Expert: Brian Benosky - 2/6/2010

Question
Hi Brian,
You have helped me in the past re virus removal.  I have a different problem now and wonder if you could offer advice or if you could guide me to someone who can help me please.

My pc is less than 3 yrs old and is an AMD dual core ADO48OODD box.  All has been running fine.  PC froze whilst surfing and would only switch off at the mains.  When I power up, lights show, fan sounds but absolutely nothing on screen.  No bios and no way of starting in safe mode.  Looks like it wont boot up.

Do you think this would be a processor problem/hard drive failure or ???  This machine has a 3 year warranty so hoping if it has very quiety died on me, I may have some help towards recovery.  
Thanks

Answer
Hi Yvonne

Processor failure is uncommon.  Not knowing your other system specs, I can only guess at the problem.  There could be a loose or failed video card or RAM memory stick.  Hard drive failure is common, so listen for the spinning of the drive when you start up.  Usually, the system will give you an error message if the hard drive is not detected, so I think we can narrow things to RAM, Graphics, or even Motherboard failure.  If the inside of the PC is accessible to you, you can check the seating of the components and make sure all cables are connected tightly.  *Please make sure that the PC is not plugged in and that you ground yourself before touching any internal parts.*
Contact the manufacturer regardless, and create a customer service ticket to begin the warranty repair process.  If you need further help, just ask.  Cheers!

Brian