Old dinosaur computer won't turn on

[hamsterjill]

When we push the power button, nothing happens. We’ve tried all the obvious things - changed power cords, checked outlets, etc.

Is there any way to remove the motherboard and gain access to info stored there? We have back ups but there were two moves involved and back ups are packed away.

Computer is an HP that was purchased in 2008 and has Windows XP I believe.

Thanks for any insight!!!!

[kysrsoze]

1. You most likely have a burned out power supply.

Whether it’s a tower or laptop, you should be able to pull the hard drive and buy an appropriate enclosure for the hard drive. That will allow you plug it into another computer via USB and use it like an external HD. You just have to make sure to buy the right enclosure. They’re dirt-cheap online - $10 to $30.

[hamsterjill]

2. Awesome. Thank you!

N/t

[lastlib]

4. As a first thought, I agree w/ kysrsoze--dead power supply.

It might be worth at least trying to replace that, and see if it restarts with it. Then make a full backup ASAP. If it doesn't, take the steps kysrsoze recommended.

[FeatherFox]

3. Pull the hardrive

and hook it into the ribbon tape. make sure it is designated as 'slave'. access the drive as usual with the computer you have hooked it to.