A Tech Dilemma: Reviving a Dead Computer Critical for My PhD Research
Update: Success! Heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed suggestions—there were so many comments I couldn’t respond to each of you individually. After some investigation, we identified that the issue stemmed from the power supply unit (PSU). By connecting a spare PSU we had on hand, we noticed the fans began to run continuously, in stark contrast to our original PSU, which only attempted to turn on momentarily before failing. The orange LED on the front also indicated a problem; typically, it stays illuminated when the system is operational.
I discovered that it’s acceptable to use a PSU with a greater wattage than the original—our original PSU was rated at 500 watts, while the backup we tested was only 350 watts. So, we took a trip to the local computer store and opted for a new 650-watt PSU. Now, the machine is back in service and ready for action, allowing me to resume my experiments today! Most of your insights were invaluable, although some comments about data backup seemed to miss the essence of my predicament.
Originally, I faced a pressing issue with a Windows computer that had been a reliable workhorse for the past 5-10 years, crucial for running specialized software in our laboratory. Out of the blue, it powered down between yesterday evening and this morning, and attempts to turn it back on were futile—there were no signs of a power outage or brownout.
We explored various troubleshooting methods, including trying new power cables and testing different outlets across various circuits. Efforts to toggle the power switch at the back and pressing the reset button for approximately 30 seconds yielded no positive results. Surprisingly, when I pressed the power/reset button on the front after waiting a while, an orange light flickered momentarily, yet nothing else happened. My understanding is that this light should remain solid when the computer functions properly.
I’m reaching out for any additional insights or suggestions, as I lack specific details about the system due to the absence of serial numbers or any recognizable brand/model markings. Below are a few images capturing the current state of our electronics setup, which, admittedly, could use some organization:
I appreciate any further advice, and thank you again for the support that got me through this challenging situation!
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