Member Avatar for Isaac_12

So I have had this old windows vista desktop computer for a while and just recently when I turned it off the next morning it wouldnt turn back on until 4 days later. now 1 week later i turned it off again and i havent been able to turn it on for a month. wont make a noise there is only a green light on the back of the computer.

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by Josh Ross

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— intermittent cold-starts with only a steady green light at the rear usually point to a hardware power-delivery problem rather than Windows itself. 's coin‑cell idea and 's request for specs are sensible, but the fastest path to a diagnosis is a short, ordered isolation of mains → PSU → motherboard/front-panel.

  1. Confirm the external supply: swap the IEC power cord and try a different outlet or surge strip.
  2. Check the PSU rocker switch and any small standby LED at the PSU inlet — a steady LED often means the PSU is receiving mains but not switching on.
  3. Attempt a minimal boot on the bench: disconnect drives, remove add‑in cards, leave CPU + one RAM stick and GPU (if no integrated video), then try power.
  4. Test the front‑panel switch/header: with power removed, unplug the front‑panel power connector from the motherboard and briefly short the two power pins (a quick metal contact) to rule out a failed case switch.
  5. Bench the PSU: unplug all motherboard connectors, short the green PS_ON lead to any black ground on the 24‑pin connector, then plug in and switch the PSU on — fan spin usually means the PSU can start. Use a commercial PSU tester or swap a known‑good PSU where possible.
  6. Inspect for physical signs: bulging/leaking capacitors, scorch marks, or a rotten‑egg smell are strong indicators of component failure.

Most common culprits are a failing PSU or a motherboard/front‑panel short; a dead CMOS battery rarely prevents the system from powering at all. Because mains and PSU testing involve live voltages, use caution and ESD prevention; if there is no comfort with live tests, have a repair shop perform the bench checks. Useful diagnostic details to record for further troubleshooting: motherboard make/model, PSU make/model and label voltages, whether the rear standby LED is on, results of the PSU bench test, and any speaker beep patterns.

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Member Avatar for rproffitt

Are you willing to risk a dollar? Try a new CMOS battery. And tell more about make, model and age.

Member Avatar for Josh Ross

You sure that there are no power problems? Also specifications would be good to know, as it is quite tough to give a thorough solution on something. AS there are so many different configurations. Hopefully, after 2 weeks OP still decides to do something about his issue.

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