Help - one dead computer in need of assistance

[devilspawn]

Dell computer circa 2002 was working (albeit slowly) until I recently had to unplug it to move around room (unplugged for 3 weeks).
When I came to plug it in this weekend the unit never even booted up. Made no noises at all, and no lights coming on.
I have checked: fuse in plug, swapped power cables to one that I know works, even opened it up and checked all insides were attached and not come loose!
I can say that the power button is loosish, but seems to engage with something when pressed.
Before I call out a person to take a look, can anyone give advice for things I can check myself?
The computer although old (by todays standards), was still fully functional and has stuff on there that I would like to use again.
All suggestions fully appreciated - though I am going off-line now I will catch up with any remarks again soon - Thank you :)

[ChuckFickens]

Probably a faulty power supply (at a best guess)

If certain capacitors in the power supply dry up they can work for ever as long as you never unplug them, but as soon as they are unplugged they won't start again. It happens with all electrical equipment, not just computers.

Like I said, it's an educated guess, but it's where I'd look first.

[ChuckFickens]

BTW, to rule out the power switch you can trace the wires back to where they connect to two pins on the main board, remove the connector to the power switch and simply short the two pins across with any thing metal.... if the computer suddenly starts it's the power switch.

[craft1948]

Cheers Chuck, she's gone to bed, will try your suggestion tomorrow :-)

[ChuckFickens]

"she's gone to bed"

Well if help is required with that too......... :)

[owdhamer]

ask a 10 year old

[Wak]

When you talk about the Power Button, do you mean the one on the front of the unit which lights up when you switch on???
My old desk top unit had a faulty button on the front and after removing the front panel I found that the Power button was supported and held in place by a springy plastic frame which was partly broken. Consequently, the P/button didn't operate as it should have done.
I couldn't repair the plastic frame and didn't want the hassle of trying to find one suitable to buy so I just made a springy sponge pad out of a washing up pad and used that between the broken plastic frame and the main computer body to keep the button in place and it's worked great ever since.
Just thought that the above was somethng you could check out??
As Chuck says, it could also be the Power Supply Unit mounted at the back end of the casing. Is the PSU fan working???

[jno]

still got your Blue Peter badge, Wak?

[Wak]

Sure have, Jno. Made it out of an old coffee cup and some sticky-back plastic!

[devilspawn]

Thank you all for your suggestions, I have a tendency to think it is the power unit but not sure I am equipped to sort it out myself.
Wak - it might well be the button, but not sure I can take the front off...
and no fans are working - absolutely dead.
owdhamer - dont know any 10 year olds, and not sure I would understand them anyhow!
Cheers all, will take it apart this weekend and ensure I am wearing my Blue Peter badge first :)

[Squitty]

Is ther a switch on the back of the computer too? near the power supply. Easy to turn that off when you pick it up (if there is one).

[Wak]

Removing a couple of screws from the rear of the tower unit will usually allow you to slide one of the side panels off and, with that removed, you should be able to see how to remove the front panel (if necessary).
Unplug the unit completely before starting and when you have the side panel off touch the frame work whilst also touching a radiator or earthed metal object just to remove/cancel any static electricity.
Good luck at the weekend. Dyb, Dyb, Dyb.!