Computer Help and Support

hamsterjill

(15,492 posts) Fri Dec 6, 2019, 12:19 PM Dec 2019

Old dinosaur computer won't turn on

When we push the power button, nothing happens. We’ve tried all the obvious things - changed power cords, checked outlets, etc.

Is there any way to remove the motherboard and gain access to info stored there? We have back ups but there were two moves involved and back ups are packed away.

Computer is an HP that was purchased in 2008 and has Windows XP I believe.

Thanks for any insight!!!!

4 replies

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Old dinosaur computer won't turn on (Original Post) hamsterjill Dec 2019 OP

You most likely have a burned out power supply. kysrsoze Dec 2019 #1

Awesome. Thank you! hamsterjill Dec 2019 #2

As a first thought, I agree w/ kysrsoze--dead power supply. lastlib Dec 2019 #4

Pull the hardrive FeatherFox Dec 2019 #3

kysrsoze

(6,125 posts)

1. You most likely have a burned out power supply.

Reply to hamsterjill (Original post)

Fri Dec 6, 2019, 12:26 PM

Dec 2019

Whether it’s a tower or laptop, you should be able to pull the hard drive and buy an appropriate enclosure for the hard drive. That will allow you plug it into another computer via USB and use it like an external HD. You just have to make sure to buy the right enclosure. They’re dirt-cheap online - $10 to $30.

hamsterjill

(15,492 posts)

2. Awesome. Thank you!

Reply to kysrsoze (Reply #1)

Fri Dec 6, 2019, 12:46 PM

Dec 2019

N/t

lastlib

(24,797 posts)

4. As a first thought, I agree w/ kysrsoze--dead power supply.

Reply to kysrsoze (Reply #1)

Fri Dec 6, 2019, 11:27 PM

Dec 2019

It might be worth at least trying to replace that, and see if it restarts with it. Then make a full backup ASAP. If it doesn't, take the steps kysrsoze recommended.

FeatherFox

(9 posts)

3. Pull the hardrive

Reply to hamsterjill (Original post)

Fri Dec 6, 2019, 04:11 PM

Dec 2019

and hook it into the ribbon tape. make sure it is designated as 'slave'. access the drive as usual with the computer you have hooked it to.

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