PC won't start after it froze during the usual work - SOLVED

[Jeremiah58]

I was working the usual stuff today when my main PC froze, so I have to shut it down. (details of the PC in my profile)
After that it won't start. There is a power and the usual clicking but nothing on the screen.

So far, I've done this:
- disconnected all peripheral devices - the same thing,
- changed the graphic card - the same thing.

Any hint, please.
Thank you in advance.

[aedipuss]

open the case and carefully check the power capacitors that are next to the cpu. you may need to remove any shrouds around the hsf to see the ones in the back. the capacitors of that age are prone to leaking. they might be bulging or have a brown sludge on the tops.

[ranchhand]

power and the usual clicking

Do you see the POST screen come up on the monitor, do you get the beep signal that the BIOS chip recognizes the keyboard and mouse?

[Jeremiah58]

[QUOTE=ranchhand;2023984]

Do you see the POST screen come up on the monitor, do you get the beep signal that the BIOS chip recognizes the keyboard and mouse?

Neither of those - that's what worries me the most.
Thank you.

open the case and carefully check the power capacitors that are next to the cpu. you may need to remove any shrouds around the hsf to see the ones in the back. the capacitors of that age are prone to leaking. they might be bulging or have a brown sludge on the tops.

I've looked at them - there are many of those darn things.
I cannot see anything unusual.

[jagabo]

Likely the power supply or the motherboard.

[Jeremiah58]

Likely the power supply or the motherboard.

Would I have a power, lights and clicking, if there is a power supply?

I do have a brand new power supply as a replacement, if that could be the cause.
Thank you.

[jagabo]

Likely the power supply or the motherboard.

Would I have a power, lights and clicking, if there is a power supply?

Could be only one rail has gone bad.

I do have a brand new power supply as a replacement, if that could be the cause.

It's the easiest thing to try at this point.

[Jeremiah58]

It's the easiest thing to try at this point.

It is.
I will try and report the result. Thank you.

[Bjs]

Clicking ? ... from where

Sounds like the hard drive may have suddenly failed ... if the drive remains connected to the system it may prevent the system from completing the post signal ... disconnect and reboot the system again.

[Jeremiah58]

Clicking ? ... from where

The usual clicking from the HDD during booting.

Anyway, replacing the power supply solved the problem.

Jagabo thank you so much for the tip. You are a life saver

And huge thanks to all other who tried to help.

There wasn't a single time that I didn't get a useful help from you guys. My sincere respects and thanks to all of you.

[jagabo]

Glad to help out.