A couple of days ago I started up my computer and for some reason, I would press the power button, the computer would power up and the fan would make the same noise as usual. Except, normally, it would slow down after about 5-10 seconds. However, the loud noise of the fan was persistent and wouldn't stop.
Furthermore, the OS wasn't starting and my screen remained blank. So I hoovered over the grills covering the fan to clear out the dust, which miraculously worked. However, today I am having the same issue.
This time however, I was the cause, as I dropped the computer on the floor and now the fan makes the loud noise when I power up the computer and the OS doesn't start.
Could you please tell me what the issue could be? My computer is a Dell vostro 200 slim with a Vista OS.
Best Answer
Possible reasons for a system not booting after one has dropped it, in order of least likely to most likely:
Component dislodged from motherboard due to impact. Items to suspect in order are: RAM, CPU or case fan, expansion/graphics card, SATA cable, or possibly a jumper on the motherboard may have gotten loose.
Component damaged due to stress induced by attached cord pulling (i.e. VGA socket may be damaged if the fall caused a cable to pull on it too hard).
CPU worked loose due to impact and isn't fully making contact with board socket, or board socket has been damaged.
Component damaged due to impact. Items to suspect in order are: hard drive, daughterboard component along side containing USB or audio ports, power switch, power supply, motherboard or plugin-component such as RAM or motherboard.