Note: I am unsure if this is a hardware or Windows XP problem. I posted on both boards. If it is incorrectly placed, please ignore it (or help if you know the answer )

Hi there.

Around two months ago my family bought a new computer. It wasn't anything great; a Gateway GT5220 (running Windows XP)- it was mostly just for my mother to use for Word and simple internet functions. All was good until a few weeks ago when it started acting up. Now, for some reason, when you turn it on it doesn't start up. There are no errors and nothing displays on the screen (even the very first startup displays). The fans blow very loud continuously, and that's that. After a while the only way to turn the computer off is to hold in power button until shutoff. It isn't dusty, and I'm fairly certain it isn't overheating because it occurs instantly even after a period of inactivity.

Here are a few factors I'm not really sure would affect this problem, but I'll post them anyways:
-The computer is in a cold room next to the windows. I mean, it's not THAT cold, but it IS drafty. Stone floors, poorly insulated windows, winter in New England, the works.
-The problem was rather gradual. For a while there was nothing wrong, but then in the past two weeks or so it has gotten progressively worse.
-We have not altered the hardware in any way. It worked as-is for a while, then something must've happened to make it do this.
-It DOES turn on at times. It seems to work later in the day (rather than in the morning after being off the whole night).


Well, that's about it, really. I'm no computer expert, but I'm not computer illiterate and I can follow instructions. Any help would be greatly appreciated. If you have any questions for me regarding the computer that may help I'd be more than glad to answer them. Thanks again, and have a good day.

Hi mcbainn! Welcome to PCHF

Please dont post on multiple boards - which is considered double posting and against PCHF Rules. I understand your point and realise you are new to the site If you are unsure as to what forum a thread should be in just post it in the one you think and then if it is incorrect one of us MODs will move it for you.

Thanks,

Chris

D'oh!

I'm sorry about that. If any mods want to delete one of them that's cool with me.

Welcome to the PCHF mcbainn.

To me, the problem indicates the power supply or the motherboard.

I'd personally suggest taking it back to Gateway and getting them to have a look at it for you - it's goign to be a hardware issue.