HELP! Wanted - someone with Tech PC knowledge

largeruk

Hi to all

I'm desperately in need of someone who can take a look at my ailing PC. Long story short - it was making weird noises (the power supply, CPU fan, something else?) for a few weeks then, following a power cut, has since failed to boot. There is power to the PC, a low strange hum and whir but nothing beyond that.

I did entertain the idea of simply purchasing a replacement base unit and transferring the HDDs out (assuming they're still functioning) but now realise that this is wishful thinking and just not financially possible right now.

For personal family reasons, I'm not currently able to devote the time to investigating the possible cause and also don't have the technical expertise/knowledge to do so, let alone fix whatever the issue may be.

I also don't have the funds to pay out to a firm to investigate & do some diagnostics. I only have a limited amount of funds to fix the machine and am hoping that only 1 or 2 parts have failed and need replacing which will swallow the funds I have.

Is there someone out there who would be willing to help a fellow member out and spend a little while taking a look at the machine for me to identify the cause(s) of the problem? Will be based in SW London for the next 10 days or so and would be happy to bring the base unit to you if that works better for anyone.

I realise this is a bit of a long shot but thought I'd ask.

Many many thanks to anyone who can help

largeruk

If anyone is able to help - that'd be awesome.

If you know of anyone or can suggest an outfit I can take the PC to for diagnosis - then that'd be great too.

I just need the unit fixed!

Many thanks for any help or suggestions offered.

anthony walker

Well, you do sound to be in a pickle, where in the uk are you. Just transferring hard drives is not really feasible, data recovery would be your best option. DO NOT go to a data recovery outfit, they charge the earth, but that is the worst case scenario. Sorry, just read you are in South London so that rules me out. I'm in Lancashire. But listen, I'm an established tv engineer, and it does sound like a psu issue. Bad ESR caps for example, but this is a job for qualified engineers, depending on the age of your system a new psu MIGHT cure your issues. It's likely to be an ATX supply. If you have any common sense regarding safety in electronics you may be able to sort your pc. As I said, from previous experience, cap failure is likely but you must understand mains voltage is unforgiving. If you reply to this post we can swap E-mails and get you back on air.
Take care.
Tony Walker

largeruk

Have PM'd you.