eMachines PSU/Motherboard Problems

[highguyuk]

Hi

Had a few problems with my eMachines 420 a few months ago. I decided it was the PSU, bought a new one and popped it in. Problem solved.

Over the last few weeks, there has been a small problem when turning off the machine. Would turn off fine, but there would be a loud buzzing noise coming from the computer for about 15-30 minutes afterwards by which time it would fade out. Just got used to it. Once I turned the power off at the plug, the sounds would stop after a couple of seconds.

Few days ago, the computer decided to stop turning on. It would, but now and then. Not every time. Now it has stopped booting up completely. However, it's not a complete non power up. Sometimes, it powers up the USB ports (the modem comes on via USB) and the disk drive light comes on. However, nothing else kicks in. Nothing comes via the monitor. At the moment, nothing powers or boots up. If you press and hold the button, it's almost like a spitting sound comes out.

Have I bought a duff PSU, or this the motherboard issues I've been reading about?

I have a secondary problem - in that I have something very important on the computer. Flight ticket confirmations to be exact. If I replace the motherboard, will I lose the ticket confirmation? This is where my knowledge is a bit limited. If I will lose them, is there a way to by-pass my problems so I can at least get on once and get the ticket page off. Almost willing to buy a new computer at the end of it all, as long as I can get my tickets off!!!

Long post - whoops - but hope someone can point me in the right direction.

[ripken204]

well what psu do you have?

if you need those tickets then you can always plug your hard drive into a working computer.

[highguyuk]

Computer has just powered up. Have taken off my tickets onto memory stick, so it's all good.

So, the problem is intermittant. I hate intermittant problems, you can never fully work out what's wrong. Prefer it when something cuts out completely (I have a couple of car problems like this at the moment, very annoying!).

Not sure of my PSU at this moment in time, it's 300W though which is an upgrade on the original beltec 250W supply.