Allright heres the problem:

My dads computer was shut down one night. He came back in the morning to boot it up and nothing happened (dead). Then he unplugged the lifeline and replugged - computer fans turn on and nothing else happens. BIOS never posts.

I had him listen for beeps, nothing. I even had him remove the RAM and listen for beeps, nothing. The 5V light is on when the lifeline is in, so I don't think it s the power supply. He also doesn't have a voltmeter to check the test points for +5. I can only help him over the phone.

Also, he says his mouse isn't turning on when in boot. I can't remember if the USB is slated to turn on after BIOS post (I'm assuming it is), if is supposed to be on then it could still be a power supply issue but I don't know. The processor was having overheating issues but I installed a new heatsink and it cooled a few degrees - even so the computer just shut off and now it only runs fans. Any ideas?

 

if it doesnt post:
1. PS is dead
2. MoBo is dead.

 

reformat

 

upgrade to vista.

 

^^^ very good possibilities

how?

 

If PS is dead, would the fans still power on? And why would the 5V LED still be lit?

 

do the HDs spin up?, does the cd tray eject?

 

12 or 3 volt rail could have died :dunno:

 

I think the BIOS would still post with 5V.

 

i would try to "jump start" it with another PC's Power supply. if no go, mobo is gone... do you get the little blinking cursor in the upper left corner?