Over the past 2 years I have experienced quite a few PC problems where the PC doesn’t boot up or nothing displays on the screen. So far, I have managed to get the PC up and running again every time – without the need to send it in for repair. Of course, if your PC is under warranty you shouldn’t work on it yourself, or you might void your guarantee. So what’s the secret?
It’s simple. The first thing I do is to check is the computer’s power supply fan is running. 
If not, look for logical reasons such as power failure, tripped switch, wall socket switched off, electrical plug not properly pushed into the back of the computer. If you check all that, and the fan is still dead, you probably have a blown power supply, and that you’ll need to refer to your hardware vendor. But if the fan is running, then you should have a good chance of fixing your PC. Also check at this point that you haven’t changed something, for example added a new adapter, drive, installed some new software etc. Assuming that nothing changed, and the PC just died, you c
an attempt this quick fix.
First power down your computer – and unplug it from the wall socket to be sure. Next, remove the top cover. You may need a screwdriver to do this, depending on the type of computer you have.
Once you have removed the cover, you should blow out any dust (take it to the filling station and use their air hose used to inflate tyres), since dust increases heat, and heat kills computers!
Then check that all connections are sound by pushing lightly on each cable to ensure it is seated properly.
If you have any display or network interface cards in the PC, or a memory module, remove them (again you may need a screwdriver) and use a very fine sandpaper or ink eraser to clean the gold pins. Then, lightly press down on any IC’s (chips) or components on the motherboard to ensure they are also properly seated. Then re-insert all of the interface cards you removed to clean. Then close up the cover, re-connect all the cables, and you will normally find that your PC boots up fine. If it doesn’t, you can try again – but odds are you will then have to take it in for repairs.
Just one other suggestion. You might want to take a digital photograph of the insides of your PC before you begin so you know which adapters go where! 
Contributed by:
Chris Pearson
Tel: 0861 265 376
chris@ajs.co.za
http://www.ajs.co.za
