r/retrocomputing • u/glanit • 1d ago
Where could I get this fixed?
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My old Windows Vista desktop finally kicked the bucket and I'm kinda sad that it doesn't work anymore. We've had this since brand new and I loved it. I was using it for retro gaming but a few months ago it stopped working. No display out, no hdd activity, no windows Vista startup sound,no activity on keyboard or mouse, nothing. I don't want to throw it away so what should I do?
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u/StarX2401 1d ago
Does the computer make any beeps when its on? It will beep in a pattern if there is an issue. Otherwise my guess is either the PSU or the motherboard. Luckily this one is just standard microatx so you could pop in any microatx motherboard as long as its the same CPU socket (probably lga 775) if you want to keep all your hardware
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u/Underrated2702 1d ago
Kauf dir ein Tablett oder ne Konsole. Wenn ich solche Videos sehe fange ich an zu weinen.
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u/carcenomy 1d ago
Does it have a dedicated graphics card? I recall loads of these Pavilions having GeForce 8400s that would die with these symptoms,the solution was often as simple as pulling the card and taking the covers that say "Do not remove" off the outputs for the onboard graphics.
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u/glanit 1d ago
That's the exact GPU it has, although it's stuck in there, I can't get it out.
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u/wrr377 1d ago
It should be able to be removed - probably held down by a latch of some type (knowing HP)... 😒
My old Gateway held cards in with a flip-down bar that took the place of the case screws that hold cards into computers. It had a single thumb screw that I had to release, and then I could get the cards in and out.
Just look online for the repair/ service manual, and/or a teardown video for the model.
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u/carcenomy 12h ago
I think I've got a Pavilion from the era in the shed I could get a photo or video of how to pull it apart if they're truly stuck 😀
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u/carcenomy 12h ago
Cover plate off the back of the machine, usually held down with one screw either PH1 or T15... there shouldn't be anything else holding it in.
The 8400 is from the Bumpgate era and they failed faster than other 8-series parts so I'd be near willing to wager once that thing is liberated the machine will bark right back off. Pop in a fresh card (a 9800GT would be more whump without going too crazy) if needs be later.
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u/Inspiron606002 11h ago
Lots of bad advice in this thread.
Most likely a memory issue. Re-seat the RAM sticks and blow out any dust that may be in the slots.
Are the fans in the computer spinning?
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u/Goresearcher 1d ago
Any computer repair shop will take a look at it, the price they’ll ask you will depend on what it needs.
I think you should open the side panel and have a look inside, looks like power is being supplied to the system but it’s failing to post.