Computer Diagonisis

Computer Does  not Switch On.

Preamble;

Computers can really be scary if not terrifying if you believe in them being delicate enough not to be tampered with if one is an amateur or a novice for that matter. I admit I once believed so. in fact I even once believed they were more intelligent than man. Yes that is what it means growing up in the rural parts of the developing countries. Oh, developing are they?
Today as I write this blog on an Acer aspire one borrowed laptop, I recollect what I have gone through in my adventure to learn Computers. I'm completely self taught thanks to the great love and  admiration I have for computers! I love reading about them quite a lot and today I'm teaching myself programing in C++.
How have I over come so many hiccups along this path?

1.  Acquired a second hand Compaq Presario c500 laptop. (Good laptop that one is)
2. Tried to repair it my self when ever it broke down because I never trust technician in my part of town! Village actually. (I also had no money for repairs).
3. Put the fear of opening it behind (If I destroyed it, it was mine anyway. Nobody will task me to replace it with other.)
4. Researched on the web on each individual issue (Sometimes got answers Sometime did) but drew my own analysis until a solution was found.
5. Recorded down a very step I took in solving the problem (learnt what worked and what didn't) 

Today, I would like to talk about the first computer issue I dealt with. I must say though that I shall be unnecessarily chatty for this one. The following one will be direct to the point.

Problem Definition;

The Dell Computer I dealt with, could not switch on. No, not at all. No lights, sound of fan spinning or any beeps whatsoever.

Steps To  Problem Solving;

So, my first Assumption (And you can't deal without assumptions) was that the power unit was dead.I checked the wall  power socked, it worked perfect. It wasn't the problem.
I picked my Power tester and tested a very output of the power unit cable and they all past the test. (If the tester does not light up, don't hurry to conclude, the tester itself could be dead. So be sure it works)
So, the Power supply has passed the test Where could the problem be?
Research showed that the BIOS (Pre-installed program that loads first before the operating system) could've gotten it self entangle in confusion due to maybe some changes in its settings. Clearing the CMOS could do the trick. So I did three trick to reset the BIOS back to default settings:

 

CMOS Jumper marked in Red arrow

1. I un plugged the computer from the wall power socket. Disconnected the power input to the mother board. Then pressed the Power Button at the front of the CPU unit casing for thirty (30) seconds. (To discharge all the static electricity still lingering on, the mother board thus resetting the BIOS). On reconnecting the Computer  and powering it up, No success. It remained dead silent.
2. Again, I unplugged it from power and changed the CMOS Jumper settings from pin 1 and 2(default position) to 2 and 3 for 5seconds then reset it to default position. On reconnecting power and switching the computer on, nothing happened!
3. I then removed the CMOS battery for a minute replaced it, witched on. Again, Nothing

CMOS Battery Circle in Red

I then narrowed my analysis to the RAM (Random Access Memory) card now. But first inspected the whole mother board fearing any scratches that could've cut the power flow. (This was not necessary since mere scratches on the mother board rarely affect power up)
I removed the Memory card from their slots (At this point you should be aware that Unplugging power sockets must always come first. If you do not know how to earth yourself to avoid any shocks from the static current, Always drain it by the 30second press on the power button trick after unplugging the power sockets). I blew and cleaned the RAM slots. Snapped them back and switched on once again, no success.

Common type of RAM card for desktop PCs

I tested them on other computer and that computer too did not switch on! Bingo, the issue could be solved now. But just be sure. So I snapped the memory card from the other computer to the Computer I was working on, Switched on and eureka, It powered up to the desktop. 
So, I had just solved my first Computer problem.
And got paid too! Lucky, I thought until I began solving every problem that come my way.





Recommendations:

1. Don't Shy away from trying to solve your computer issue your self the DIY (Do It Yourself) style. from the many or few mistakes you make along the way, you learn.
2. Research every problem and consult
3. Write down step by step your diagnosis. Note what fails in certain circumstance and what works.
4. Most of all, have interest.

It surprising how simple some problems can really be, if only you knew. People some times ask for my help in issues that only take common sense (Computers are user friendly). I help them and get paid. It's clear, they fear trying and are not interested.
For you who reads my Posts, You will get them all for free and your free to share it with a friend. Recommend this post and blog if you found this post helpful or at list likable.

Watch this space for more computer diagnosis. Share your ideas with me and all who read this blog. You could also ask a question and suggest an issue you would like to see me talk about. I don't promise to deliver results for you since my diagnosis are really on computer problems I have faced or my clients have.
I'll also bring the you the diagnosis of issues my Laptop has gone through. It's down as I speak and its Power issues.

And if  you ever run to Power issues or any problem with your Laptop or PC, I Recommend you study Morris Rosenthal's Laptop troubleshooting flowchart diagrams on http://www.ifitjams.com/lappower.htm

They come with detailed explanations.

PC's Motherboard. Your may be different but same features. use this for study purpose.

Thanks for your time, Please leave a comment.