Urgent Help Needed. Computer Problem.

[Filbert]

I went to turn on my laptop as normal, but it won't turn on! It makes an initial whirring noise then turns off after about 2 seconds. It keeps doing this over and over. I've tried unplugging it (I use the mains). Leaving it half an hour then trying again, but the same thing. Any ideas what it can be or what I can do? I need to use it urgently. TIA

[flump1]

Could be a number of things Filbert, is the mains connector working ok ? If there is a light indicating the lead is live to the machine, it might be that the power lead to the lap top is faulty. My laptop makes that noise when it is so flat I can't boot it up !

[Filbert]

Thanks Flump, but we've tried another power cable and the same thing, I'm at my wits end.

[bibblebub]

is it a loud whirring noise? if so then it might just be that you need to clean the fan - with the laptop turned off just hold a vacuum cleaner pipe to the fan vent for a few seconds

[Filbert]

No not really. It's the normal startup noise, then it just clicks off.

[flump1]

Ok Filbert, how about the power socket on the machine ? They are not very robust . Blow into it to dislodge anything ( dust ) or vacuum it .

[Filbert]

No, sorry, it didn't work either

[pinkyboyid]

What make / model Laptop is it?

Is the CD drive empty?

What happens if you take the battery out and then try startup with just the mains power adapter lead?

[Filbert]

It's an acer aspire 5520g. I only use the mains. I took the battery out ages ago as it used to overheat, had no probs like this till now :-(

[Filbert]

It's almost like the power button is stuck.

[RATTER15]

It sounds like a power supply problem to me.

[Filbert]

Just tried to send an e-mail to acer to ask their advice...as I'm out of warranty, I can't contact them, have to go through the forums! What?

[Filbert]

Fed up now.

[pinkyboyid]

Well, after doing a little research, it would appear that the problem you are experiencing, other owners of an Acer 5520 have also encountered.

If it is the same, and it seems to match your description of what is occurring, then It could be a problem with the nVidia graphics GPU chip, assuming your system has the same hardware as described in Blogs and Youtube videos given below.

Take a look at:
http://www.wimsbios.com/forum/topic11831.html

then watch the youtube video that shows your symptom
www.youtube.com/watch?v=a5rgc1phdrY

followed by watching the Youtube 'How to Fix' videos, but you may want to seek some additional help to carry this out as it involves the use of a heat gun. (Hair dryer might be a substitute if you feel competent, but you would need to be careful.)
www.youtube.com/watch?v=cBy7rOiQw18
and also,
www.youtube.com/watch?v=XykI-u9mSOY

Hope that sort of assists!