Desktop will turn on but will not boot

[EarlD1]

No problems whatsoever with computer.  On booting up screen indicated Windows Updates were being installed.   I noticed the update "failed" and was "reverting" to prevision position or something to that effect.

This happened about 4 days after I has attempted to let the HP support screen download updates from HP.  The download was taking for ever and I terminated the download.  Don't know if this has anything to do with the issue or not.

Used the computer throughout the day and then shut it down.  Next morning hit the power button, fans started, yellow light flickered one time and then nothing happenn -no beeps.  The monitor screen was black and then a monitor status box indicated it was not getting a signal and went into sleep mode.  The key board did not light.

I shut the computer down and attempted a reboot.  Same thing happened.

I looked at some HP documentation and videos regarding a no boot situation.  I have not found a situation simular to mine because most people get a cursor on a black monitor screen or some type error message.  All my computer is doing is turning on, one flicker of yellow light, fans running, and just sits there.

I have attempted to access the BIOS by turning on the computer and hitting F10 and then F1 but nothing happens at all.

I removed the memory cards and reinstalled them.  Same thing.

I removed the memory cards and attempted to start the computer same thing.  No beeps.

I do have backup disks which I made when I bought the computer.   I am hesitant to do anything with these disks.

Any suggestions will be appreciated.  But, from what I have read in the documentation, it sounds as if with no beeps with the memory cards removed it is the mother board?

If it is the mother board, what does that mean?  Go buy another computer?

[old_geekster]

@EarlD1, welcome to the forum.

The first suspect that I have with a computer that is over 6 years old is the power supply unit (PSU).  The symptoms that you described, even the problem with updates, can be caused by the PSU failing.  Here is a guide to help you troubleshoot it.

[EarlD1]

old_geekster, thanks for the reply and I did as you suggested.  Per the instructions of your link, I disconnected the pin connector from the mother board and jumped the pins as indicated.  The power supply fan did come on while would indicate from the documentation that the power supply is good and therefore not the problem.

Any further suggestions on steps you would take would be appreciated.

This link http://support.hp.com/us-en/product/hp-pavilion-slimline-s3600-desktop-pc-series/4162194/model/42063... has a very good video which shows how to get to and disconnect the pin connector for those who are novices such as myself.

I did check the other pins for correct voltage at each pin and the voltage was as prescribed at all pins.

[old_geekster · Accepted solution]

You are very welcome, @EarlD1.  Novice, maybe, but you did a great job!  This is one of the more difficult and scary to some, diagnostic processes on a computer.

I read your first post again.  I believe the next step should be to test the memory.  There are several ways to test it, but I like to do it the easiest way.  Remove all of the memory modules with the computer turned off and replace them one at a time and boot.  If the computer boots, the memory is good.

If the memory proves to be good, I suggest that you attempt to do a full System Recovery using the Recovery media that you made when you bought the computer.

[EarlD1]

old-geekster, thanks again for you assistance.  Although none of your suggestions resulted in the desired outcome, you did point me in the correct direction. 

I wasn't totally sure what you meant by memory modules so I went the entire route of dealing with the RAM cards and CMOS.  As I stated earlier, I am a novice in this matter but did find a very good video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J8SyV2YWFik which is a very good step-by-step on how to deal with the inside of a computer and very informative as to what does what.  This guy also has some very good videos on other computer problems.

The end result appears to be that my mother board is shot.  There is an outside chance that it is the CPU, but the guy in the video, who says he has over 20 years experience in this field, stated that in his experience the symptoms I am experiencing is the mother board 97% of the time. 

Thanks again for your effort and time in helping me.  If I can find how to do it, I am going to give you a thumbs up or whatever the designation for the right answer is because you did point me in the right direction.

[old_geekster]

@EarlD1, you are very welcome.  You have begun the first steps to being an expert.  I began learning how to diagnose and repair computers 30+ years ago just like you are doing.  The only difference is, I didn't have Youtube and all of the other great help websites.  Another good source for learning how to work on computers is Newegg TV.  Paul does a very good job of explaining things.  Good luck!