CPU fan spins then stops - PC frozen

Question

Hello everyone!

After a simple move and dusting, my old office PC won't start anymore.

When I press the power button, the CPU fan spins for a brief moment and then stops. Nothing appears on the screen, not even the energy saver logo or the first lines indicating the BIOS version, etc.

Nothing is blocking the fan, I haven't touched anything in particular inside the machine, the motherboard seems to be properly powered (LEDs are on) and the hard drives are spinning...

If I keep my finger pressed on RESET, the CPU fan runs continuously.

That's it for the symptoms; any help or ideas would be welcome.

SEB

Configuration: PIII 450 Mhz Motherboard : ECS 224 Mb RAM

jb · Accepted Answer

Hello, I wanted to offer my help because I've had issues like this before, CPU fan that runs then stops, it's a power supply protection when there is a short circuit, in 90% of cases it's due to a screw that secures the motherboard to the case making contact... one advice, try testing by removing them one by one, you will certainly find the culprit :) Best regards

pakistador · Answer

Hi,   how do you clean it??

Julien84 · Answer

When you dusted, did you unplug something? What did you use to clean?

µseb · Answer

I just blew inside.  Nothing unplugged or anything special touched...

Julien84 · Answer

Blown with what? Compressor + blower? If that's the case, it's enough to crumple a capacitor!

µseb · Answer

No, just with the strength of my little lungs.

Julien84 · Answer

It's even worse, since human breath is humid, you must have sprinkled a bit on your motherboard.

µseb · Answer

Yes, possible...

That said, this wouldn't be the first time I give him a piece of my mind, but he's never pulled the stunt of the fan spinning for 1.5 seconds then stopping.

Where could this come from? Short circuit? Fucked-up proc? Something else?

Julien84 · Answer

How long ago did you clean it? Fucking process! I doubt it!

µseb · Answer

I blew into it pretty well during my last move, at the beginning of August. It must have been shaken quite a bit too, but to my great surprise, it was willing to restart when I plugged it back in.

Now I wanted to install a new wireless network card. I uninstall the old one. I shut it down. It restarts normally. I shut it down again to move it and remove the card to install the new one, and I reconsider, telling myself that I would rather remove the 56K modem.

I plug it back in to uninstall the modem. I haven't touched ANYTHING in the PC yet, except for blowing a little bit and checking that all the connectors, RAM sticks, etc. are properly seated.

And then, nothing.

This PC has been a pain for many years, but you end up getting attached; I would really like to revive it, that bastard!!!

µseb · Answer

I need to be away for half an hour or a bit longer  @julien84: don't be surprised if I don't reply right away

µseb · Answer

Back in business...

No one has a bright idea then?

I think I’m just going to give this stupid PC a good kick in the face, just to see (and it feels good!)

But I’m open to more technical suggestions...

Julien84 · Answer

Don't destroy something that might still be useful!
It would be best to try letting it dry for 2 days to see.
If not, find someone who knows a bit about it and ask them to completely disassemble and reassemble the PC.
This way, you'll be sure that the connections are good and that no components are broken/damaged.

ALERIA2 · Answer

hello

my husband pulled out a good old axe to hit it and force it to turn, he has the same problem as you, but I'm the one who fixes everything.
the humidity thing makes me laugh, his, the heatsink runs for 2 seconds and then stops.
so I don't know what to do apart from the axe
aleria

CPU fan spins then stops - PC frozen

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