Ok Dont laugh but im writting this for my mums computer, I want to fix it for her for a supprise cos, well christmass is just over and she desn't need a big computer bill.

OS = Windows ME
It's 5 years old.

I can't remember any other information off the top of my head.

so bascailly she was on the internet, Youtube to be exact and the computer suddenly turned it's self off.

Now when we try to turn it on nothing Happens, the two lights at the front come on and stay solid. the computer no longer beeps when you first turn it on as it used too, and nothing will come up on the screen.

I've switched screens and it made no difference (didn't think it would but was worth a try).
She had AVG free version on the computer, it had found 2 trojon dialers on there but it couldn't remove them. (she has a block on 0800 numbers etc so they couldn't have dialed anyay)


Atm i am thinking of trying to boot with the ME install disk, see if that helps but because of the no beeping im thinking it might be motherboard issues which i know arnt cheap to fix.

It would be best if the information on the computer was not lost obviously, but It isn't nessacery.

Is this fixable?
What extra info do you need?
How do i fix it?

From the sound of the problem description, it could typically be one of three things;

Power supply
CPU
Motherboard

A fairly inexpensive power supply tester can be obtained from a computer store. (Approx. $12-15.00 CDN) A tester will test the output "under load" and provide a PASS/FAIL status on all of the "legs" (power connector branches).

CPU - Usually a "component swap" is done to quickly verify CPU status.

Motherboards are a bit more tricky. A visual inspection is the basic first step. Look for blown components (burnt spots/areas around a component), "bulging" capacitors, etc. Without proper equipment you're limited to a visual inspection.

Shops will first test the P.S., and if that's good, swap out the CPU. If it's still not operating, they'll sometimes put the CPU into another motherboard (which accepts that CPU type). If it works, then it's a good bet that the motherboard has fried somewhere.

The machine is five years old so it's (most likely) out of warranty. Open the enclosure and look for the above situations, dust build up on the P.S. vent holes, and dust on the CPU fan/heatsink (which lends to the CPU frying). It could be as simple as a CPU fan failing, preventing the machine from booting. However no beeps is not a good sign regarding the motherboard.

Thank you, I'll try all that later. yeh, its not under warrenty anymore lol, fingers crossed its a easy fix, I already checked the fans and they seem to work fine, both spin etc. so I'll check out the Motherboard later ^-^

Thank you for the swift reply

I inspected the motherboard, and there was a weird brown stuff all over the green strips, (circutts?) they looked kind of scorched, or as if they had burnt flakes on them. So im guessing its that the motherboard burnt out.

how much money would it cost me to buy her a new mother board? also how can i work out which mother board to buy? There are hundreds >.<

The less exspensive way is to get a motherboard which will support the existing CPU and RAM modules which you already have in the old motherboard. (Given that they are in good working order.) This must of course fit into the old enclosure as well. The form factor of the motherboard comes into play too. AT, ATX (ATX powers itself off without having to touch the power button.)

If you're not really computer savvy, your best bet is to take the enclosure to a place which sells motherboards, explain the situation (motherboard fail suspected, CPU/RAM hopefully OK) and if they're nice they may quickly test the CPU/RAM in order to make a sale on a motherboard. They may also mount the motherboard for you for a couple of dollars.

As far as cost goes, I couldn't really tell you. It depends on what you need, if the replacement is new or used, etc. I would expect to pay anywhere from $70.00 to 140.00 (CDN - I don't know where you are and what that represents in your currency.) If you need to purchase a new CPU/RAM, well...... then it will be considerably more.

okay ^-^ Thank you Very much for all the help.

You're welcome. Glad to help.