard replacement as a solution, while another suggests considering a new system with the old hard drive as a secondary drive.
  • Another participant recounts a positive experience of data recovery after a laptop failure, emphasizing the value of having backups in multiple locations.
  • Some participants express frustration over high labor costs for computer repairs and share their own experiences with lower-cost alternatives.
  • One participant humorously notes the commonality of hard drive failures compared to other issues like motherboard or power supply problems.
  • Another participant shares a light-hearted joke about computer technicians, adding humor to the discussion.
  • One participant updates the group on successfully acquiring a new computer and retrieving data from the old hard drive, thanking others for their support.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the best approach to resolving computer issues, with some participants advocating for repairs while others suggest replacing systems. There is no clear consensus on the most effective solution, but a shared emphasis on the importance of data backup is evident.

Contextual Notes

Participants share personal experiences and anecdotes related to computer issues, reflecting a range of technical knowledge and approaches to problem-solving. The discussion highlights the challenges faced by users in managing technology for personal and business use.

Who May Find This Useful

This thread may be of interest to Pampered Chef consultants and others who rely on their computers for business purposes, particularly those looking for shared experiences and insights on managing computer malfunctions and data backup strategies.

quiverfull7
quiverfull7
Gold Member
Messages
3,142
So I has a wonderfully lazy day today. DH took the kids fishing and I slept in after I got them out at 6am. This afternoon I checked my email and the kids had played a game or two after coming home and on DD had written a paper for a college class online and thankfully printed it when she saved it. The computer was stalling and not behaving very well so I updated PP3, backed up my files and turned off my computer. NOW IT WON'T TURN ON!!!!!!!!! The mother board is getting power because it has a little light on but the switch won't work. I've got like 6 hosts to contact and close catty shows for this week and a cooking show from last week. I'm SO thankful I backed up before I shut it down but I've got tons of info on that computer that I have to get off. YIKES!!!!!!! Has anyone had anything like this happen?
 
Crash.gif


So...you sent us this post on your cell phone? :confused:
 
  • Thread starter
  • #3
HA! Nope... my DD laptop. Which I may have to download PP3 on if I can't get mine going. She won't be thrilled but she'll have to deal with it! I'm thankful at least that I have this as an option.
 
I hope you can get it up and running! I seem to attract computer malfunctions! My DH has recently had to replace my hard drive and my mother board...he just shakes his head because I don't really do much on my computer compaired to what he does, and he can't understand why my computer is always dying and running slow and his is working just fine.

Thank heavens you have the laptop!
 
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  • #5
Yes.. I am thankful. My DH's laptop already has PP3 on it but for some reason, where you plug the cord in to charge his unit... gets too hot and melts the little piece you plug in so it won't make contact anymore so that needs help too. Maybe I have a computer spell in my fingers or something... in which case my DD won't be letting me use this too much! :)
 
You know they recalled a lot of those battery packs because of fire hazzards- you should check online to see if DH's computer is one of the many they recalled for that very same reason. When I worked for Wells Fargo, they recalled so many computers that they just decided to give us all brand new laptops to save them the trouble of trying to figure out who really had a fire hazzard or not! :)
 
Hard drive failure? possibly? My husband does computers. I hope your backups have been on an external device? Good luck.
 
Sounds more like the motherboard - better chance the hard drive is ok. :crossfingers:
 
I hope you can get it fixed soon! I'm sorry this happened!
 
I'm so sorry to hear that happened to you! When my laptop died I thought I lost everything but my DH is a computer genious :love: and he was able to get everything off of it onto his desktop until we got my new laptop.

It taught me to back up somewhere besides another place on the hard drive.

Here's hoping that your computer person can do the same for you!
 
  • Thread starter
  • #11
My PC stuff is all backed up on a flash drive so I can load it on this laptop if I have to. My email address books, tons of WORD and PDF files and GOBS of photos however... are on that hard drive and I am praying they can be retrieved.
 
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  • #12
Well, the official word is the motherboard is shot as well as the power supply. Poo again! There is an outside, slight possibility... that he has a mb that MIGHT fit mine. It's the same kind so I'm holding my breath. We really can't afford a new unit but I can't be without my computer either. SO ... please say a prayer that the mb he has will fit because that would be cheaper, I think, than a whole new one. However, the labor is terribly expensive. Pray we make the right decision when the time comes. My DH's laptop also needs the mb replaced. sigh... I may need a new one as well! :)
 
It might be cheaper to just get a new system and add your current harddrive as the second drive. It's worth asking the guy about before he runs up $400 in labor.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #14
That is exactly what we have decided to do. You are SO SMART KG!!!!
Hey... can I claim smart too then? Please!
 
Experience, that's all.Experience is what you get seconds after you needed it.
 
That so IRKS me what these guys charge in labor...I should do repairs for a living, of course I'd be very busy because we only charge $20/hour or free for friends. Plus those guys often give bad advice and don't know how to test any components properly. I repaired a lady's computer for her about two years ago for $40 in labor - she was quoted $200! ...and then told me the story of how a repair guy she knew told her that her 1 year old laptop was dead (hard drive) and that she couldn't get a new one and it was trash - he took the laptop!!!!You can usually get a good replacement motherboard for about $50 and they only take about 15-20 minutes to disconnect everything and put a new one in! Power supplies are only about $30 and about the same amount of time to put in. Amazing how they charge a fortune for that too!Anyway, if I was closer, I'd fix it for you!But yes, stick the harddrive with the data in another system and upgrade if you can.
 
Oh, I forgot to add...with a motherboard AND a power supply going at once, it sounds like you got a good power surge from somewhere. Do you have a good battery back-up/surge protector your system is on? If not, I recommend one and depending on what system you have can tell you what you need. It is well worth it.Or, if you buy a new PC (not self-build) I would recommend getting a 3-year warranty with your system. If you shop around you can get a decent warranty that doesn't TOTALLY kill your pocketbook. For a computer with tons of use or that your business relies on, it is worth it.
 
Q: How many computer techs does it take to change a flat tire?A: Five. Four to hold the car up and one to keep swapping until he finds the bad one.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #19
YAHOO!!!!!!!!! I'm back computing and online. I have TONS of work to do to restore everything but thankfully my PC stuff will be the easy part! Thanks EVERYONE for all your help! Please pray that the guy retrieving all my data will get it done soon and everything that I need loads back on. All my NC info and flight info etc was on there. Stupid Stupid Stupid not to have backed those up along with my PC stuff but PC makes it much easier!
 
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Welcome back, Diane! Prayers for quick data retrieval are coming your way!
 
Wow! Glad I read this! My DH's laptop crashed...we bought a new HD, yeah that wasn't the problem. BUT now I have a backup HD for my laptop along with my flash drive. :D And now a better idea what's wrong with his...God I LOVE this site!!! :D
 
HD are the most common problem...motherboards or power supplies seem to be second!
 
We're gonna take it in have them figure out which it is since it has a new HD & still won't come on. I have the old HD in a 2.5" HD enclosure w/ 2.0 USB & use it as an external back-up...if mine crashes at least I know between backup disks & removable drives I'm covered. ;)
 
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  • #25
My scentiments exactly KG!!!!
 
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  • #26
Just FYI .... most "older" printers don't run on VISTA. Sigh Mine is "older".
Enough said.
PP3 Looks okay but if anyone has any wisdom on what I may encounter PLEASE let me know.
 
So, Diane, did you pick up a new PC already????
 
  • Thread starter
  • #28
I did! And I found the drivers to get my old printer to work. The first one I brought home did NOTHING ... so had to trot back to town and the 2nd works great. Everything is upside down on my desk and the computer is all hooked up temporarily since I wasn't sure what was going to work or not but I've got like 6 shows to close and my DD has a 4 hour test to take online so I knew I wouldn't have access so I bit the bullet. I had to pay a guy to get my info off the old hard drive. Thanks to everyone for all your help... especially Janet the computer info guru!
 
I would have helped you even more if I was closer and had more time!!!! ...and gotten your information cheaper... ;)But heh, all is well that ends well.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #30
Yup... and I did get a 2 year protection plan. I just can't go through this again. It will be a very cheap investment if I have another surge and I don't even know when this one happened.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I check first if my computer won't turn on?

First, ensure that your computer is plugged in and that the power outlet is functioning. Check for any loose connections between the power cable and the computer. If you're using a laptop, make sure the battery is charged or try removing and reinserting the battery.

What does it mean if my computer powers on but the screen remains black?

A black screen can indicate several issues, such as a problem with the display, graphics card, or even the RAM. Try connecting your computer to an external monitor to see if the issue is with the screen. If the external monitor works, your laptop's display may need repair.

How can I tell if my computer is receiving power?

Look for any lights on the computer, such as power indicators or keyboard lights. Listen for any sounds, like fans or hard drives spinning up. If there are no lights or sounds, it may indicate a power supply issue or a dead motherboard.

What should I do if my computer is stuck on the boot screen?

If your computer is stuck on the boot screen, try performing a hard reset by holding down the power button until it turns off, then turn it back on. If the problem persists, you may need to enter the BIOS/UEFI settings to check the boot order or perform a system repair using recovery media.

When should I seek professional help for my computer issues?

If you've tried basic troubleshooting steps and your computer still won't turn on or function properly, it may be time to seek professional help. This is especially true if you suspect hardware failure or if you're uncomfortable performing advanced diagnostics or repairs yourself.

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