Now I've done it. Computer appears to have broken down

[Adam]

As I was surfing MAP after having used my computer for a task requiring a lot of computer power for about two hours, it suddenly died on me and started smelling like burning rubber. I opened it and I couldn't see anything out of place or smoking, other than a ton of dust in the ventilation system, which is probably what caused the burnout in the first place, and now it doesn't switch on. Which part is most likely to burn out in a computer, and could this be related to the virus I suspect that I had prior to the burn-out?
I'm writing this from another computer. I would appreciate any help I can get, as all of my school stuff is on the crashed computer.

[acrawford]

Ok you probably tripped the circuit just unplug wait fifteen seconds and try to start it, but first GO Buy A Can of compresed air open up the tower and spray out all the dust with said can of air. You problem is probably due to overheating of processor due to excess dust in the tower, if this does not work, basically you are probably screwed. Best of luck to you.

[maximus_tkd]

sounds like you also could have toasted your power supply, try taking out the power supply and bringing into a comp shop to have them test it, or just bring in the whole comp.
good luck

[Greg-VT]

Deffinatly sounds like you blew the PSU, nothing major to worry about usually. Only about $40AU for a new one.

Like Maximus said, just take your computer to a PC repairer and they can replace the power supply unit for you - just hope that your computer is ATX. You may have a hard time trying to track down an older AT one....

[Saz]

Yep... Power supply has been fried. If it is AT, try looking on Ebay. I have a 6 year old PC and thats ATX, so you should be fine.

They're not expensive, around £15 here. If you're familiar with the inside of a PC, you can fit them yourself. If not, take it to a shop. You'll pay extra for labour, but it'll be in one piece.

Your school work should be fine, as thats on the Hard Drive. If you can take it out and put it in another PC and back it up, do so.

[Adam]

Well that's a bit of a relief. Thank you all for your help. I'll mosey down to the local hardware store when I get the time.

What's an AT and a ATX by the way, and how do I tell which my computer needs?

[Saz]

How old is it?

[Greg-VT]

If you open up your computer, you will see a grey box at the back. In the same area as where you plug in the power cord.

Now, if that grey box (the PSU) has a black wire/cord running from it, to the front of the case (the powerswitch), the you have an AT Powersupply.

And easier way (I guess), is to answer this question:
When in Windows, and you choose to Start > SHUTDOWN your PC, does your computer turn off by itself? OR do you need to press the power button after Windows tell you "It's safe to do so"??

If you Computer turns off by itself when you click on 'Shutdown", then it's ATX.


ATX is a newer form factor then AT. You'll find AT PSUs in older systems. Almost all the components in an AT system are incompatable with components in an ATX system, mainly now because of age and discontinued tech. With the exception of floppy, CDROM, and hard drives.

If it is an AT and you can't find an AT power supply with which to replace it, then I'd say you are up for a pretty hefty upgrade. Nearly a new comp.

[Adam]

Is this an ATX? http://www.silentpcreview.com/files/images/recommended1/case_airflow.jpg

If it is, it's definitely an ATX I have.

[Greg-VT]

Ehh..... can't really tell from that diagram. Could be either.

If you take your PC to a place they'll know what it is, and replace it for you.