My family has an older HP desktop computer that I occasionally use. It worked before, but now pressing the computer's power button does absolutely nothing—no lights, sounds, or fans. The monitor turns on when the power strip is switched on, but it displays "monitor going to sleep" because the desktop itself never starts. The power strip is on, the monitor has power, and I don't see any obviously loose or disconnected cables. The computer appears to date from around 2007. What should I check to figure out whether it can be repaired?
2 Answers
Start with the simple checks: make sure the power strip is switched on, try plugging the desktop directly into a wall outlet, and test the power cord if you have another compatible one. Since there are no lights, fan noise, or other signs of life when you press the button, the power supply is a likely failure point. On a computer this old, the power button or motherboard could also have failed.
The monitor turning on doesn’t mean the computer is receiving power—it’s only getting power from the strip. Unplug the desktop, hold its power button for about 15 seconds, reconnect it directly to a known-working outlet, and try again. If it still remains completely dead, it probably needs a replacement power supply or other hardware repair, and replacing the entire system may be more practical for a machine from 2007.
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