Computer Won't Power On

[Sakuya]

I have a strange problem where my computer would not turn on even though last night, everything was working properly. I shut it down. Then this morning when I tried to turn it on, it wouldn't. I've noticed that when I turn on the surge protector and then press the power button on computer, my case fan lights up (the fan I bought can light up) and spins for about 1 second and then it turns off. No computer bootup sounds or any power supply fan sounds. I've done these tests:

1. The monitor which is connected to the same surge protector can turn on.
2. The desk lamp connected directly to the wall socket can turn on.
3. I unplugged the computer's main cable and plugged into a different slot on the surge protector.
4. I used a separate main cable but still wouldn't work.
5. The computer in the back (the on or off switch for power supply) is set to on (I instead of O). I've reset it as well.
6. I've swayed the computer gently for loose parts, none.
7. The volt switch is set correctly to the volt for US.

So what does the fan turning on for a split second mean? It's only when I first turn on the surge protector and then the computer when it lights up. When I press power button again, it doesn't light up until I turn off and then on the surge protector again. If the problem is the power supply, I have no idea on how to replace it. Any help is appreciated.

[Dv8ted2]

This may not be it, but I have seen something like this before and the processor was bad. You might want to check to see if there is thermal paste on the top of the processor. You might see if the processor fan is spinning. You could also try reseating your RAM.

[budz]

if you're not familiar with opening up your computer then take it to a computer shop to let them find the problem. could be a fried motherboard, power supply, processor or ram.

[Sakuya]

I don't think it'd hurt to try replace the power supply since I can always return it. I have an ATX power supply that says the "peak load" is 430W. So I should buy one with 430 watts? I've also taken a look at the inside of my computer to see where the power supply connects to. There were a lot of connectors. Do all power supplies have the same amount and type of connectors? If it does, then that'd make installing easier.

Edit:
Oh yes, I forgot to ask. As long as it's not the hard drive failing, all my data and programs would still be safe, right? As long as I move the hard drive to a working computer, I can still access all my stuff? That's most important.

[budz]

make sure you know what you're doing cuz if your mobo is the fried and you install a new power supply that can fry as well. i'd start w/removing your ram and installing another set if you have any. discconnect everything from the mobo except the video card and ram. then see if the pc will boot up.

[Sakuya]

Just as I saw your post, out of curiosity, I pressed my computer on and it's on. Wow. Why? It's been on for 5 minutes now and still going. HD Tune is showing "ok" health status. Strange. I did not move anything. Well, my family unplugged the USB computer for a while and she just plugged it back in. Then I pressed it and it worked.

[budz]

Well, my family unplugged the USB computer for a while and she just plugged it back in. Then I pressed it and it worked.

What's a USB computer?

[Sakuya]

What's a USB computer?

Hahaha, sorry. My brain was too excited and it ran away. I meant, she unplugged a USB printer to the computer. That's the only thing we did to it right before I turned it on.

[budz]

What's a USB computer?

Hahaha, sorry. My brain was too excited and it ran away. I meant, she unplugged a USB printer to the computer. That's the only thing we did to it right before I turned it on.

Okay!