Broken Computer - Urgent

[zipadeedodah]

If anyone can help at all that would be great. My sisters computer has just died. It cut out when it was on, and there's no way it's going to start working again. I took the side panel off, and when you press the power button on the front a small orange light comes on on the motherboard - but absolutely nothing else happens. Apart from the orange light, it seems dead. Firstly, does anyone have any idea at all what the problem could be? Secondly, there are alot of important files on there...does it sound as though they may be able to be recovered?

[jake-the-peg]

It sounds very like a dead power supply to me. Usually when they go they still give you enough to power the motherboard LED.

It's a very easy job to change but a bit scary - there are an awful lot of wires

There's a step by step guide here
http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/article/362

You can buy a replacement from PC world or the like

you shouldn't have lost any data - but learn your lesson about backups!

[rojash]

"Secondly, there are alot of important files on there...does it sound as though they may be able to be recovered?" Well, the good news is that whatever else has failed, it's unlikely to be the hard drive, so almost certainly, the data is safe.

[zipadeedodah]

Thanks very much for your quick answers!

Good news that the data shoould be fine! And yes, should teach her to be better at backing things up!

Will look into replacing the power supply unit - if I can't do it and I may know a man who can!

Thanks again...put my mind at rest!

[jake-the-peg]

If it's absolutely dead - no fans - just a little LED chances are it's the PSU.

I've seen quite a few go and they tend to look just as you describe

[zipadeedodah]

Thanks jake-the-peg! Seems quite likely from the replies that's what it could well be. Hopefully will be able to get someone to try and replace it over the next couple of days.