VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

KaraEdwards · Posted: Mon Jul 26, 2010 7:23 pm Post subject: Computer Won't Turn On

OK - I came home to do some recording after shutting my computer down for a few hours (I was recording in another studio). It's completely dead, won't turn on, no lights- nothing. I've tried multiple outlets and still nothing.

There is a tiny green light on the back that is glowing, but nothing else. It's an HP Pavillion a1630n. About 4 years old.

I have a session in the morning in an outside studio so I can't get it to a repair place until the afternoon. Problem is I have to record a huge project tomorrow afternoon.

Any and all suggestions welcome!! I'm at a loss. And a mild panic. No, not so mild...
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todd ellis · Posted: Mon Jul 26, 2010 7:46 pm Post subject:

found this from hp hope it helps!
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Jeffrey Kafer · Posted: Mon Jul 26, 2010 8:06 pm Post subject:

Dead power supply. Easily and cheaply fixed.
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KaraEdwards · Posted: Mon Jul 26, 2010 8:20 pm Post subject:

I'm taking it in tomorrow- I'm pretty sure I've tried everything (thanks for the link Todd- that rocks!). Dead power supply seems most likely at this point. I will be sure to let you know!!
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Jeffrey Kafer · Posted: Mon Jul 26, 2010 8:30 pm Post subject:

A new power supply shouldn't cost you more than 30-40 bucks. Don't let them overcharge you. Smile

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KaraEdwards · Posted: Mon Jul 26, 2010 9:33 pm Post subject:

The good news is that I have a back-up studio I can use if there are any delays. Thank goodness for good audio friends!!
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KaseyKruz · Club 300 Joined: 18 Apr 2008 Posts: 336 Location: Michigan

Here's something to try that is quick and simple before you go lugging the thing off to a repair shop...disconnect the power cord and let the computer sit for ten minutes, then plug it back in and try it. I've had this kind of problem solved with this method on several occasions.
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Dayo · Cinquecento Joined: 10 Jan 2008 Posts: 544 Location: UK

Don't some desktop computers have a weenie battery in them that can fail? Maybe I'm confusing myself!

KaseyKruz · Club 300 Joined: 18 Apr 2008 Posts: 336 Location: Michigan

schrecster · Posted: Tue Jul 27, 2010 10:00 am Post subject:

like kasey said, check the power cord, and also check to make sure you are getting power to the outlet, and the power strip if you are using one. also if the power strip has a surge protector, make sure that is not tripped.

Lee Gordon · Posted: Tue Jul 27, 2010 11:20 am Post subject:

A dead BIOS battery would not prevent a computer from booting up; it just wouldn't remember the time and date and any other custom BIOS settings.

Power supply does sound like the culprit, although it could just be a loose power connection. If I'm not mistaken, Kara has moved recently, so the internal cable could have become partially dislodged in transit. Whoever looks at it to check the power supply (I've had good luck with Geek Squad) should probably first check to see that all the plugs are making good contact.
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Eddie Eagle · M&M Joined: 23 Apr 2008 Posts: 2393

Hi Kara,
If you feel comfortable taking the cover off and looking inside, the power supply is a reasonably easy replacement. Just match up the connectors to the mother board, hard drive,etc and screw in the new supply in place of the old one and you are good to go. Your new power supply can be bought at Best Buy, Office Depot or other places that have them. You can check specs to make sure the new one matches your system.
If not a tech guy should be able to do it relatively inexpensively.

I replaced my old one with a quieter multispeed model a few years ago.

E

KaraEdwards · Posted: Tue Jul 27, 2010 3:53 pm Post subject:

It was indeed the power supply. I had already checked for loose connections, and to make sure the power button wasn't stuck. (I just like taking stuff apart I guess!) And since I was in upgrade mode- I added some memory and a new video card. Hooray! Back up and recording now...less than 24 hours later. Whew!!

Thanks to everyone for your help!!
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Mike Sommer · Posted: Tue Jul 27, 2010 5:50 pm Post subject:

This is why I always have an old backup computer around. Fully loaded and ready to go.
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Tom Test · DC Joined: 23 Jan 2007 Posts: 629 Location: Chicago, IL

I'm glad you got it fixed quickly Kara!

I believe every talent with their own studio really MUST have a Plan B if they suffer from equipment failure. My Plan B is basically my travel set-up: a tiny Acer netbook, MicPort Pro, and a mic (my travel mic is an AT2050, but of course I could use any of my mics with the MicPortPro). I have Audacity installed on my netbook, it's free and pretty capable. I don't know it inside and out, but well enough to get through a session and send high-quality raw files.

Bottom line: if you don't have system redundancy, it WILL bite you in the ass someday, and probably cost you a lot more than investing in a backup plan.
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